Homecoming

"There's no place like home. There's no place like home. There's no place like home."

-Dorothy Gale, Wizard of Oz

Falkreath Hold

It was snowing.

Asbjorn rode upon his loyal steed, Balder. It was a rough few days as they headed north.

"Damn, Balder. I think we're lost." He stopped and lifted his lantern. It was hard to see in the middle of this blizzard. He looked back to see if it were clearer just to go back and wait until morning. "No, we have to keep going."

Balder snorted and continued moving forward.

"We should be in Falkreath."

They continued down the path. He sighed.

"I probably should have just stayed at the monastery. Arngeir may have been right…"

Balder grunted.

"Look, I know you have no idea what it is like but, I feel this was a mistake. Ever since the war broke out and now High King Torygg's death…"

He closed his eyes and tilted his head to the skies.

"Mother says I should join the legion. But what have they done for me? With the Thalmor watching them, I might as well be a criminal among the Empire. Damn Thalmor…"

As he was in thought, Balder stopped as it became more difficult to pass through.

Asbjorn groaned.

"I guess we'll have to seek shelter somewhere…" He looked around. He waited too long.

It was a white out. He could barely see his own hands.

He climbed off his steed and grabbed the reins.

"I'll lead so you don't have all the pressure on you, ok?"

Balder nuzzled his neck and snickered.

"Yeah, that's what you wanted, huh?" He led his horse through the white haze.

He lifted his head up and gasped.

"I see lights!" He exclaimed. He continued moving towards them. As they approached, he could start seeing the stone walls that protected the town. "Helgen, I think…"

He noticed the red banners flying.

"The Legion?" He passed through the gates.

Thankfully, the snow lit up.

"Damn, you look like you walked through an avalanche." One of the soldiers said looking down at him.

"Yeah, it's bad towards the south."

"I'm freezing just standing here, I can't stand the cold."

"Imperial?"

"What's it to ya?" He asked, hugging himself.

"Should've prepared for the weather!" Asbjorn joked.

The soldier groaned.

"Eh, I'm almost off. Where in Oblivion is my replacement anyway?"

He looked around and then back down.

"If you're staying the night, Vilod runs a great inn! With mead and warm beds. You'll want to drink the mead! It's the best."

"Thanks!" Asbjorn yelled as he headed towards the inn. He looked around. "No stables?"

There was a man standing on the porch of the inn, watching.

"Excuse me, is there a place my horse can stay?"

The man sighed and dug into his pocket without a word. He tossed Asbjorn a ring with a key.

"There's a paddock around the back. That's to unlock the gate. There's fresh hay and water back there. Mind the cow and chickens. If they get out, you'll have to chase'em down. Got it?"

Asbjorn nodded as he led Balder around the back.

"Ok, Balder, I'll see you in the morning." B

alder looked at him and nuzzled him for a moment. Asbjorn smiled. The horse was truly like a dog.

"I'll be just inside. Don't worry." He patted his neck and walked away, locking the gate behind him. He looked back at Balder. "It's alright. Get some rest, I'll see you tomorrow."

He walked back around to the front and handed the keys back to the man.

"Thanks."

"Yeah, yeah. Just don't say anything to Vilod, the innkeeper. I'm not supposed to give visitors access to the back paddock."

"I won't say anything." Asbjorn said. He turned to the door and entered.

It was quiet and peaceful for a bar. There were just a few other guests inside.

"Welcome! Come in, come in." Vilod said with an inviting tone. Asbjorn closed the door behind him and walked over. "Could I get you anything, a drink perhaps?"

"Mead, please." Asbjorn responded as he sat on the stool.

"Can I suggest? I have a special brew with Juniper Berries, care to have a taste?"

"Sure."

"Here you are." He handed over the bottle. Asbjorn nodded and took it.

"Damn, that's pretty good!" Asbjorn said with a grin.

"Glad you like it, I'm hoping to make more and have it sold across Skyrim."

"Really? I don't think the Black-Briar's would be very pleased with that decision, great mead and their name not on the label? I hear they don't like competition."

"Now that you mention it, I think serving it here is a good option."

"I'm sure they'll pay good money for it though."

"Yeah, I'm not a sell out, though it would get me out of Helgen."

Asbjorn looked at him.

"Not a fan?"

Vilod started wiping down the counter.

"I was born and raised in Falkreath Hold. I know pretty much everyone around here. It's just boring, you know. It's one of the quietest holds and this city, it's always quiet. Barely enough money to get by. Look at this place, it's falling to bits."

Asbjorn looked around. He noticed the place did seem run down, as if it has seen better days.

"It wasn't always like this."

He sighed, pouring himself a tankard of mead.

