Chapter Eight
Hadran drew back the bowstring, his fingers familiar with the grain of the wood. The string thrummed softly as he released it, sending the arrow whistling through the crisp air. It struck just to the left of the bullseye, a solid hit despite the slight deviation.
"Nice shot, brother. Your aim's getting better," Cassandra's voice rang out, carrying a note of genuine admiration. The wind tugged at her loose hair as she spoke, the scent of the forest mingling with the faint aroma of pine from their surroundings.
"Thanks, Cassie. Is Mum back yet?" Hadran asked, his voice tinged with both hope and frustration.
"No, the last we heard was that High Queen Elisif wanted to speak with her," Cassandra replied, her tone growing concerned. "But it's been a week, and—"
Her words were abruptly cut off by a thunderous roar that shook the very air around them. Both Hadran and Cassandra froze, their heads snapping skyward. A massive shadow blotted out the sun as a dragon's roar echoed through the Rift, a deep, resonant sound that vibrated in their chests.
The townspeople's shouts grew frantic, a cacophony of fear and confusion. They could hear the distant clatter of hurried footsteps and the shuffling of people rushing for cover. Runa and the rest of Hadran's sisters burst from the house, their faces pale and eyes wide.
"Was that a dragon we heard?" Runa's voice was barely more than a whisper, but the urgency in it was palpable.
"Quickly, everyone inside and into the basement," Cassandra commanded, her voice sharp with authority. She moved swiftly, her footsteps heavy on the wooden floor as she guided her siblings down the stairs.
The basement door creaked open with a groan, and the scent of damp stone and earth filled their nostrils as they descended. The dragon roared again, a chilling sound that reverberated through the stone walls above them. The vibrations of its roar seemed to seep through the ground, a constant reminder of the danger looming just outside.
"Without Mum here, we don't stand a chance against that thing," Lucia said, her voice trembling slightly.
"Not true," Sofie interjected, her tone firm despite the fear. "We've all been trained in the way of the voice."
"Yeah, but only Hadran here would be able to last long enough to do any good," Runa added, her worry evident.
Suddenly, Cassandra's gaze swept the room and landed on the empty space where Hadran had been standing. Her eyes widened in horror. "HADRAN! NO!"
The girls' heads snapped towards the stairs just in time to see Hadran's figure disappearing up them, determined strides echoing loudly in the confined space. Knowing exactly what he was about to do, the girls' shouts and footsteps hurriedly followed him, their panic mixing with the desperate hope that they could stop him before it was too late.
~ Scene Break ~
Outside Blackthorn Manor, the scene erupted into chaos. Hadran, his face set in fierce concentration, released arrow after arrow with a swift, practiced motion. Each twang of the bowstring and subsequent hiss of the arrows slicing through the air was punctuated by the distant roar of the circling dragon. The beast's shadow loomed large over the manor, the ground vibrating with the force of its wingbeats.
"Nice shooting, Hadran!" Cassandra's voice cut through the cacophony, her breath visible in the cool air as she readied her own bow. With a determined scowl, she joined her brother, her fingers deftly nocking arrows and releasing them in rapid succession. Her arrows soared skyward, joining the volley against the dragon. The metallic tang of the arrowheads mingled with the earthy scent of the forest.
Runa, her eyes wide with urgency, rallied the town guard. The clinking of armor and the murmur of anxious voices filled the air as the guards prepared for the inevitable clash. Lucia, meanwhile, was herding townspeople towards the mine, her voice a sharp, reassuring command amidst the rising panic. The scent of sweat and fear mingled with the faint smell of the forest, adding to the tense atmosphere.
Sofie, her face a mask of concentration, chanted a spell under her breath. Her hands moved gracefully as she summoned a lightning bolt, the crackle of magical energy sharp and crackling. The bolt shot towards the dragon, followed by a sharp, icy spike that streaked through the air. The dragon twisted and roared, the sound so intense it seemed to shake the very ground beneath them. The cold of the ice spell contrasted sharply with the heat of the dragon's fiery breath.
