4E 204 year… 2st of Evening Star… 2209…

Theron practically skipped into the private room with the entourage of Knights in tow. "Azriel!"

Azriel chuckled at how excited he was. After leaving Castle Dour, all he could talk about was the Knights. "Did you get everything we requested from Sayma and Jala?"

"Yes, I did! But look, Azriel they really came!"

Aela and Serana shared a laugh at Theron's enthusiasm while Theron blushed.

"I can see that, and welcome. I figured the private room here at the Winking Skeever better suited us." Azriel pulled a chair out for Imhotep next to hers. "I've already asked Corpulus to send down food. The contents of the casks are ours, so help yourselves."

Sorex pushed open the door with a tray heavy with cheeses, breads, and raw fruits. Behind him trailed his sister, Minette, with a basket filled with jams, honey, salt, garlic paste, and butter.

Sorex smiled, handing the platter to Aela. "Father said the roasted venison and beef will be down in few minutes. I'll be back with more fruits and vegetables."

"For your pleasure, we've set up the Blackbriar 195 Berry-Blend here. It should be at its peak right now. We just got this cask of Old Gold 200 and Fat Toad 190. There are plenty of choices for you to enjoy." Minette added with a wink, right before following her brother out of the large basement dining room.

Azriel looked around the table. Imhotep and his son sat between her and Aela. Serana sat next to her opposite the three Redguards.

"Please allow me to introduce my fellows since I have already introduced Ptah." Imhotep pointed at first Redguard man, "Sophokles is our Master Horse trainer." He moved on to the youngest man, "Photios is a man at arms in our company." The blonde Redguard smiled at Azriel. "This is Adonesis. He is our Blade Master." Imhotep turned back to Azriel, "and your lovely companions?"

Azriel winked at Serana before answering. "Aela the Huntress of the Companions and Lady Serana of Clan Volkihar."

Serana rolled her eyes. "Just Serana is fine."

"Lady?" Aela snorted "You're less Lady like than I am."

Imhotep laughed with his men at Aela's rather loud jest. "General Tullius told us who was coming…" he paused and looked at Azriel, his face straightening and his eyes narrowed. "But, I did not know it would be the Grand Champion leading them."

Aela and Serana tensed with Azriel.

Imhotep relaxed against his chair. "I am no fool, young Dragonborn. I knew who you were when you walked into that room. My father was also the Grand Champion after defeating Agronak gro-Malog, the Gray Prince." He leaned forward, "I know for certain a child could never have defeated Marduk gro-Essek or that Dunmer Nightblade. Not unless they wanted you to."

Azriel grit her jaw, every muscle in her body tensed, yet she remained silent.

Imhotep leaned forward slowly.

"What do you want?" Azriel snapped at him.

"The Knights of the True Horn have served many purposes throughout the years. My father swore his life to protect the last Dragonborn, Martin Septim..."

Azriel swallowed.

"You, though… You are the last." He paused taking in Azriel carefully. "A child I know was tortured and in servitude…" He lowered his voice, "…with the weight of the world as your responsibility. Word of the defeat of the World Eater has stretched to the ears of the known world. A child Dragonborn… and the rise of a new Empire."

Serana held her finger to her lips and the group fell silent. A soft knock on the door interrupted the tension in the room. Minette appeared with Sorex and another man carrying fresh fruits and vegetables, chilled water and juices. "We'll just leave these for you. We'll be bringing down the roasted meat in a minute."

Once they disappeared, Imhotep continued. "Thank you, milady." He turned back to Azriel. "Your Steward knows of us, do you?"

Azriel shook her head. She caught both Aela and Serana's eyes for just a second.

The Argonian motioned to his son, who stood and walked to the casks. Serana cut him off in an instant.

"I'll serve Azriel and Aela." She was curt, but polite.

The Argonian looked to his father.

"Ahziial, there must be trust between us. I know more about you than anyone in the Empire."

Azriel shifted uncomfortably in her chair. "In Skyrim, no one knows me by that name."

"That is for the best." Imhotep answered understandingly. "Please, allow me to tell you the tale of our purpose so you may place your trust with us."

Azriel looked to Aela then Serana.

"Trust is earned, Argonian. Azriel would be in danger if others knew who she truly is." Aela responded in kind.

