Chapter 11: Companions Arc Finale

Silver Hand Hideout

"Ha!" One of the Silver Hand said as they were holding up a fragment of Ysgramor. "I can't believe we give those Companion freaks a blow they will never forget."

"Indeed." Another one said. "With their leader dead, what are they going to do now?"

As the two laughed, three more walked into the room inside Driftshade Refuge where they were minding their own business. All of a sudden, they heard an uprising roar that made them jump. As they prepared their weapons at hand, the sound was getting closer and closer. Just as things were settling down, the door burst right off, revealing to be a giant black furred werewolf looking at them with its glowing green eyes as it began to tear each and every one of them. After a few minutes, Issei reverted to his human form, put on his armor and then grabbed all the fragments off the table. Just then, Vilkas appeared and say the fragments that Issei had.

"Is this all of them?" Issei asked.

Vilkas nodded and said. "Yes, that is all of them."

"Good." Issei said. "Now let's go."

As the two of them left Driftshade Refuge, Issei said. "This is how Aela felt."

"What did you say, Shield-Brother?" Vilkas asked.

Issei replied. "This is how Aela felt when Skjor died. The thirst for vengeance is too great when you have the Beast Blood in you."

Vilkas placed his hands on his shoulders and said. "At least we avenged his death."

Issei stood quiet and said. "I guess we did. Let's go home."

Whiterun

When Issei and Vilkas returned to Whiterun, the following day was an eerie cloudy morning at Jorrvaskr. The Jarl, his court, citizens of Whiterun and other people from other holds came to the funeral of the Companion's Harbinger Kodlak Whitemane. The citizens of Skyrim stood near the Skyforge as the Companions stood around it. Standing next to Issei, with his helmet off in respect, was Lydia and the twins, in her regular clothes, while the three Circle members stood out front to see their fallen comrade lying on his funeral pyre. Kodlak was wrapped in a red and gold blanket; two gold coins were placed on his eyes.

Everyone stood in silence.

"Who will start?" Eorlund asked as he had a torch in his hand sighting that one of the Circle members must light the fire.

"I'll do it." Aela said as she grabbed the torch.

She lights the hay that goes to the pyre on fire and began the Companion's sermon.

Aela then said. "Before the ancient flame..."

"We grieve." Everyone all said.

Eorlund said. "At this loss..."

"We weep." Everyone said.

"For the fallen..." Vilkas said.

Everyone said. "We shout."

Farkas then said. "And for ourselves..."

"We take our leave." Everyone said.

Aela goes to burn the pyre, as the flames consumed Kodlak's wrapped body the people begin to leave.

"His spirit is departed. Members of the Circle, let us withdraw to the Underforge, to grieve our last together." Aela said.

As the people leave the funeral Eorlund goes to Issei for a second and said. "Are you feeling alright?"

Issei replied. "I can't believe he's gone. He trusted me to the end, why?"

"I don't know, my boy." Eorlund said. "May I ask a favor from you?"

Issei looks at him and said. "Go ahead."

Eorlund replied. "Kodlak kept a fragment of Ysgramor with him in his nightstand. Will you go get it for me?"

Issei replied. "I will."

As he left to go to Kodlak's room, Lydia and the twins followed him. As they were walking, to Issei's surprise, both kids walks up to him and places their hands on his. Issei smiles at them while they smile back. Issei thinks of the wisdom the old man gave him. To never take anything for granted, to always value the simple joys of life, and most of all, to always be true to yourself. Once the four entered Kodlak's room, Issei went through the nightstand and found the fragment he was looking for. But next to the fragment was Kodlak's journal.

As Issei picks up the journal, Mephala said. {Open it. I know you want to read it.}

"This is his private journal." Issei said. "We can't just read it."

Lydia then said. "No one will know."

Sighing, Issei gives one of the kids his helmet and opens the journal and begins to read.

In my dream, I see the line of Harbingers start with Ysgramor. Each of them ascends to Sovngarde, until we come to Terrfyg, who first turned us to the ways of the beast. He tries to enter Sovngarde, but before he can even approach Tsun, he is set upon by a great wolf, who pulls him into the hunting grounds, where Hircine laughs with welcoming arms.

Terrfyg seems regretful, but also eager to join Hircine after a lifetime of service as a beast. Then I see every next Hardinger turn away from Sovngarde and enter the Hunting Grounds of their own accord. Until it comes to me and I see great Tsun on the misty horizon, beckoning me. It appears I have a choice. And then, at my side, a stranger I had not seen before. As I look into his eyes, we turn to see the same wolf who dragged away Terrfyg, and he and I draw weapons together.

I realize this is only a dream, but a strong enough dream to inspire a man like me to take to writing, so it must be some import.

