Tirdas, 16^th Midyear, 4E 202

While I changed into some light armour, Rigmor and Olette swapped their finery for something more practical. We were soon ready to travel.

• Rigmor: What is with the two swords?
• Wulf: Sword and Board are not ideal if fighting in limited space on a ship’s deck. This set is the armour I will wear if I must travel on the ship, and I have been practising dual-wielding with Shiva.
• Olette: Inigo saw Cap’n sparring with Shiva and thought it amusing. So, Shiva stepped back and let the blue ego have a go.
• Wulf: I let Inigo think he was getting the better of me, and his boasting and derision increased.
• Olette: Shiva eventually had enough and said, ‘Stop playing with that pussy, Wulf!’
• Rigmor: But that is…is…ah….
• Olette: A double entendre. DUH! It was more amusing coming from a female Ka’Po’Tun.
• Wulf: I disarmed Inigo, then cut half an inch off the longest whisker on his left.
• Olette: I said that might make Inigo unbalanced.
• Wulf: I agreed and chopped half an inch off the longest whisker on Inigo’s right.
• Olette: Inigo was shocked, and we thought he might get upset. But then he laughed as long and hard as anybody.
• Wulf: I still feel more comfortable with a shield, but I am confident I could beat most opponents.
• Rigmor: It is a while since we sparred with greatswords.
• Wulf: My ego is fragile, and you have a mean cackle.
• Olette: The first time I heard you cackling was when you swept Cap’n’s legs from underneath him, and he crashed to the floor. I could not believe how fast you swung your sword.
• Wulf: I always hear it when we are in a real fight. Snarling and cries of ‘For Talos!’ are also prevalent.
• Rigmor: Nothing is more disturbing than your silent Dance of Death. But this is a morbid subject.
• Wulf: Okay, Tundra Homestead first.
• Olette: How is Urdr doing?
• Wulf: You know how keen she was on being Steward. Eutei and Sharava did not mind stepping down as it gave them more time to fish. But Urdr does miss being with us.
• Olette: When she helped with the chocolate exhibition, she enjoyed the comradeship.
• Wulf: The constant killing that inevitably happens when travelling with me was not to her liking.
• Rigmor: That is understandable.

We teleported into Tundra Homestead’s house and then exited into the sunshine.

Rigmor asked, “What is with all the Whiterun guards?”

“Jarl Balgruuf has patrols guarding the farms along this road. All the bandit nests in the tundra have been eliminated. However, quite a few roaming bands are still out there and getting more desperate.”

Urdr looked relaxed.

• Olette: We miss you in Aurane, Urdr.
• Urdr: And I miss all of you. I have this place under control, thanks to Eutei and Sharava, so I can start visiting soon.
• Wulf: Is the new crop in?
• Urdr: Yes, and this strain of wheat that the College of Winterhold developed seems to grow much quicker.
• Wulf: It grows quicker but also has more grains per sheaf.
• Urdr: It is no easier to grind! Luckily, the windmill worked without a hitch.
• Rigmor: Is the intent to distribute this new wheat to other farmers?
• Wulf: Yes. The first few crops will be used to gather grain for distribution.
• Urdr: The biggest hurdle will be overcoming Nord resistance to anything related to magic.
• Wulf: It was not magic but the application of research and science that produced this superior strain. That is what we will emphasise. Science, not magic, was used.
• Olette: Cap’n told me he wanted mages to use their skills for more practical purposes and less esoteric research.
• Wulf: I could not order them to change their ways. That is not the right of the Arch Mage. But many mages saw the potential, and they knew how The Mages Guild used to be an asset to the average citizen.
• Olette: Farmers who do not use the new strain would be disadvantaged. Practicality in the form of profits will overcome their dislike for magic.
• Rigmor: You are a very astute young lady, Olette.
• Wulf: The new strain of wheat will benefit all the people of Nirn and not a profit-driven company or individual. We will ensure The College of Winterhold gets the recognition, but we ask for nothing else.
• Urdr: The College started with wheat, as it is the most crucial crop in Tamriel. They are also trying to increase yields in other crops.
• Wulf: For instance, potatoes are at risk from blight, some insects and frost. New species of potatoes can reduce the blight and frost problems. The insect problems can be reduced by offering alternate food for the insects.
• Olette: Something they would rather eat like Sweetrolls if Rigmor were a Potato Weasel.
• Wulf: A Sweetroll Slug!
• Olette: You do not want to upset the natural balance.
• Wulf: Correct. Insects are part of the food chain and help pollination. We want some of them to land on the produce and not kill all the insects that make their way to a farm. We must control them, not destroy them.
• Rigmor: Many laypeople will be as scared of science as magic.
• Wulf: That is where careful education is needed. We have historical records of farm yields from past eras that prove they had superior species of many crops. Much magical knowledge was lost and is being rediscovered. The same is happening with agricultural knowledge.
• Urdr: The ordered minds of mages combined with their research and experimentation skills are ideal for rediscovering lost agricultural knowledge.
• Rigmor: I feel we might learn a few things today, Olette.
• Olette: Cap’n will show mercy if our brains start hurting.