"Customers from Riverwood would come all the way here just to have my Juniper Mead. Riverwood and Whiterun would send some delivery men just to order cases of it."

"Really?"

Vilod nodded.

"Yes, Balgruuf, the Jarl of Whiterun ordered ten cases once. And Jarl Dengeir of Falkreath ordered plenty. Financially, we did great. That was of course, just before this war really took off. Once the roads became dangerous for traveling, especially with the Stormcloaks running about, people stopped coming. I had to let go of my staff, including my bard, Sisel. She was a great young lass."

"So, the war brought your business down?"

Asbjorn looked at the banner behind Vilod.

Vilod nodded.

"When Falkreath Hold declared their support for the Empire, we started raising flags."

"And the customers who were loyal, turned to support the Stormcloaks."

"Indeed."

He drank the last of his mead from his tankard.

"Ralof, a man from Riverwood, was one of my best customers. He had spread word around Riverwood and was the reason why The Sleeping Giant, the inn there, serves my mead. But that ended quickly once I saw him wearing Stormcloak colors."

"It means that much to you?"

Vilod slammed his fists down, alerting Asbjorn.

"Damn right it does kid. You ain't a Stormcloak, are ya?"

He shook his head.

"N-no. I'm not."

"Good then. How about some more?" He handed Asbjorn another bottle. Asbjorn nodded and drank some.

"If you had to let go your staff, who's the man outside? He was on the porch when I came in."

"Oh, that's just Brikas. He's not staff, he's family. He's my brother. He tends to the animals out back. He also cooks." Vilod groaned and looked over at the door, "His break was over a long time ago."

Brikas soon walked in, as if that was a calling for him.

"You're supposed to be working!"

"I lost track of time, that's all." Brikas said. He walked over to the fire and held out his hands for heat.

"You best not be smoking that Skooma again."

"Relax, big brother. I've been sober for…a few hours."

Vilod turned to Asbjorn and rolled his eyes.

"If he weren't family, he'd be homeless and jobless right now."

Asbjorn looked back to see Brikas flirting with a female patron.

"Brikas!"

"Ok, ok. I'm going." They watched as Brikas made his way into the kitchen.

"So, kid. What does bring you here? You an adventurer or something? Looking to explore old caverns to find riches?"

Asbjorn looked up.

"Personal reasons."

"Oh? Too personal not to share?"

Asbjorn just looked at him.

Vilod started to laugh,

"I'm joking! I get it. Family to see? Perhaps they've chosen the other side?" He finished scrubbing the counter and cleaned the mugs. "Do you need a room?"

"Yes, please."

"Ten gold."

"Here," Asbjorn handed him some gold from his pouch. He reached back in, "How much for the drink?"

"The drink's on the house for tonight."

"Are you sure? I have money."

"I'm sure."

Asbjorn took out some more gold and placed it on the counter.

"I insist. You can use it to fix this place up."

"I don't know what to say…"

"A 'thank you' would suffice."

Vilod chuckled.

"I suppose that's a start, thanks. You're a good kid. I hope your parents are proud."

Asbjorn looked up.

"My mother is very proud. She let's me know every chance she gets. My father," he sighed, "He uh, hopefully would too."

"Father not around?"

"It's uh…it's complicated. He turned around to face the open room. More guests began to fill it up, causing it to become busier.

"This is almost half the town." Vilod said. Asbjorn turned back to him. A few soldiers entered.

"Why is the Legion stationed here, anyway?"

"You don't know?" Vilod leaned in, "The Legion is going to cut off Ulfric Stormcloak's head and send it back to Cyrodil for proof, once they capture him."

Asbjorn's eyes widened.

"Really?"

"Being so close to the border, it's the easiest way for them to do it."

"That's messed up. I mean, killing him is one thing, but to send his head back? Is that really gonna happen?"

"I don't know the full details, it's just talk among the soldiers. But I'm not completely against it. I'd want proof of his death too."

Asbjorn looked back at the soldiers. One was heading over to the counter.

"Hey, Vilod! How about a few rounds of your best brew, huh?" One of them ordered.

Vilod nodded and grabbed some bottles.

"Sure thing, Falx."

Falx turned to Asbjorn.

"Did you try Vilod's mead? It's good, right?"

Asbjorn nodded and turned away. He watched as Falx went to sit down next to other soldiers.

"Which way to my room?" Asbjorn asked as he stood up.

"It's the door to your left." Vilod said, watching him enter the room.

Asbjorn closed the door behind him and sighed. All of a sudden he felt his chest tighten and stomach churn. He took deep breaths until the feeling passed.