Imhotep placed his hands on the table top. The seated Redguards and Ptah did the same.

"She is already in danger, Companion." Imhotep said gently. "It is why we accepted Tullius' invitation, to protect the Empress."

Aela and Azriel shared another quick look. Serana moved to the door, blocking it.

"You know?" Azriel muttered.

"Of course I know. I also know that the Blades have turned against their sworn oath and their duty. I know, because I am a Priest of Talos and a sworn protector of the Dragonborns. We are true Blades and our duty is to the Dragonborn."

Azriel shove her chair back, drawing her sword. He canines extended, in her mind she heard Aela's wolf howl in unison with her own. "Then you should know that the Blades are my enemy!"

Imhotep didn't move nor did the others, instead he spoke softly. "My father was the Argonian that rescued Martin Septim, fought by his side, and saw him in the last moments before his sacrifice to save Tamriel from Mehrunes Dagon. He was a Blade."

The hilt of Azriel's sword grew heavy as she listened.

"I have followed in his footsteps as does my son. My father foresaw the decline of the Empire long after he helped the Knights reclaim their home from bandits. He returned to Battlehorn Castle and taught them well after the Grand Master passed. They became Blades and Priests of Talos. My father brought new purpose to the True Horn. He waited long for another Dragonborn to come and guide us, but it did not happen in his lifetime. We carried on, remaining hidden whilst staying in plain sight. Now we are here to serve you, Dragonborn. I ask only for a seedling of trust, for you to look past your hatred of what you have known."

The tip of Azriel's sword touched the floor.

Imhotep smiled slowly and continued. "I know you have split from the Blades and I have paid well to gather information about you because of it. My father sought to protect the Empire from its foes after the death of Septim line through deception. Titus Mede I was crowned the Emperor, but we have never truly served the Mede Dynasty Emperors. Instead, we have watched and waited as the Thalmor grew in power."

Azriel didn't move a muscle as her eyes traveled each of the men in the room. She looked at Theron, seeing the confusion written on his ashen face.

"As Blades we played in our role, but the Mede Dynasty refused to listen until it was too late. When the Thalmor finally struck, the blow was decisive. The Great War escalated, the only reason the Empire did not crumble was the Battle of Red Ring gave Titus Mede II a chance to spare the Empire of a crushing defeat that would have ended in the death of the races of Men."

Azriel slowly sheathed her blade. "The Blades of Skyrim have turned against me."

"The mortals are coming." Serana caught their attention with a whisper.

Imhotep gave a bleak nod. "They hunt the dragons, following an ancient role of the Dragonguard. I have been told that recently as well. I have a very tight source of information and I pay dearly for that source's accuracy." He sighed, exhausted. "They have forgotten our purpose is to serve and protect the Empire and her rightful rulers."

A rap on the door cut their conversation short. Serana opened the door for Minette and her brother to bring in loaded trays of roasted meats and roasted vegetables. Everyone remained quiet until they had left with the promise of another course.

Serana remained standing at the door. Azriel stood motionless with her back to the wall with Aela between the Argonians and the Redguards.

"Before I tell you, I want to ask you something." Azriel gripped the chair-back.

"Anything…" He answered quietly.

"How do you know you can trust me?" Azriel asked quietly.

Imhotep laughed softly. "Because, you are Dragonborn! You are the heiress of the Throne of Tamriel and because it is our duty to serve you without question as your protectors."

Azriel stared at him disbelievingly. "Bullshit. I don't need more enemies, Imhotep. I need allies. I want the real answer, not the one you think I want to hear."

Imhotep heave a sigh. "I see in you much of the qualities I loved about my father. He was a simple man, who wanted simple things in his life. Never did he seem happy with role he had to play. He was a hero who forever chased the quest because he had to, not because he wanted to. You are the same, are you not, Grand Champion? After your time trapped in the bowels of that bloody hell, I cannot fathom your desires for anything but simplicity. Skyrim doesn't grant that any more than the Arena did. You probably feel more like a slave here than you did in that pit of despair."

The words hit Azriel like a punch. She took a deep breath, "I never wanted this." She rubbed her head and looked at the floor. "I would have been happy being a smith."

"Fate has dealt your hand, Ahziial. Like my father, it is up to you to carve your own path."