Olette gave Urdr a quick hug, and we continued our tour.

I was mystified when I saw Sharava in Blades Armour.

• Wulf: You should not wear that armour, Sharava.
• Sharava: Apologies, Wulf, but a huge crocodile walking on its back legs barged into the farm this morning. It had already knocked three Whiterun guards flying before I reached it. It made a mess of my armour before Eutei banished it. I have not had a chance to repair my armour, but I found this set on one of the mannequins.
• Wulf: Was the attacker a Daedroth?
• Sharava: That is what Eutei called it.
• Wulf: How are the Whiterun guards?
• Sharava: Eutie saved them, but it will be a few days before they can return to duty.
• Wulf: The Thalmor are now allowed to traverse Whiterun Hold. Any passing Thalmor will try to arrest you if they see you in that armour.
• Rigmor: The best thing to do in that situation is kill the bastards.
• Olette: Isn’t that the best thing to do anytime you see Thalmor?
• Rigmor: Indeed, it is, Olette.
• Wulf: The poor Thalmor have nothing to do now that Talos worship is allowed. However, His Imperial Majesty is still negotiating the status of The Blades. He will eventually tell The Dominion to shove it but until then…
• Sharava: Do not get seen in public wearing Blades Armour. I will get to repairing my armour soon.
• Olette: Cut Sharava some slack, Cap’n. She is working hard to prevent that post from falling over!
• Sharava: That expert level of sarcasm reminds me of Wulf.
• Olette: Practice makes perfect.

We looked inside the chicken coop and were impressed by the number of eggs.

Eutie was preparing wheat for transport.

Not everybody wants ground or threshed grain. They prefer sheaths to be delivered as they utilise the entire wheat stalk.