"That was so damn close." He walked over to the bed and sat down, taking off his boots and equipment. He set everything on the floor and chair. He lay his head down and stared at the ceiling, slowly falling asleep.

He started tossing and turning.

Visions of Dark Elves and Blood flashed through his head.

"Murderer! Murderer!" A group of Dark Elves marched and chanted around the towns square.

Asbjorn couldn't do anything but watch and listen.

"Murder? No. It was an accident."

"An accident? Asbjorn, please, you killed me."

He turned around to see Rhalyf, a Dark Elf of his past.

"Rhalyf? You're alive? Tell them it was an accident!"

"Heh. Accidents aren't done on purpose."

"This never meant to happen, you fell. You slipped off the bridge."

"Is that what happened? Or is that what mommy and daddy said happened?"

"It's the truth!"

"Your blade ended me, Asbjorn, and daddy saved your ass."

"You're wrong. Voron witnessed everything."

"Right. And yet, he didn't speak up, did he?"

"I—."

"Asbjorn."

He turned around to see a younger Dark Elf.

"Cohnal?"

"Asbjorn, if you weren't there in the barn, all three of us would be dead. But because of you Nords, I lost my life."

"It's not my fault."

"Perhaps not, but face it. Because you were inside, Rhalyf and Voron were rescued."

"We should thank you, right, Nord?" Rhalyf asked. Asbjorn turned to him.

"I don' expect anything. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."

"Sorry doesn't fix things, Asbjorn. We're dead…because of you."

"Stop it! I'm not guilty. I did nothing wrong. That's not what happened!"

"Heh. That's typical of a Nord, isn't it?"

"It's the truth!"

"Oh, I'm not denying it. You are truly your father's son. You'll end up just like him."

"I will not!"

"Your actions speak louder than anything else."

Your father burned those Elves at the stakes for kidnapping you! What kind of justice did Cohnal get? What did I get? Nothing."

"I tried to stop it! My mother, tried to stop it!"

"No point in lying to yourself, Asbjorn. Your mother watched the burning. She stayed until it was all over."

"No!"

"It's true, Asbjorn. She did." Cohnal said. Asbjorn looked back at the little elf.

"No! She wouldn't…"

"But she did. She's not the sweet mother you think she is. She has dark secrets too. And you have to live with your own."

"I have no secrets!"

"Then why don't you tell everyone who you really are? Why you're here?"

"They'll think I'm involved…"

"But aren't you?"

"No!"

"Yes! You are! You're here to encourage your father to step down from the fight, to stop him from doing more harm or is it to keep him alive?"

"Stop! I don't know anymore!"

"Heh. I thought so."

"Asbjorn, I wanted to look up to you. You were one of the only Nords who said we could play with you. The fire may not have been your fault, but if you weren't a Nord, all of this wouldn't have happened."

Asbjorn crouched down as the Dark Elves got closer and started chanting again.

"Murderer!"

"Fight me, Asbjorn!"

"No."

Rhalyf pushes Asbjorn.

"Fight me. I challenge you."

Asbjorn drew his weapon.

"Fine."

"Murderer!"

The two start striking each other, first gentle hits then it got heated.

"The fire in your eyes, Asbjorn. Say, you're really…driven."

"It's good practice."

"Daddy taught you everything, huh?"

"He did. I've trained with him almost every day since I was nine. Galmar helped too."

"Oooh. War veterans and NORDS!"

Asbjorn struck Rhalyf's blade so hard, it started to crack.

"No shame in that. I'll become an excellent swordsman one day."

"Yeah, you'll probably be stabbing Elves in the back, just like your father."

"I would not!"

Rhalyf lost his footing and fell backwards.

Asbjorn tried to pull him up.

"I can't pull you up!"

"Try harder, Nord! I can't do it myself."

"You need to let go of your blade."

"So you can stab me when you get the chance and I'll be defenseless, yeah right."

"No, so you can use your other hand to grab onto my arms."

Rhalyf dropped his blade and tried to climb up. He lost his footing again and slipped out of Asbjorn's arms.

"Rhalyf! Noooo!"

He looked over the edge. Rhalyf had fallen onto a slab of rock. There was blood everywhere.

"MURDERER!"

He shot up in bed, covered with sweat. He felt hot and light headed. He threw his blankets off and swung his legs over the side of the bed. It was quiet. The inn seemed lifeless, implying it was the late twilight hours of the morning. He took slow breaths as he recovered from his dream.

He stood up and got dressed. He grabbed all of his equipment. He went to grab the set of keys for the gate, which were lying on the counter. He stepped outside to retrieve Balder.

"Come on, boy. Maybe we should head onward."

Balder snorted and allowed Asbjorn to mount him.

