Thanks for your comments/reviews since my last update, and also, a shout-out to those who have added the story to your alert list, c2, or favourite list, it's almost as good as a review, 'ya know!
Posted April 5, 2014
SUMMARY: The circle help Mazhe to meet his destiny... and Mazhe has a very important question for Harry...
WARNING: Character death, and major spoilers for the end of Skyrim's main quest line. I should also note that there is a LOT of dovahzul (dragon language) used here, but as always, translations are provided in the notes at the bottom of the chapter.
33: DRAGONSLAYER
15 - 18 Hearthfire, 4E201
Sometime later, Maven Black-briar walked into the Ragged Flagon, with Mercer trailing behind.
"What happened?" the woman demanded. For some reason, the woman reminded Harry of his aunt.
"Honningbrew meadery was destroyed by a dragon—Alduin, specifically," Harry answered, "He ambushed us while we were questioning one of his allies. We barely kept the fight from spilling into Whiterun itself."
Both Maven and Mercer looked furious.
"And this is what I get for hiring incompetent fools," the woman fumed.
"And you would let the world-eater burn Whiterun to cinders, and slaughter innocent people in its streets?" Harry snapped, "Businesses we rely on for their coin! Do not bare teeth without just cause, madam Black-briar."
"More important question, did you get the information we needed?" questioned Mercer.
"I broke into Sabjorn's quarters and recovered this."
Mazhe reached into his rucksack, and produced a set of documents.
"I can't make any sense of it... maybe you can. We're sorry this screwed up. Mallus did explain your plans for the meadery—what happened this afternoon was... we could have died. An important ally died, and I nearly lost a friend as it is," said Mazhe.
"It wasn't a complete failure," said Brynjolf, "He did get the information we needed."
Maven let out a huff and frowned, while Mercer scowled.
"I'll speak with our contacts," Mercer finally said, "But your pay is forfeit." He glanced at Maven, and added, "We won't ask for restitution this time, but something like this happens again, you will pay. Make no mistake."
The pair of them stormed off back into the inner cistern.
"Great. Thanks for nothing," Mazhe muttered, "It's not like we couldn't have died today or anything."
"Let's... let's get back to the flat," Harry decided, "We can call healer Ferris."
"I'm fine," Mazhe muttered.
"You look white as a sheet," said Justin.
"Right. I guess."
Harry, meanwhile, reached into his rucksack, and retrieved the smaller rucksack he'd taken off of the bandit back at the fort.
"Tonilia... spoils of war from this afternoon. I accept the usual guild rate."
"I'll visit with your cut later."
Stepping into the flat, they found it had underwent some extreme changes. Just about everything had been enlarged, making it more comfortable for the increased number of people that might be around at any given time. A group of witches and wizards were still present, putting the finishing touches on the dining room.
Tommy's nieces, meanwhile, were running about the larger common room, while Pietros jokingly chased them about.
"Gods..." Harry couldn't help but gasp, glancing about.
"With the number of people around, it was time to make some changes," said Remus, "The Commonwealth was only happy to send out a construction crew to help out."
"It's brilliant."
Mazhe looked impressed. "Shor's beard... this is astounding."
"The government hires only the best when it comes to magical living spaces," said Justin, as they entered the common room. "Meantime, we need to summon healer Ferris."
"Won't be necessary." Healer Ferris stepped into the common room. "I've been attending to First Lieutenant Gomrass."
"How's he doing?" Justin asked.
"He'll make a full recovery, but whatever that..."
"It was Alduin," Mazhe corrected.
"Either way, whatever magic that was, it was very lucky he didn't experience the full blast of it."
"We saw it cast on a guard shortly before," said Justin, "The man died on the spot."
"Where is he now?" Harry asked.
"He's here, resting within his quarters. Lieutenant Commander McAllister is keeping him company for now."
"That... that's good."
"Uh... madam healer. I—" Mazhe simply passed out, looking even more pale than he had before.
"Mazhe!" Harry exclaimed, but healer Ferris had already drawn her wand.
"Let me determine what's wrong."
A few minutes later, they were clustered around the bed in Harry and Mazhe's room, while healer Ferris cast a number of diagnostic charms on the young Dragonborn.
"He looks a step away from death," said Dardanos. He and Crixus had followed the group in after seeing them pass in the corridor.
"An encounter with vampires a couple of days ago... but he drank a potion of cure disease... that should've taken care of it," said Harry, doubtful.
"His blood doesn't show any signs of vampirism," said healer Ferris, "There are certain markers that show up in someone's blood if they are a vampire. I'm still going to draw a sample of blood and have the lab take a closer look... might be something my scan isn't seeing."
"Vampirism is a little different here," said Harry.
"Who is the healer here?"
"Uh..." Harry bowed his head, looking sheepish.
"I see you guys have returned." Everyone turned to find Brandon framing the doorway, with another man just behind him. They were dressed the same, in the black uniforms the SOU were known for.
"Got back a little while ago," said Harry, "Mazhe's really sick."
"Sorry to hear. Uh, listen. Eric's not gonna be joining us for the next few days... recovering from whatever magic Alduin used on him. Meantime..." he gestured to the man behind him, "This is Second Lieutenant Kyle Sullivan. He'll be filling in until Eric returns."
Kyle was an older, dark-skinned man, with a completely shaved head. He had dark eyes, and a narrow face, but looking at him, Harry instead found himself in the memory of seeing Doctore for the first time. Harry mentally shook himself, dragging himself back to the present.
"Welcome," Harry managed.
"Pleasure's mine." Kyle spoke with a soft, but deeper voice. "Lieutenant Commander McAllister has filled me in on where things stand."
"Oh. Mr. Jarvis..." Brandon greeted.
"Harry... and the rest of you for that matter. We need to have a discussion."
"Give us a few minutes," said Justin.
A few minutes later, the large group were gathered around the table in the dining room, which was now empty of the contractors.
"Harry, and all of you, for that matter..." said Will, "You all need to take a step back. Take a few days, if only to reconcile your thoughts."
"Right. While Alduin continues to unleash unholy terror across Skyrim. Forgive me if I disagree with your thoughts right now. There will be time for reconciling thoughts once this matter is concluded."
"It's not just that single matter at hand, Harry," said Alice, "You have lost a large group of people you called a friend. You've faced terrible enemies on several occasions over a matter of hours. It's unhealthy."
"Harry... she's right. And with Mazhe not feeling well... we should take a few days. Regroup, recollect our thoughts. I don't think holding off for a few days is gonna make a lot of difference," said Justin.
Harry scowled, but then blew out a breath. If he were honest with himself, they were right. His heart still ached at the loss of his gladiator friends. Never mind the four of them now in their midst.
"How long?"