• Wulf: Hello, Eutie. Please tell me how a Daedroth ended up here.
• Eutie: After attending to the injured guards, I wandered upriver. I discovered some mudcrabs happily munching on a young mage. The crabs were not responsible for the mage’s evisceration.
• Wulf: I hope he was not from The College.
• Eutie: Nelkeir Fenrarson was his name. He was not wearing College robes.
• Wulf: That name does not sound familiar, but I am not up to speed on the latest batch of apprentices.
• Eutie: Some guards took him to Whiterun’s Hall of the Dead. They will figure out his next of kin with the help of the Penitus Oculatus.
• Olette: Is it difficult to summon a Daedroth? And what are they?
• Wulf: A weak mage might be able to summon one but not control it. That is a risk many dead mages ignored.
• Eutie: Daedroth are Molag Bal’s favourite Daedric minions. This one was ten feet tall.
• Olette: And it looked like a crocodile?
• Eutie: Yep. A large crocodile walking on two legs and armed with a foul temper. Usually, they carry a greatsword or battleaxe.
• Olette: Cool!
• Eutie: By the way, hello, Rigmor and Lady Olette.
• Rigmor: Wulf should have allowed the greetings to end before asking questions. Anyway, it is good to see you again, Eutie.
• Wulf: The nearby farms look busy, with many people in the fields.
• Eutie: It is like a village. Neighbour helps neighbour. Bartering is prevalent and fun. The fish Sharava and I catch are popular because we give them away! Many farmers have come to inspect the wheat. I think you will have no problems with its uptake.
• Olette: Where is this wheat going?
• Eutie: To a bakery in Whiterun. The baker is content to prepare the grains herself, saving us the labour. The stalks are used by the baker’s neighbour to weave baskets, wall hangings and so on. It will be interesting to hear their opinions.
• Olette: You knew I would find all this interesting, Cap’n.
• Wulf: It is essential to understand how people rely on others even if they are many miles apart.
• Olette: The civil war would have interfered with people’s ability to make a living.
• Rigmor: As did The New Order.
• Wulf: Supply and demand are the cornerstones of economics. They can also be the tools used for domination and the catalysts for war.
• Olette: Now, people are content because they can make money from their trades and farms.
• Wulf: That was not guaranteed in Skyrim for years, thanks to Ulfric, many bandits, and aggressive Forlorn.
• Olette: It is this type of economy you hope will become the norm in Evermore. From what you and Rigmor have told me, serfdom was the opposite.
• Wulf: Many provinces that once relied on enslaved or serfs have transitioned. It is not difficult if the corrupt elements are kept in check.
• Rigmor: We strongly believe most people are content with a humble house, food on the table and fair compensation for their labour.
• Eutie: If those things are possible, war is unnecessary.
• Olette: And Rigmor is responsible for hundreds of thousands of people being content.
• Rigmor: It is scary when you put it like that.
• Wulf: Recognising discontent and the reasons why it exists are paramount skills for good governance.
• Rigmor: I rely on advisors and spend days on the throne listening to citizens. That allows a timely response to problems and a greater chance to keep my people happy.

Huleed is one of our beekeepers and probably the best-dressed one in Skyrim.

A couple of spiders were hunting Slaughterfish.

• Olette: Aren’t they at risk of becoming fish food?
• Wulf: They dart in and out quickly, but sometimes they get dragged under.
• Rigmor: The Slaughterfish see them as prey. It is hunter versus hunter.
• Wulf: This area is far safer since we eliminated three of the largest bandit groups.
• Olette: High Queen Elisif told me she was grateful for what The Order of the Dragon accomplished.
• Wulf: All we did was return Skyrim to pre-Ulfric days. His actions allowed bandits, necromancers, and vampires to proliferate.
• Rigmor: There were no patrols or spare soldiers to stop them.
• Wulf: Undesirables from other provinces migrated to Skyrim during the civil war years.
• Rigmor: The Stormcloaks efficiently stopped supplies and reinforcements crossing into Skyrim.
• Olette: They likely wanted the bandits and so forth to come here.
• Wulf: I have no doubt that is the case. I never encountered bandits attacking a Stormcloak patrol.
• Olette: You told me, Cap’n, that despite everything Ulfric did, he was still allowed to enter Sovngarde.
• Wulf: Ysgramor is in Sovngarde. That tells you Lord Shor is not fussy about who spends their afterlife there.
• Olette: If the Stormcloaks were Talos worshippers, why did they think Sovngarde was a good afterlife? Lord Talos resides in another part of Aetherius.
• Wulf: I gave up trying to apply logic to Stormcloaks.
• Olette: Lydia and Inigo both mentioned the beauty of Sovngarde, but it lacked bird song and felt unnatural.
• Wulf: Love permeates every inch of Aetherius except for Sovngarde. Lord Shor has deliberately shielded his province from love. Lord Bal allows the full range of mortal emotions within Coldharbour. Those who have spent time there say it is almost like living on Nirn, except the sunlight is artificial, and various types of Daedra enforce the law. So, in a way, Sovngarde is more foreign to a mortal than Coldharbour.
• Olette: And what does logic say about that, Cap’n?
• Wulf: It screams ‘ALBATROSS!’ and hides in a corner.