I've spoken of my thoughts to the Circle, withholding the part about the stranger lest Skjor worry I will no longer seek his counsel, and I was not surprised to see them torn by it. Skjor and Aela are strong in the ways of the beast, and even seem to suggest that the Hunting Grounds would be their choice of afterlife, if it were truly a choice.

Vilkas seemed most troubled. The boy is as fierce as a sabre cat in battle, but his heart's fire burns too brightly at times. He felt deceived, and I don't blame him. Farkas didn't know what to think, but I believe he will come around with me and his brother eventually. He usually does.

I don't know what to do about Skjor and Aela. I know they respect the Companions, and me, but they take to the blood more deeply than the rest of us.

Fortune smiles upon us. Yesterday, Vilkas was telling me how difficult it had been for him to give up his transformations. Until we can pursue a true cure, the twins and I have chosen not to give into the beast blood. For me, it's provided a cleaner head, but Vilkas seems to be suffering a bit for it. Farkas seems completely untroubled. That boy continues to amaze with his fortitude.

While Vilkas was confiding, through the shadows of Jorrvaskr, I saw a newcomer approach, who wished to join our numbers. It was the stranger from my dream, the one who would stand with me against the beast. Vilkas began speaking obliquely, not wishing to air our problems in front of our quest, and I had to be doubly cautious to not reveal anything of our secrets to the newcomer while also not revealing the details of my dream to Vilkas. I don't know how the politicians deal with these sorts of machinations daily.

In any case, I've sent Vilkas to test the newcomer. We'll see if he is truly the great warrior I dreamt of.

This newcomer, it seems, is made of decent stock. He calls himself Issei, and has already impressed some of the Circle with his mettle. I still keep my own counsel on his place in my dream, for now. Let us see what kind of destiny he is carving before hitching to him.

In the meanwhile, I look for ways of cleansing my blood.

The writings and legends on the subject are sparse and contradictory. I don't wish to engage any wizardry on this matter, but I fear they may be the only ones who best know how to navigate these worlds of knowledge.

It's apparent to me that Terrfyg's choice to turn us was indeed a mistake. Magics and their ilk are not in keeping with the spirit of the Companions. We face our problems directly, without the needs of such trickery. I can only hope to guide us back to the true path of Ysgramor before the rot takes me.

Issei continues to impress. I don't know yet where he will stand on the question of the blood, but the question has not been presented yet. He does know that we carry the beast blood, and appears curious about it. Soon enough, I can explain our. Troubles and hopefully see what role he will play.

I'm amazed that Aela thinks he can keep a secret among this drunken rabble. Especially with the loss of Skjor (my heart aches), emotions are fraying, and the walls of discretion are the first to fall.

Apparently she and Issei are waging their own separate war against the Silver Hand, in retaliation for Skjor's death. Their hearts are noble, but the course of vengeance is running hot, and I fear the counterstroke that may come if they do not rein in their fury.

Issei shows valor, through, even in this more underhanded time. We have not had cause to speak much, and that is something I deeply regret. I have high hopes for his destiny, as I realized that his appearance in my dream may indeed mark him as Harbinger to succeed me.

I have received few dreams over the course of my life, but when they come, I have learned to trust them. I have also learned to trust the instincts of my heart, which tells me that Issei can carry the Companions legacy as truly as any residing in Jorrvaskr, especially with the loss of Skjor. Aela is too solitary, Vilkas too fiery, and Farkas too kind-hearted. Only Issei stands as a true warrior who can keep a still mind amidst these burning hearts.

I will not speak to him of any of this, though. It is too much to burden another with. My hope is that he and I can keep counsel over the coming years, that I can impart the wisdom of the Harbingers. All things in time. Firstly, I will seek his assistance in the matter of the witches of Glenmoril. It would appear that our path to the cure is not without some poetic justice for the tricksters who first cursed us.

'Did Kodlak really want me to become the next Harbinger?' Issei thought.

{Issei Hyoudou, the next Harbinger?} Mephala asked. {I can't put my head around that.}

"Tell me about it." Issei said. "But why me?"

Lydia said. "I don't know, but he believes in you. As I do."

Issei smiled at her. "Thanks Lydia. Come on you three. Let give Eorlund the fragment."

Once the three left Jorrvaskr and found Eorlund, Issei gave him the fragment. "Here you go."

"Thank you." Eorlund said. "You should go into the Underforge and speak with The Circle."

"Alright." Issei said as he turns to Lydia and the twins. "I want you three to head home."

When Lydia agreed and Issei entered the Underforge, he heard Vilkas and Aela in a heated conversion.

"Kodlak is in a better place now!" Aela said. "I don't see why you are upset about!"

Vilkas said. "The Hunting Grounds is not for him! His place is Sovngarde! He wanted to be cured from this curse!"

"Curse?!" Aela cried. "You see our gift as a curse?!"

"That's what we see it, Aela." Issei said.

