Nightmare
"Don't try and stop me from avenging this world"
Waking the Demon, Bullet For My Valentine
The snow stopped falling. The sky was now clear.
Asbjorn and Mojdar continued down the trail. The trip had been quiet.
"Is this one ever going to open up?"
"No."
Mojdar raised his brow.
"Ok. But can I know why we are heading to Windhelm?"
Asbjorn stopped and looked down at him and sighed. "It's complicated, alright? The less you know the better."
"But we're in this together, no?"
Asbjorn rolled his eyes and continued forward.
"It's just something I have to do, ok?"
Mojdar watched as Asbjorn went ahead. He jogged towards him to catch up.
As they reached the top of the hill, Asbjorn pulled Balder by the reins to stop.
"What, what happened?"
Mojdar stopped and looked up.
"What do you mean?"
"Windhelm. It looks…bad."
"The city has been in bad shape for a long while now. Have you not been here in so long?"
"It's been a few years, what happened?"
"The war, mainly. But there have been some bandit raids and riots."
"Riots?"
"Yeah, the Dunmer and Nords. No one is at peace within those walls."
They approached closer to the stables. Asbjorn stared at the Altmer.
"What's the matter? Have you not seen an Altmer before?" The Altmer asked. Asbjorn shook his head.
"It's not that. I'm sorry, I just…Do you own the stables?"
"Yes. What of it?" He was taking offense.
"After all these years, Elves can still own property?"
"We pay higher taxes than other citizens, but we make a decent living. I love the horses and it's honest work. The Jarl doesn't mind us, as long as we make money and pay the taxes. Besides, we're treated fairly. It's the Dunmer that have it rough."
"Well, that's ironic, don't you think?"
"What?"
"I just mean that since the Thalmor are, you know, High Elves. And Da—Ulfric has a long heated history with them."
"Yeah, well, we're lucky we're not hated as much as the Dunmer. Anyway, do you need anything?"
"Can I leave my horse with you for a few moments?"
"I'll have to charge you. Ten gold?"
"Fine." Asbjorn reached into his pocket and pulled out some coin. "Here." He handed over the coins as he dismounted. Mojdar looked at him.
"You're just full of riches, aren't ya?"
Asbjorn sighed.
"Just some coin from mercenary work. Trust me, I am not worth a thing."
They stepped onto the bridge. Asbjorn could feel his stomach churning.
Mojdar stopped. Asbjorn turned to him.
"What is it?"
"Kahjiit aren't allowed in the city due to racial stereotype."
"Just throw a hood up and tuck your tail. You'll be fine."
"Tuck in your tail, he says. Just tuck in your tail." Mojdar muttered to himself, mocking Asbjorn's tone.
They approached what looked like a memorial on the bridge.
"Rhalyf's death shall not be forgotten! Asbjorn is guilty of murder." Mojdar read it out loud. He looked over at Asbjorn. "You are a mess."
"It was just an accident."
"HA! So, you're the Asbjorn mentioned!"
Asbjorn sighed and continued towards the gate, ignoring Mojdar.
"You'll have to tell me one day, Asbjorn!"
They walked through the gates and the air was cold. Nothing felt right. It almost felt wrong to be here.
"This was a bad idea." He mumbled to himself. He looked around. He groaned at the sight before him. It was the infamous drunk, Rolff Stone-Fist and his buddy, Angrenor.
"How about I visit you tonight in the Gray Quarter? Show you where you really belong, ya damned gray skin!"
The Elf groaned in disgust.
"Please, just let me be."
"You don't help with the war or our cause. You just pollute the air with your filth and for what? Nothing. You do nothing for us."
"I don't have to do anything for you because this isn't our fight."
"Maybe the Dark Elves are Imperial spies, that's why they don't help out. They're helping the Imperials!"
"Imperial spy, you can't be serious."
Asbjorn had enough and marched over. "Hey! You leave her alone!"
Mojdar watched than followed closely.
Rolff looked over at him.
"What'cha gonna do about it?"
Asbjorn could smell the alcohol from where he was. Rolff stepped closer. He was obviously too drunk to even attempt to recognize him.
Asbjorn drew his sword as a threat.
Rolff and Angrenor backed away.
"Whoa, ok. It ain't worth the hassle." Rolff turned back to the Dunmer. "I'll see you later tonight." He spit at her feet and walked away with Angrenor behind him.
Mojdar gagged as he caught the scent of the alcohol. "They reek."
"Yeah, well, that's the Nord life for you." Asbjorn said as he turned to the Dunmer, "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine, nothing I couldn't handle. But I appreciate what you did." She said and then looked at him, "It's always the same with those two."