Azriel shifted her gaze from Imhotep to Serana. For a short moment everyone in the room was quiet and in that time the two shared a long look of understanding. "My blood opened an Akaviri temple, in it was Alduin's Wall. The Blades of Skyrim now possess it along with ancient tomes about the Dragonguard, the Dragonborns, and the dragons. I've severed my ties with them entirely. The Grandmaster has lost her ever-loving mind and thinks I'll kill an entire race for her because it's my destiny. That is not my purpose and I won't do it."

Imhotep tapped the table. "You do not believe in destroying the dragons?"

Azriel shook her head. "No."

His fingers drummed out a rhythm on the table. "Tell me, why not?"

"For thousands of years, the dragons were enslaved to Alduin's ways. As eldest, he ruled them through force. I've found so much since coming to Skyrim… tomes, scrolls, walls that contain history. But, it's the dragons' souls that tell me so much more about them…"

He stopped drumming on the table and interrupted her. "The what?"

"The dragons' souls I devour." Azriel stared at the floor. "When I kill a dragon, I take their soul. It doesn't return to Aetherius. Even my name is terrible. Ah. Zii. Al. Hunter. Spirit. Destroyer. Is the literal translation, what it means is Devourer of Souls."

Imhotep looked at the other men around the room. "That's remarkable! Tiber Septim purportedly took a dragon's soul, but that was untrue. We found old texts which were very precise on the matter. It was a story told by the ancient Nords. He was Dragonborn through his blood as were each of his children. You are different, but surely a Septim."

Azriel cleared her throat. "I'm not. Of that, I'm sure."

Imhotep and every man in the room edge forward. "How do you know for certain?"

Azriel looked to Aela and Serana, both women gave her a look she wasn't sure of being encouragement. Both of them were very apprehensive and she could feel it. She shared the apprehension, but she also knew she needed allies not adversaries.

"I am Ahziial. The last born child of Akatosh. I am Dov housed in mortal flesh, but I am not joor. I am the last Dragonborn, no line will come from me." No one in the room made a sound and Azriel decided to put all of her cards on the table. "I know who I am and now you do as well. Delphine is the Grandmaster of the Blades in Skyrim. What she has asked of me, I can't do. I cannot destroy an entire species for her or for anyone. I have to live with their knowledge, their memories, their emotions, and their destruction. Not her. I cannot and I will not kill a dragon if I don't have to. I severed my ties with her because I choose the dragons over the Blades. I choose them over mortals. I am Thur and I will protect them if I can."

"Thur… the word means overlord?"

Azriel nodded.

"You rule through your defeat of the World Eater?"

Azriel nodded again. "Delphine called me a fool for believing they would actually follow me. She doesn't understand them. She thinks they are mindless flame spewing machines and doesn't see them as living creatures that have pride or honor."

"I understand your choice then." Imhotep bowed slowly. "I will not ask you to mindlessly slaughter the race of dragons. But, I would ask for you to return to Cyrodiil. The Empire needs you, now more than ever."

Azriel slumped into the chair she had been gripping tightly. "I know the Emperor has no legitimate heir. I know…" Azriel sighed. "I know I have to return to claim the throne. It's not something I'm eager to do." She looked up at Serana for a moment. "I have obligations here."

Imhotep picked up a loaf of bread and broke a piece off, handing it to her. "We will aid you as we can. Tullius has sent information to the other Holds about the Thalmor."

The mention of the Thalmor made her think of Jordis and Azriel growled as she bit in to the bread.

"Give him the credit he deserves. He will have much to answer for when the Emperor arrives. The treaty with the Thalmor is shaky at best, his edict to cut them down on sight is an act of war. He over-reaches his power and his position. He is doing his best to keep Skyrim within the Empire and to stave of the Thalmor that lay in wait for the Empire to crumble. This is why you must return to Cyrodiil. Only the Dragonborn has the divine right to rule. With you, there is hope."

Aela cleared her throat behind him.

Azriel clucked at the thought. "No pressure or anything."

"You have opened up to me and I will do the same." He looked to his son and received a smile in return. "I asked for your trust, now I give you mine. I have said I paid well to know your whereabouts and to know as much as I could about you."

Azriel shrugged. "Not hard if you paid pretty much anyone in Skyrim for information."