Aela turns to him. "You see it as a curse?! When I saw you transform, you are more powerful in your form than anyone of us!"

"That may be true." Issei said. "But to tell you the truth, I can't mentally handle the pressure. I can barely get enough sleep, When I first saw Farkas transform, I thought it was awesome But I now realize that was a mistake accepting it."

As Aela was shocked to hear this, Issei said. "But what Vilkas said was right, the old man deserves to be in Sovngarde. It was his wish. He told me that himself, as well as finding a cure. If there was a way to cure him now…"

"There is." Vilkas said. "Me and Kodlak were discussing about this and told me that he was close. But before we were going to discover a cure, he's gone. Now there is no way of finding one."

Issei smiled. "I wouldn't give up that easily."

Before any one of them was going to say something, Issei raised his Dragon Gauntlet and summoned one of the Hagraven heads.

"What on earth is that?" Farkas said.

Issei replied. "Before the old man died, he sent me to Glenmoril Coven to kill these witches and get their heads, there were four of them."

"That must be the final piece then." Vilkas said. "Kodlak also told me that the key to cure him lies within the Tomb of Ysgramor. But in order to enter the tomb we need Ysgramor's Blade and that is in pieces."

"Not entirely." Eorlund said as he walks in with a giant axe. "Even though tools can be broken they can be repaired. My friends, say hello to Wuuthrad."

As Eorlund hands Wuuthrad to Issei, Farkas said. "Now that we have everything to help Kodlak, we should head to Ysgramor's Tomb."

"Farkas is right." Issei said. "The sooner we leave the sooner we are in curing the old man."

"Issei is right." Aela said. "Kodlak may not want the Beast Blood in him, but he is still our Harbinger. If he wants to be in Sovngarde, then we should fulfill his wishes."

"Then what are we waiting for?" Vilkas said. "Let's get go to Ysgramor's Tomb."

Once everyone agreed, they all left the Underforge and went to get supplies for the road, when Issei saw Lydia he walks up to her. "Hey Lydia, where the kids?"

Lydia replied. "Sleeping in your room."

Issei nodded and said. "Lydia, care to do me a favor?"

"Anything, my Thane." Lydia said.

Issei said. "I want you to take care of the kids while I go with Farkas, Vilkas and Aela to Ysgramor's Tomb."

"But my Thane." Lydia said. "Why are you going there?"

Issei replied. "Companion business, soon to be concluded. Please Lydia."

Lydia nodded and said. "Of course, my Thane."

Issei made his way to the front gate Once there, he met Aela, Farkas and Vilkas waiting for him. When the four were ready, they made their journey to Ysgramor's Tomb to cure Kodlak.

Ysgramor's Tomb

After a long journey, the four Companion members finally arrived at Ysgramor's Tomb. As they entered the tomb, they saw a statue of Ysgramor in the center of the room. Seeing that his hands were empty, Issei knows what to do. He walks up to statue, places Wuuthrad in Ysgramor's hands and a door behind.

When they were about to enter, Vilkas said. "Listen, I can't go any farther."

Issei turns to him and said. "Why?"

Vilkas replied. "My mind if too fogged and my heart is not worthy. You all do what needs to be done."

When the three agreed, they made their way down the tomb. Along the way, they encountered Companion Ghosts attacking them. Issei had drawn Mephala and started cutting down three Ghosts dead while Aela and Vilkas each killed one Ghost. The two Companion members were impressed in Issei's skills as a warrior. As they entered another room, they encountered more Companion Ghosts. After having a difficult time of dealing with the Ghosts, the three made their way through the hallways.

Before they proceed, Farkas stopped. "This is the farthest I can go. After what happen back at Dustman's Cairn, I don't like things that crawl."

Issei nodded. "I understand, everyone has their limits and this one is yours."

As he and Aela then made their way down the tunnel, they encountered Giant Frostbite Spiders, but Issei easily killed them. When the two entered passages, they encountered more Companion Ghosts. As Aela shot them with her arrows, Issei fired with his dragon shots. After encountering more Ghosts, they made it to the Burial Chamber. When they approached the center, they saw the ghost of Kodlak standing near an altar that had blue flames.

When they approached Kodlak, he saw them and spoke. "Ah my boy, I am glad to see you again."

"Old man." Issei said. "What are you doing here?"

Kodlak replied. "Me and my fellow Harbingers are evading Hircine so that we cannot go to the Hunting Grounds."

"More Harbingers?" Issei said as he looks around. "I don't see them."

Kodlak then said. "But they all see you. The reason you see me is because you see me as a Harbinger."

"I see." Issei said. "Anyway, Vilkas said that we can still cure you."

"That's great news!" Kodlak said. "Did you bring the heads?"

Issei summoned one of the heads and said. "As always."