"Sorry to hear."
"Yeah, those guys were acting like assholes."
"Like I said, it's the same old thing every damned day."
She shook her head.
"All the Nords are like this minus a few who give a damn. Those two are just the worst of them. They walk around the Gray Quarter during the twilight hours of the night, shouting slurs at us and smashing bottles everywhere. Waking all of us up."
"That is a real dick thing to do. Nords are the worst." Mojdar said. He grinned and then through an arm over Asbjorn's shoulder, "But this one, this one is just fine."
Asbjorn rolled his eyes, "Thanks, Mojdar." He pulled away.
"Why come here? You're obviously different from the others."
"I've come to talk with Ulfric Stormcloak."
"For what? Surely you're not joining him." The Dunmer began backing away.
Asbjorn shook his head.
"No, of course not. I've come to try to put a stop to this."
The Dunmer stared for a moment.
"Hah! To put a stop to this? Yeah, right." She turned away and looked up at the sky. She closed her eyes. "Brunwulf Free-Winter, a man who knows Ulfric personally and is friends with us Elves and Argonians tries every day to change his mind about how we live. He had no luck." She sighed and looked at Asbjorn. "Ulfric had a mistress once, did you know that?"
"Really?" Mojdar asked. She nodded.
"She had him in line for a decent time. They even had a son together. But that son was trouble. As a kid, he murdered a Dunmer child."
Asbjorn froze.
"Oh, is that so?" Mojdar asked. He looked at Asbjorn and then back to the Elf, "Continue."
"Their son was sent away. I don't blame him too much, but what happened was a terrible mess. The Elves and Nords really sparked their hatred after that accident. Asbjorn died shortly after, in an accident near Riften, or so we're told. Things started getting worse and the mistress left."
Asbjorn was shocked at the bullshit rumors that were spreading about him.
"Yeah, it was a huge mess. Just trust me, alright?"
"Trust is hard these days…"
"Yeah, I get it." Asbjorn said.
"Well, I should get going. Thanks again for what you did." She turned around and walked away.
Asbjorn took a deep breath. This wasn't going to be easy.
Mojdar stood at his side.
"So, are you ready to share your story with Mojdar?"
"Not right now." Asbjorn brushed by the Kahjiit and headed towards the Palace. Mojdar followed closely without another word.
"Hey, kid. You look familiar." Angrenor approached him. He had his arms crossed as he looked Asbjorn up and down.
"I'm just a traveler passing through the city."
"Where ya heading?"
"What does it matter? Get out of my way, now."
"Or what?" Rolff stepped in. He had a bottle of beer in hand, slapping it into his free hand. "We don't take kindly to strangers and we certainly don't like when the gray skins have backup."
"Leave this one alone, this one did nothing but put your ignorance in its place." Mojdar said, stepping forward.
"Oh? And I suppose you're gonna do something about it?"
"I can."
Asbjorn rolled his eyes and started to push them aside. They wouldn't budge.
"If I have to, I'll pierce a hole through your chest." His tone was aggressive.
"I'd like to see you try, kid. With these guards, it'll get you a one-way ticket to jail and you may never get out."
"And I've been run through the chest by an Imperial before, you'd be nothing."
"Is that so?" He drew his weapon. He held it up. "Back off now! You're nothing to this city. Why do you think you're living on the streets? Those rags don't scream rich Nord, a peasant, you are. Merely just an arrogant beggar, you pray and beg for a better life. The elves did this to you, right? Of course you couldn't put it on yourself. Never!"
Rolff stepped back as he realized who he was. He turned to Angrenor.
"I think we should back off, this is Ulfric's son."
"What?" Angrenor looked at Rolff and then back at Asbjorn. "No kidding. We thought you died."
A small crowd started forming around them. Mojdar stood there, getting ready to use his claws.
"Nope. I'm alive and well."
"Shit kid, you're a Nord hero."
"For what?"
"Killing that pest."
"That 'pest' was a living being and it was an accident."
"Asbjorn!"
He turned around to see Brunwulf Free-Winter approach him.
"Look at you! Thank the Gods that the rumors weren't true."
"So, did you return to fight in the war? Are you a true son of Skyrim?"
"No."
"Then he's an Imperial spy! Guards!"
"Nor am I with the Imperials, although I wouldn't be entirely against it. Now, if you don't mind." He sheathed his sword and looked up, "I have business to discuss with the Jarl." He proceeded onward as the crowd cleared away.
"Wait!" Mojdar ran after him. Asbjorn stopped and turned to him.
"I need to do this on my own, Mojdar. Wait out here. I'll only be a moment."