"A week. Give yourselves a week before you pursue matters further," said Will.
"Impossible," said Miraak, shaking his head, "For every moment we wait, the world-eater grows ever stronger."
"Four days then," said Alice.
"Three. We will wait no more than three days," said Miraak.
"But—" Will began.
"Better than none at all," said Alice.
Will sighed, and relented. "All right. Guess we can agree to that. We're organizing an afternoon at the movies, hopefully tomorrow."
Harry brightened. "Okay. I guess we could do that. But Mazhe—"
"Will be just fine." Healer Ferris stood in the doorway. "A nights' rest, and he should be well. With the rest over the next few days, he'll be right as rain. No strenuous activities. Doctor's orders. Now." She glanced around, her eyes settling on Dardanos. "Err... Dardanos, is it? I'd like to have a word with you."
Spartacus/Dardanos momentarily looked confused, then looked at Harry, who simply gave a nod. He rose from his seat, and made to follow the healer.
Dinner was a particularly noisy affair, with all of the people gathered at the table. Harry could only shake his head, noting the number of individuals who he called a friend... virtually family at this point. Tommy sat down near the end, his two nieces on either side of him. Both girls were full of energy, excitedly talking about the lessons they were getting from Remus. It was no surprise that the werewolf had easily settled into the role of teacher and tutor for the girls, with assistance from the Commonwealth. Similar to what happened with Harry, Sir Malcolm Davis Institute was providing appropriate course material.
Spartacus/Dardanos, Crixus, Varro, and Pietros were clustered together, likewise chatting amongst themselves. Harry was ever thankful that the four of them had been returned to him, now well on the way to recovery and a new life absent the bonds of slavery.
Brandon and Kyle represented the government, but really, Brandon and Eric had been two awesome friends. Harry took great comfort in having them back. Kyle, for now, was an unknown, but in all honesty, the SOU had Harry's back. It would be a crime to treat Kyle at arms' length.
Justin made up the last of the group present as they took dinner. The man was nearly as close a friend as Mazhe was. Justin had been there practically since the beginning. It had been a few months after Harry landed in Skyrim that they had met. As much as Justin had seen Harry grow up, Harry, had likewise seen Justin as he grew and matured. They were both men at this point.
There came a knock at the main door, and a few moments later, Tonilia stepped into the dining room, with Vex following.
"Uh... did... did something happen?" Harry wondered. After all, the conversation in the Flagon earlier wasn't exactly friendly.
"No, everything's fine," Tonilia answered, "Only something we discovered in the rucksack you passed me this afternoon."
"Here." Vex tossed the strangely cut gem back to Harry.
"But... you won't take it?"
"Not that way, no," Vex answered, "That's a Stone of Berenziah."
Harry frowned. "So it's worthless, then."
"Like that, it is," said Vex, "The stone was pried off of Barenziah's ceremonial crown by a thief in order to cover his tracks."
"So there's more of them," Justin guessed.
"I think there were twenty-four in all. Most people keep them as a curiosity. Some of the Guild members have tried to locate them over the years, but they haven't been successful... well, until now." She thought for a moment. "If you find the rest of them, talk to me again. Otherwise, keep it and maybe it'll bring you luck."
September 16, 2006 / 16 Hearthfire, 4E201
Fox Theatre
It had taken very little time to get things organized, given the theatre's low rate of occupancy. In fact, there was nothing scheduled until early November. This time, it was a mixed crowd, as a large number of government employees took in a show with their families.
The movie of choice this time was The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, which had appeared in theatres the previous holiday season. As the movie got started, Harry at once noticed a difference.
"The picture... it looks a ton better."
"The projection equipment received a significant upgrade thanks to my department," Justin whispered, "It's called 'tru-life', an enchantment that enhances any film put through the device, and... well, you see the result."
"It's outstanding. It's like I could almost reach out and touch what I'm seeing."
"The whole point of the exercise. We're testing it out in a few other, uh, smaller venues, to see if we can get the same result."
"Guys... talk later. Let's enjoy the movie," said Mazhe.
"Oh. Right."
When the movie finished and the intermission began, the gladiators had many questions, particularly about the opening scene. Machines that flew, and dropped powerful explosive objects on targets below? Spartacus/Dardanos didn't know whether to be impressed or frightened by the idea. If anything, they seemed less fazed by the magical side of things, than by the opening sequence.
The second movie, meanwhile, catered to the older members of the audience: Dr. No, the first James Bond movie. Harry rolled his eyes, hearing the three SOU members behind him, heckling the movie, and it had barely started.
"It's a movie, what do you expect?" said Justin, with a shrug. "'course, this was one of the last movies that was shown here, before the government bought the place in 1963."
"This stuff is still no better than a spoof," said Brandon, dismissively, "The new Bond movie in November will be more realistic."
"The film industry doesn't have any clue of what we really do," Kyle threw in, "Killing the bad guys is only a slice of our job. Bond's too... perfect. He's like a caricature of a real MI-6 agent... almost inhuman. Gods, if it were that easy... well..."
"We'd be out of a job," Eric finished.
Both Harry and Mazhe quickly realized the SOU were right. The action was comical. They soon found themselves finding a different way of occupying themselves. Justin became fed up with the distraction sometime later, and ended up tagging the pair of them with stinging hexes.
"Next time I'll sit between you," Justin smirked, as the lights came up, the movie finished.
Mazhe smirked right back. "Okay then. It'll be a three-some... or something like that."
Tommy arched an eyebrow, while Justin muttered something incoherent.
"Hmmm... Mazhe's got a point," Harry threw in, with a wicked grin.
"How about no," Justin finally managed. "I like the opposite sex, thank you very much."
"Sure, keep telling yourself that," Harry leered.
"Fuck off," Justin muttered, as he collected his jacket. He then smirked. "Besides, even if I did play your end of the field, I don't think the pair of you could handle the likes of me."
Crixus gave a wicked grin. "He may boast, but is he able to back up words with purpose?"
Justin rolled his eyes. "If you're all finished done having a laugh at my expense."
"Yeah, I think so," Harry smirked.
"A serious question though. Do you have... well... does your heart belong to someone?" Mazhe asked.
"No. Gods... no time for that sort of thing," Justin answered, "I mean, honestly, there's just been no time for me to find love. Between my career... and you guys. I know someday I'll find that special someone. Just... not now."
"I'm sorry," said Harry, sadly.
"It's not your fault. I chose this, Harry. At first, sure, it was the chance to meet the most famous boy in our world... but something much bigger... something much better came from it. If I had to do it all again, absolutely, I would without question. Everything I am, all the success I've had... it's because of you. Never forget that."
