DRAGON CRISIS
Destiny Unraveled
XVI
22nd of Sun's Dawn, 4E 203
Eastmarch was beautiful in its own way. The northern part of the hold was certainly colder with the snow cover persisting the major part of the year, thawing ever so slightly during the summer months. The southern area, called Aalto, which was further from the shore of the Sea of Ghosts was significantly warmer but also humid due to the numerous thermal pools and geysers that dotted the tundra. Giants and their companion animals - mammoths - made their home in the tundra which made it dangerous and as of recently, dragons were reported flying over the area as well. Ziiah frowned as she glanced at the said tundra, having barely touched her serving of stew. She had been quiet for a while which didn't go unnoticed by her comrades, especially Elvaynu and Kaani who were paying close attention to the Redguard.
The gang made camp at Mara's Eye Pond, a secluded oasis off the road toward Windhelm yet deep within the forest so that they didn't attract unwanted attention. The men, mainly Nyx and Loro, put up the tents and bedrolls while Elvaynu prepared the dinner. Tarhrin and Kaani made themselves useful by brainstorming battle strategies against a dragon. Meanwhile, Veilheim enjoyed playing with dry branches and fire. Ziiah quietly but evidently kept her mouth and hands out of everything, instead focusing on her own raging thoughts.
"She's been quiet since we stepped foot into Eastmarch," Tarhrin said to Kaani after a while, noticing that her attention constantly drifted to the Dragonborn. "Any idea why?"
Kaani sighed. "What else? She's about to fight a dragon and the last time she did that, she was unconscious of the whole ordeal."
"She was?" Tarhrin asked, completely surprised.
"Yes, she was," Kaani said as she fumbled with the magic scrolls in her satchel. "To this day, she doesn't understand what happened."
"What do you think happened?" Tarhrin asked.
Kaani was silent for a moment. "If the legends are true, she's born with a soul of a dragon. Perhaps, she has instincts of one."
Tarhrin looked at the topic of their conversation, frowning as he did so. "Hopefully, those instincts will kick in when the time comes to face the dragon."
Kaani hummed but said nothing. Meanwhile, Ziiah still stared at the tundra ahead. Several flickering lights dotted the valley, probably campfires lit by giants. After some time, she heard a faint sound coming from the Aalto. Alarmed, she stood up. The sound came again, this time louder and longer.
"What's wrong?" Elvaynu asked.
Ziiah frowned. "Did you hear that?"
"Hear what?" Nyx asked.
Ziiah pointed towards the tundra. "It's coming from the valley."
They were all quiet for a moment, listening to the sounds around them. For a time, all they could hear was the bustling of the water, the soft breeze, and the rustling of the pine trees. Then came a sky-breaking shriek.
"Divines above," Nyx breathed out.
"Orkey's beard," Veilheim cursed. "Is that...?"
"A dragon," Ziiah said and watched as a gulf of fire raged in a specific part of the valley. "Probably not friendly."
"What gave it away?" Veilheim asked and earned a shove into his gut from Nyx.
Elvaynu put a hand on Ziiah's shoulder. "We'll think about that tomorrow. Tonight, you have to rest."
"I'll be the first watch," Loro announced.
"I doubt anyone will sleep tonight," Nyx grumbled.
"Agreed," Kaani added. "Nevertheless, we should try and get as much sleep as possible. Tomorrow, we arrive at Kynesgrove."
Ziiah stared at the raging flame trail in the valley. The smoke towered over most trees in the surrounding area and the wind carried it southward toward Riften. Papa, she thought worriedly. She reached for Elvaynu's hand that was still on her shoulder, squeezing it gently for support.
"You fought a dragon once already," Elvaynu said softly. "Fought and killed. As long as it can be defeated permanently, we'll manage."
"Perhaps," Ziiah said, still staring at the burning valley ahead. "Hopefully, the Divines would offer us some assistance in the upcoming battle."
Elvaynu smirked. "Well, you are Divine's Chosen after all."
The Redguard girl chuckled.
"So," Elvaynu said teasingly, "a Dragonborn - quite a title."
"You reek of blood," Ziiah retorted. "Still call to Sithis?"
"I don't call to Sithis," Elvaynu corrected her. "I respect Sithis."
Ziiah frowned. "I think that's even worse."
"Is it?" Elvaynu inquired.
Ziiah sighed and shook her head. "Have you always been so enigmatic?"
"Yes," a unison answer came from Nyx and Veilheim who were sitting by the fire Veilheim finally made.
Elvaynu rolled her red eyes. "I have no friends, it seems."
Ziiah chuckled and Kaani smiled along with Veilheim and Nyx. Tarhrin and Loro remained indifferent as they observed the ongoing exchange.