The dragon, overwhelmed by the relentless assault, veered out of range of the more dangerous spells and landed just outside the settlement's walls with a ground-shaking thud. The air was filled with the pungent smell of scorched earth and the residual heat of the dragon's breath.
"Drem Joor. I am Mal-Vahdin-Daar Rein. Paarthurnax asked me to watch over the one called Hadran," the dragon's deep, resonant voice rumbled, carrying an unusual cadence.
The siblings and the guards, weapons at the ready, stepped out to confront the dragon. Cassandra stood at the forefront, her grip tight on her bow. Hadran, standing beside her, was tense but resolute. A shiver of anticipation ran through the group as they awaited the dragon's next move.
"If that's true, our mother would have told us before she left for Solitude," Cassandra said, her voice tinged with suspicion.
"Paarthurnax ordered me but failed to inform Dovahkiin. Please allow me to shout, and all can be explained," the dragon responded.
Cassandra, recognizing the necessity of the dragon's demonstration, reluctantly lowered her bow. The others followed suit, their eyes fixed on the dragon. Mal-Vahdin-Daar stepped back, her massive form creating a small whirlwind of leaves and debris.
"Fahliil-Nol-Dov!" The dragon's shout erupted in a powerful, resonant wave of sound. The force of the shout sent a gust of wind swirling around them, whipping up a storm of dirt and leaves. The defenders of Blackthorn dropped their weapons, covering their ears as the dragon's roar reverberated through the area. Hadran collapsed to his knees, clutching his head in pain. Sofie rushed to his side, wrapping her arms around him in a protective embrace.
As the dust and debris settled, the dragon's form began to transform. The defenders, blinking away the remaining dust, were stunned to see a young Bosmer girl with bright auburn hair cascading down her back to her knees. Her vibrant green eyes locked onto Hadran with a mix of relief and affection. Without hesitation, the girl rushed forward and joined Sofie in hugging Hadran, her warmth a stark contrast to the cold wind.
"Wow, okay, so now what do we do?" Runa asked, her voice filled with a mix of awe and confusion.
"First, some answers. Who are you?" Cassandra demanded, her tone steady but edged with concern.
"Malvahdindaar Rein, youngest child of Akatosh and appointed protector of Hadran Dovahkiir, son of Lilissa Dovahkiin," the girl explained, her voice steady despite the turmoil.
"But what happened to the dragon?" Runa asked, her brow furrowed.
"I am the dragon. Paarthurnax taught me how to transform into a joor, or mortal," Malvahdindaar explained, her voice soothing and clear.
"Okay, but why a Bosmer and a girl at that?" Runa pressed, still grappling with the surreal turn of events.
"First, I am a girl even in my dragon form. And second, it was Paarthurnax's instruction to choose this form," Malvahdindaar clarified.
The girls exchanged uncertain glances while the guards remained on edge, their hands still gripping their weapons. Cassandra, crouched beside Sofie, placed a calming hand on her sister's back.
"Let me carry him, Sofie," Cassandra offered, her voice gentle but firm.
Sofie stepped back, allowing Cassandra to lift Hadran into her arms. Malvahdindaar stayed close to Cassandra, her presence a reassuring constant as the group made their way back to the manor.
"I'll let Lucia and the others know that it's safe now," Runa said before jogging off towards the mine, her footsteps echoing in the quiet aftermath.
Cassandra carefully carried Hadran to the room opposite their mother's, setting him gently on his bed. Minutes later, Runa returned with Lucia and the Alchemist in tow. The Alchemist's face was etched with concern, his eyes wide with disbelief.
"What's wrong with him?" he asked, his voice filled with worry.
"We don't know. Malvahdindaar transformed, and Hadran just collapsed," Cassandra explained, her gaze fixed on her brother.
"It's his Dragon Soul. It must have reacted to the shout. Only Paarthurnax would truly understand, as it's his shout that caused this reaction," the Alchemist speculated.