The following morning, at the suggestion of his friends, Harry wrote the first letter in months to his friends back at Hogwarts. Rather than using a post owl, Harry simply had Dobby deliver it. It was rather lengthy, touching on some of the crazy events he'd experienced since fleeing from the Commonwealth back in June. He'd suggested perhaps meeting up at the end of September.
After lunch, healer Ferris once again arrived through the fireplace, to see how Mazhe was doing. The lab was still analyzing the blood sample, and so she still had no answer as to what had made him sick. She also asked him about how he was feeling mentally, given what he was facing.
"I've come to terms with my destiny, healer Ferris," Mazhe answered, simply, "The Gods have placed me in this world to fight a great evil, much as they have done with Harry. Neither of us are cowards. We do what must be done. I can't speak for Harry, but myself... I'm okay with the job I have to do. And with Harry's support, and the support of the rest of the people here, I think we have a very good chance of succeeding."
Harry considered his own destiny, hearing Mazhe's answer. Had he really reconciled his thoughts on the matter? Mazhe, of course, was right. The both of them had been brought into the world for a purpose. Mazhe to fight Alduin, and Harry to fight Voldemort. Sure, there were no guarantees the pair of them would succeed, but Mazhe was right. They had each other, and the circle of friends around them. In the end, that's what would matter.
It was nearly time for bed, when Dobby returned, bringing a single thick envelope.
"Bloody hell, they wrote a book," Harry muttered, though he grinned as he opened the envelope, and pulled out the folded parchment.
Harry,
Merlin, how much we miss you. When you and Tommy charged into the floo in June, there were more than a few here at the school that called you a coward. The Prophet had a field day, I think. But we knew you had your reasons. You've reconciled with the Commonwealth, I assume.
School is very different this year, without professor Dumbledore or professor Snape here. Professor McGonagall is doing an outstanding job as headmistress. She coaxed the former potions teacher, a Horace Slughon, to return to the school. He's the head of Slytherin house now, and really, it's a changed house. And we have a former Auror teaching Defence. The class was renamed and they've moved the classroom to another part of the castle. Some rot about Defence Against the Dark Arts being cursed. I guess we'll see at the end of the year, right?
You really know Spartacus? Good grief, Harry, it could only happen to you. I'd love to meet him and his friends, hopefully sometime in the near future. Did you figure out why you ended up so far in the past? I mean, be careful, Harry. Meddling with time has caused witches and wizards to go mad, I need not tell you, right?
So my honourary brother has found love. Good on you. I hope it lasts. Don't forget to invite us to your wedding. And whatever you do, don't let him down. He's a keeper...
The letter was several pages long, and included missives from most of his friends still at the school. It did sound like a much happier time was unfolding there, now that the teachers were actually doing their jobs. Everyone was pushing for a meet up, and Harry had to agree, it was long overdue. After all, for him, it was over a year since they'd last been together. Perhaps, once the mess with Alduin was concluded, they could arrange for a date.
The following day, with the morning exercises concluded, the large group, the four gladiators excluded, left the city. In a clearing southwest of it, Mazhe summoned Sahrotaar.
Unlike when they had summoned Odahviing, Sahrotaar arrived within a minute. Indeed, he'd found a resting spot close to the city.
"Hail, thuri," the dragon greeted, after settling on the ground a short distance from the group.
"Good morning, Sahrotaar. We wish to travel to Skuldafn, and have an ending to things," said Harry.
"Climb aboard, and I will carry you."
With that, Justin, Eric, Kyle, Brandon, and Harry produced their brooms.
"Miraak, you can ride Sahrotaar. I will ride with Harry," Mazhe decided.
"And I'll hitch a ride with Justin," said Tommy. Justin had already straddled his broom, but pushed forward making room.
"Was there a delay?" the dragon asked, as they took to the air.
"I was unwell, Sahrotaar. I was attacked by vampires a few days ago. Even now, I still don't feel at my best."
"But we are in agreement that this confrontation cannot be delayed any further," said Miraak, "Doing so will only lend more power to the world-eater."
Approaching the edge of the escarpment separating Rift hold from Eastmarch, they were forced to gain speed and altitude, as a storm of arrows whizzed through the air around them. Of course, a bandit camp. However, with the speed they were travelling, they quickly left the threat behind.
Fortunately, that was the only sort of resistance they encountered, and less than an hour later, they approached what was clearly a massive ruin, hidden by mountains on all sides. Harry spotted the remnants of a trail from the west, but knew that from the ground, it would have been impossible to find. Truly, the place was effectively cut off from the world.
Sahrotaar at last touched down on a strange mound. It was a circular stone work, with an earthen cover.
"Right," said Harry, "I'll produce my chest so the others may assist with the fight."
He reached into his rucksack, and produced his chest, set it on the ground, and restored it to proper size. He yanked the lid open. "Guys! We're here!"
In under a minute, the four gladiators were topside. Harry put the chest away.
"Harry, why don't you stay aloft with Sahrotaar? Miraak and I will work from the ground," said Mazhe.
"Agreed. Let's put hands and minds to purpose. Do not take the enemy lightly."
"They're made of bones, bust 'em up," said Tommy. He'd already produced an MP5, and held it ready.
"Shit, here comes the welcome party," Brandon muttered.
Sure enough, a group of Draugr were approaching from a set of stairs that led up to the ruin. At least half of them wore helmets with the tall horns.
"You weren't kidding about them being bad-ass. Lock and load, guys!"
"Mul... QAH DIIV!" Miraak shouted, with Mazhe quickly following suit, now knowing all three words of the powerful shout. As Harry lifted off on the back of Sahrotaar, he once again felt a surge of jealousy, seeing the pair work so well together.
The four gladiators split into pairs; Dardanos/Spartacus and Crixus, Pietros and Varro. Since up to this point they had not faced the denizens of Skyrim, they decided to work in pairs, rather than to try and go at it alone.
Miraak and Mazhe, meanwhile, separated, but kept relatively close, so they could back each other up if necessary. Given the number of enemies, both Dragonborn unleashed the strongest magic they knew, carving a swath through the threats.
Harry and Sahrotaar, meanwhile, flew up to the upper level of the ruin, and began taking care of the threats there. Like below, there were numerous enemies, the majority of them being somewhat stronger than they'd faced before. It would have been a fool's errand for a single person, even if they carried the dragon blood.
"Gol... HAH DOOOV!" came Mazhe's shout, and Harry craned his neck to see a large dragon with purple pigment land not far from the man. Unlike the dragons they'd seen so far, it had enormous horns on its head that resembled those on a ram.(1)
"Mazhe was wise to subjugate him," said Sahrotaar, "He would have been zok suleykaar paal—a most powerful foe."