He chuckled and continued. "We have survived the Thalmor inquisitions through deceit and treachery. The Thalmor are the enemy to us and it is our purpose to rid ourselves of their blight, to do so we work with the Gray Fox. In Cyrodiil, the Thieves Guild takes from the wealthy to feed the impoverished. The Halls of Battlehorn Castle serve the poor and destitute. We've expanded our own community to become a thriving and harmonious group. We work to see Cyrodiil whole once more."

"How can the Gray Fox still be alive?" Azriel pondered out loud.

Aela picked up some of the roasted meat with her dagger. "He's a myth, Azriel."

"I assure you, the Gray Fox is no myth. I'm not a thief, but I've met the Gray Fox personally. It is through the Gray Fox that we were successful and the reason we are here safely."

Azriel narrowed her brow in thought. "Tell me more about the Gray Fox."

4E 204 year… 3st of Evening Star… 0234…

Azriel stood in the dry sewer alone. The salt circle in front of her glowed bright purple with the enchantment she had placed on it. She took a deep breath to calm her nerves. "Velehk Sain, I command you to appear before me!"

The purple glow changed to red and in that instant, the Pirate King appeared in the binding circle.

"What now?" The pirate's drawl carried a heavy accent of irritation to it. "I was in the middle of somethin' important!"

Azriel smiled slowly, watching him take in his surroundings. "I wanted to give you a gift in trade for a favor."

At first he didn't respond, still looking around the sewer. When he returned her gaze, he casually scratched his chin. "What sort of favor?"

Azriel walked to the edge of the circle. "I need you to grant safe passage to an Imperial Galleon." The pirate started to protest, but Azriel held up her hand, motioning for him to be silent. "In trade, I'll give you other ships to plunder and another safe haven far from their reach. The ships carry weapons and goods, plenty of booty for you and your crew, all of it is yours for one Imperial galleon's passage."

"Why d'ya care about an Imperial galleon?"

Azriel let the smile grow into something malicious. "It has something I want on it. The others are yours, ships, crew, booty, all of it and I'm throwing in a safe port for you in Cyrodiil. Are you in or not?"

His cold stare, brightened. "Damn it, Lass! You know how to peak my interest. I'm in."

Azriel's smile grew wide as she broke the circle, pulled her map from her ruck sack. "Swear to me, give your word that we have a deal."

The pirate laughed loudly. "Ya drive a hard bargain. Very well, Ahziial. I, Velehk Sain, swear on me ship the Abecean, to bind myself to our pact. I'll not cut the lines nor turn till on me word."

"Deal. First, the safe port for you to call your own." Azriel's smile widened and she opened her map. Her hands caught fire and she spoke to the flaming parchment.

"Show me Cyrodiil…" she glanced up as the map changed from Skyrim to Cyrodiil. "It's near Anvil and called Dunbarrow Cove. When we're done, you get to tell me about your dragon if you want out of that binding circle."

The Pirate King groaned loudly at her mention of the trap he was stuck in.

4E 204 year… 3st of Evening Star… 0509…

"Get closer, Odahviing!" Azriel shouted over the wind.

The red dragon obliged, dropping lower in the early morning sky. Circling over the marsh, they watched two groups of people fighting.

"I'm not sure if we should just kill all of them or let them kill each other!"

Odahviing didn't answer as he chuckled.

"We could just watch." Aela yelled to her.

"That's boring! Besides, I'm not sure who I hate more." Azriel stood on Odahviing then jumped. "FEIM!"

She landed near the two groups immersed in battle. "So the Dawnguard have finally crawled out of their miserable…"

The vampire's hiss caught her off by surprise. Azriel drew both of her swords and charged the vampire. She was oblivious to the red dragon landing on one of the small islands next to them as she cut through the vampire. She turned to the next man in Dawnguard armor, only to see another vampire.

Only when Serana appeared next to her did she notice that Odahviing and Saaraadgraat had landed. The dragons had separated the vampire Dawnguard from the Blades and were dispatching them. It was shocking that Blades weren't attacking the dragons, more surprising, they were lying on the ground in a submissive position.

Azriel wiped a vampire's blood from her cheek, sheathing her swords. She examined Valerica as she let the last vampire drop from her arms, but didn't linger watching. She turned her attention to the prostrated faction.

Azriel marched to them. "What are you doing here? I thought I made it clear…"

"We left Delphine." A shaky male voice called out, slightly muffled by the wet ground.

