The End Of The Blades

"I can see it in your eyes... you've seen the land of the gods and returned. Does this mean... it is done? Is Alduin truly defeated?"

The voice of Arngeir, leader of the Greybeards, was the first to greet me upon my return to High Hrothgar after defeating Alduin in Sovngarde. It hadn't been easy, but thanks to the Ancient Nord heroes, those being Gormlaith Golden-Hilt, Hakon One-Eye, and Felldir The Old, the World-Eater had been defeated once again… and hopefully for good this time. "Yes. I went to Sovngarde and killed Alduin there."

My reply sounds exhausted. Alduin's first defeat at my hand on the Throat Of The World seemed to be so much easier than this battle had been. The relief in Arngeir's voice is evident.

"At last. It is over. Perhaps it was all worth it, in the end. You've shown yourself mighty, both in Voice and deed. In order to defeat Alduin, you have gained mastery of dreadful weapons. Now it is up to you to decide what to do with your power and skill. Will you be a hero whose name is remembered in song throughout the ages? Or will your name be a curse to future generations? Or will you merely fade from history, unremembered? Let the Way of the Voice be your guide, and the path of wisdom will be clear to you. Breath and focus, Dragonborn. Your future lies before you."

Arngeir, as usual, gives sound advice regarding my path through the rest of my days. I haven't yet decided what I'm going to do with myself, but Arngeir hasn't poorly advised me so far. However, I can't help but wonder...

"Is Alduin really dead? I didn't absorb his soul when he died."

Arngeir pauses as Masters Wulfgar, Borri, and Einarth resume their meditations on the Voice. His reply is ambiguous at most. "Perhaps, perhaps not. Dragons are not like normal mortal creatures, and Alduin is unique even among dragonkind. He may be permitted to return at the end of time to fulfill his destiny as the World-Eater. But that is for the gods to decide. You have done your part."

I take a moment to consider what he's said, and then I remember what the Blades told me before I went to face Alduin. So, I made this known to Arngeir.
"The Blades want me to kill Paarthurnax…"

He doesn't show it, but Arngeir is less than thrilled about this. His voice gives away his true feelings. "Now you see why I've warned you against them. Bloodthirsty barbarians!"

To hopefully settle the matter a bit more calmly out of respect for the Greybeards' vows, I ask about his history. "Is it true, what they said? Was he Alduin's ally?"

Arngeir confirms what the Blades had said. "Yes. But understand - during the days of Alduin's rule, all dragons were his allies. There was nothing else they could be. If not for Paarthurnax, Alduin could not have been overthrown. It was he that first taught men to use the Thu'um."

Again, I consider Arngeir's answer. Sure, Paarthurnax had once been an evil dragon, but throughout my interactions with him, I'd learned far more and received more help from him than I had from the Blades.

I look at Arngeir again. "I haven't decided what to do yet."

There's a small flicker of emotion on Arngeir's face before he replies. "Ahhh, you're learning, Dragonborn. Doing nothing can be the wisest choice, although strangely the most difficult. I trust that you will make the right choice, in the end. Listen to the Voice that Kynareth has placed within you, and your path will be clear."

We bow to each other, and Arngeir gives me his farewell. "Breath, and focus."

I take my leave of the Greybeards and travel down the legendary seven thousand steps to Ivarstead before making my way to Whiterun, where Jarl Balgruuf gives me a hero's welcome. My wife, Lydia, and my children, Samuel and Runa, give me extended hugs and kisses. Even my companion Serana joins in the hugging, uncharacteristic for her, but welcome nonetheless.

-Present Day, 25th of Last Seed-

I snapped awake just after dawn, having had the same dream almost every night since I returned from Sovngarde. That was more than a year ago, and life had returned to a degree of normalcy. Solstheim was free of Miraak, Harkon and Alduin were defeated, I had learned all I could about the dragon language from Tharstan in Skaal Village, and I was finally relieved of the burden of being the Dovahkiin... or so I thought.

After a well-made breakfast thanks to Lydia, I give the kids their chores for the day and head outside. The streets of Whiterun are bustling like they usually are, and the skies are clear. There's a cool wind blowing in from the northeast, but it helps to keep the air comfortable. My destination is Jorrvaskr, the mead hall of The Companions. I might be the Dragonborn, but they still need weapons and armor made.

Normally, this duty would fall to one Eorlund Gray-Mane, but alas, his age is catching up to him. It's now the month of Last Seed, year 206 of the Fourth Era, known as the Season of The Warrior. The celebration of Harvest's End has just ended, but things hadn't slowed down much since it finished a few days ago. The Companions were informed by the man himself the day after the festival that Eorlund had decided to hang up his smithing tools for good. However, the needs of the Companions must still be met, so Eorlund named me as his successor. To him, it makes the most sense, as he's trained me to smith everything he can, though I had to learn to smith Dragon armor and weapons on my own.