"No matter, we gain another ally—bloody hell, what in Oblivion is that?" Harry had only now spotted the powerful column of writhing, twisting energy soaring up into the heavens.
"Powerful magic. Perhaps this is miiraak—the portal into Sovngarde," Sahrotaar guessed, as they again circled around, then swooped low. Harry let loose a pair of ice spikes that picked off two Draugr trying to get a bead on them. They collapsed into a heap.
Justin and Tommy, meanwhile, were battling another group of Draugr. While Tommy unloaded an endless stream of bullets into the undead monsters, Justin hurled blasting curses and cutting curses at them.
"Fus... RO DAAAH!" The shout came like a clap of thunder, and though Justin did his best to get clear, the end of the broom was caught by it, and that sent them spiralling out of control, to collide with a rock face that formed one wall of the compound.
Both were momentarily dazed, and Justin groaned in frustration. The broom was toast, the force of the collision having cracked the shaft and broke most of the twigs.
"Here. Healing potion," said Justin, reaching into his rucksack, and offering a vial.
"Thanks." He consumed the contents. "Looks like we're on the ground from here on out."
"What happened?" Eric questioned, from his own broom.
"Draugr got us with a shout," Tommy answered.
"Broom's toast," said Justin.
"Brandon!" Eric called, "Get over here a moment!"
Brandon took only moments to join them, hovering aloft on his broom.
"What happened?"
"Busted broom, a Draugr got us."
"Tommy, ride with Eric... Justin, you're with me," Brandon decided.
Within seconds, they were aloft again. "Where is... oh. Never mind," said Justin, spotting Harry and Sahrotaar at the opposite end of the ruin.
"Look out." Brandon unleashed a burst of rounds from his MP5, cutting down a group of Draugr that were attempting to concentrate their fire.
"Yol... TOOR SHUUUL!" came Mazhe's shout, bathing the monsters in flames. They all collapsed a second later and did not get up. Brandon gave a salute as they moved off to battle the next group.
"Hey guys... we need to get that door sealed," said Tommy, pointing to an entrance at the opposite side of the grounds. A steady stream of bone walkers were coming out of it.
"Good thinking. RPG should do it," Eric suggested.
Needing no further prompting, Tommy put the MP5 away, and retrieved the rocket-propelled-grenade launcher. Eric held the broom steady while Tommy got set up. Though the weapon produced unlimited ammo like everything else in his kit, it was by no means a fast weapon to deploy, taking a number of seconds to get lined up with the target. Finally satisfied with the trajectory, he pressed the trigger.
There came a 'whump', and a hiss, as the projectile was launched, and streaked toward the target.
BOOOOOM. The metal doors, the frame, and a good part of the wall exploded into a shower of dust and debris, laying waste to a group of twenty Draugr that had gathered outside of it.
The gladiators now worked individually, having found their feet, now able to gauge the strength of the enemy. The four of them were cutting a swath of their own through the masses, which seemed to be diminishing. With part of the ruin now sealed, there were fewer Draugr appearing.
Unfortunately, that lead to a much more difficult enemy making an appearance. It heralded its arrival with a terrifying roar, and a startled cry was all the warning they got, as the scaly monster snatched Pietros up in its jaws and soared back up into the heavens. Brandon, Justin, Tommy, and Eric had seen what happened, and quickly let fly spells and projectiles, but it was too late. The dragon let go of the boy, and he plummeted to the ground. From that height, there was only one outcome.
Both Harry and Sahrotaar, as well as Kyle and his dragon had seen what happened, and both pairs immediately gave chase. The aerial dogfight that followed lasted several minutes, with Kyle at last landing a 40 millimetre grenade shell in the monster's face. It let out a pitiful roar, before plummeting out of the sky to land in a heap.
Fuelled by anger at the loss of their young friend, Spartacus/Dardanos, Crixus, and Varro stabbed the dragon many times over, quite literally bathing in the creature's blood.
"Stay your hands! Waste no more energy on its corpse. Living enemies are more worthy of your anger," said Harry, as he and Sahrotaar circled overhead.
"Apologies," said Dardanos. He was soaked in the dragon's blood.
"Kyle!" Mazhe shouted, but it was too late. A green-scaled dragon slammed into the man and his mount, sending them plummeting to the ground in a heap. Kyle's mount let out a pitiful roar of its own, before falling still. The foe untangled itself from the gory mess and took flight again, before launching a plume of fire at Harry and Sahrotaar.
"Fo KRAH DIIIN!" Sahrotaar roared, sending a blast of frost in answer. That was matched by a storm of ice that erupted from the ground, courtesy of Miraak. The dragon roared in answer, to then hover in front of the first dragonborn.
"Dovah! Ziil los dii du!" Miraak shouted from behind a blue ward shield. The dragon let out a pitiful roar of its own as it fell to the ground, its soul being ripped from its body. A swirling mass of red magic connected with Miraak, as he absorbed the soul.
At the same time, Mazhe approached the dragon the gladiators had butchered, and he absorbed the soul from it, leaving only the bones behind.
"Harry!" came Brandon' amplified voice, "Where's the Staff of Magnus?"
"I have it," Mazhe answered from below.
Harry amplified his voice. "Mazhe has it. What for?"
"Some sort of barrier that's resistant to everything we have."
Harry looked over toward where Brandon was, and sure enough, now he could see some sort of blue barrier around the upper part of the ruin. There looked to be an entrance at the lower part of the ruin, with a door up top. They could just go through the ruin's interior, but... what for?
"Mazhe. Climb aboard so we might do away with this obstruction. Everyone else form a group, and do not separate."
Sahrotaar, anticipating the instruction, set down, causing the ground to shake. Mazhe quickly climbed on behind Harry, and they lifted off.
"And I thought Labyrinthian was bad," he muttered.
"No. I think that was still worse than this. Fetch the staff," Harry said, as they made for the barrier. Brandon, Eric, Tommy, and Justin were waiting near the bottom of the barrier, and through it, they could see a throng of Draugr, all waiting for them to get close.
"When we drop the barrier, throw as much fire as we can at those things. I'd see this ended sooner rather than later," said Harry.
"Sahrotaar. Can you hover? It'll be easier if we're not moving too much."
"You might fall off," said Harry, worried. "Your target does not require precision."
Mazhe let out a huff. "The staff only has a limited number of charges. But fine. Harry, duck down so I have a fair line of sight."
Harry lay down flat, and Mazhe brought the staff to bear as they flew at the shimmering barrier. He let fly a blast of magic, that hammered against the shield, causing it to ripple, the magic acting almost angry.
"Circle around and we'll try again."
"Fo KRAH DIIN!" came Miraak's shout, and Harry caught a glimpse of a group of Draugr getting the blast of frost. The place was quite literally crawling with the undead monsters, and Harry mentally shivered, as he imagined the group having to travel through the interior of the ruin. If there were this many Draugr outside, how many would be waiting inside?