Azriel stopped dead in her tracks and studied them carefully.

Without a response, the Blades lead tentatively looked up. Slowly he pulled his helm from his head. "We left Delphine."

"Folian." Azriel breathed out.

He gave a curt nod to her. Slowly he made to stand and Azriel drew her sword in a swift move. "Don't."

He quickly shifted to his original position on the ground. "Please, Azriel, you know me. There is a reason for our abandonment."

Azriel rolled her eyes at him. "Which is what? Why are you even out here?"

"To find you, to beg your forgiveness… She's gone mad, Azriel." He threw a cautious look at Odahviing and Saaraadgraat. "Mad with the destruction of the dragons. She's gone so far as to call you a traitor and demand your head as proof of your death."

Azriel knitted her eyebrows together. "So I'm supposed to believe that you just walked out?" She looked at Serana and Aela.

Folian shrugged at her. "Sort of. We were sent out on a mission. I took those loyal to you left with me."

"What mission?" Serana asked quietly.

"Everyone in Tamriel has heard the Greybeards call. All of us assumed they were calling you. Delphine believes they were calling another Dragonborn."

Azriel exhaled. "Delphine told you this?"

Folian shook his head. "No. I overheard a conversation between her and Esbern. Delphine sent us to find a dragon, the one named Saaraadgraat."

Saaraadgraat and Azriel laughed, motioning for Folian to stand.

"And what would you do with him when you found him?" Aela was definitely irritated, it made Azriel laugh harder.

As he stood, he continued. "Nothing. We did not seek the dragon out. It's a fool's errand she sends us on to fight a dragon. Others have gone on hunts and no one has heard from them since. Instead, I was attempting return to Solitude to find Azriel." He motioned to the twenty-five other Blades around him. "I've brought those loyal to you with me." He pulled a letter from his pouch. "We found a dead Imperial messenger North of Karthwasten."

"Karthwasten?" Aela looked directly at Azriel. "I knew those skeevers were no good."

"Aela, relax, you don't know it was the Forsworn." Azriel waved him on. "Let me see that." She took the message from Folian. Opening it, she started to read.

~ Legate Admand ~

A detachment of Battle Mages will be marching in ten days to Markarth. Along with the Mages, supplies will be sent with as many regular infantry as we can muster. Stock food and supplies as much as possible. If the rebels do attempt to claim Markarth as they have in the past, we can expect a siege. Fresh water and arrows will be a premium, so ensure the lumber and iron flows into the city until the last possible minute. Keep the water supply into the city under guard and make sure it remains untainted. Bring the farmers, smiths, and miners into the city when possible. Keep the watch posted to the west and keep fresh horses readily available. We'll send more with the next shipment.

The Dragonborn is working on the vampire menace. Make sure the city gates are locked at night and that the evening watch is doubled. The curfew in Markarth should keep the rabble out.

Lastly, quell the damn cultists. We can't scare the Dragonborn off now that she's on our side. If she catches wind of it, don't let it be from our troops.

Keep searching for Thalmor spies in your midst. We cannot have any more problems in Skyrim. Execute them on sight.

~ Legate Rikke ~

"What cultists?" Azriel looked up from the parchment. She handed it over to Serana to read. She ignored the fact Valerica was reading over Serana's shoulder.

Folian cleared his throat. "I didn't think you knew. There are people who believe that the return of the dragons and the appearance of the last Dragonborn is an omen from the Gods. Since you defeated Alduin, it's spread."

Azriel moaned and rubbed her face. "What kind of omen?"

Serana handed the parchment to Aela.

He toed the ground, averting his gaze. "That we have strayed too far from the old Nordic ways…"

"Do I get a clue or do I have to guess what that's supposed to mean?" Azriel couldn't keep the anger from her voice.

Valerica clucked behind her. "Isn't it obvious? The foolish mortals worship you and the dragons."

Azriel stared at the twenty-five other Blades on the ground. 'You will find friends amongst your foes. Do not be blinded by your own hate and see with your heart, daughter of Akatosh.'

"Get up." She knew each of them and on some level had interacted with them. They each had come from different walks of life. But, every one of them had one thing in common. "All of you, what is your pledge?"

The Blades looked at each other in question.