"Moments seem to last forever."
"I promise I'll be back out."
"You're not joining in the fight, are you?"
"No." He continued ahead as Mojdar stood there.
As he approached the giant doors, he was hit with a wave of nostalgia.
He remembered the smell of the kitchen. The way the banners hung on the ceilings and walls. The cackling of the fire pits. He remembered the servants sneaking him sweet rolls every now and then while his parents weren't looking.
He shook off any feeling and stepped inside.
To his surprise, everything was nearly as he remembered with a few noticeable differences.
The tables on the sides of the path held plates and platters with endless buffets for various guests and visitors. The cackling of the huge flame torches around the throne.
"Jorleif!" Asbjorn yelled as he walked across the floor.
The steward looked up.
"Yes, can I help you?" He didn't seem to recognize him at first. Asbjorn sighed.
"It's me, Asbjorn."
Some heads peeked up.
"Asbjorn? So, it's true. You've returned!"
"Yes. It's me."
"Look at you. You've grown so much."
"Where's my father?"
"I'm afraid he's busy…"
Asbjorn looked over at the war room, which was closed. Since he was a kid, that meant there was an important discussion. He headed towards the room.
"Wait! You can't just…"
"Father!" Asbjorn yelled as he stepped in.
He caught the attention of everyone in the room.
"Well, well. Look who it is." Skost said as they all turned their heads.
"Shut it, Skost." Asbjorn snapped. He looked around the room.
"Asbjorn, you've made it."
"Yes, I made it. And it seems so have you. We need to talk."
Ulfric let out a sigh and turned to fully face him.
"Give us a moment…"
Everyone cleared out of the room, leaving the two alone.
"Why have you come?" Ulfric asked. Asbjorn took a step back.
"I came to talk to you about the war."
"Have you chosen to side with us?"
"No."
"I see, and I suppose you want me to stop the war. Stop my cause?"
"You don't have to fight like this. Not against the Empire!"
"I'm not just fighting against the Empire!" His temper was quick to ignite. He stepped closer, "I fight for the ones who've lost their loved ones in battle. I fight for those who have died, calling out the names of their wives and children!"
Asbjorn stepped forward.
"You're dividing those families up! The Thalmor are terrible and I don't agree with the Empire's ill-timed decision to accept the agreements, but you've got to let it go! No one else has to die. You drove mom away! That's what you do, you destroy families. You did it to your own!"
"You are too young to even know how I feel about Empire! You don't know the pain we've suffered and endured during the war! Your mother would've been a follower if she hadn't been blinded by the kindness those elves made her believe."
"You're right, I don't understand." He looked back up, "I don't understand how you would be willing to die for the Empire to fight against it. Maybe we can fix things. If you just surrender, the Legion won't have to kill you!"
"I will never surrender to the Empire!"
"Then so be it. You don't have to die for this. If we stay united, the Empire can be whole again. Please."
"I think you should clear out." Ulfric said as he headed out the door into the throne room. Asbjorn groaned and followed.
"The Legion is going to put you down, dad. They won't give you a choice. I'm giving you a choice."
"And I've made my choice. And it seems you've made a wrong one."
"I haven't even chosen a side, because I don't want to fight. But you know I will, if it comes down to it. Mom says that's the worst part of me…the side that reminds her of the bad you."
Silence. Was that a nerve struck?
Asbjorn sighed.
"I hope you'll change your mind. Until then, mom will continue praying and I'll…keep doing whatever I can to change things. If I must join the legion, I will."
Everything went quiet. The sounds of the fire cackling echoed through the halls.
With anger and frustration, Asbjorn turned around and headed out without another word.
The air grew colder and it started to snow. Asbjorn sighed and looked back towards the palace. He shook off any feeling he had and put up his head, walking out into the main plaza.
He could hear an argument. He ran towards the voices.
"So, it's true, a Kahjiit is among us?"
"Yeah? So. This one is stupid and arrogant."
"Say that again, cat."
Mojdar grinned and extracted his claws.
Asbjorn quickly ran to stop him from doing anything rash.
"Mojdar, come! We've got stuff to do!"
Mojdar turned to Rolff and Angrenor.
"But I need to sharpen my claws…"
"Not on them, Mojdar. You don't want their blood on your fur."
"Hmm. Perhaps you're right."
"Get out of here cat."
Mojdar turned and hissed at them, causing them to back away, scared. Mojdar laughed and followed Asbjorn out.
"So where are we going?"
"Solitude."
"Why?"
"I don't know about you, but I think it's time to make my mark. I'm joining the legion."
"The legion? Didn't they try to kill you?"
Asbjorn glared at Mojdar.