Miraak and the gladiators were working as a single unit, cutting a nasty swath through the waves of bone walkers, as they climbed the stairs to the lower part of the barrier. Occasionally, Miraak would unleash a powerful shout that would send a more substantial group of the monsters to the afterlife, but for the most part he provided a strong shield, protecting the three gladiators from the powerful magical attacks. The Draugr not only used weapons, but in many cases they also cast deadly magic.
Varro had been nailed on two separate occasions, both times requiring several healing potions to recover. Crixus, too, had been caught by a frosty projectile, and Brandon had been forced to cast several healing charms to get him back on his feet. The scene was most definitely harrowing for someone without magic.
Sahrotaar had circled around, this time giving them a longer run at the barrier. Mazhe again brought the staff to bear, sending a stronger blast of powerful magic at the barrier, causing it to again ripple and crackle, as though angry.
"Again! It's beginning to fail!" Brandon exclaimed from below them. Mazhe needed no further prompting, but sent another powerful blast of magic at the barrier.
This time, the barrier lit up with a blinding flash of purple energy, before crackling out of existence, clearing the way. Then, as a single unit, massive plumes of fire joined dozens of powerful projectiles to impact with the group of Draugr that had gathered at the upper entrance. None of them survived the assault.
Now, those in the air flew up to the top of the ruin, where the enormous column of energy soared into the heavens. Very quickly, they realized where the energy was coming from. An enormous portal was opened in the floor, large enough to permit the passage of a dragon: the portal to Sovngarde. Literally, a portal to the afterlife. It went against the very nature of things. The living daring the land of the dead?!
"We'll keep... well... whatever that is busy. Tommy and Justin, lend your hands to purpose. Eric and Brandon, help the others join the fight here."
"I'll fight on the ground," Mazhe decided.
"Right. I'll join you. Sahrotaar, set us down, if you please."
"As you wish."
They landed, and Harry quickly dismounted, as did Mazhe. Sahrotaar quickly took flight again, just as the monster standing at the edge of the portal turned around. It pulled a staff out of a groove in the ground, and the swirling column of energy vanished.
"Zu'u uth nall thurri dein daar miiraak," it spoke, "Hin laas los dii."
"Translation?" Harry asked.
"I was ordered by my lord to guard this portal... your life is mine," Sahrotaar translated.
"And your thuri will fall, Nahkriin," came Miraak's voice.
Harry turned to see him climb off the back of Eric's broom.
"Fus... RO DAAAH!"
The shout again blasted across the ground, slamming into the dragon priest, sending it flying to the far side of the platform. The monster let out a horrible shriek, before bringing the staff to bear on them. Eric was forced to take evasive measures, as the powerful arc of electricity from the weapon threatened to light him up like a Christmas tree.
Harry cupped his hands together, sending an identical shock toward the enemy. It was far more intelligent than the Draugr below, however, and easily side-stepped the attack.
"Grik sahlo iidah(2)," Nahkriin mocked, retaliating with another powerful shock spell.
Harry was forced to erect a strong shield ward to repel it, sending the energy rebounding harmlessly into the atmosphere.
"Fo KRAH DIIN!" Sahrotaar roared, showering the dragon priest with a blast of frost. It again let out a nasty shriek, before again retaliating, this time with a frosty projectile of his own. Sahrotaar roared, as the ice shard lodged itself into his left wing.
"Yol... TOOR SHUUL!" came Mazhe's powerful shout.
Nahkriin let out an ungodly shriek as he was engulfed in flames, along with a swath on the ground.
BOOM. Brandon' 40 millimetre grenade found its mark, and Nahkriin faltered momentarily, before gesturing with a hand. A golden swirl of magic enveloped him, before he again brought the staff to bear. Harry was once again forced to evade the deadly shock spell, this time by Apparating across the ground. This gave him the element of surprise, and he let fly a powerful banishing charm, which slammed the dragon priest against one of the stone walls. It once again let out a terrible shriek, being staggered by the young mage's unusual magic.
Taking advantage of Nahkriin's momentary disorientation, Mazhe, Miraak, and Sahrotaar all shouted in unison—Sahrotaar's frost joined Mazhe and Miraak's flames. Nahkriin collapsed, barely alive, the staff clattering to the ground nearby.
"Hi los mul," he managed, "Zumul fein zu'u korah.(3)"
"Many have underestimated us, Nahkriin. To their peril," said Harry.
Now, Justin, Tommy, Eric, and Brandon had also gathered around, as did Dardanos, Crixus, and Varro. Everyone brandished weapons just in case. The ground shook momentarily as Sahrotaar also set down just behind them. Nahkriin seemed to focus on the staff Mazhe brandished.
"Morokei mahlaan. Hi lost ok vasmiir.(4)"
"Slain by our hands, Nahkriin," said Harry, gravely.
"Dir nu aav hin zeymahhe(5)," Sahrotaar hissed, "Our time grows short."
"Ruz bolaav zey dinok... dovahkiin(6)," Nahkriin whispered. The life was quickly leaving him. Mazhe and Miraak shared a look.
"Yol... TOOR SHUUUL!" Two powerful blooms of flames engulfed the dragon priest once more, leaving only a mask and a pile of ash behind. Harry bent over, and collected the mask, stuffing it into his rucksack.
"Is... is everyone okay?"
"it's good. Let's just... figure out how to get the portal open," said Mazhe.
"The staff was set into a groove over there," said Harry, pointing to a spot near the sealed portal.
"Should be just a matter of putting it back, then," Mazhe guessed, stowing the Staff of Magnus away.
He picked up Nahkriin's staff, and crossed the grounds, to the spot where the groove was, clearly outlined by a circle about three feet across.
"Are we ready?"
At quick answers in the affirmative, Mazhe set the end of the staff in the hole. The ground shook, as the portal came to life, the opening practically dissolving into a light purple storm of light which shot like a column up into the heavens.
"All right. This is it."
"Zu'u nis kiibok—I cannot follow," said Sahrotaar, "But fight with courage."
"Gratitude for lending your hands to purpose. We will see you when we return," said Harry.
"I will go first," Mazhe decided, and before anyone could voice opposition, he jumped into the purple beam of energy, and vanished. Harry immediately followed, and one by one, the others also followed suit.
They found themselves in what could be best described as a vale of sorts, save for the fact that one could not see more than ten feet in front of them.
"Clear skies," Mazhe whispered.
"Lok... VAH KOOOR!" came two powerful voices, and the fog was driven away to reveal the path ahead.