Rigmor and I spent another twenty minutes wandering hand in hand. The sounds of other busy farms, nearby waterfalls and a sense of safety appealed to me. Olette was elsewhere, pestering the farmhands with a million questions or keeping a pole upright.

Rigmor asked, “This would be your ideal life, wouldn’t it?”

“Yes. It is simple, like my years on Roscrea. A farm like this with you, a dozen kids and friendly neighbours would be all the riches I would ever need.”

“A dozen kids?”

“I could be talked into more if you are that keen.”

“Adopted, you mean?”

“Well…maybe.”

“If you think I am going to be some sort of child factory, you are badly mistaken!”

“You, my dear Rigmor, are quick to take the bait. I wish fish were so easily caught.”

“Are you getting bored of fishing yet?”

“No, and you should try it.”

“Nope.”

“Come on then, it is time to visit Aonghus.”

“Are the repairs finished?”

“Yes.”

We gathered Olette and then teleported to Aonghus.

• Rigmor: We often passed this place when walking or riding from Whiterun to Riverwood.
• Wulf: Before I started teleporting us all over the place.
• Rigmor: But it was a dump and had not been lived in for years.
• Olette: When did you buy it?
• Wulf: A couple of months ago.
• Rigmor: It looks great, Wulf. Show us around.

I looked towards Whiterun. Tundra Homestead was in the distance.

• Wulf: Did I tell you I uncovered one of Maven Black-Briar’s schemes?
• Rigmor: Yes, the one that got the owner of Honningbrew Meadery thrown in jail.
• Wulf: He is back in charge of the meadery, and I told him we would see if we can give him an edge over Black-Briar’s swill.
• Rigmor: Who is helping him?
• Wulf: Some alchemists who have been studying Dwemer booze. Before they vanished up their butts, they invented things other than homicidal automatons.
• Rigmor: The Dwemer drank mead?
• Olette: Mead is not a Nord invention, Rigmor.
• Rigmor: You, young lady, have got into the habit of reading obscure tomes, so do not act so smugly.
• Olette: You used to love reading.
• Rigmor: I still do, but I cannot spend as much time reading as I would like.
• Wulf: You do not learn much from those cheap romance novels anyway.
• Rigmor: I have learned there are gentlemen, not just barbarians like you.

Aonghus’ windmill was redundant as no grains were being grown.

Jen is Aonghus’ steward.

• Wulf: Good afternoon, Jen. This young lady is my daughter, Lady Olette Lillith Welkynd.
• Jen: I am pleased to meet you, Lady Olette.
• Olette: And I am pleased to meet you.
• Rigmor: This place looks fantastic, Jen!
• Jen: It is a wonder what unlimited funds and labour can achieve, Lady Eisra.
• Wulf: Do not belittle the enormous amount of work you did.
• Jen: The Oblivion crops have grown at an astounding rate!
• Wulf: That is one of their best features. A new crop can be planted once a month.

We made our way to the Oblivion Plantation, as I call it.

• Olette: Are all these from the same realm?
• Wulf: Yes. They are all from The Shivering Isles. They survive Skyrim’s cold even though the climate of Uncle Sheo’s home is tropical.
• Rigmor: They are kinda weird looking. Are any named after you, Dragonbum?
• Wulf: No, but I considered naming the egg-shaped ones after you. They are fat and full of hot air.
• Olette: I award that round to Cap’n.
• Rigmor: Revenge shall be mine!

Aonghus was positioned between two waterfalls.

Rigmor asked, “Is Aonghus another reminder of Roscrea?”

“Yes, but the waterfalls are small except at my favourite picnic spot. This place reminds me of that.”

“You have placed benches and a firepit here.”

“I intend, shortly, to dine with my favourite Countess surrounded by the sounds of the waterfalls.”