Azriel sighed. "What is your pledge? Say it out loud."

Each of the faced her and took of their helmets. As a group they spoke. "Since time immortal, we have served. First, as Akaviri dragon slayers. Then as the Dragonguard, with sole purpose and resolute. To render the land as behest by the Divines. To rid Tamriel of tyranny of the Dov and to serve the true Dragonborn Emperor or Empress. Now, we are the Blades, our purpose is clear and devout."

Azriel let a smirk slid onto her face as they continued.

"Talos is our guide! The Dragonborn God has granted us our privilege to serve! I…" each of the Blades said their names "…trade away all claims and titles of my former life. I live and devote myself to protecting Tamriel from danger in any form. I exist to protect and serve the Dragonborn until my dying breath. I will follow the Dragonborn into the depths of Oblivion and to the heights of Aetherius at their command."

Azriel folded her arms waiting for them to finish.

"I am a Blade. I am the sworn protector of the Dragonborn and of the Empire. I will guide the Dragonborn through the darkest obscurity and stand in front of the Dragonborn through every battle. I will serve and protect the Dragonborn, my oath to Talos, binds me. We are the Blades! We are the protectors of the Dragonborn and of the Empire! Our purpose is divine, granted by Talos, himself! Long live the Dragonborn! Long live the Empire!"

Azriel let her arms drop. "Now that I've actually heard you say it, I accept your sworn and honor bound word."

The Blades looked at her each of them had a confused look on their faces.

"As Blades, you serve me. Zu'u Dovahkiin!" Her Thu'um shook the ground. "Let there be no question of your loyalty to me."

She leveled her vision on Folian. "Step forward and kneel, Folian."

He did as she asked, setting his helmet on the ground with his sword tip in the soft soil. Azriel drew her sword and let it rest on his shoulder. "Folian of Windhelm, do you swear to honor your word. Will you follow me into battle and give your life for the Empire?"

"I will." Folian answered.

"I knight you Sir Folian, Grandmaster of the Blades of Skyrim." Azriel lifted her blade from his shoulder. "Rise, Sir Folian and face your charges."

Folian stood shaking.

Serana whispered so only Azriel, Aela, Valerica and the dragons could hear "You do realize what you are doing?"

Azriel ignored her and continued. "They're going to Solitude." She looked at the Argonians, Bretons, and Imperials in the group. Her vision lingered on one Argonian in particular. "Hectate."

She ran forward, tripping over her own feet. "Yes, Dragonborn."

Azriel shook her head in disgust. "Call me by my name please." She thought for a moment. "Do you remember when I saved you from that guard on the water front?"

The Argonian nodded vehemently. "I do."

"I need you to bring the others to an Argonian in Solitude. His name is Imhotep. You'll find him resting in my home Proudspire Manor. Ask the guards at the gate for directions, but say nothing else to anyone. You all are now in his service for the moment. You will follow his orders as if they were my own. Sir Imhotep is the Grandmaster of the Blades of Cyrodiil. He will give you your orders." She took the message from Aela and handed it to Hectate. "Give this to him. Tell him the Grand Champion of the Arena sends her regards."

A few of the older Blades shifted warily and Azriel stared down each of them. "You heard me correctly. I am Ahziial and you are bound to take that to your graves. You will tell no one, nor will you call me by that name. You serve the Empire, the dragons are not your enemies. The Thalmor and the Stormcloaks are. We will preserve the Empire with our dying breath."

"As you wish, Azriel." Hectate bowed, "long life to you, Empress." She started to run, the other Blades following dutifully.

Azriel looked at Folian. "Why did you choose to find me?"

He shifted uncomfortable under her stare. "I needed to know the truth."

Azriel simply looked at him for a minute, waiting for him to continue.

"Is there another Dragonborn?" His question lingered in the air.

Azriel looked at the star filled sky. She took a deep breath of the salt march. 'Even you cannot fight every adversary alone, Dragonborn. You will find the greatest allies come from the Fount of Conflict. Mistrust is rampant and War is the Herald of Peace.'

"NAH FAH LAAR!"

Her shout resonated across the delta, the water vibrated with it. The cool morning air stilled. The dragons shifted, but no one spoke for a full minute.

So little time… but, how much is ever enough? Azriel watched the sky. "Do you remember when we met?"