They quickly realized the dragons had infiltrated the strange vale as well, and soon they were again fighting against the scaly beasts, hidden within the fog that could only be pushed back for a few minutes at most.
They also encountered a number of spirits within the mist, all of them had become lost in what they called 'Alduin's soul-snare'-an apt phrase. What had Odahviing called them, the sillesejoor—souls of the mortal dead. At least three different occasions, they witnessed a large black shape descending into the mist ahead, then soaring back into the sky again.
Finally, they arrived at a wide set of steps ascending to a small plateau, and beyond it, an enormous bridge made of the bones of a great sea creature—a whale, if Harry had to guess. Just before it, there waited a giant of a man.
As they climbed the steps, the man stepped forward, his eyes moving over the group to rest on Mazhe.
"Living or dead, by decree of Shor, none may pass this perilous bridge 'til I judge them worthy by the warrior's test," he intoned, his voice even.
"Who... who are you?" Mazhe asked.
"I am Tsun, shield-thane to Shor. The Whalebone Bridge he bade me guard and winnow all those souls whose heroic end sent them here, to Shor's lofty hall where welcome, well-earned, awaits those I judge fit to join that fellowship of honour."
Mazhe looked confused, but Harry now knew exactly who it was. The gate keeper of the bridge into Shor's Hall, the grand structure that lay across the bridge—Sovngarde itself. Harry dropped to one knee and bowed his head. He quite literally stood in the land of the dead.
Taking a cue from their friend, Dardanos and his fellow gladiators quickly followed suit, while Brandon, Eric, Justin, and Tommy simply remained standing, though heads were bowed in respect.
"We pursue Alduin," said Miraak, joining Mazhe.
"A fateful errand. No few have chafed to face the Worm since first he set his soul-snare here at Sovngarde's threshold. But Shor restrained our wrathful onslaught - perhaps, deep-counselled, your doom he foresaw."
"We seek entrance into the Hall of Valour," said Harry, still kneeling. Mazhe was not well-versed in the lore of the Nords' land of the dead, but Harry had certainly done some research.
"No shade are you, as usually here passes, but living, you dare the land of the dead. By what right do you request entry?" Tsun's eyes had momentarily flicked to Harry, but they flicked back to Mazhe.
"I... uh..." Mazhe was unsure as to how to answer.
Harry thought a moment. "Hi los dovahkiin(7), Tsun."
Tsun smiled a moment. "Ah! It's been too long since last I faced a doom-driven hero of the dragon blood."
"Then may we enter?" asked Mazhe, hopefully.
"Living or dead, by decree of Shor, none may pass this perilous bridge 'til I judge them worthy by the warrior's test."
"I have to face you in battle?"
"It is so. And this you must do alone, absent your company."
Mazhe bowed his head. "My mate seems to know more about this place than I, but... I accept your challenge, and meet you in the warrior's test."
Tsun returned the bow, before unsheathing a blade. Then, the fight was on. Mazhe had faced pretty tough opponents in his young life, but Tsun was a giant of a man with a long reach. His blows were powerful, and deadly, and for the next five or so minutes, it was everything Mazhe could do to keep from falling to the gate keeper's attacks.
Finally, Tsun sheathed his blade, and bowed again.
"You fight well. I find you Worthy. It is long since one of the living has entered here. May Shor's favour follow you and your errand. Your companions, however, must await you here."
Harry watched as Mazhe crossed the great whalebone bridge.
"Finally, an end is in sight."
"And then we deal with Tom Riddle," said Justin, "After we have a break from all of this... I want to run something by you. A thought on how to deal with him."
"I already have a way it's just..."
"I know. And it involves one of those books you have, right?" At Harry's nod, Justin continued, "You need a way of getting him to read it, right?"
"Yeah."
"I won't discuss more of it now, since we all need our heads here rather than there... but I think you'll like the concept."
"That's great. To be free of my destiny will bring me great joy."
"You walk a similar path," said Tsun.
"We do. We each face a terrible monster. Though it is his destiny to battle the world-eater, there is nothing decreeing he must do it absent assistance. I would readily lend hands to purpose."
Only a few minutes passed, before Mazhe returned, with three others following him. Two of them were dressed in ancient Nord armour, much like the set Harry used to wear. The third wore a set of robes like Arngeir.
"Guys... I introduce Gormlaith Golden-hilt, Hakon One-eye, and Felldir the Old. They created Dragonrend."
"We must not delay," said Felldir, glancing at the group waiting at the bottom of the stairs.
"Clear skies! Combine our shouts!" Gormlaith shouted, as the three of them took up places along the foot of the steps.
"Harry and the rest of you might want to wait behind us," Mazhe decided, as he and Miraak took up positions on the far right of the steps. Harry, the gladiators, Tommy, Justin, and the SOU members quickly followed his suggestion.
"As one... Lok VAH KOOOR!"
The shout, amplified by five, stormed across the vale, driving the mist back as if by the wind. A number of souls were revealed, and they quickly made for the whale bridge, now that they knew the way.
Then—
"Ven Mul RIIK!" came a shout. No one could figure out exactly where it came from, but the heavy mist almost instantly reformed. Mazhe seemed to deflate.
"Gods..."
"Alduin is strong, we know this. One more time, all together!" Felldir urged.
"Lok VAH KOOOR!"
The massively amplified shout again dispelled the mist. However, just like the first attempt, there came the hidden voice yet again:
"Ven Mul RIIK!" The mist recovered the vale for the second time, thick and foreboding as ever.
"Does his strength have no end? Is our struggle in vain?" asked Hakon.
"Stand fast! His strength is failing! Once more, and his might will be broken!" said Gormlaith, confidently.
"One more time, and the World-eater must face us!" says Felldir, "Again, combine our shouts!"
"Lok VAH KOOOR!"
For the third time, the mist was parted, and for several seconds, nothing seemed to happen. Then, Harry felt it. The build-up of magic, something akin to the buildup before a thunderstorm.
"Be vigilant," Harry warned, "I think he's coming."
He'd just got the words out of his mouth, when a massive black shape swooped over the small, rough hill a short distance from the steps. A plume of fire scorched the ground, forcing everyone to scatter.
"Struhn BAH QO!"
Harry mentally groaned, seeing the sky begin to turn red. As if fighting the dragon wasn't difficult in its own right.
"Lok VAH KOOOOR!" Felldir, Gormlaith, and Hakon shouted in rebuttal. The sky quickly cleared.
"Foolish mortals," Alduin snarled, "You will all die here."
Mazhe once again shared a look with Miraak.
"Joor... ZAH FRUUULLL!"
Alduin roared in anger, as he was struck by the amplified shout. He was surrounded by a blue hue, and quite literally dropped out of the sky to land in a heap. He narrowly missed the three gladiators, who immediately set on him with their blades, hacking away with reckless abandon.