"Let's get back to planning, everyone," Kaani said as she cleared her throat. "We'll need to be prepared."
Ziiah looked at Elvaynu who merely shrugged in response. Sighing, they walked back to their little campsite, gathering around Kaani and her scrolls.
"How does one prepare for a fight with a dragon?" Veilheim asked.
"We need magic and weapons," Kaani answered, gathering her scrolls in a neat pile. "The one we faced breathed fire so anything that will protect us against such damage will be beneficial."
"Shields and wards are our best bet in that regard," Nyx said while sharpening his sword.
"Potions also," Elvaynu noted. "We could make some from the ingredients in this area."
"Can you handle the cooking, then?" Kaani asked her to which Elvaynu nodded in response. "Make everything you can."
"Stock some poison as well," Loro added. "Any leverage we can utilize will be beneficial."
"We have enough scrolls for critical situations," Tarhrin said as he reached for one of the scrolls, ruining Kaani's neat pile.
"Strategy might help too," Ziiah said. "The dragon we fought at the Western Watchtower landed because we tore its wings while it was airborne."
"Can't we just shoot it to death?" Veilheim asked. "I much prefer having it as far away from me as possible."
"We could," Ziiah answered, adding, "but I doubt it'll be enough. Those creatures are incredibly fast while flying."
"Is there anything else we should keep watch on?" Loro asked. "Weaknesses, soft spots?"
"Same as any other living being," Kaani said. "Eyes, underbody, wings."
Loro nodded in understanding and so did the rest of them.
"Keep an eye on the sky," Ziiah said finally before they retired for the night.
Kaelan resisted the urge to roll his eyes. He had been stuck in Falkreath Hold for almost a week with no vague idea of where to go next. As it would happen, the Dragonborn had left central Skyrim in an unknown direction and Kaelan had difficulties finding any information regarding her destination. Following his departure from Dragonsreach, he was informed that she was heading to Riverwood. As such, he went to Riverwood first and while there, he then learned that the Dragonborn left in the direction of Falkreath. However, once in Falkreath, Kaelan quickly realized that the Dragonborn never reached the southern city and her trail went cold there.
On his second day in Falkreath, Kaelan made an appearance at Jarl Siddgeir's court. He disliked the man profusely but knowing that the Dragonborn was acquinted if not close to Thane Tarhrin, Kaelan was willing to exhaust any and all sources he could use.
"My, my," said Siddgeir rather smugly. "You grace us with your presence, Agent. Falkreath is but a small settlement and quite far away from the capital."
Kaelan forced a smile as he said, "Honor is mine, Jarl Siddgeir. After all, you've been nothing but supportive of the Thalmor cause."
Siddgeir chuckled. "How could I not be? After all, the Thalmor are good to their allies and Skyrim is corrupted beyond measure. Someone has to do something and you've proven to be effective."
"Then you wouldn't mind if I inquire about one of your Thanes?" Kaelan asked. "Tarhrin I believe is his name. I was wondering if you know of his whereabouts?"
Siddgeir scoffed. "Sometimes I wonder who's subject to whom with that Elf. I'm sorry to say that I do not know where Thane Tarhrin is."
Kaelan lifted a brow. "You're quite lenient with his lack of etiquette and decorum."
"On the contrary," Siddgeir said, "Tarhrin is perhaps the most polite and educated Thane in my court. Not to mention, he's also very effective when it comes to his line of work."
"His line of work?" Kaelan asked.
"He's my spymaster, Agent Aedus," Siddgeir confessed shamelessly. "I don't know much about him but he's a capable man, I assure you."
Kaelan remained indifferent as he said, "Can you track him down?"
Siddgeir was silent for a moment. "Is there a problem? Did he offend you somehow? I will punish him accordingly."
"No need, I just need to ask him a few questions," Kaelan said, masking his dishonesty.
Siddgeir hummed. "I will have to ask my Steward about it. If anyone knows, it's her. Nenya, come here!"
Kaelan waited as Nenya descended from the upstairs balcony, graceful as she did so. She was an Altmer beauty though nothing special when compared to Elenwen. Her lips were too thin and her hair was combed slick, making her appear more masculine as a result. Kaelan figured it was a given as she was a woman surrounded by men left and right. Nenya shortly joined them in the courtroom and offered a curt bow to her Jarl.
"You called me, my Jarl," she said softly.
"Yes," Siddgeir said poshly. "Where is Thane Tarhrin? It's been a while since we've heard of him."
Visibly surprised, Nenya asked, "You never ask about him, my Jarl. Is something wrong?"
Siddgeir lifted his hand and motioned toward Kaelan, "Agent Aedus is in need of his presence. I know Thane Tarhrin occasionally writes you letters."