"But you can't climb the seven thousand steps without your mother," Lucia pointed out.
"We've done it before. Each of us has made the journey to Ivarstead and braved the steps to High Hrothgar. We can do it again," Runa asserted confidently.
Cassandra, the eldest and now the de facto leader, considered their options. She knew that their mother would have the answers, and with Hadran's Dragon Soul mirroring their mother's, Paarthurnax's guidance was crucial.
"Runa, Lucia, gather supplies for the journey. Sofie, take Malvahdindaar and prepare the horses. I'll get our brother ready," Cassandra instructed, her voice resolute.
The sisters quickly set about their tasks, their movements efficient and purposeful. Meanwhile, the Alchemist watched in stunned silence, the weight of the situation sinking in as the siblings prepared for the challenging journey ahead.
~ Scene Break ~
The Dovahkiir siblings and Malvahdindaar arrived at Ivarstead, their horses' hooves clattering against the stone-paved streets. The crisp mountain air was tinged with the scent of pine and the faint, earthy aroma of the town's rustic charm. The townspeople, their faces etched with shock and curiosity, watched as the group passed by the local tavern, its windows aglow with the warm light of flickering candles.
Cassandra's sharp commands cut through the murmur of the crowd. "Runa, Malvahdindaar, take the lead. Sofie and Lucia, carry Hadran. I'll cover the rear."
With the precision of a well-drilled squad, the siblings and their companion began the arduous ascent up the Throat of the World. The path was steep and treacherous, the chill in the air biting at their faces and the distant murmur of the river below barely audible over the crunch of gravel beneath their boots. Hadran, still unconscious, was carefully carried by Sofie and Lucia, their breaths coming in visible puffs in the cold air.
Upon reaching the massive doors of the ancient fortress, Cassandra stepped forward, her heart pounding in sync with the heavy knocks she delivered on the solid oak. The resounding thuds echoed through the mountain's stillness, mingling with the distant call of a lone raven.
Borri, the gatekeeper, opened the doors with a groan of aged wood. His eyes widened in alarm as he took in the sight of Hadran and the urgency in Cassandra's voice.
"We need Master Paarthurnax now, Master Borri," Cassandra said, her voice firm despite the cold sweat on her brow.
Borri, understanding the gravity of the situation, widened the doorway and stepped aside to let them through. The group rushed inside, their footsteps echoing off the cold stone walls. The chill of the mountain air gave way to the warm, musty scent of the fortress's interior.
Inside, they were met by Master Arngeir, who regarded Hadran's pallid form with a look of grave concern. The flickering torchlight cast shadows across his lined face, making his expression seem even more somber.
"Cassandra, what is wrong with young Hadran?" Arngeir asked, his voice carrying a hint of tremor.
"Not sure, Master. Malvahdindaar showed up outside Blackthorn and changed into her elf form, then Hadran collapsed," Cassandra explained, her voice tinged with worry.
"Malvahdindaar?" Arngeir repeated, his eyes narrowing as he turned to the girl.
Malvahdindaar stepped forward, her vibrant auburn hair shimmering slightly in the dim light. "I am a dragon, appointed by Paarthurnax as Hadran's protector."
Arngeir's eyes widened in astonishment. Despite his long life and extensive knowledge, this revelation was unprecedented. The concept of dragons possessing a shout to transform into mortal forms was entirely new to him.
"Well, um… Welcome to High Hrothgar, my lady," Arngeir stammered. "Had we known that Master Paarthurnax had called for you…"
"Master Arngeir," Cassandra interrupted, her impatience clear. "While Malvahdindaar's presence is intriguing, we need to focus on our brother."
"Of course, Lady Runa," Arngeir agreed, his voice steadying. He led Sofie and Malvahdindaar out into the courtyard, the sound of their footsteps mingling with the distant rush of wind through the high mountain peaks. Cassandra followed closely, her gaze fixed on Hadran with a determined focus.