"Varro!"
Harry's panicked shout was lost in the confusion, and he could only watch in horror, as the man was caught in the path of Alduin's tail as it flailed about. Varro was sent flying high into the sky, to crash into a heap in the distance.
"Harry no! Back us up!" Mazhe shouted, letting go a powerful blast of fire from cupped hands.
Harry knew his mate was right. All attention had to be given the black foe in their midst. He cupped his hands together, unleashing the strongest shock spell he could muster, causing Alduin to roar again.
"Fus... RO DAAAAH!" came Alduin's shout, and Felldir only barely got clear of the blast path.
"Dardanos! Crixus! Get clear!" Brandon ordered, as he produced an RPG. Tommy and Eric were doing the same thing. "Everyone else keep him busy!"
The two gladiators quickly understood the planned tactic, and while Harry and the others kept Alduin occupied, the pair got out of the way, joining Harry and Mazhe. The pair had done a number on the black-winged dragon, having effectively broken his right wing at the first joint.
"Even if your enchantment should fade, he will still be absent flight," said Crixus, viciously.
"Well done," said Miraak, "Indeed, Dragonrend will wear off after a time."
"Fus... RO DAAAH!" Alduin shouted again. This time, Justin was forced to take action, but simply Disapparated with a noisy pop to reappear about twenty feet away.
"What twisted magic do you use?!" Alduin snarled.
"Afraid, worm?" Gormlaith mocked, "Today you meet your end!"
"Struhn—"
"SILENCIO!" came Harry's shout, but it had no effect.
"—BAH QO!"
"Shit," Harry muttered, as the sky again began to turn red.
Whump whump whump. Three projectiles streaked across the distance between the SOU members, Tommy, and the world-eater, to explode with earth-shaking results. Alduin snarled again, the projectiles clearly causing great pain and injury.
"Now! Everything we have!" Felldir shouted.
"Fo KRAH DIIN!" Miraak shouted, and a blast of frost swept over the dragon, while Harry lobbed a storm of ice spikes.
BOOOM. Another projectile had exploded in Alduin's face, causing him to roar in anger. The Dragonrend enchantment had worn off, and as he tried to take off, he roared again, realizing his wing had been rendered inoperable.
"Nivahriin joorre," he hissed, then unleashed another scorching blast of fire which Eric and Brandon were forced to dodge by popping away. Brandon had grabbed Tommy by the shoulder, ensuring he wasn't left behind.
They reappeared on the opposite side of the dragon, and once again unleashed some truly deadly weaponry into it.
"Dragon aspect, Mazhe," said Miraak. At Mazhe's nod, the pair of them shouted in unison, "Mul... QAH DIIV!"
The ancient heroes were in awe, as the ghostly aspect of the dragon formed over the two dragonborn. They shared another look.
"Fus... RO DAAAAH!"
The combined shock wave slammed into Alduin, sending the dragon backward nearly fifty feet, and causing him to roar again in anger. But the large group could see this had done far more than send him backward. The way his head was bobbing gave them all the indication they needed—the fight was nearly over.
"Dragonborn, it must be you to cast the final blow," said Hakon.
"Go, Mazhe. Let us finish this," said Harry, at last catching his breath. "Wait. Silencio!"
This time, it was clear the magic had effect, as Alduin reared back to shout, but found he couldn't. The world-eater's voice was silenced by a spell not of Nirn, cast by a mage barely a man.
Mazhe, meanwhile, climbed up the dragon's injured wing, drawing a dagger from his rucksack and unsheathing it. He climbed up Alduin's neck, and gripped one of the horns.
"Zu'u Mazhe Strundu'ul, Dovahsebrom. Be gone, world-eater. Zu'u fjerd hi wah hin oblaan au daar sul.(8)"
Momentarily surprised at the words spilling from his tongue, he plunged the dagger deep into Alduin's skull. Mazhe was thrown off the beast, as Alduin reared his head back, letting out a silent scream... and at first, it was thought the attack had failed.
Then... it was as if the fine paper from a bee's nest was filling the air, flakes were beginning to peel off the dragon, as it reared up on its hind legs, throwing its wings open wide. Ungodly, unholy snarls and screeches filled the air, whatever magic at work having cancelled Harry's silencing charm. Everyone stood rooted to the spot, as a strange, swirling mass of black energy was then surrounding him, with more and more 'paper' peeling off.
"Zu'u unslaad! Zu'u nis oblaan!(9)" Alduin shrieked. And then...
BOOOOOOM. A ground-shaking, ear-shattering blast sent everyone to the ground, as Alduin let out one final shriek, his body being obliterated in every sense of the word. Not a scrap remained to tell the world he had existed—not even his soul remained.
For several long moments, no one moved, prone on the ground. Harry shook his head several times to dispel the painful ringing sensation from the blast... but other than that, no injuries. He took his time getting to his feet.
"Mazhe?"
His sight found his mate a short distance away, still sitting on the ground. He wasted no time crossing the distance, but found him shaking. "Mazhe?" Still no answer, and so he knelt beside him, and touched his shoulder.
And then, Harry realized, Mazhe was actually crying. 'I would do the same,' Harry realized, as he took his mate into his arms to offer comfort. It was an action well-received, as the pair locked in a tight embrace. Harry felt his eyes prickle, as he realized the magnitude of the event. Mazhe had fulfilled his destiny, and was free of it. How long would it be, before Harry was free of his?
"We have done a great thing," Mazhe finally managed, "You... I can't begin to say thank you for being here."
"Mazhe. I would never let you face this sort of thing absent my hands. There is little I would not do to make it so."
Harry looked up, to see the rest of the group finally getting back on their feet, and Tsun was making his way over.
"We can reconcile our thoughts in the near future. For now, there is business yet to be concluded. Tsun approaches."
"All right, Mazhe?" Justin asked, being the first of the group to get to them.
"I... couldn't be better, Justin," Mazhe answered.
Though tears still stained his cheeks, he gave a wide smile, perhaps the first in days. The others were also gathering now, and Tsun at last spoke, as Felldir, Hakon, and Gormlaith all went down on one knee, heads bowed.
"This was a mighty deed! The doom of Alduin encompassed at last, and cleansed is Sovngarde of his evil snare. They will sing of this battle in Shor's hall forever. But your fate lies elsewhere. When you have completed your count of days, I may welcome you again, with glad friendship, and bid you join the blessed feasting."
"But... I am no Nord, Tsun. I am a Breton. The praise is welcome, but... this is not my afterlife."
"Nord or no, this great deed you have done grants you entrance to Shor's hall."
Tsun placed a great hand on Mazhe's shoulder.