Asbjorn looked back at the inn, tossing the keys onto a small hook by the door. He was amazed he hooked them on.

"Let's get going, Balder."

He rode out of Helgen and towards the path leading to the Rift.

"What do I do, Balder? Do you think he'd listen? He never really did. Not to me, not to mom. But he did have some respect. Mom had him in line for awhile."

Balder turned his head and nipped at him.

"Well, I don't see you offering any ideas." He pouted as he looked ahead.

He noticed a few silhouettes of people. As he approached, he realized they were Stormcloaks.

"Shit. I figured as much. This whole area is Stormcloak territory I heard."

He did his best to not draw attention to himself.

"And when we get back—hold up." The soldier stopped and looked up at Asbjorn. "Do I know you?"

Asbjorn looked down at the soldier. He recognized him as Skost Stone-Fist, the younger son of Galmar, Ulfric's right hand man and Housecarl.

Asbjorn sighed and looked back ahead.

"No, I'm just passing through."

Skost cocked his brow.

"Come on, Skost. Stop messing around. Unless he's with the legion, we have shit to do."

Skost turned to the other soldier, "Yeah, just hang on for moment. The old man can wait."

"Skost…"

"Asbjorn, it's been awhile."

Asbjorn groaned and looked back down at Skost.

"Skost. I don't have time for this." He said.

"What happened to you? So many rumors, some say you died."

"Heh. Rumors, huh? I was sent to stay with the Greybeards."

"No shit. Just like your dad, huh?"

"Different circumstances. I was sent because I was being tracked by the Thalmor."

"Damn, those Thalmor…"

"Yeah, and then, I left. My mother, she was not doing so well."

"No, your mother left. No one knows what happened to her."

"She's dead."

Skost's face genuinely looked sad.

"Sorry to hear that, she was…a good person, I guess."

"Yeah, she was. Now, if you excuse me…"

"Wait!" Skost said as he blocked Asbjorn's path. "But you've come back. Surely you know what's going on."

"I'm aware, Skost. All of Tamriel knows what's going on."

"So have you come to join up the fight with your brothers and sisters in arms and become a true son of Skyrim?"

"True sons and daughters? Is that what we're calling ourselves now?"

"Skost we have to leave, you don't have time to deal with this."

"Yeah, yeah." Skost shrugged the other soldier off. He looked back at Asbjorn. "I've already taken up the oath."

"Oath?"

"To swear ourselves to Ulfric, of course."

Asbjorn rolled his eyes.

"Bending your knee to him?" Asbjorn shook his head and looked ahead. "That's screwed up, Skost."

"So, you're not here to take the fight to the Empire?"

"No. I came to just mind my own business."

"Come on, you're still not one of them gray skin lovers, are ya? After everything that's happened to you?"

"Skost…" Asbjorn said with a sigh. He looked down at him. "Everything that happened to me was because of Nords and their stubborn pride."

"Or was it the Elves? We all warned you."

"It wasn't Elves that set the barn on fire that night. It wasn't Elves that wanted to fight the Nords."

"You're still alive, aren't you?"

"Barely. I could've died in that fire…"

"But you didn't. My father and yours came running to your aide."

"Yes that's true. But if I wasn't there, they would've let it burn."

"Maybe that would have been best."

Asbjorn shook his head in disbelief.

"And that's the problem. Nords think they are the only ones who matter."

"Aren't we? This is Nord land after all." Skost said coldly.

Asbjorn rolled his eyes. Skost stepped forward.

"Listen, if you weren't playing with those gray skins-."

"Enjoy the fight, Skost. I really hope you know what you are doing."

"I do. And I hope you change your mind and join in the fight."

Asbjorn shook his head.

The other soldier walked closer, drawing her weapon.

"Do we kill him?"

"No. Let him go, he has not chosen a side yet. Besides, he's probably off limits for now."

"What do you mean?"

"He's Ulfric's son."

"No kidding. That's Asbjorn?"

"Yeah."

They continued their way, as he went his.

The skies began to clear up as they continued to follow the trail into the Rift.

"I'm sure he'll be very shocked and probably confused to see me. But, it's gotta be done."

He sighed and then looked down.

"I know he's arrogant but he's a strong leader, despite the shit he did. He would still probably keep order…for the most part. And if mom…" he took a deep breath and shook his head. "Mom said that she'd go back only when he comes to his senses."

He talked to Balder as they traveled. He pulled back his hood. He looked up into the distance could swear he saw something huge fly over him.

"What in Oblivion was that?" He watched the shadow cover the path and then disappear. He proceeded onward. He had no time for distractions.

The morning dew on the grass was shining as the sun began peaking over the horizon.

The sound of wolves grunting and howling could be heard.

