Shadowmancer
Chapter 1: I Saw a Dragon!
Disclaimer: I do not own The Elder Scrolls or any of the characters involved except Guardian D. Darkness
Bjorn stepped through the old stone gate that marked the entrance to Riverwood, as he looked around his companion Hadvar stepped past him.
"C'mon, my uncle is the blacksmith. He should be able to help us out," Hadvar told him.
Bjorn nodded and followed Hadvar, the ring of a blacksmith's hammer on the anvil echoed throughout the town as the two approached him. Alvor was a blonde-haired man with broad shoulders and wearing a thick, red shirt with an apron to protect him from the sparks. As he looked up and saw Hadvar and Bjorn waiting he wiped the sweat from his brow.
"Hadvar? Gods is that you boy? What happened to you?" Alvor asked.
"It's good to see you too uncle. My friend and I were hoping you could help us out," Hadvar replied.
Alvor looked from Hadvar to Bjorn, then back again.
"Help you with what? You're not making much sense lad."
"It's a long story, can we go inside?"
"Of course, I'll have Sigrid prepare something for you too. You both look like you could use it."
Bjorn and Hadvar stepped aside to allow Alvor to pass them. He made his way down the patio of his home and opened the door for the pair. After they stepped inside he closed it behind them and leaned against the door.
"Sigrid! We have guests!" Alvor called.
Sigrid appeared from the stairs into the cellar and gasped as she spotted Hadvar "Hadvar! Look at you! What happened?" she asked.
"It's nothing, Aunt Sigrid," he replied.
"Better sit down and tell us everything. Sigrid, can you make them something to eat?"
"Of course, both of you sit down. I'll have something ready in just a moment."
The two nodded their thanks before taking a seat at the long table. Hadvar then dove into the tale of the imperial execution that was taking place at Helgen, and the subsequent dragon attack and their escape from the burning city. As he spoke Alvor moved from the door and took a seat opposite him. When he finished Alvor stroked his beard.
"Shor's beard! You're lucky you both made it out alive!"
"I wouldn't have, if not for my friend here," Hadvar nodded toward Bjorn.
"So it's true… Dragons have returned to Skyrim," Alvor mused as Sigrid set down bowls of stew in front of Hadvar and Bjorn.
"We'll need to get word to the Jarl. He'll have an idea of how to defend against these monsters," Alvor said, looking at Bjorn and Hadvar.
"I'd love to help Uncle, but I need to get back to Solitude. I'm not sure who made it out of Helgen and if the General was killed in the attack then the whole place will be in disarray."
"What about you? Do you have anywhere you need to be?" Alvor asked Bjorn.
The man shook his head as he scarfed down a chunk of bread.
"Then can you take a message to Jarl Balgruuf, up in Whiterun? He'll want to know what's happened at Helgen, and we'll need his help to defend the town."
Bjorn nodded.
"Good man. Thank you," Alvor nodded in return.
The two finished their meal, and after the plates were cleared away Hadvar stood.
"I'd better get going, the sooner I'm back in Solitude the sooner we can figure out what's going on," he explained.
Bjorn followed suit, standing up from the table and giving a nod of his head to Sigrid for the food.
"You don't talk much do you, boy?" Alvor asked.
Bjorn shrugged.
"Well, I'm not one to judge. If you can deliver our message to Jarl Balgruuf we'll be in your debt. Here, I have some things you can take with you on your journey. Give me just a moment."
Alvor stood up from the bench and set about collecting a series of items into a sack that he presented to Bjorn. The man took it and nodded his thanks again before slinging the sack onto his shoulder.
"Thank you, Uncle, we'd better get going though," Hadvar told him as Alvor handed him an identical sack.
"Godspeed, the both of you."
The two departed Alvor's home and looked up at the sky. The sun was beginning to set and dusk was fast approaching, their shadows stretched along the road as they stepped out from under the veranda.
"I'm going to go on ahead. I can make it to Whiterun before nightfall. You're welcome to come with me if you'd like."
Bjorn shook his head, nodding toward the inn he spotted behind Hadvar. The soldier grinned.
"Of course, after a day like today, anyone would need a drink. Make sure to have one for me too."
Bjorn nodded.
"Well, be seeing you."
Hadvar slapped Bjorn on the shoulder before turning toward the northern gate. Bjorn stood in the street, watching him leave until Hadvar passed through the gate. Once he was through Bjorn made his way to the tavern and let himself inside.
A few of the locals were gathered around the large middle fireplace nursing mugs or taking bites of food. They briefly glanced up at Bjorn as he entered, but once they saw he was new they turned back to the fire.
Bjorn made his way to the bar counter and nodded to the innkeeper, a burly man with long dark hair.
"Welcome, come on up or take a seat by the fire and I'll send someone over. Pretty sure I got a clean mug around here somewhere."
Bjorn shook his head before setting down the sack Alvor gave him and fishing some gold out of his pocket.
"I need a room," he said.
The man nodded, "Sure thing. It's yours for a day. I'll show you to your room, right this way."
The man stepped out from behind the counter and led Bjorn to a side room that contained a dresser, a small circular table, two chairs, and a bed.
"Let me know if you need anything else."
Bjorn nodded, then watched the innkeeper return to the bar.
His head spun to face the door of the inn as a figure entered. It was a younger man, with dark hair and wearing a matching-colored cloak with red trim. Bjorn saw a sword hanging from his belt, and as he looked around their gazes met.
The newcomer grinned and gave Bjorn a nod. Bjorn nodded in return, then watched the figure approach.
"I take it you're Bjorn?" he asked in a whisper.
Bjorn started in surprise, "How did you-"
The figure held up a hand.
"I can explain, but first we need somewhere private. Have you gotten a room already?"
Bjorn nodded, stepping back out of the doorway to allow the figure into the room.
As he stepped past him Bjorn asked, "Who are you?"
The figure spun to take the seat facing the door as he shrugged off a pack that was hidden under his cloak. He looked up at Bjorn with another grin.
"Guardian D. Darkness, at your service."