This decision was met with hearty approval from the members of the Companions, with their cheers ringing to the very rafters of Jorrvaskr. The mead hall, named for the mighty longboat made by Menro and Manwe in Jylkurfyk thousands of years ago, greets my gaze as I ascend the steps to begin my work once again at the Skyforge. With the Companions, I hold the title of Harbinger, but my duties now belong to the legendary forge that preceded even Whiterun's existence.

As I work, my thoughts go to something that I didn't want to do, but felt that I must go do. I must face the Blades once more and give them my decision about Paarthurnax. It wouldn't be easy to do, considering I had helped Delphine and Esbern begin rebuilding their organization, even going so far as to send them three worthy recruits, but their plans to continue their ancestors' genocide on the dragons just didn't sit well with me. Had they helped me? Absolutely. They showed me Alduin's Wall in Sky Haven Temple, and even gave me the Words of Power to summon Odahviing.

The problem was their staunch belief that Paarthurnax must be killed, despite thousands of years having passed with the old dragon living in self-imposed exile on the Throat Of The World. I sat down as Vilkas' new greatsword cooled in the water trough, looking over Jorrvaskr and listening to the sounds of fighting and honor being displayed.

One of the Companions, Aela the Huntress, approached the Skyforge. "Greetings, Harbinger."

I looked over and nodded to her. "Greetings, Aela. What do you need today? Shield repair? Does your bow need to be restrung?"

She shook her head. "Neither. You looked lost in thought. Are you bothered by something?"

I nodded with a sigh, smiling inwardly at Aela's keen eyesight and instincts. "Yes, Shield-Sister. I must face the Dovahdaan, or the Blades as they're known in the common tongue. I don't want to, because they're forcing me to choose between allies."

Aela sat down by the Skyforge itself, staring at the ancient fire before giving her opinion on the matter. "You are the Harbinger, and my Shield-Brother, but if I may…"

I nodded my permission, and she continued. "Which will be more honorable to you? Betraying one to satisfy the purpose of those who wish ill upon another ally, or standing up for the one who helped you most in your journey?"

Aela made a great point, even though I'd never gone into much detail about being the Dragonborn with the Companions. The Blades had definitely helped me on my journey to defeat Alduin, but Paarthurnax had helped me even more. I looked at her, and she nodded. "I can see in your eyes and on your face you've made your decision, and it will be carried out with honor."

Aela waits for my response, which does not take long to give. "Thank you, Aela. Indeed my decision has been made, but while I am gone, do not let the Skyforge grow cold. I don't know how long this will take, but it must be done."

I nod my thanks to her, which she returns before rejoining the other Companions. After finishing up that day's work, I inform the rest of the Companions of my journey before returning home to do the same with my wife and children. The next morning, I set out alone toward The Reach, east of Markarth, and home to the wild ones known as the Forsworn.

The entrance to my destination, Sky Haven Temple, is the same as it was when I helped Delphine and Esbern gain entry inside the formidable hideout. Constructed in ages long past, during the Akaviri conquest of Skyrim in the First Era, only a Dragonborn could disarm the traps to proceed into the actual temple. The main entrance was through the Karthspire, and that was usually surrounded by the Forsworn.

Thanks to my assistance with helping Madonach escape Cidhna Mine, the King In Rags had sent word to the other Forsworn that I was to be allowed safe passage through their territory in The Reach. Unfortunately, I still had to fight my way to the entrance of the actual temple despite Madanach's decree.

Upon entering the main chamber of Sky Haven Temple, I come across Esbern, the Blades' expert in dragon lore, who seems eager for me to speak to his partner. As I approach, Delphine rises from her chair and stands in front of me. "We heard the news from Whiterun - that you left the city on the back of a dragon! That's a little... showy, even for you. Since you're still alive, I assume you have good news to report?"

I frown a bit. Her attitude, acting like I'm her subordinate, rubs me the wrong way. However, I bite my tongue and answer her question. "Yes. I used Alduin's portal to travel to Sovngarde. He's dead."

Delphine sounds immensely relieved. "Gods above... that's better news than I had hoped! When you walked into my inn that day, I never imagined where it would all lead... dragons out of legend... Sovngarde…"

She trails off, so I continue the conversation. "About Paarthurnax…"

Her response doesn't inspire confidence that going back to them was a good idea. "Make your choice, Dragonborn. You're either with us or against us."

I frown and make my decision known. "I have decided to spare his life."

Delphine tries to assert authority she doesn't have. "Dragonborn, that's not your decision to make. Paarthurnax is evil and needs to answer for his crimes."

Now my blood begins to boil. "So that's your answer? Revenge? I thought the Blades were better than this."

She angers me further with her next rebuttal. "The atrocities he committed against mankind were evil and unforgivable. This isn't about revenge…"

At this point, I have a very obvious scowl on my face as I try to control my temper. "We wouldn't even be here to discuss this if it weren't for Paarthurnax."

Delphine continues to dig herself into a deeper hole. "Are you so blind as to let that dragon manipulate you into this? You have no idea what you're dealing with. Letting him live is dangerous."