"That wouldn't even have happened if it weren't for you!"
"I said I was sorry."
"Sorry doesn't help. If I had died, sorry would've meant nothing."
"But did you die?"
Asbjorn groaned as he mounted his horse.
"That's not the point, Mojdar."
"But you're alive, that's what matters. Right?"
Asbjorn continued on. He stopped and looked back.
"You coming?"
Mojdar nodded and caught up with him.
They walked for a few miles before the weather picked up.
The wind began blowing harder, causing a blizzard.
"Great." Asbjorn groaned.
"There's an inn!" Mojdar pointed ahead. Asbjorn squinted as they approached.
"Nightgate Inn. So, we're nearing the Pale..." Asbjorn dismounted Balder and walked him over to a covering. He fed him a carrot rubbed his neck. "I'll be inside bud, ok?" He turned to Mojdar. "Let's head in, alright? We'll stay until the weather clears up."
"Sounds good!"
"Come in, come in."
Asbjorn and Mojdar stepped inside. It was quiet. There were two other patrons, but the inn was lifeless.
"Can I interest you in any mead?"
"Uh, sure." Asbjorn said as he walked over.
"Thanks for stopping in, could use the customers."
"Not a lot of travelers?"
"Not since the war took off. Soldiers every now and then, but usually it's just the Orc and Fultheim. Both pay to stay here, so I guess I can't complain."
"If it's money you need…" Asbjorn pulled out a handful of gold and set it on the counter.
Mojdar's eyes widened at the amount.
"That's a lot of gold for this one."
Asbjorn rolled his eyes.
"You could use it for the taxes and repairs. It's alright."
"Thanks kid, it means a lot."
Asbjorn nodded and turned around.
"So, this one is very, very rich?"
"Not rich, I just have it saved up, that's all."
"Yes, yes. Keep your secrets." Mojdar turned away.
Asbjorn shook his head.
"What's an Orc dressed up in fine clothes doing here, anyway?"
"Leave me alone, please."
"It's just an Orc dressed like you isn't common."
"Mojdar, leave the Orc alone. No need to cause a fight." Asbjorn said. Mojdar looked up.
"He's suspicious to me."
"Don't worry about it."
"I come from money, is that a problem?"
"An orc? Come from money here in Skyrim?"
"Mojdar! Stop pestering him. Anyone can come from money. Even elves out of Eastmarch can come from money. Orcs have jobs and make their living too. Just because any gold you manage to get, you spend it on, on, wenches and mead and Skooma doesn't mean others can't have money."
Mojdar squinted.
"Yes, yes. You've made your point."
"Thank you." The Orc said as he stood up to head to his room.
"He always keeps to himself. He's strange, that one."
"Yes, well, I think everyone should respect each others privacy. Even in social situations, you know? Don't anger my customers."
"Right."
"Will you two be needing a room?"
"No, we're just stopping in until storm passes through."
"Really? This time of year, the storms are brutal."
"Thanks, but we must continue on."
"Where are ya headed anyway?"
"West."
"Ah, well then, keep in mind that if you're traveling through the Pale, there are a lot of giants and frost trolls as well as Ice Wraiths."
"I got it, thanks."
After an hour, Asbjorn decided it was time to leave.
Mojdar followed him outside. The wind was blowing strong, causing the trees to move around. Balder seemed stressed.
"Come on. We're going."
"Shouldn't we stay?"
"No. The sooner we get to Solitude, the sooner we can get this over with."
"You still never said why."
Asbjorn mounted Balder and looked down at Mojdar.
"Why what?"
"Why you want to join the Legion."
"I have my reasons."
"Does this have something to do with our visit to Windhelm?"
Asbjorn didn't respond. He just sat in silence.
"Forget it." Asbjorn rode ahead.
"Wait for me!" Mojdar ran after him.
The sky got dark as nightfall approached.
"We should've stayed at the inn…" Mojdar said. Asbjorn rolled his eyes.
"If we stayed, we wouldn't have made progress in our travels. We're almost near Dawnstar, we'll rest there."
"Can I trust you won't leave me alone?"
"Yes, Mojdar, I won't leave. I promise."
"Good. You're one of Mojdar's only friends."
Asbjorn sighed as they saw lights from the small town.
By the time they got to Dawnstar, it was well past dark.
"Everyone here looks exhausted…"
"Yeah, what gives?"
They made their way to the tavern.
"And what's a priest of Mara going to do about it?"
"Trust me, Lady Mara will protect all of us. Just give her a chance."
"The Gods haven't done anything about these nightmares."
"Have we been punished?"
"What's that all about?" Asbjorn asked the innkeeper.