Meanwhile, Runa and Lucia remained inside, their senses heightened as they awaited any sign of their mother's arrival. The stone walls of the fortress seemed to close in, the air thick with anticipation and the faint scent of incense burning somewhere in the depths of High Hrothgar.
~ Scene Break ~
The Throat of the World was not merely the summit of the mountain; it was also Paarthurnax's hidden sanctuary. The icy wind howled around the exposed rock, carrying with it the sharp scent of frost and ancient stone. The air was crisp and thin, each breath feeling like a sip of cool, clean water.
Inside the cavernous interior of Paarthurnax's lair, the atmosphere was dense with the earthy aroma of dragon scales and the faint, smoky residue of fire. The walls, etched with ancient runes, glowed softly in the dim light of torches. Arngeir entered, his footsteps echoing against the stone floor. His face was solemn, his eyes cast downward in reverence.
"Forgive the interruption, my Lord Paarthurnax," Arngeir said, his voice resonating with an undertone of respect and urgency. "But we have an issue with Young Master Hadran."
Paarthurnax's immense form loomed in the shadows, his scales glinting in the flickering light. The dragon's eyes, like molten gold, regarded Arngeir with a mixture of curiosity and concern. His deep, rumbling voice reverberated through the chamber. "Drun Rok Us Dovah."
Sofie and Malvahdindaar carefully laid Hadran down in front of the towering Word Wall. The chill of the stone seeped through the fabric of their clothing, a stark contrast to the warmth of the hearth-like glow emanating from Paarthurnax. Malvahdindaar, with her auburn hair reflecting the dim torchlight, settled beside Hadran with a reassuring nod.
Paarthurnax's gaze shifted to Malvahdindaar, who sat quietly next to the unconscious Hadran. The dragon's voice, now soft but commanding, spoke to Sofie. "Dovahkiir Sofie, please return with your Briianah to Hrothgar with Master Arngeir. Malvahdindaar will return him once he is awake."
The sisters, feeling the weight of the moment, nodded in agreement. Arngeir led them back towards the kitchens, the sound of their footsteps fading into the distance. The cool air of the mountain's interior grew colder as they left the main chamber.
Once they were gone, Malvahdindaar began her transformation. The process was dramatic and awe-inspiring; the air crackled with magical energy, and the room was momentarily filled with a gust of warm wind as she shifted back into her dragon form. Her scales shimmered with an ethereal glow, and her massive, scaled wings unfurled with a soft rustling sound.
"Come Kiir, you must shout him back to Laas," Paarthurnax instructed, his voice a low rumble that resonated deep within the stone walls.
Malvahdindaar, now fully transformed, let out a deep, resonant growl as she prepared to use her powerful shouts to heal Hadran. The peak of the mountain was filled with a palpable sense of anticipation, the echoes of Paarthurnax's command mingling with the distant howl of the wind outside.
~ Scene Break ~
The heavy doors of High Hrothgar burst open with a resounding crash, the force echoing through the ancient stone walls. Lilissa stormed in, her emotions a whirlwind of fear and anger, with Serana and Aela flanking her like shadows. Behind the three formidable women, Queen Valerica glided in, her presence commanding yet calm. The cold mountain air followed them, mixing with the earthy scent of the ancient stronghold.
In the center of the vast chamber, beneath the intricate floor motif, Cassandra knelt, her head bowed low, almost touching the cold stone. The silence was thick, broken only by the soft, rhythmic breathing of those present.
"Cassandra, what happened?" Lilissa's voice cut through the quiet, sharp with worry.
Without lifting her head, Cassandra's voice emerged, strained and heavy with guilt. "We still don't know, Mother. Master Paarthurnax still has him, along with Malvahdindaar."
"Malvahdindaar?" Aela's voice was curious, a hint of a growl in her throat as she sought understanding.
"Mal-Vahdin-Daar," Cassandra clarified, her tone edged with respect. "Master Paarthurnax appointed her to watch over him."