I'm at breaking point now, and it's everything I can do not to unleash an Unrelenting Force Shout on her. "So did you question the authority of Reman Cyrodiil or Tiber Septim this way?"

She responds with a very paltry attempt at reason. "Those were different times, and proven leaders. No one had reason to question either one of them."

My teeth grind as I answer her. "You realize that without Paarthurnax, Tiber Septim could not be who he was, right?"

Delphine tries to go full circle with her reasoning. "A nice attempt to deflect the issue, but this is not going to change anything. That dragon has to die for his crimes, regardless of who you invoke."

My vision begins to get a bit blurry as my anger reaches its maximum. "Bruniikke. Savages. That is what you have become. As bad as the Thalmor."

Delphine is extremely offended by this comparison, and she makes it known. "How dare you even suggest such a thing! You test our patience…"

My knuckles are white from clenching my hands so tightly. "I see the Greybeards were right about you as well. Bloodthirsty barbarians."

This remark hits home, and Delphine gives full vent to her feelings. "You go too far, Dragonborn. Give me one good reason why I shouldn't put you down right now as a traitor to the cause!"

I have had enough, and I finally give her a taste of my true power. "DREH NI FUS BAHI! Do not force my wrath if you know what's good for you!"

As my voice echoes throughout Sky Haven Temple, the entire building rumbles and shakes. Delphine staggers, and then stares at me in shock. "By the gods, the power of the Tongues! Very well. I have no desire to die here today. Are you sure this is what you want?"

Crossing my arms, I nod in response, confirming my decision. "Paarthurnax will be spared. Honor my decision. We will not speak of this again."

Delphine's voice is thick with defeat. "Very well, Dragonborn. Though it goes against our better judgment, we will abide by your decision and allow Paarthurnax to live."

Without another word, I make my way to the exit of the temple, but something still doesn't feel right about this whole situation. As I reach the doors to exit the main chamber, I open one, close it, and then sneak back to the main room, staying in the shadows and using my training from the Nightingales. What I hear makes me clench my fists in anger.
Esbern is heard first. "What made you make that kind of agreement with the Dragonborn? You know our oath as Blades demands that Paarthurnax must die."

Delphine sighs. "You're right, but you saw what he's capable of doing. The Dragonborn could have brought this entire temple down on our heads! I had no choice! What would you have done, Esbern?"

Esbern nods in agreement. "You do have a point, but we must uphold our oath. If he won't kill Paarthurnax, then we will."

Delphine pauses a moment, considering his position. "You know something? You're right. There are five Blades, and only one Dragonborn. He can't possibly fight all of us at once and win."

The old man paced a bit. "He may only be one warrior, but as Dragonborn, he's extremely powerful. Don't underestimate him. However, it seems now that our only issue is getting to Paarthurnax. He's guarded by the Greybeards."

The younger woman sits down, then stands back up, getting an idea. "The Greybeards are non-violent, and avoid conflict at every chance. I think if we... persuade them to take us to Paarthurnax, they'll do so because they're required by their vows to avoid violence."

Esbern nods. "We'll approach when the time is right. Let the Dragonborn believe we're going to uphold our oath to him, and then we'll attack when they least expect it."

Words could not express the amount of anger and betrayal I felt as I listened to this conversation. They had once again proven that the Greybeards were right. The Blades were no better than the Thalmor, bloodthirsty savages bent on dragon genocide, just as the Akaviri were. Sneaking around the main chamber, I leave Sky Haven Temple through the rear exit into the courtyard, and make my way down to the river.

On the way into Markarth, I began to formulate a plan that would solve this problem once and for all. Unfortunately, a lot had to happen for it to work, and I would need some serious good favor from the Divines for this to be successful. The first thing I had to do was talk to Arngeir in High Hrothgar.

-High Hrothgar, four days later-

The ancient iron doors squeal open and then close as I enter the monastery. Built ages in the past by Jurgen Windcaller, this hallowed building had never seen violence, even when the Blades bullied their way into the truce negotiations between the Empire and the Stormcloaks several months ago.

Looking around, I find Masters Einarth, Borri, and Wulfgar performing their meditative duties, but I don't see Master Arngeir anywhere. Exiting the monastery into the courtyard, I'm greeted with a powerful shout being blasted from a high tower near the gate to the Throat's peak. Smiling a bit, I ascend the tower to find Arngeir responsible for the immensely loud shouts being released.

As I wait patiently, Arngeir eventually turns around and finds me watching him. "Ah, Dragonborn. What brings you back to High Hrothgar?"

I sigh a bit as I sit down. "Unfortunately, it's the Blades. It turns out you were right about them after all."

Arngeir keeps his face passive and emotionless. "What has happened?"

With my head shaking, I explain to him the conversation I'd overheard after making them think I'd left Sky Haven Temple. I can feel Arngeir's anger growing until I finish my story, but he never shows any of it on his face.

His voice, however, told me everything I needed to know. "So the Blades mean to do us, and Paarthurnax, harm, even though they made an oath to you in what you believed was good faith?"