Asbjorn looked back and took a swing to knock them away.

He proceeded north and quickly passed through Ivarstead.

"I should just head back to High Hrothgar and not worry about what's going on down here." He sighed and looked ahead, "It was peaceful, but too quiet."

He continued to follow the path and stopped as he came across a shady stranger wearing a hood.

Asbjorn was cautious as he approached.

"Hello, traveler." The stranger said. Asbjorn continued, ignoring the stranger.

"I've got something for you, if you're interested, yes?"

"No, I'm—I'm just passing through."

"Those night terrors get you down?"

Asbjorn stopped and looked back.

"How did you-."

"I know a thing or two."

"I'm just passing through, I really don't want-."

"Ever try Skooma? It'll calm your nerves. Anxiety gone."

"I don't—this doesn't seem legal…"

"Oh a snitch, huh?"

The stranger pulled out a knife. Asbjorn pulled back the reins, causing Balder to back away.

Asbjorn quickly climbed off, pulling out his dagger.

"I don't want to hurt you." Asbjorn said.

The stranger laughed.

"I'll gut you out."

As the stranger stepped towards him, Asbjorn punched him, sending him flying a few feet back.

"Oh, this one packs a punch."

The strangers hood fell off, revealing him to be a Kahjiit. He stepped closer to Asbjorn.

"Does this one want to continue the fight?"

"Not really. I'm just trying to pass through. Now leave me alone."

"No, no. You misunderstand. Kahjiit gets gold in exchange of Skooma."

Asbjorn turned around to face him again.

"No, Kahjiit will kindly fuck off or will get a blade through the chest." He warned. He wasn't gonna take this.

"This one is violent." The Kahjiit spit out some blood and then looked back at Asbjorn, "I tell you what, you buy one bottle of Skooma, I give you second bottle free, yes?"

"I'll have nothing to do with this transaction."

"Then this one dies." The Kahjiit pounced at Asbjorn, knocking him down.

Balder was going crazy trying to knock the Kahjiit off.

As the Kahjiit attempted to stab Asbjorn, he held his wrists tighter. Thankfully, Asbjorn was stronger than the Kahjiit.

When Asbjorn took the opportunity, he kicked the Kahjiit and stood on his feet. He aggressively grabbed the Kahjiit by the collar, forcing him up against a rock wall, lifting him off the ground just a bit.

"Listen here, cat. If you keep pressing your luck, I'll turn you into a nice rug, got it?"

"Whoa. Whoa. Easy there. This one is obviously crazy. I didn't mean to offend."

"Then why do you test me, cat?"

"Mojdar. My name is Mojdar."

"Mojdar? Well, you're either lying to me, stupid, or just bold to tell me your name. How are you so sure that I won't alert local authorities about you and your Skooma?"

"Because, I could be of assistance to you, yes?"

"I have no need for assistance."

"Maybe not, but I can be an…extra pair of hands?"

"I'm not interested." He let Mojdar down and turned towards Balder.

"But Mojdar could use a companion right now."

"Mojdar can leave me alone." Asbjorn said as he mounted Balder. He looked back down to Mojdar, "Look, cat. I travel alone. It's probably safer that way."

"Yes, Mojdar understands. But you see, Mojdar will feel safer with companion, yes. Mojdar had a run in with the Thieve's Guild in Riften, owes them a lot of money, see. They'll come after me if I don't pay them back."

Asbjorn sighed and continued onward. He stopped one last time.

"That's not my problem, cat." He continued onward, leaving Mojdar behind. "Crazy cat." He mumbled to himself.

He proceeded on. He looked down at Balder.

"There's a lake up ahead buddy, we'll take a break." As he approached the lake, he saw some Imperial soldiers. "This isn't their territory…shit."

He stopped. He slowly dismounted Balder and quietly snuck him to the water. There were more soldiers ahead.

"This can't be a good sign." Balder started drinking from the lake and Asbjorn watched the soldiers. He noticed some Stormcloak soldiers. Asbjorn stood up straight.

The Stormcloaks were largely outnumbered, but were prepared to attack anyway until they were told to sheath their weapons.

"Enough."

"My lord?"

"I said enough. We'll come quietly."

"No way…" Asbjorn said.

"Bind their hands. Make sure to cover his mouth."

"Yes sir."

"Does it make you feel like a man, Tullius?" Ulfric said as they gagged him with a rag.

"This should be fun." Tullius responded back as he mounted his horse. He was clearly enjoying this. "Load them up and let's proceed to Helgen."

While Asbjorn was distracted with the scene before him, he didn't know Mojdar was sneaking up on him until it was too late. Mojdar hit Asbjorn over the head, knocking him out cold.