“With a few meads.”

“Of course.”

We did a quick tour of the cottage. It is small but comfortable. Jen will stay in Riverwood whenever Rigmor and I use Aonghus.

Rigmor asked, “Where next?”

“We are going to walk to Riverwood. There is a surprise waiting for you there.”

“What kind of surprise?”

“A surprising one.”

“Idiot!”

Olette giggled as we started our walk.

Many Riverwood citizens waved and greeted me. It has always been my favourite town.

I warned Olette, “Do not get too close to Bjorn the rooster. He owns this street and dislikes people.”

“He isn’t very active.”

“There were twenty-three hens the last time I counted. Bjorn is the only rooster.”

“Oh, no wonder he looks worn out.”

We made our way across a new bridge.

Rigmor turned and asked, “Where is the surprise?”

“Inside the cottage ahead.”

“This is all new, isn’t it?”

“It was built about a month ago. Come on, I think you will enjoy this.”

We entered the cottage, and Olette laughed. Rigmor walked around speechless.

I followed her with a smile. I knew she would like her surprise.

The proprietor of the store chuckled. He was one of the happiest souls I have met on my travels.

I told Rigmor, “There are forty flavours of Sweetroll.”

“A shop that only sells Sweetrolls cannot possibly make a profit.”

“The proprietor’s income is supplemented. But this business is doing quite well.”

Rigmor proceeded to examine the Sweetrolls on display. I heard her sniffing their aromas as I approached Marzig.

“That one has not recognised me.”

“I do not think Rigmor has seen anything but Sweetrolls since we entered.”

“Baa’Ren-Dar told Khajiit that the adopted kitten is addicted to Sweetrolls. I can see that is true.”

“Introduce yourself to her. Let us see how long it takes for the Countess to remember you.”

“There was much trauma after our meeting. This one would not be surprised if I am a mystery to Countess Rigmor.”

Marzig approached Rigmor, who stared at him. I think she recognised him but not where they met.

