Shadowmancer
Chapter 3: Bleak Falls Barrow

Disclaimer: I do not own The Elder Scrolls or any of the characters involved except Guardian D. Darkness

Bjorn and Darkness made their way to Dragonsreach, the jarl's palace. As the large, double doors swung open they found themselves in a dimly lit great hall. A massive firepit atop a small flight of stairs was the only light in the room. They climbed the steps and heard the sounds of an argument echo to them.

"I would advise against that my Jarl. The Jarl of Falkreath may view that as a sign of provocation that you're joining Ulfric's side to attack him."

"Enough!"

Bjorn and Darkness stopped at the top of the stairs as three individuals came into view.

"I will not stand idly by while a dragon burns my hold, and slaughters my people!"

One of the trio, a Dunmer woman, glanced over her shoulder and spotted the pair. She drew her sword and approached them.

"What is the meaning of this? The guards were given explicit instructions not to allow anyone inside."

"What is it Irileth?" The Jarl asked.

"Visitors my Jarl, it seems the guards are slacking in their duties," Irileth answered over her shoulder.

"We come from Riverwood, seeking to petition aid from the Jarl!" Bjorn shouted past Irileth.

"You see Proventus? The people are in need of aid. Irileth! Leave them for now and send a detachment to Riverwood at once!"

Irileth glared at Bjorn and Darkness as she sheathed her sword, "Yes my Jarl."

She pushed past Bjorn and Darkness on her way out the door.

"Come my friends, step closer so I can have a better look at you," the Jarl told them.

Bjorn and Darkness stepped past the large bonfire and stood before the Jarl: A blond man wearing a blue robe. He was slouched on his throne, one hand curled into a fist to support his chin.

"So, you've come from Riverwood?" he asked.

"Yes, my Jarl. My name is Bjorn, I was at Helgen but managed to escape to Riverwood, where I met with Alvor the blacksmith who sent me to you."

The Jarl's eyes widened as Bjorn told his story, "I've never known Alvor to be prone to flights of fancy, I'm glad I sent Irileth to reinforce the town. But you, you were at Helgen… you saw this dragon?"

Bjorn nodded.

"Well, what do you say now Proventus? Do you trust in the strength of our walls? Against a dragon!?"

A balding man wearing a coat similar to the Jarl's bowed his head.

"I'm sorry my Jarl, I was unsure how to react to this news about the dragons."

The Jarl scoffed before returning to Bjorn and Darkness.

"You two sought me out on your own initiative. You have my thanks. But, there's something I would ask you to do for me."

"Anything my Jarl," Bjorn replied.

"Come, we must speak with my court wizard Farengar."

The Jarl stood, leading the way to an annex on the side of the hall to what appeared to be a mage's lab, judging by the books, scrolls, and the enchanting table. A man wearing a blue, hooded robe was comparing notes in a book to a map of Skyrim.

"Farengar!" The Jarl shouted.

The man turned to face the trio and slapped his book closed, "Hello Jarl," he said calmly.

"I've found two assistants who can help your research into these dragons and, rumors of dragons."

Farengar looked from the Jarl to Bjorn and Darkness, "My research… oh! Of course. Thank you, Jarl."

The Jarl nodded before turning to leave, "Listen to Farengar, he'll be able to fill you in on all the details."

The pair nodded and turned back to Farengar.

"Well, let me start by saying that 'helping' me with my research won't be so direct. I need you two to fetch something for me."

"Sounds simple enough, what is it? And where are we going?" Bjorn asked.

"Ah, straight to the point. None of the needless whys and hows. I like that. As for what you'll be fetching for me, there's a stone. The 'Dragonstone', it is called, and it is said to be buried in a Nordic tomb known as Bleak Falls Barrow. Go to Bleak Falls Barrow, find the Dragonstone, and bring it back to me. Simplicity itself."

Bjorn nodded, then turned to leave before he stopped and turned to face Darkness.

"Didn't you say you also had business with the Jarl?"

Darkness shook his head, "It can wait until after we retrieve the Dragonstone."

He pushed past Bjorn, cutting off the conversation as he led their way out of Dragonsreach. The pair left the city and made their way into the small mountain range to the South, with information from a map Alvor had stored in Bjorn's bag. The two eventually found Bleak Falls Barrow.

"Wait, do you see that?" Bjorn asked as Darkness started down the mountain trail.

Darkness stopped, gazing up at the structure ahead. He shielded his eyes from the glare of the sun on the snow.

"No… what are you-?"

"There, look, by the pillar."

Darkness shifted his gaze and noticed a movement, and after a closer examination saw the person making the movements.

"There are people here."

"Bandits, most like. They take shelter in old ruins like these and use them as a base to raid the roads that pass by."

Darkness frowned, "So we'll have to deal with these bandits then."

Bjorn sighed, "So much for a quick and easy mission."

Darkness' frown turned into a grin as he looked back at Bjorn, "On the bright side, we'll be clearing out a nest of bandits. That'll certainly help out the locals."

"That's fair."

Darkness turned toward the mountain, "So. Same strategy as last time?"

"No, this time they won't all charge us like the wolves. They'll likely have an archer or two. While I draw their attention can you sneak up there and take them out?"

Darkness' grin widened, "They don't call me Darkness for nothing you know."

Bjorn looked at his companion, but when Darkness' grin did not recede he turned his gaze back to the ruins.

"Well, let's get this done."