I nod. "It seems that way. I don't like doing this, but I need to ask for your help again. When they arrive, do not resist them. I know you and the other Greybeards could obliterate them if you so chose, but you would break your own vows to pursue peace. So, allow them to be led by you to where Paarthurnax lives in isolation."

Arngeir doesn't like this idea. "What of Paarthurnax? The Blades will certainly kill him if they find him there."

I stand up, nodding. "I know, but what I'm hoping to do is convince him to leave until the Blades are dealt with, and then he can return in safety."

The Greybeard leader considers this for a moment before asking the obvious question. "Where will he go, should Paarthurnax decide to leave the Throat Of The World? He has very rarely left the top of the mountain, even in ancient days."

My gaze meets Arngeir's eyes. "The only place he'll be safe is Skuldafn. The Blades won't be able to reach him there, because it can only be reached by flight."

Arngeir sighs in a rare show of emotion. "One last thing... Do not involve us in any fighting. The Greybeards are peaceful, and I want to keep it that way."

I shake my head. "I can't make that promise, Master Arngeir. The Blades must be dealt with. I don't want to shed blood on that mountain, but it may lead to that regardless of what we want."

Arngeir and I walk down the steps of the tower to the courtyard. Once there, he sends me on my way with some advice. "We will comply with your request, if only to uphold our vows to pursue peace. Listen to the Voice, Dragonborn, and your path will become clear."

We bow to each other, and I begin the next stage of my journey. My destination this time is Castle Volkihar, and the lone resident of that ancient building: Serana's mother, Valerica. I would need her help to secure my backup plan, should this one with the Greybeards fail.

-Castle Volkihar, five days on-

Castle Volkihar stood silent and imposing, just as it had when I first brought Serana back to Lord Harkon some time ago. This magnificent structure, home to the Volkihar vampires for many generations in the past up to the present day, still made me feel uncomfortable as I approached from the side entrance. The main gate had been sealed shut since the Dawnguard stormed the castle last year.

Making my way through the immense building, I eventually came to my destination: Valerica's study. In this room, Serana and I found a way to open Valerica's portal to the Soul Cairn, a place I didn't want to return to anytime soon. However, the lone resident of the castle, and subsequently the study, was hard at work with her necromancy, something else I didn't take kindly to. But I had helped her leave the Soul Cairn for good, and now I hoped she'd be able to help me.

Slowly opening the door, I poked my head in, took a quick look around, and entered the study. Valerica was hard at work grinding some bone meal into a powder, but she didn't sound too surprised that I had returned. "Valerica?"

The estranged wife of the late Lord Harkon didn't look up from her work, though she did acknowledge me. "Hello again. You appear to have something on your mind. What is it?"

That was just like her, straight to the point. I smiled a bit. "Always right to it I see... Fair enough. I need your help."

Valerica glanced at me briefly. "I sensed that in your voice, and I have a feeling your purpose here will carry some weight with it."

I nodded. "I need to speak with the Ideal Masters, and try to make a deal with them."

The vampire paused. "You're joking."

I shook my head. "I wouldn't ask unless I felt like I had something with which to hopefully bargain."

Valerica frowned a bit, a very rare show of emotion from her. "What do you wish to do?"

I sat down on one of the stone stairs and related my situation to her. She paced the floor as she considered my request. "So you wish to try and free Durnehviir from the Soul Cairn by offering the five souls of the Blades in exchange for him?"

I nodded, albeit slowly. "It's a difficult request to make, but since I'm the one who destroyed all three of their original Keepers, I'm hoping to make up for that by offering them five of the best fighters Skyrim and Tamriel have seen in the past two hundred years."

Valerica paces some more, considering the ramifications of such a transaction. "The Blades, from what I've heard of them, are indeed fierce fighters, known for their ability to kill dragons… and while Durnehviir is a dragon, he can't be permanently killed while in the Soul Cairn… This may work to our advantage. If the Ideal Masters can be convinced that there would be a conflict of interest between the five Blades and Durnehviir constantly fighting each other, they may agree to your bargain. Do you wish for anything else?"

Standing up, I shake my head. "The only condition I have is that Durnehviir is forbidden to practice necromancy ever again, even if returning to Tamriel eventually kills him."

Valerica looks at me, arms crossed in front of her. "Since you do not know how to convene with them, and I do, I will talk to them for you. You helped me by getting rid of Harkon, saving Serana, and allowing me to return to Castle Volkihar, so I will help you in this matter. It may take a while, so feel free to come and go as you please. If you are not here when I return, I will either send a courier to you, or find you myself."

I give Valerica a small bow. "Thank you. I hope the Divines will show favor with us and allow the Ideal Masters to agree to this trade."

Valerica went to commune with the Ideal Masters, while I headed back to civilization in Whiterun. I needed to get back to the Companions and catch up on their weaponry and armor repair. Only the Fates knew how much work awaited me at the Skyforge once I returned.