His vision went black.

Balder reared up and started running as Mojdar took the reins.

One of the soldiers walked over to Asbjorn's body. He looked at Tullius.

"What should we do with this one, general?"

"Load him up. And let's get going."

"Yes, sir!"

"How does it feel?" Rhalyf asked Asbjorn. Asbjorn turned to him.

"What?"

"To be a criminal?"

"I'm not a criminal. I've said it before, I've done nothing wrong."

"You did plenty of things wrong, Asbjorn. You know it. Daddy was always there to get you out of trouble."

"You're wrong."

"Yeah, I am. He couldn't get you out of this. But isn't it funny?"

"What?"

"That you're on your way to Helgen. As a criminal. They're finally putting you down."

"No. I'm not a criminal."

"Then why are you on a carriage to Helgen? They're going to execute you and everyone else. You think you're just going along for the ride? You were caught at a bad time and thus are going to die."

"I'm not a criminal!"

"This is justice for murdering me."

"It was just an accident! If I could've saved you, I would. I tried, you lost your footing and you slipped out of my grip."

Tears started flowing down Asbjorn's cheeks.

"Mama. I'm so scared."

"Asbjorn…"

"Mama?"

"Asbjorn, I won't let anyone hurt you. You're my baby."

"Mama!"

"Your father and I have differences but…you will always come first no matter what."

"Ain't that the truth?" Rhalyf asked. He looked back at Asbjorn. "Mommy came to the rescue, she would always ask daddy to protect you. They covered up everything just for you."

"No. There was nothing to cover up."

"The Dunmer seem to think otherwise. You're viewed as a murderer and you'll always be one. Accident or not. Your guilt will eat you alive, Asbjorn."

"Leave me alone!"

"Hey, I'm just your conscience. That's all. I'll leave if you let me go."

"Wake up! Wake up!"

"What are you doing?"

"Trying to wake up. All of this…maybe it never happened. Maybe if I wake up, I'll still be asleep in my bed."

"Heh. Which one? The one in Cyrodil or the one in Windhelm?"

"Just stop it!"

"I just say what you think. That's all. Heh, heh. You're fucking crazy."

"I am not!"

There was a large bump in the road and everyone in the carriage bounced around a bit.

Asbjorn sat up straight, teary eyed. He was obviously in a state of shock.

"Whoa, take it easy."

"Where—where…no. This isn't…this isn't real!" He looked around. He felt his hands bound by rope. "No. No!" His body was shaking.

"Are you ok?"

Asbjorn looked across from him.

"Are you serious? Look at us."

"True. I was just…trying to make conversation." He mumbled.

"Well, I'd appreciate if you didn't." He turned away and then up to the sky. "Talos, please, please protect my soul."

"Talos? So, you pray to the almighty?"

"I don't see how it matters anymore." He sighed and looked down. He noticed drops of snow hitting the floor of the carriage.

"I suppose not. Are you from around here? Errrr. Skyrim, I mean?"

He looked over at Ulfric and then back to Asbjorn.

"Damn, if I didn't know any better, I'd say you were related."

Asbjorn looked away.

"I wasn't even supposed to be here…."

"Well, whatever happened, you walked right into that ambush. You and that thief."

"Damn you Stormcloaks. If it weren't for you, I would've been half way to Hammerfell by now."

"Oh, shut up back there!"

The driver shouted. Asbjorn sighed.

"What's his deal?" The thief asked looking at Ulfric.

"You do not know who he is?"

"Should I?" He paused for a moment and then realized who he was. "You're Ulfric Stormcloak…"

With the rag in his mouth, everything sounded muffled.

"Where are they taking us?"

"Helgen." Asbjorn said looked towards his left. Sure enough, they could see the city ahead of them. He looked down. "That damn fucking cat…"

"What's your story, anyway?"

"Me? It's not important." He snickered and shook his head. "Wanna know something ironic? I was just here the other day. Stopped for some rest, who would've thought I'd be back so soon?"

"How about you horse thief? Where are you from?"

"Why do you care?"

"A Nords last thoughts should be of home."

"Rorikstead."

As they crossed under the bridge, where the guards were on patrol, waiting, they all noticed Elenwen, the Thalmor ambassador.

"Damn Elves." He spit on the ground as they road by.

"Not all Elves are bad, you know." Asbjorn said.

"Perhaps not, but they're certainly not all good."

"Just like with Nords."

"Hold your tongue."

Asbjorn growled.

"I'm not sure who you are or where you're from, but you don't want to tell me to hold my tongue. If things were under certain circumstances, you'd wish you couldn't speak."

"Oh? Look at you, acting so tough."

"Trust me, you have no idea."

