23th Sun's Dusk… 0700…

Ulfric paced his chambers deep in thought. The path he wore into the floor next to his desk was visible even by firelight. He hadn't slept since the messages had arrived late in the night. For all of his successes, he focused only on the possibility of his defeat. The Pale Pass is finally closed... The Legion has no hope of reopening it for some time, that's certain. Forest fires burning our timber… His mind shifted warily to the small stack of papers on his desk. Thieves, giants, Dawnguard… it was never-ending.

~High King Ulfric~

I hope this letter finds you well, my Lord. As you have requested, we have begun dredging the old water works. My dear friend, Maven Black-Briar, is footing the bill entirely to ensure a proper job on the system. The old gates are being removed by Argonian laborers and will be repaired at her new shop on the water's edge.

I've been able to locate the items you requested for supply operations. There's a new merchant that has several high connections and is a local mine owner now. We'll be able to get those supplies to your Quartermasters sooner than we originally discussed. In the next week, Delvin Mallory will be sending one of his business associates to meet with me to set up purchases.

I can report that crime has considerably decreased here in Riften with the aid of Stormcloak officers and Maven Black-Briar. Our last lead, one of Brand-Shei partners, unfortunately died during interrogation. However, we were able to locate and root out a small group of thieves hiding out in a cave network. Many of which were vampires, but I can assure you that Red Water Den has been cleared out. It has been subsequently sold to our new friend Mister Mallory, his intention is to explore the caves for mining operations.

I look forward to our next visit on the thirtieth of Evening Star for the Old Life Festival Ball. If all goes well, we will have much to celebrate!

Talos guide you, Ulfric.

~Laila Law-Giver~

~Galmar~

Received word confirming the Pale Pass is closed. Thieves hit another iron ore convoy slowing down steel production. I have no idea how they're getting into supplies, I think we may have a rat in the works. We are rooting out the problem and laying a trap. We shan't have this problem again, Sir.

Thorygg sent word back with runners that vampires have been spotted in the area. The Dawnguard could find them, but he hopes they scared them off. Thorygg is using Orcs and Dark Elves and chained them to the supply carts to stop thieves from hitting them. Seems to be working for them and we're going to do the same with ours.

~Llywen~

~Galmar~

The Giants are ready as they'll ever be. We here are eagerly awaiting word to march to meet Llywen from Steamcrag training grounds with the first battalion. We were hit by thieves again, this time they didn't get as much silver.

~Kjetil~

~Galmar~

As I write, a dispatch has come from our friends in Markarth. All is ready for the attack within the walls once the gates have closed. Preparations have been taken to ensure the King in Rags is eliminated once the Jarl is deposed of. We're keeping eyes on the Forsworn.

~Finn ~

~Galmar~

Border patrols along the plains have seen an increase several fold. Whiterun Hold has closed its roads to all but essential trade under the Empire's banner. Our blackmail of carriage drivers and bards has come in handy. We've stopped our small raiding campaigns into the Hold because of dragons hunting the plains at night. Personally, I think the rumors are true. I think she does have dragons under her control. We haven't seen the red one, but I have seen a few others near the walls. They only come out at night, but I swear I've heard them coming from Dragonsreach. Still trying to get another meeting with Balgruuf, but he's not interested. I've tried paying off the guards, but none will speak.

We've sent new recruits out to meeting points, but we're seeing an equal amount of abandonment from the Western people. Rumors have spread that we're going to move against Whiterun and many are returning to their homes. Maybe they think they can support us from home, but I'm not sure how to stop them from leaving the camps. Not from here anyway.

Thieves raided supplies hidden in the Plains. Not sure how they found our stash, but it's all gone. We'll try and get everything sorted out before the army reaches us.

~Vignar~

~Galmar~

As promised, more Dawnguard on the way to support you in Ivarstead. We are happy to lend aid to the Stormcloaks in protecting the people of Ivarstead from the vampire menace. We'll ensure those bloodsuckers stay away from High Hrothgar as well. We are pleased to provide any assistance we possibly can and we understand the importance of staying away from the Grey-Beards themselves. We shall do so out of respect for the High King's wishes. We'll ensure the town and steps are clear of any vampires or possible threats.

From your last message, we will gladly aid you in finding the false Dragonborn.

To answer your questions about the Companions, it is suspected that they are indeed lycanthropes. Unfortunately, we do not have proof and brothers from the Silver-Hand order that have survived the slaughter, cannot give us any factual details. I can only tell you for certain the Imperial Azriel is indeed a werewolf. We assume that the Companions are as well, based the remaining few Hand that hunted wild wolves, however their sanity is questionable. But, I agree with your assessment, it's better to be safe than sorry. We'll keep our eyes open for any of the Companions. I doubt we'll take any alive, but if we can, we'll get you your answers.

We are still waiting on the next shipment of silver. At this time, we've had no reports of it leaving neither Riften nor that it was stolen. Perhaps an oversight?

~Celann~

Ulfric sighed as a knock on the door interrupted him. "Galmar, why are you up so early?"

The old man grumbled as Ulfric stepped aside, allowing him entry. "I'm sorry to disturb you, my friend. But, a messenger just delivered this. You're not going to like it…"

Ulfric looked at the letter in his hand. The wax seal was of course broken, but the symbol on it was still clear. The wolf and the dragon… I wonder how long she has been a lycanthrope.

Ulfric scowled as he began to read the letter.

"She's too high and mighty for her own good. You should have killed her a long time ago."

Galmar's attempt to interrupt him didn't dissuade him from reading the entire letter. Ulfric remained silent as he read. The words on the page bit and howled at him like a caged animal. He could feel her anger pouring from the ink.

"There was a time I called her friend." Ulfric threw the letter on his desk and sat down. "There are a great many things I regret when it comes to Azriel. But, that is of little consequence anymore."

Galmar helped himself to the brandy on Ulfric's desk. "That time has long since passed! She's a nuisance and we need to be rid of her. If word spreads of this challenge…"

Ulfric rubbed his weary face. "I know old man. But, her challenge is valid."

Galmar spit the brandy out. "By Talos, Ulfric! Have you lost your mind? You're the High King! She's a common animal that needs to be exterminated."

"The more the reason I need to accept her challenge. It proves my station is righteous under Talos himself. To defeat her in combat…"

"No, it proves you want to die." Galmar huffed at him. "I have a better idea." He picked up the letter and walked to the fireplace, throwing it into the flames.

"Which is what?" Ulfric's irritation wasn't with Galmar, but because of his lack of sleep.

"We end this madness with the Dragonborn once and for all." Galmar enjoyed the sip of his brandy as Ulfric watched. "No one knows of her challenge to you so your honor is preserved, but we need to make sure she dies and painfully."

"What is your suggestion, Galmar?" Ulfric weighed Galmar's words in his mind.

"I have a few ideas how we can make sure she never makes it to Eastmarch…"