-Two weeks later-

Having finally caught up on the work the Companions needed, I was actually able to enjoy a slow day at the Skyforge. It was now Middas, the 14th of Sun's Dusk, 4E206, about nine in the evening. The sun had just set, and I was passing the Gildergreen Tree when I was approached by a hooded figure.

I knew who it was by the way their bearing was held. "Good evening, Valerica. I wasn't sure if I was ever going to see you again."

The vampire almost laughed as she replied. "You're an awfully hard Nord to find. However, I have news about your request."

I nodded and motioned to the benches surrounding the giant Gildergreen tree. "Please, sit down."

We sit down and look around before Valerica speaks again. "I have discussed your request at great length with the Ideal Masters."

I'm patient, but this was a big request I'd made to them. "What did they say?"

The female vampire looked me right in the eyes. "I don't know how it happened, but they have agreed to your request, provided that you yourself are responsible for their leader's death."

Feeling relieved was an understatement. "Well, I'm thankful to you for talking to them, and I'm thankful to them for accepting this agreement. However, now I have to figure out which of them is the leader. I'm leaning toward Delphine, since she's the one that sent me on all of those errands once the Dragon Crisis began."

Valerica stood up. "I must go, the guards are getting too curious for my liking. I look forward to when we might see each other again, however long it may take."

I nod to her. "Thank you again, Valerica. Serana is in my house, the Breezehome, should you wish to see her before returning to Castle Volkihar."

The vampire departs, and I begin trying to figure out which one of the two was the "leader" of the Blades as they were today. I eventually come to the conclusion that I'll probably have to kill them both, just to be sure. After reaching this decision, I make my way to the Breezehome for a well-earned rest.

-Fourth Era 207, 15th of First Seed-

A new year had come, and I was beginning to get curious about the Blades and their actions. After finishing up at the Skyforge for the day, I explained to the Companions and then my family that once again, I had business to settle with the Blades. Hugging and kissing them goodbye and goodnight, I made my way to the open tundra of Whiterun, making sure I had no enemies like bandits or saber cats running around. Finding an open plain, I lift my head skyward, and let a Shout loose.

"OH DAH VIING!"

The shout fades into the silent night, and then I hear a roar from the direction of High Hrothgar. A giant shadow flew across the night sky and then began a descent a few hundred feet behind me. A large dragon, red in color but with white on the wings, landed and stomped his way toward me. We bow to each other, and I address him. "Odahviing, my zeymah. How goes your vigil at the Throat Of The World?"

Odahviing took a short pause. "Dovahkiin, the Old One is beginning to do as he promised, teaching the other dov the Way Of The Voice. However, I see no hokoron nearby... Why have you summoned me?"

Sitting on a nearby rock outcrop, I explained to him what I had overheard the Blades discussing. "The Dovahdaan, or the Blades as they're known today, are planning to try and destroy Paarthurnax after they gave me their oath to spare his life and let him live in peace. As their Akaviri ancestors were, so they are in this age. I will not allow them to kill my mindovin, my teacher."

The dragon considers this, and I can sense his anger rising. "Daar nokin. Nust hind wah kuz laas do faal Wuth Gein mindin nust vaat vahrot wah hi?"

I nodded. "Yes, they broke their oath and have made liars of themselves."

Odahviing glared at me. "Vahrot wah vax los nid vahrot ahst pah. What do you plan to do with those traitors?"

Looking up at the stars in the sky, I thought for a minute before using some of my dragon tongue knowledge. "Mu fen lost wah koraav waan nust lost tul begun niist wundaak wah strunmah. Waan ful, mu praag wah naav faal Mudozaan ahrk Paarthurnax."

Odahviing blinked a few times before replying. "Your Dovah speech needs work, but that was not bad. I agree with you zeymah Dovahkiin, we need to find them before they reach the mountain. How do you intend to do this?"

I grinned. "I have a perfectly good dragon right here. Let's take a ride, Odahviing."

Lowering his head, Odahviing allowed me to get on, and I directed him toward Sky Haven Temple. Covering the distance in only a few hours, we arrive at the ancient structure. Hovering just outside the Karthspire entrance out of range of any weapons or attacks, we wait and we watch.

Odahviing's keen eyesight picks up movement in the darkness. "Dovahkiin, look to the entrance."

Following the red dragon's gaze, I can barely make out five figures beginning their travel toward the Throat Of The World. I frown and whisper to him. "There they are, the Bruniikke... They haven't seen or heard us. Otherwise, they'd have attacked and probably awakened the Forsworn in the area. Come, we need to warn the Greybeards and Paarthurnax."

Keeping out of sight, we fly toward the monastery of High Hrothgar with a sense of urgency. It would only be a few days before the Blades would reach them, and the more time we had to prepare, the better.

-16th of First Seed, 8:17 AM-

A sleepless night finds me hopping off of Odahviing outside the entrance to High Hrothgar. I turn toward the dragon and bow. "Nox hi dii zeymah. Thank you my brother, but now you must convince Paarthurnax to leave his home for a few days. I must speak with the Greybeards."

Odahviing looks to the mountain peak. "Where should the Old One go, if he is to be safe from the Dovahdaan?"