"It doesn't matter now, does it? We're all here in binds together, same destiny."

"Get the prisoners out of the carts, move it! Let's go!"

"Yes, captain."

"Everyone out, one at a time!"

They all stood up and hopped off the cart.

"This is all a mistake." Asbjorn said.

"Shut up. Unless we ask your opinion, you are to keep quiet."

"When your name is called, step over to the side."

"Ulfric Stormcloak, Jarl of Windhelm."

"Lokir of Rorikstead."

"No, this is a huge mistake! You're not gonna kill me!" He shouted as he tried to make a run for it.

"Wait! Archers!"

The captain turned around, now angry.

"Are we through?"

"Ralof, of Riverwood, traitor."

Ralof stepped over to the soldier reading the list.

"A true Nord goes to Sovngarde, just remember that." He then stepped over to the sideline.

"What's your name?"

Asbjorn looked over to the side of lined up soldiers, ready to be chopped. He then looked back at Hadvar.

"Asbjorn...Storm—just Asbjorn."

"Asbjorn…"

Hadvar turned to the captain.

"Um, captain? We seem to have a problem."

"What is it?"

"He's not on the list."

She turned to look at Asbjorn.

"Send him to the block as well. It's for the best. Not taking any chances."

"Yes, Captain." He looked at Asbjorn, "Sorry."

"This is a mistake. I am not a rebel. I was there by accident and coincidence, I swear. My horse was stolen from me!"

"Step aside, move it!" The captain said as she pushed him to the side.

General Tullius was in center standing with Ulfric.

Asbjorn looked at the ground and tuned everything out. There was a loud sound throughout the sky, bringing Asbjorn back into reality.

"What was that?"

"It was nothing, carry on."

As the priestess was about to read them their last writs, one of the Stormcloaks stepped up.

"Come on! I haven't got all morning." He said.

Asbjorn and the others watched as he had no fear.

"Very well."

The captain pushed him into the block.

"My ancestors are smiling at me, Imperials. Can you say the same?"

CHOP.

His head rolled onto the ground and they slid his body off.

This could not be happening.

"The Nord called Asbjorn…"

Asbjorn's head jerked up.

Ulfric turned to look at him.

For a moment they locked eyes, as if making one last connection.

Asbjorn could feel his body shaking. He felt light headed and dizzy. He kept telling himself in his head that it was not real.

For a moment, he could swear Ulfric tried to move forward to do all he could to protect him, not that it was possible.

"I—I forgive you." Asbjorn muttered as the captain turned him around and pushed him into the cold hard block.

Tears started rolling down his eyes as he closed them, waiting for his end. He waited for the axe to come down, but it never did.

The sky turned a dark orange color as a dark dragon perched itself on the tower.

"What in oblivion is that?!"

"It's a dragon!"

"Guards! Get the town's people to safety!"

Everyone ran around in panic. Asbjorn did not know what to think. So much was going on. Meteor-like rocks were falling from the sky. The town was on fire. Could this be the end times?

Asbjorn looked around for a safe place to go, but that was hard. Was there a safe place? Was his life really spared in this moment?

Asbjorn, still bound by rope, used the executioner's axe to free himself. He reached for his dagger which wasn't there. He looked down.

"Shit! They took everything." He grabbed the axe and ran. No sign of Ulfric or anyone. It truly was chaotic.

Asbjorn sank to the floor of a worn tower, body feeling hot and chest getting heavy. He closed his eyes and started breathing in and out. His body was going through so much shock and panic, which started to bring on his attack.

Off in the distance he heard a faint horses neigh.

He looked up and looked towards the direction it was coming from. He leaned in.

"Balder?" He asked quietly.

He slowly stood up and ran towards the whinnying.

"Balder!"

From a break in the wall, he could see Balder come galloping in. He leaped over the rubble and made his way to Asbjorn.

"Balder! Am I glad to see you!" He had tears in his eyes.

He hugged his horse and quickly mounted him. He was about to get away from but them turned back around.

"We can't just leave what if someone needs our help?"

He rode through, careful not to cause attention from the dragon.

"Help!" He heard a faint cry. He looked around cautiously. "Please! Someone, help!"

Asbjorn climbed off Balder and ran towards the soldier calling for help.

"You must help me, please. I can't move my leg." He tilted his head back and winced at the pain.

Asbjorn looked at the soldier's leg. It was pierced with a wooden stake and had pinned the soldier down to the ground. He crouched down next to him to investigate the wound.

"This looks really bad."

"Hah! Gee, thanks kid!" He winced again.

"I think I might have something in my pouch." He whistled for Balder to come closer.

The horse trotted to his master.

"You have your horse trained?"