"The town has been plagued with terrible nightmares, mainly our worst fears and they feel so real. They won't stop. The priest claims Mara will cure us, pure bullshit if you ask me. You might wanna do yourself and go to another town."
"We're fine. We'd like a room."
"Ten gold, don't say I didn't warn you. Your room is to the right."
Asbjorn nodded and headed towards the room. He set his gear down and sat on the bed.
"We can swap the bed after a few hours, ok?"
Mojdar cocked his head to the side.
"Nah, I'll sleep on the floor. It's better that way."
"You sure?"
"Yes, I'm sure. Thanks for caring."
Asbjorn nodded and went to lie down. It wasn't long before everyone was asleep.
It was dark. Asbjorn found himself standing outside his childhood friend's house. He looked around and saw himself surround with some guards and other Nords.
What? What am I doing here?
Jorleif, the steward approached the door and knocked.
They all waited for someone to answer. A few moments later, Alen, the Dark Elf answered.
"What is the meaning of this?" He asked.
"Alen Rurdren. You are under arrest for the involvement of Asbjorn's kidnapping."
"What? That is ridiculous. I was not involved."
"Please step outside."
"Alen? What's going on?" Shael asked. Alen turned to her.
"Shael, run! Get Voron and run!"
Shael quickly slammed and locked the door.
"Surround the house, grab her and get the boy. None of them are making it out."
This isn't me. What is going on?
The words he spoke were not his own.
"Lord Ulfric, what of the boy?"
"They're all to be hanged."
"Yes, sir."
What? Did they just call me Ulfric? What is going on?
Asbjorn was confused. He proceeded walking in his father's shoes. Trying to stop, but it was no use. Something strange was going on.
This must be a dream, right?
Before he knew it, they were at this clearing with nooses tied to the tree with a platform to step onto.
He turned around to see the guards walking Alen, who was now bound with an executioner's hood covering his head.
"Stand him up onto the platform."
"My Lord!"
"Yes? What is it?"
"We've caught the mother, but the son was nowhere in sight."
He looked at Shael.
"You'll never lay a finger on him." She spit at his feet as the guards pushed her forward.
Asbjorn stepped forward and grabbed Shael by the hair and pulled her back.
"That's what you think." He said violently into her ear. He pushed her away. The guard took her and put a hood over her head. "Prop them up."
The guards lead them to the platform and stood them onto crates and prepared for their deaths.
At his command they kicked the crates from underneath the Elve's feet.
What is going on!?
Asbjorn closed his eyes at the horrific scene before him. When he opened his eyes back up, he was on the bridge of Windhelm.
He could hear voices around him.
"He killed him."
"He's dead."
"Murderer!"
Asbjorn looked up and then back down to see Rhalyf.
"No! I didn't mean to. It was an accident!"
There was blood everywhere.
"Asbjorn!"
He turned to the voice that was familiar.
"Ma!"
"Asbjorn! What happened?"
"Rhalyf, he, he."
She took him into her arms and embraced him.
"Shhh. It's ok. It's ok."
"He's going to become his father one day."
"He already is…"
"Asbjorn…"
He looked up and was in a new place.
"What is going on!?"
"Asbjorn!"
"My Lord!"
"HISSSSS!"
Asbjorn woke up to a loud and painful scream. He shook his head and was alert.
"What! What's going on!?"
"You stepped on my tail!" Mojdar shouted holding his tail. He noticed Asbjorn was a little delirious. "You alright?"
Asbjorn turned to him.
"I'm—I'm alright, I think. Just a nightmare."
"Yeah, you were talking in your sleep and you got up and walked around the inn, terrorizing everyone. I walked you back to bed and then you jumped out and stepped on my tail."
He looked down.
"I'm sorry."
"It's alright. Everyone is fine. You didn't hurt anyone."
Asbjorn slowly sank into the chair.
"That was wild. I'm glad it was just a dream." He looked at Mojdar who was staring back at him. "Did you have a dream?"
"I did, but it wasn't as intense as yours it seems. I woke up and just processed it."
Asbjorn stood up and gathered his equipment.
"Where are you going?"
"We can't stay here."
"It's still early in the twilight hours."
"I don't care. We can't stay here. The air will be good and if we leave now, we'll reach Solitude by noon." He said as he walked out of the room.
Mojdar sighed and followed behind him, making sure he was alright.
"I think you need to calm down. You're still in a panic."
"I'm fine."
"Whatever you say."
Asbjorn mounted Balder and made his way with Mojdar at his side, with Dawnstar shrinking behind them as they were approaching Hjaalmarch, making way to Solitude.
End of Chapter