Side-glancing at Kaelan, Nenya straightened her posture and said, "I haven't heard from him since he left for Whiterun a week ago, my Jarl."
"How can you not know where he is?" Siddgeir sighed. "You're the Steward."
"I assist you, my Jarl," she said calmly. "The Thanes have their own Stewards. Perhaps Rayya knows something."
"Is Rayya his Steward?" Kaelan asked.
Nenya evaded meeting his gaze. "She's his Housecarl but she does take on duties of the Steward from time to time. As I understand, Thane Tarhrin doesn't have a large household and the businesses he runs are confidential and discreet so he has no need for a Steward."
Kaelan nodded. "Thank you, Nenya. You've been most helpful."
She said nothing as she bowed in return.
"You're excused Nenya," Siddgeir said and with a final bow, Nenya left the men alone in the courtroom.
"It seems I have somewhere to be," Kaelan said before curtsying. "By your leave, Jarl Siddgeir."
"Good luck," the Jarl replied. "Do visit us again. We will throw you a lavish banquet."
Kaelan smiled and turned on his heel, praising the ancestors that he could finally leave Falkreath.
Tashhee groaned as she struggled to get up from her cot. She rubbed her tired eyes, hoping to brush away the need for sleep. Instead, she yawned again and slumped as exhaustion burdened her entire body. Dawnstar was a calm and peaceful town, even though they supported the rebellion. Tashhee got used to the town and its charms. She quickly found a job, a place to stay and even a friend. The local priest of Mara, a Dunmer named Erandur, preached her message and Tashhee found herself enjoying his proclamations. However, she also quickly realized that the town was plagued by a rather bothersome curse - insomnia.
"Shit," she cursed as her head started pounding, a clear indicator of a sleepless night.
Deciding she had better things to do than trying and failing to sleep, she got up and got dressed before leaving the Windpeak Inn. Making her way to the quicksilver mine, Tashhee noticed a strange figure blocking her path. They were heavily hooded and rugged looking as if they'd been on the road for quite some time. When they didn't move, Tashhee cleared her throat.
"Excuse me," she said as she tried to pass them by.
The figure remained silent as they suddenly began to collapse. Tashhee managed to catch them in time and land on her knees while cradling the hooded person in her arms. Their hood slid off, revealing a pale and distraught female face, covered in a thin layer of sweat. Tashhee frowned as she inspected the woman's pained expression.
"Are you alright?" she asked while patting the woman's cheeks. "Hello, can you hear me?"
The woman moaned but said nothing else.
"Someone?! Anyone," Tashhee called. "Please, help!"
A few moments later, several people emerged from the inn and the nearby area. They gathered around Tashhee and the unconscious woman. Erandur also came out of the inn to investigate the commotion and knelt beside Tashhee.
"What happened?" he asked.
"I-I don't know," Tashhee said anxiously. "S-She just fell down, I-I barely caught her in time."
Erandur hummed. "Let's get her inside. Her skin is cold and the sweat could be from an infection."
Tashhee nodded and helped him carry the woman inside the Windpeak Inn. As they entered the establishment, the patrons gasped at the scene and rushed to gawk. Tashhee tried not to growl and instead focus on her handling of the woman's unconscious body.
"Summon the court mage at once," Erandur yelled as they gently lowered her next to the fire pit. "We will need all the help we can get."
Tashhee swallowed hard. "Erandur, what's wrong with her?"
The Dunmer frowned. "I don't know. Help me relieve her of that robe so I can check for injuries."
Nodding, Tashhee grabbed both of the woman's arms and pulled them over her head while Erandur took hold of the edges of her cloak and pushed it off her person. For a moment, Erandur seemed to be confused as he stared at the woman, particularly at her silver locket.
"Erandur?" Tashhee asked after a while.
"Strange," Erandur whispered as he looked closer at the medallion in his hand. "Is this - ?"
A few moments later, the door of the inn was pushed open as the court mage entered the establishment. "Where is this woman?"
"Over here, Madena," Erandur said without taking his eyes off the medallion.
Madena pushed her way through the snooping crowd. A short while later, she reached Erandur and Tashhee, as well as the unconscious woman. Erandur lifted his gaze and met Madena's questioning glare. He merely nodded to the woman's face and as Madena shifted her gaze, she gasped.
"Divines," she breathed as she knelt beside the woman, caressing her face. "Sybil?!"
Tashhee watched as the court mage frantically hugged the woman. She summoned a healing spell in her hand and pressed it against Sybil's chest.
"Madena," Erandur asked after a while. "Did you know she was coming?"
Madena shook her head vigorously. "No, no, no. I haven't heard from her in a while. Oh Divines, what happened to you?"