I looked east toward the edges of Skyrim. "Take him to Skuldafn, where Alduin's portal is located. The Blades will not be able to reach him there, but I will need you for battle. While you're gone, summon all the zeymah you can find to the strunmah and make sure they're ready for a fight."

Odahviing takes off, and I walk inside the building. "Master Arngeir?"

I walk around and find him meditating by one of the windows. "Ah, Dragonborn, you have returned."

Bowing to him, I frown a bit. "Yes, but I don't bring good news unfortunately. The Blades have begun their march toward this mountain. When they arrive, about four days from now, please do not resist them. Lead them toward the Throat Of The World, but do not let them go back down. As for Paarthurnax, Odahviing is trying to convince him to leave for Skuldafn, the only place he'll be safe."

Arngeir pauses a second before replying. "I have not forgotten your first request for cooperation, but it took a lot of convincing for the other masters to agree. You may have to convince Paarthurnax yourself if Odahviing is unable to do so."

I bow to Arngeir before heading for the courtyard. "I'll go there now. Thank you Master Arngeir. If the situation were not so dire, I wouldn't ask you to do this."

As I leave, Arngeir returns to his meditations. "Breath, and focus."

-The Throat Of The World-

The hike to the mountain peak never got any easier no matter how many times I traveled it, and upon reaching the peak I find Odahviing conversing with the white dragon known as Paarthurnax. I sit down and wait to be recognized, which doesn't take long.

Paarthurnax turns his head toward me, the broken spikes reminding me of his great age. "I have been expecting you, Dovahkiin. Have you come for tinvaak with me?"

I stand up and walk over, touching his spikes with one of my hands. "Paarthurnax, my mindovin, I wish I had that ability now. Unfortunately, the Dovahdaan are on their way to take your life. I hope that zeymah Odahviing has explained everything else to you."

Paarthurnax looks at Odahviing and back at me. "He has, and he has also explained that the Dovahdaan broke their oath to spare me."

I nodded. "They did, though an oath with a liar is no oath at all. I do not doubt your abilities in grah, battle, but the Blades are known for their ability to defeat and destroy the Dov. I will not allow them to take your life."

Paarthurnax considered my statement before replying. "Hi genun pogaas hahvoth fah zey, Dovahkiin, nuz Zu'u dreh ni faas niin. You show much concern for me, Dragonborn, but I do not fear them as you do."

I chuckled a bit. "Zu'u dreh ni faas niin ahney, Paarthurnax, nuz hi hiif zey viik Alduin ahrk lost hiif zey zos wey nust alun drey. I don't fear them either, Paarthurnax, but you helped me defeat Alduin and have guided me more than they ever did. Please, go to Skuldafn with Odahviing and stay there until we come for you."

If Paarthurnax showed any emotion, he probably would have sighed in resignation here. Instead, he looked to Odahviing and began lifting off. "Zu'u fen gir wah hin tolaas, Dovahkiin, to Zu'u vorolur voth nii."

I nodded. "I know you disagree with it, Paarthurnax, but this must be dealt with. Once the Blades are gone, you may return and resume guiding the Greybeards as in ages past."

The two dragons flew off, and while he was gone, Odahviing began finding other dragons to rally to the cause, citing the Dragonborn was in need of their help. I made my way down the mountain to High Hrothgar, where I meditated with the Greybeards and rested up before the battle I knew was coming to the normally peaceful structure.

-20th of First Seed, 4E207, Dawn-

The doors to High Hrothgar banged open, and in marched the Blades, swords drawn and Delphine in the lead. She met Arngeir near the central chamber, and he folded his arms into his long robe's sleeves. "So, the Blades have returned to this hallowed ground, bent on violence and the destruction of our leader."

Delphine leveled her sword at him. "You are going to lead us to Paarthurnax, and you will do it right now. Otherwise, we will make you watch as he is finally defeated once and for all."

Masters Wulfgar, Einarth, and Borri came to the defense of Arngeir, but they met the same resistance from the other Blades. Arngeir glanced at them before answering Delphine. "You are violating the very existence of this building by leveling your weapons at us, but as we pursue peace, we refuse to allow bloodshed in our halls. Follow us, but be warned: the path to Paarthurnax is not an easy one to travel."

Esbern spoke up. "We are more than ready to make that journey, Greybeard, and our oath as Blades will be upheld this day."

The Greybeards exited High Hrothgar into the courtyard and walked through the gate leading to the path that reached all the way to the mountain peak. A few hours before dawn, I had made my way to the Throat Of The World, and was meditating as I waited for the Blades to arrive. I heard the Clear Skies Shout as the Greybeards cleared the way, and I opened my eyes to stare at the path.

Once the Greybeards reached the opening in the path to the mountain peak, they stood to one side, and Arngeir spoke. "The path to Paarthurnax lies before you. We have done you no harm, though we could have if we chose to."

Delphine scoffed. "Sure, just like you allowed the Dragonborn to use his power when training him."