Lilissa's eyes narrowed slightly, suspicion creeping into her thoughts, while Valerica's cool hand rested gently on her shoulder, offering silent support. Serana, sensing the weight of her niece's burden, moved to help Cassandra to her feet, her touch both firm and tender.
"You did the right thing, Cassie. We are proud of you," Serana whispered, pulling Cassandra into a tight embrace. The warmth of her aunt's arms was a brief respite from the chill of the uncertainty surrounding them.
The heavy doors to the inner courtyard creaked open, drawing all eyes to the entrance. Hadran and Malvahdindaar stepped inside, their small hands clasped together. The sight struck a tender chord in Valerica's heart; there was an innocence in the gesture, yet an undeniable connection that went beyond mere friendship.
Lilissa's breath caught in her throat, and without a moment's hesitation, she rushed forward. Dropping to her knees before her son, she enveloped him in a fierce, protective embrace, her heart pounding against his slender frame.
"Are you okay, my son? What happened? What did Paarthurnax say? Who is this girl with you?" Lilissa's questions tumbled out in a torrent, her voice trembling with both relief and concern.
Before Hadran could respond, Valerica's laughter rang out, rich and warm, cutting through the tension like a blade through ice. Lilissa turned, bewildered, as her mother approached, amusement still dancing in her eyes.
"I'm sorry for laughing, my dear," Valerica said, her tone affectionate. "But as Dragonborn, surely you of all people could feel it."
"Feel what, Mother?" Lilissa's confusion deepened, her gaze darting between Valerica and the two children.
"The Dance of Dragons," Valerica replied, her words heavy with ancient knowledge.
Lilissa's brow furrowed, the implications slowly dawning on her. She looked back at Hadran and Malvahdindaar, the truth hovering just out of reach, like a shadow in the corner of her mind.
"But that would mean…" Lilissa's voice faltered, realization hitting her like a wave. "That Hadran can become a dragon."
"Close your eyes, my dear," Valerica instructed gently, her voice soothing. "Shut out the world around you and focus on your son."
Lilissa obeyed, sinking into herself as she knelt before Hadran. The cool air of the mountain seemed to disappear, replaced by the warmth emanating from her son. She concentrated, her breathing slowing as she attuned to his essence. Hadran's features became sharper, his scent familiar and comforting, but it was his soul that captivated her. It was brighter than before, crackling with a vibrant energy that sent shivers down her spine.
"Do you sense it now, Dovahkiin?" an ancient male voice rumbled through the chamber, deep and resonant, like the mountain itself was speaking. "Your son has found not only his dragon form but also one of his soul-mates."
From the inner courtyard, a figure emerged, clad in heavy, dark blue robes that seemed to belong to another era entirely. His presence was commanding, his aura ancient and powerful, far beyond the combined years of Masters Arngeir and Borri. Lilissa's hand instinctively tightened around the hilt of her sword, her body tense with unspoken questions.
"And who are you?" Lilissa demanded, her voice steady, though her heart raced.
"Reach out with your Thu'um, Dovahkiin," the figure replied calmly, "and you will know."
Recognition flickered in Valerica's eyes as she stepped forward, her voice tinged with reverence. "My Lord Paarthurnax. It is an honor."
The revelation struck everyone into stunned silence. The ancient dragon, now in the form of a venerable High Elf, stood before them. His words lingered in the air, heavy with significance.
At Paarthurnax's words, Hadran blushed, the color rising to his cheeks, while Malvahdindaar tightened her grip on his hand, her expression unreadable but intense. Lilissa opened her eyes, her gaze settling on the girl who now stood beside her son, her heart pounding with a mix of awe and protectiveness.
"My daughters tell me that you are a dragon," Lilissa said, her voice carrying the weight of her authority as Dragonborn.
"Y-yes, Lady Dovahkiin," Malvahdindaar replied, her voice steady, though a flicker of nervousness danced in her eyes.
"Show me," Lilissa commanded softly, her tone leaving no room for doubt.