Kodlak smiles and said. "Wonderful my boy. Throw it in the fire. Although it can cure me, it's a shame it cannot cure my fellow Harbingers here."

"Alright then." Issei said. "Here goes nothing."

As Issei threw the head into the fire, after a few moments later, nothing happen. When Issei turns to Kodlak, it looks like Kodlak was having a heart attack. After a few seconds, there was a red glow admitting from his body.

"Get ready, Aela." Issei said.

As Aela took out her Steel Sword and Shield, Issei summoned his shoulder cannons and points it at Kodlak. All of a sudden, a giant, red, ghost-like wolf appeared and glared at Issei and Aela with hungry eyes. The wolf then charges at Aela while she defended herself with the shield. Issei took the shot and fired. Even though the blast hit the wolf, it did not take any damage. As the wolf turns to him, Issei quickly drew Mephala but was too late as the wolf pounces on him and knocks him to the floor. As Issei struggles to get it off, Aela took out her bow and arrow and shot the wolf in the side of its face.

As the wolf gets off of Issei and had its eyes on Aela, Issei said. "How the hell are we going to kill that thing?"

Mephala replied. {Try using your new Shout.}

Issei looks at the wolf, concentrates and shouts. "YOL!"

A blast of fire shot out of Issei's mouth and onto the wolf. As it cried in pain, Aela grabs her sword and starts stabbing it. With Mephala, Issei cuts the wolf in half, disappearing into the air.

Issei turns to Kodlak and said. "How do you feel, old man?"

Kodlak replied. "My spirit is free thanks to the two of you. Sadly, my fellow Harbingers are to remain trapped here. But once the time comes, we will battle for their freedom."

He then said. "I knew we accomplish greatness together. I wouldn't have chosen a better man to lead the Companions to further glory."

Aela's eyes widen when Kodlak said that.

'Does he mean that he wants Issei to be the next Harbinger?' Aela thought as she looks at Issei.

"I still have three more of those witches head. What do you want me to do with them?" Issei asked.

Kodlak said. "You should know. Cure yourself and the twins, I know you read my journal."

"Oh." Issei said surprised. "You…you saw that?"

Kodlak nodded and said. "And don't forget, even though you lead the companions now, you still need to fulfill your duty as the Dragonborn."

Issei's eyes widened. "How did you know that?"

Kodlak laughed. "You'll be surprised how much I know. Anyways, I thank you for setting my soul free. I hope we meet again in Sovngarde."

Issei smiles and said. "For what? Drinking our asses off or saving the rest of your friends?"

Kodlak smiles once last time. "Perhaps both. Take care of my fellow Companions, my boy. Farewell."

And with that, Kodlak's soul disappeared as he enters to Sovngarde.

"Take care, old man." Issei said.

Aela then said. "Did I hear correctly? Did Kodlak sad that you are to be our new Harbinger?"

Before Issei could reply, Mephala said. {You sound surprised.}

"No." Aela said. "It's just…what a minute, who said that?"

"Right." Issei said. "Aela, meet Mephala, she's my friend. For reason beyond I know."

"You are friends with that Daedric Lord?" Aela said.

Issei rose an eyebrow. "Don't you worship Hircine?"

"Fair point." Aela said. "As I was saying, I am surprised that Kodlak appointed you as the new Harbinger."

"Hey I am as surprised as you are." Issei said. "Come on, let's go back to the twins."

After going through the secret passage, he found a chain and pulled it. As the wall opened, the two saw Farkas and Vilkas standing near the statue.

When the twins saw them, Farkas said. "Is Kodlak cured?"

Issei said. "He is resting in peace drinking to his heart's content."

"So he's cured then." Vilkas said. "But we don't have a Harbinger to lead us."

Issei looks at Aela while she said. "Not to worry, my Shield-Brothers. Before Kodlak's soul departed to Sovngarde, he had chosen the next Harbinger."

The twins eyes widen and Vilkas said. "Who?"

Aela just simple looks over at Issei. The twins follows Aela's direction and Farkas said. "Issei's the next Harbinger?"

Issei replied. "Yeah, surprises me too."

"In that case." Farkas said as he gave Issei a bear hug. "I couldn't think of a better person to lead us."

"Farkas…" Issei said as he was running out of breath. "Can't…breathe."

"Sorry." Farkas said as he lets go.

Regaining his breath, Issei said. "Since we are here, I am thinking of curing myself of the werewolf curse."

Everyone's eyes widen and Vilkas said. "You still have more of them?"

Issei replied. "I have three left. And I know you guys want to be cured too."

The twins looked at each other and Farkas said. "But, what about Aela?"

Aela replied. "I know I am not going to cure myself. But if you two want to be free, then more room for me in the Hunting Grounds."

The twins and Aela smiled as Vilkas said. "Let's do this."

Issei nodded and said. "Follow me and let's get ourselves cured."

END

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