"When you are ready to rejoin the living, just bid me so, and I will send you back."
Now, the three ancient heroes regained their feet, shouting, "All hail the Dragonborn! Hail him with great praise!"
"Hail, Mazhe Stormcrown, Dragon of the North," said Harry, "May he now be forever known as Dovahkriid—dragonslayer!"
"Hail the Dragonborn!" the three heroes again exclaimed, "Hail the dragonslayer!"
Mazhe had to wipe his eyes, as the praise was showered upon him. His eyes glistened still, but he stood a little straighter.
"Tsun. Allow me to see to my companions."
"There is no hurry."
"And. There is one thing I must do."
Mazhe turned to Harry.
"While I have finished this great deed... I could not have done it without this circle of people who join me, none more so than Harry. We've done many great things... and perhaps... things that are not so great. But... I would see that bond be further cemented.
"Before the thane of Shor, I ask your hand, Harry Potter."
Harry was gobsmacked. There, on the threshold of Shor's Hall, just minutes after perhaps one of the most epic fights yet, Mazhe had just utterly floored him. The answer, however, was simple, automatic.
"Mazhe Stormcrown. Slayer of Alduin. My friend. My love. Your name I gladly take, forever mine, until my count of days is over."
The rest of the circle were equally shocked at the turn of events... in a good way, of course. It was Tsun, however, who offered congratulations.
"Shor smiles on your union, Dragonborn."
"Let's... we should get back," said Justin, still a little in a fog. 'Gods. Never saw that coming,' he thought, as Harry produced his chest. The young wizard was grinning madly now.
"Wait," Tommy remembered, "Where is Varro's body?"
"I see it," said Justin, producing his wand. "It's a little crass, but... Accio Varro."
The body flew from where it rested, to several pairs of outstretched hands.
"We'll be sure he's given a proper memorial."
"Our fight was costly," Harry agreed, "We lost three friends today."
"And it is the cost of battle, Harry," said Dardanos, "It is an accepted risk."
"It may be so, but it still brings little comfort. Let us conclude business here. We will remain in the chest. Mazhe, if you could carry it back to Nirn with you."
"You need not ask."
A few minutes later, the lid of the chest was thrown open, and Mazhe stuck his head in.
"Guys! Get up here quick, something's happening!"
At the urgency in his mate's voice, Harry was up the ladder first, and he came on a most bizarre sight. They had somehow returned to the Throat of the World, and all around, there were dragons perched. At first, Harry made to produce a purple orb of magic, ready to defend himself, but relented, hearing them speak in unison:
"Alduin mahlaan(10)."
"Sahrot thur qahnaraan(11)," spoke one perched high above them. He opened his wings, and lifted off.
"Alduin mahlaan," they all cried again.
"Dovahkiin los ok dovahkriid(12)," spoke another, this one at the opposite end of the summit. He too, took flight.
"Alduin mahlaan," came the cry in unison.
"Thu'umii los nahlot(13)," spoke yet another, before he took flight.
"Alduin mahlaan."
"Mu los vomir(14)," spoke another.
This cycled for several minutes, before the summit was left with only a few of the winged creatures.
"So, it is done. Alduin dilon."
Paarthurnax rested on the broken word wall.
"The Eldest is no more, he who came before all others, and has always been."
"You don't sound happy about it," said Harry.
"Happy? No, I am not happy. Zeymahi lost ont du'ul Bormahu. Alduin was once the crown of our father Akatosh's creation," answered Paarthurnax, sadly.
"I do not regret what I have done, Paarthurnax. Alduin had to be destroyed," said Mazhe, "Though it does pain me to know it saddens you."
"Of course. Alduin wahlaan daanii. I would not have helped you if I thought otherwise. You did what was necessary. Alduin had flown far from the path of right action in his pahlok-the arrogance of his power." He made the dragon equivalent of a sigh. "But I cannot celebrate his fall. Zu'u tiiraaz ahst ok mah. He was my brother once. This world will never be the same."
"But... the world is a better place without him... brother or not, he did terrible things," said Harry.
"Perhaps. At least it will continue to exist. Grik los lein. And, as Mazhe told me once, the next world will have to take care of itself. Ful nii los. Even I cannot see past Time's ending. Perhaps now you have some insight into the forces that shape the vennesetiid... the currents of Time. Perhaps you begin to see the world as a dovah.
"But I forget myself. Krosis. So los mid fahdon. Melancholy is an easy trap for a dovah to fall into. You have won a mighty victory. Sahrot krongrah - one that will echo through all the ages of this world for those who have eyes to see. Savour your triumph, Dovahkiin. This is not the last of what you will write upon the currents of Time."
"We could not have done it without your help... and Sahrotaar's help," said Mazhe, with a bow of the head, "We are forever in your debt."
UP NEXT: Harry and his circle, along with the Commonwealth, bid farewell to those killed in the battle with Alduin.
CHAPTER NOTES: I did warn of character deaths at the beginning, right? This was only natural, they did face a horde of Draugr, never mind the dragons. Battle is ugly, confusing, and brutal. There's just no way everyone was going to survive, well-trained or not.
Either way, it is done. Alduin is gone, and Mazhe completes his destiny. Now, Harry must face up to his. And, Justin has a very interesting plan on how to do so.
(1) Legendary dragon, the most powerful type of dragon the player can encounter in the game, if they have the Dawnguard expansion installed. It's actually stronger than Alduin. They begin to appear at level 78 and above.
(2) "grik sahlo iidah" - such [a] weak attack.
(3) "Hi los mul... zumul fein zu'u korah" - You are strong... stronger than I believed."
(4) "Morokei mahlaan. Hi lost ok vasmiir." - Morokei [has] fallen. You have his staff.
(5) "dir nu aav hin zeymahhe" - die now [and] join your brothers
(6) "Ruz bolaav zey dinok... dovahkiin" - then grant me death... dragonborn.
(7) "Hi los dovahkiin" - he is dragonborn.
(8) "Zu'u Mazhe Strundu'ul, Dovahsebrom... zu'u fjerd hi wah hin oblaan au daar sul" - I am Mazhe Stormcrown, dragon of the north! I send you to your end on this day. (The Greybeards bestow both of these titles on the dragonborn at the end of "The Horn of Jurgen Windcaller")
(9) "Zu'u unslaad! Zu'u nis oblaan! " - I'm unending! I cannot end!
(10) "Alduin mahlaan" - Alduin [has] fallen.
(11) "Sahrot thur qahnaraan" - the mighty overlord is vanquished
(12) "Dovahkiin los ok dovahkriid" - [the] dragonborn is his dragonslayer
(13) "Thu'umii los nahlot" - his shout is silenced
(14) "Mu los vomir" - we do not follow him