Tashhee figured that the two were close, maybe even relatives. There was a certain familiarity between them, with both of them being Bretons and both having unnaturally pale skin. Siblings? Tashhee thought. Maybe relatives?
"Whatever it is, it's not physical," Madena said as she canceled her spell. "Healing magic has no effect on her."
"Curse?" Erandur asked.
Madena shook her head. "Doesn't seem like it."
"There has to be some way to help her," Tashhee said softly.
"Nothing jumps out at me," Madena bit her lower lip.
Erandur scratched his chin. "Should we read her thoughts? Maybe it will give us insight into what happened."
"Telepathy spell? We could try it but," Madena said nervously, "I doubt we'll reach her. She's catatonic, not asleep."
"Unless you have a better idea," Erandur said with a hint of regret. "We have to try something."
Madena seemed to contemplate the idea for a while until she nodded in defeat. She positioned herself above Sybil, resting her head on her knees. Taking a deep breath, Madena looked up at Erandur and nodded, allowing him to proceed. Erandur scooched closer to Sybil's head and placed his hand on her forehead. He started to mumble under his breath a soft incantation before his hand glowed purplish red. The chanting continued for a while until Sybil started to groan and thrash around. Erandur stopped his chanting and retreated his hand.
"Erandur?" Madena asked worriedly. "What did you see?"
He shook his head. "Not here. Let her rest then we'll talk."
Madena frowned but said nothing as he asked the innkeeper for a spare room.
Brynjolf stared in disbelief. "She's what?"
Sapphire shifted her weight from one foot to the other, uncomfortable under her superior's gaze. "Dragonborn. Mallus said that she's the Dragonborn."
Suddenly feeling weary, Brynjolf leaned on his table for support. "Impossible, it just can't be!"
"He says she's been at the Watchtower when the dragon attacked," Sapphire said meekly, "and that the Greybeards called her Dragonborn."
"What else does Mallus say?" Brynjolf sighed. "Where is she? Whom is she with?"
Sapphire swallowed a lump. "She's left for Riverwood with several others and that's all he knows."
A deadly silence followed as Brynjolf tried to make sense of the situation. Ziiah is a Dragonborn, he thought over and again. My daughter is a Dragonborn. He couldn't feel any of his limbs, numbness having taken over instead. He tried to move his fingers at least but couldn't. Breathing was becoming difficult for him, as did keeping his focus. Sapphire noticed him swaying slightly and rushed to assist him.
"Bryn," she said softly. "Keep it together."
Keep it together, he thought and chuckled. How?
"Brynjolf, please," she begged.
For a moment, he managed to lift his gaze and meet Sapphire's eyes before Nocturnal's darkness shrouded his vision.
Palace of the Kings was in an uproar as Galmar hurled insults at Sasha.
"You think you can just jump back into our lives and bitch about this and that as you please," he seethed. "Skyrim is for the Nords! Take your ass back to Hammerfell and preach about justice and equality there!"
Sasha remained poised and stoic as she retorted, "My dear Galmar, my home is liberated. That's why I'm here now."
"You left when we needed you the most," he growled. "Deserter, a coward - that's what you are!"
"Everyone makes mistakes," she said evenly. "No one is beyond redemption. You, of all people, should know and understand that."
Particularly triggered by this statement, Galmar was about to chew her out again but was stopped by Ulfric. Though still agitated, Galmar gave up when he was warned a second time to keep his voice down and his temper in check.
"Sasha is here to help, Galmar," Ulfric said calmly. "Her past will be ignored for now. We have more pressing issues at hand."
"I object," Galmar barked.
Of course, you do, Sasha thought.
"Galmar - "
"She lost our trust and respect when she left years ago," Galmar said. "How can you trust her after that? She left you, time and again! For what?!"
"Galmar, calm down," Ulfric said soothingly. "There is an explanation - "
"With all due respect, whatever comes out of that bitch's mouth is a lie," Galmar said venomously. "She will be the death of you, mark my words."
"That's my risk to take, Galmar," Ulfric said. "If I'm to die at the end of this, so be it. I know what I'm dying for."
Galmar was left speechless. He was quiet afterward before leaving the war room altogether, barely curtsying to Ulfric as he left.
"He will come around," Ulfric said after a while. "Don't worry."
"I don't worry in the slightest, my darling," Sasha said indifferently. "The man will never understand my life. Sometimes, I find it hard to understand it."
Ulfric reached for her shoulder and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "Let's focus on what your life is now."
For a moment, Ulfric saw bitterness cross her face and disappear just as quickly, replaced by an unreadable expression. He frowned, uncomfortable with the fact that she was as hard-shelled as before.
"You're right," she said with a forced smile. "How about dinner? I'm starving."
Ulfric smiled and nodded.