Asbjorn began digging through his knapsack, which was clipped to the saddle, "Yeah. He acts like a dog sometimes. Plays fetch too."

"No kidding."

"He's a very loyal steed."

He pulled out some linen and a bottle of ale. He crouched back down.

"Bite down on this." He handed the soldier some cloth.

The soldier sighed and bit down on it as Asbjorn pulled the stake as hard as he could until it was out.

The soldier grunted into the cloth.

Asbjorn quickly poured the alcohol over the exposed wound and then wrapped it in linen.

"Do you think you can stand up?" He asked.

The soldier struggled a bit, so Asbjorn offered to lead him to the tower.

"Thanks, kid. I thought I was a damned goner." He said as Asbjorn lead him to the stairs so he could sit him down.

Asbjorn nodded.

"Balder! Come on!" He called his horse to the tower.

It was tight, but he managed to squeeze in.

"I think I have an elixir for you."

He searched through the pouch again.

"What's your name, kid?"

"It's Asbjorn."

"I'm Zion." He watched as Asbjorn dug through the knapsack. "I have to say, you're crazy to have come back through here."

"I couldn't just sit here when people could be in need of help. Here." He handed the elixir to him.

"Well, you did save my life. So, I owe you one." He looked out the doorway. The city had crumbled. There were noticeable burned bodies and ashes all over the place. "Heh." He shook his head. "A dragon. Can you believe it? A damned fire breathing dragon. Never thought I'd see one in my life."

"Definitely not something you see every day."

"So, kid, where are you from anyway?"

"Cyrodil."

"No shit, me too. Well technically I was born here in Skyrim, Riften. But I moved away and then came back with the legion."

"My mom is back in Cyrodil. She must be worried about me. And if this news gets to her, she'll probably come find me."

"Mom's are like that."

"Yeah, I suppose." He looked down. Today's event could have been bad. She would have never seen him again.

"Say, why did you come to Skyrim?"

"Personal reasons."

"Ah, I see. Well, if you're ever in Solitude, you should consider joining the legion."

"Yeah, no offense, but I don't think I'm interested. They did just try to have me axed."

"Right." Zion looked down and sighed. "You were caught by accident, right?"

"Yeah, Balder, my horse here, was stolen from me by a Kahjiit, crazy cat. He must've hit me over the head while the Imperials were rounding up da—err…Ulfric and the Stormcloaks. Perfect timing, I say." He stood up and looked out the door way.

"Damn, kid. I'm sorry that shit happened."

"Yeah, well, it doesn't matter anymore does it?" He turned to him. "I'm alive and that's all that matters. I should probably go thank that dragon for saving me today." He joked.

Zion snickered and shook his head.

"Well, if you do change you mind, they'll definitely be looking for new recruits after today. And since Ulfric and his Stormcloaks got away…"

"You think?" Asbjorn turned back to the door way.

"Yeah, they headed through that break in the wall over there, just before I was pegged with that stake."

"I think it's gone now."

Zion walked over with a limp to check it out.

"I wonder how many made it out."

"Zion!" They looked up to see a soldier come running over. "Are you ok!?"

"I got pegged by a stake during the chaos and…this kid saved me. Anyway, did anyone else make it?"

"I'm not sure who made it but the General and Rexus fled. I saw Falx and Hjar run for the gates, I think they got out."

"Heading back to Solitude?"

"Yeah. I was told to stay behind to check for survivors along with a few others."

The solider turned to Asbjorn.

"And you're one of the prisoners…"

"Siddan, he saved my life. He, being a prisoner is a misunderstanding. And it's not like it matters anymore. The Stormcloaks got away."

"Yeah, so we need to regroup back in Solitude. We'll need a new plan. The General will be glad to see you alive."

"Yeah, I think a promotion is in order after this shit." He laughed as he leaned on Siddan for support.

"Well, you've definitely earned it." Siddan agreed.

Zion turned to Asbjorn and smiled, "Thanks again, kid. And think about what I said, the legion will be happy to have you."

Asbjorn shrugged and mounted Balder. He looked ahead to see some Thalmor agents. He looked back down.

"I'll think about it…" He started to ride off.

"Take care of yourself, and watch the sky!"

"Same to you."

As he exited through the gates, a roar of thunder rumbled across the sky. He looked up and it started to rain.

"Of course..."

He patted Balder's neck and took off, heading towards Riverwood. He needed a break after this day. He sighed.

"I came to Skyrim, to encourage dad to step down from this war and I almost died alongside him, talk about irony."

Who knows what the future was to hold. It was almost the end, but thinking about it, this was just the beginning. A dark storm was blowing. It was only going to get worse.

End of Chapter