Arngeir gave no answer to the insult, but allowed the Blades to reach the peak. I stood up and looked at them as they approached, the high winds swirling snow around us. "So, the Bruniikke have finally arrived to take the life of the one they swore to spare. I knew you were coming."

Esbern looked at Delphine before turning to me. "How did you know?"

Crossing my arms, I study them, keeping my face like stone. "You thought I left after you made your oath to me? There was something in Delphine's words that I didn't like, so I opened and shut the door, then snuck back to the main chamber, where I overheard your conversation. Today, the Blades will meet their end on this mountain, and their memory will be erased from history."

Delphine raised her sword, taking a few steps toward me. "There are five of us and only one of you, Dragonborn. You won't be able to defeat all of us on your own."

I nodded. "Oh, I absolutely could, but I wanted my friends to have some fun at your expense."

Delphine looked around. "What friends? I don't see anyone here."

I shook my head. "Do you really think your walk to this peak went unnoticed? I had allies watching you this whole time."

Esbern looked behind him. "The Greybeards are the only allies here, Dragonborn."

I looked up at the sky. "That's where you're wrong, Esbern. Zeymah! Genun heinmaar!"

Immediately in response, a massive shout was heard, and the skies around the Throat Of The World cleared. Surrounding the area were twenty-four dragons of all sizes and colors, including Odahviing towering behind me.

I smiled. "Well done, Odahviing. So, Blades, are you still confident you'll keep your lives?"

Delphine tried to hide her fear, though she didn't do well. "This is nothing, Dragonborn. We have faced worse odds than this!"

I chuckled. "Really. I have one more surprise for you."

Finding as flat and open an area as I could, I gave another shout in the dragon language. "DUR NEH VIIR!"

A purple portal spawned, and a monstrous gray-green dragon came out of it. "Once again I am freed from that terrible place, thanks to you, Qahnaarin. What do you need from me?"

I looked at him and nodded at the Blades. "In exchange for your permanent release from the slavery of the Ideal Masters, through Valerica I have agreed to send them these five souls as Keepers in place of the ones I destroyed in the Soul Cairn."

Esbern was furious. "We never agreed to that!"

I grinned. "I know, but you didn't have to. I made that decision for you. What you have to decide is whether or not you'll go willingly."

Delphine screamed at the top of her lungs. "We will never willingly abandon our oath, Dragonborn! Where is Paarthurnax?!"

I shrugged. "Paarthurnax is not here, and you won't find him. He has been taken to a place you cannot get to, because you don't have wings and you can't command these dragons to take you there."

Esbern stood beside Delphine as weapons were drawn. "You betrayed us, Dragonborn!"

I scowled at them. "No! YOU betrayed ME by swearing an oath and then breaking it by coming here anyway! Now you will pay!"

Looking at the dragons surrounding the mountain, I shout to them above the howling winds that surrounded the mountain peak. "Zeymah! Enmindok vax wo vaat vahrot wah vahraak Paarthurnax! Tul het nust los wah kuz ok laas! Genun niin nid aaz! Krii enook laat gein, nuz lif niist kinbok wah zey! Iidah!"

The battle began in earnest, with the Greybeards turning away in disappointment at the violence occurring on their sacred mountain. The dragons attacked relentlessly, but many met their end to the weapons of the Blades and their enchantments. The three recruits were killed by Odahviing and Durnehviir, and the other dragons who weren't killed by the Blades assisted in being distractions to Esbern and Delphine.

Esbern used his magicka to disable Odahviing, but he never got the chance to finish the job. My dragonbone sword found its place in his ribs, and giving a mighty throw, I tossed him into the air, where he was eaten by Durnehviir. That was one down, but Delphine had snuck up behind me and when I turned around, she slashed her sword across my dragonscale armor.

It cut deeply, and I fell to the snow as the remaining fifteen dragons surrounded us. Delphine aimed her sword at my throat, panting like a bellows and cut in a dozen places. "Give up, Dragonborn! You won't win this battle!"

I shook my head, taking note of my own injuries: Several deep gashes on my arms and legs, and the fresh cut across my chest. "You don't understand, Delphine. Had you upheld your oath to me, all of this could have been avoided."

Delphine kicked my sword away from me, and raised hers to make the killing blow. "Any last words, traitor?"

I nodded, weakly motioning to her. "Come close... I want you to hear this clearly."

She foolishly leaned in, and as the enchantment from her sword wore off, I grabbed her and heaved her over me, bellowing with all my worth. "FUS ROH DAH!"

Delphine went flying high into the air with a look of shock on her face. Struggling to my feet, I picked up my sword and timed my swing as she came crashing back to the ground. With one clean stroke, I separated Delphine's head from her shoulders. Her body landed with a thud and began rolling down one side of the mountain, while her head rolled down another side.

Dropping my sword, I fell back to the snow, panting heavily. "Finally... it's over..."

The Greybeards began their walk back to High Hrothgar, while Odahviing landed beside me. "Dovahkiin... What do we do with our fallen zeymah?"