Folian smiled at her. "You rescued me from the Thalmor. You saved my life and I pledged to Talos I'd save yours by serving you."

That doesn't matter anymore. Karliah needs to know everything and how she fits in... Azriel tore her eyes from the dragon that approached. "I need you to guard someone from Delphine. I need you to guard this person with your life. She can never know about her, Folian. I need to trust her life to you, she's the answer..."

In the distance the dragon roared, signaling his approach.

Folian watched the dragon for a moment longer. "Never know what? The answer to what? I don't understand."

"There is another Dragonborn. She is older than I am and the daughter of Talos. She's the last Septim."

Folian looked flabbergasted. "A Septim lives?"

Azriel nodded at him. "Yeah, she does."

"And you?"

Azriel shook her head, knowing he was asking her if they were related. "I'm not a Septim. But, as far as I'm concerned, we're sisters. Forget everything you have ever been told about Dragonborns, Folian."

The red dragon circled and descended.

"What? Why, Azriel?"

Azriel leveled her gaze on him. "When I met you, your Nordic heritage and all you Nordic pride was misplaced in Ulfric Stormcloak. You swore your life to me, Folian. I accepted and you will do everything I say, as I say it."

He nodded, staring at the red dragon. "I do… I mean I will."

"Karliah is a Dunmer and she is Dragonborn. You need to protect her from Delphine, from Ulfric, and from the Thalmor. She's not helpless, but this world is far too dangerous for her to be on her own. Where I will fail, she needs to succeed. She will take my place."

Folian looked as though her were going to be sick.

"My Thur, what is your command?" Nahfahlaar bowed his head to her.

Azriel stroked his snout. "Is Karliah still safe?"

"Nid. She has left the strunmah."

"Gods damn it!" Azriel punched her hip. "Why?"

"Faal Dovahdaan lost staad vonzun amongst goraan gein. Rek mindok rek lost nid lingrahiik tirahk ko Vokun."

"Did you know this?" Azriel glared at Folian.

He looked perplexedly between the two, his pale growing shades lighter. "Know what? I don't even know what he said!"

"Delphine put a spy in High Hrothgar as a student!"

Folian's shoulders slumped, sweat beaded on his forehead. "No, I didn't. I was wondering how Delphine knew everything about the place." He shook his head. "I figured she had cut a deal with Ulfric…"

Nahfahlaar nearly purred with content when she resumed rubbing his snout. "I need you to find her. Folian is going with you. Eat him if he fucks up."

"Zu'u dreh ni naak muz. Zu mindok kolos rek los."

Azriel's hand came to a rest on the dragon's nose. "Where?"

Nahfahlaar made a noise that Azriel thought sounded like he was clearing his throat. "In a place only three would know."

Azriel thought for a moment. "Change of plans, Folian. You are coming with us."

"Azriel, this is ludicrous." Aela touched her shoulder. "Can I talk to you for a second?"

Azriel turned on her heel and glared. "We're not discussing this."

Aela crossed her arms in a huff. "So you're just suddenly friendly toward a bunch of snowberries that betrayed you?"

Valerica shifted behind Aela. "As interesting as all this really is," the sarcasm dripped off her words. "We have more pressing matters in case you've both forgotten."

"What?" Aela rounded on her. "Making sure your husband doesn't kill you?"

Valerica regarded her coldly. "Making sure he doesn't destroy all of Nirn."

"What in the name of Talos is going on?" Folian looked between the three women.

"You, shut it." Aela barked at him.

Azriel spun Aela back around to face her. "We need as many on our side as we can get. We cannot fight vampires, Stormcloaks, Thalmor, and everyone else. I need you to trust me and my decisions. As much as I hate agreeing with Valerica, Harkon is our priority. Nothing else will matter if he destroys the Sun."

Aela sighed and motioned for Azriel to continue.

Valerica smiled coldly at both of them. "Wise decision."

Serana rolled her eyes and leapt up on Saaraadgraat. "Let's just get this over with please."

Azriel and Aela hopped onto Odahviing. "Folian, you and Nahfahlaar will follow us for now. I'll explain everything when we get to where we are going."

Folian hesitated for a moment as the dragon lowered his head.

"You are safe, young one." The dragon tried to be reassuring as he nudged closer.

Folian shivered as he climbed onto the dragon's neck.