I looked over at him. "You and the other zeymah may carry them to the courtyard at High Hrothgar, and burn their bodies. Once that is done, we will go to Paarthurnax and bring him back here."

Over the next few days, I recovered my strength while Odahviing, Durnehviir, and the remaining dragons stacked the bodies of the fallen in High Hrothgar's courtyard. At the ceremony, the Greybeards joined us as I recited a farewell in the dragon tongue.

"Zu'u los mahfaeraak kogaan fah hin hiif ko grah wah faal Dovahdaan, ahrk fod im tiiraaz hi lost wah ofan hin lahney, Zu'u vaat tol hi fen neh kos vodahmin. Bo us mii nu, ahrk kovir hin urid ol heroes. Mu fen grind ontzos ko zuspein eruvos."

Arngeir translated for Serana and Lydia, whom he had come to my aid and bring me down from the Throat Of The World before I froze. "He says: 'I am forever thankful for your help in the battle against the Blades, and while I am sad you had to give your lives, I swear that you will never be forgotten. Go before us now, and enjoy your reward as heroes. We will meet again in later years.'"

With a mighty Shout, Odahviing, Durnehviir, and myself lit the massive pile of bodies on fire. As they burned, I turned to Durnehviir. "It took a lot to free you from the Soul Cairn, Durnehviir. Now, go on your way, and never practice necromancy again. Those were the terms of the agreement with the Ideal Masters."

Durnehviir bowed. "I thank you, Qahnaarin, and I will follow your command. Now, I will fly the skies of Taazokaan like never before, for as long as I have left. If you need me, simply call for me."

He took off, and I turned to Odahviing. "Alright my brother, when you are ready, we can go retrieve Paarthurnax."

Odahviing bowed low so I could get on. "I am ready when you are, Dovahkiin."

I got on, and we flew off, ready to bring the Old One back to his proper place. On the way, the remains of the Blades were lit on fire. They at least deserved that much, even though they broke their oath to me as Dragonborn.

-Two days later-

Odahviing landed in one of the open fields near Alduin's portal to Sovngarde, where we were met with two dragons guarding the portal. They approached and I got off of Odahviing, who waited patiently while I conversed with them.

Showing respect to my elder dov, I let them ask me what my purpose was, and then I answered them. "Zu'u lost bo wah retrieve faal Wuth Gein, Paarthurnax, nol ahnok staad. Faal Dovahdaan lost kosaan viik ont ahrk fah pah, ahrk faal Mudozaan los nuk fah niist in wah daal wah ok prudaav staad."

The guardian dragons conversed for a moment, and then the older one turned to me. "You say you come to bring him back to the Throat Of The World, but you are the Dovahkiin. Vir dreh mu mindok hi fen ni krii mok hinmaar?"

I looked at Odahviing and then answered the dragon. "He is my mindovin, my mentor, and as such I have only respect for him. Besides, I killed his enemies, the Dovahdaan, after they broke their oath to spare his life and tried to kill him anyway. Odahviing will side with me, as he was there that day."

Odahviing did confirm my story, so the dragons flew off. About an hour later, they returned with Paarthurnax in tow. Both Odahviing and myself bowed to the Old One, and after he got comfortable, he looked at both of us. "Odahviing ahrk Dovahkiin, fos drun hi het? What brings you here?"

I got back on Odahviing and then answered. "The Dovahdaan are defeated once and for all, Paarthurnax. It is now safe to return to the Throat Of The World."

As usual, the old dragon took a minute to consider this and formulate an answer. "Hmm... Indeed, they are gone, and I thank you, Dovahkiin. Dreh nust Mudozaan saraan dii daal ol pruzah? Do the Greybeards await my return as well?"

I nodded. "They are anxious to have you back, as I am, though they don't show it. When you are ready, we will return."

Paarthurnax began taking flight, with myself and Odahviing right behind him. Upon arriving at High Hrothgar the following day, Paarthurnax said some words in remembrance of his fallen brothers, conversed with the Greybeards for the first time in many long years, and then returned to his vigil at the Throat Of The World.

It was here that I took my leave of Odahviing. "Thank you, my zeymah. Your help and deeds will not be forgotten."

Odahviing began taking flight to return to circling the peak of the mountain. "If you need me again, just call, and I will come if I can."

Giving one last Unrelenting Force shout to send him off properly, I spend the night in the halls of High Hrothgar before taking the scenic route back to Whiterun with Lydia and Serana.

-One week later-

Finally back in Whiterun, as the month of Rain's Hand approached, I resumed work at the Skyforge, catching up on the armor and weapon needs of the Companions. However, I was eventually dragged into Jorrvaskr and asked to tell the tale of what was becoming known as the Dragons' Revenge.

It took a few days to tell, but all agreed that the deed had been very honorable, especially in the face of being betrayed by those I had once considered allies. Once the story was done being told, it was back to life as usual, forging and repairing weapons and armor for the Companions... until the Stormcloaks showed up to attack Whiterun. But that's a story for another time.