• Marzig: This one greets Divine Knight Eisra with much happiness.
• Rigmor: I am sorry, but I am not who you think.
• Marzig: This one knows that was a fake name. Baa’Ren-Dar’s kitten must be cautious for reasons not told Khajiit.
• Rigmor: You know Baa’Ren-Dar!
• Marzig: Yes, as this one hinted the last time we met.
• Wulf: You might have to give Rigmor a clue.
• Marzig: This one was amused when Divine Knight Eisra humbled the Evermorin noble named Floyon. Khajiit’s favourite lines were, ‘Lady Mara did not choose you. You are a parasite enjoying a life paid for by the toil, blood and sweat of others.’
• Rigmor: Oh, you are the bard that was chuckling as I berated that pompous moron.
• Marzig: Floyon may have been a pompous moron, but nobody, including him, deserved the deaths awarded to them by rampaging Orsimer and angry peasants.
• Rigmor: I did not mean to speak ill of the dead.
• Marzig: I am Marzig. This store may make a profit one day, but that is not why Khajiit opened it. Every customer leaves with a smile, an ample reward for this one’s hard work.
• Wulf: Marzig is our Skyrim connection to Elsweyr’s rebels. He is also the importer of Elsweyr’s cocoa.
• Marzig: Sir Wulf pays a fair price for the cocoa, and this one keeps a small amount to subsidise income from Sweetrolls.
• Rigmor: The profits from the cocoa go to funding the rebels.
• Marzig: That one is correct.
• Rigmor: Do you know what the problem is in Elsweyr? Baa’Ren seemed very concerned when last I saw him. He said there were rumours and that we should not worry.
• Marzig: The rumours now have some truth. The Dominion is sure that a Mane exists. Their aggression is increasing as they search for our leader. If they keep pushing so hard, Khajiiti will rebel before we are ready. We could not win that contest.
• Wulf: The Thalmor might wipe out entire towns and even cities they suspect contain rebels. That was their tactic in Valenwood, and many innocents lost their lives.
• Rigmor: Would we help?
• Wulf: I would adopt Khajiiti form and take some Khajiiti and Ka’Po’Tun Divine Knights over the border. It would be a diplomatic disaster if Nords or Imperials were seen fighting for the rebels.
• Rigmor: Bollocks! We could dress as mercenaries. No Divine Knights or Imperial soldiers would be seen, and no complaints would be made.
• Marzig: The Countess has you there, Sir Wulf. But this poor bard needs to know what bollocks means.
• Olette: It is a synonym for cobblers, knackers, balls, or, to use the polite vernacular, testicles. When expressed as Rigmor did, it means rubbish. It is a quick way of dismissing another person’s opinion and does not require a supporting explanation.
• Marzig: This one was beginning to think that one was mute.
• Wulf: Marzig, I am proud to introduce my daughter, Lady Olette Lillith Welkynd.
• Marzig: Ah, yes, Bar’Ren mentioned the pretty kitten to this one.
• Olette: Pretty?
• Marzig: Do not tell this one that nobody has told Lady Olette of her beauty!
• Olette: You said you are a bard, so I shall regard your compliment with scepticism.
• Marzig: Indeed, Khajiit is a bard, but there is no falseness in this one’s words.
• Olette: Ahem…well…ahh…where did you get that outfit?
• Marzig: Sir Wulf found several sets amongst the belongings of a famous assassin. Knowing this ones’ fondness for odd garments, my friend gifted them to Khajiit.
• Wulf: Similar garments were worn by court jesters about a hundred years ago.
• Olette: And a famous assassin used to wear them?
• Wulf: Yes. He lived in Bruma for some time, and coincidently, that is where he succumbed to insanity.
• Olette: Understandable.
• Rigmor: Hey!
• Wulf: I have two of each Sweetroll flavour in Aurane’s storage.
• Rigmor: Then I forgive you, for now.
• Wulf: Do not worry, Marzig. Baa’Ren-Dar and Elsweyr will receive our help if needed.
• Marzig: Khajiiti would want to bloody their nose and make them retreat before worse is inflicted. An elongated war is not desirable.
• Olette: That tactic works with street bullies!
• Wulf: I am sure the Khajiiti leaders will have suitable plans to implement.
• Rigmor: Everything would rely on knowing where The Dominion plans to attack if things escalate.
• Wulf: It has been pleasant to visit your completed store, Marzig. However, we have other places to visit.
• Marzig: Walk on warm sands, friends of the Khajiiti.

We teleported to Lakeview Manor. It had been some time since Rigmor visited the estate.

We wandered around for a couple of minutes.

• Wulf: What differences can you see, Rigmor?
• Rigmor: Where are all the pretty flowers?
• Wulf: The plots are being used to test vegetable strands produced by The College. We will plant flowers again, as they provide a good income for the orphanages.
• Rigmor: This soon-to-be restored flower garden holds fond memories for Cap’n.
• Olette: It is where he first saw you dressed and moving about freely after your leap into the trees. I remember most of the mushy stuff Cap’n has written in his journals.
• Wulf: This is where I first saw Rigmor’s fondness for Red Mountain Flowers.
• Rigmor: Falkreath guards and Atronachs now patrol the grounds.
• Wulf: Like in Whiterun, local guards are now on farms, and Legionnaires patrol the roads. Like at The College, I have bound some Atronachs as extra security.
• Olette: What are the ferns all over the place?
• Wulf: It is a species once prevalent in Skyrim. Livestock seem to prefer it over grass. It makes excellent fertiliser when pooped out.

We found Akiho attending to the cows. Olette patted and talked to one of them and seemingly ignored us.

• Akiho: Good afternoon, Countess, Sir Wulf, and Lady Olette.
• Rigmor: Good afternoon to you, Divine Knight Akiho.
• Wulf: Have you worn out the Corbs yet?
• Akiho: Sisters always find something to talk about. Therefore, they have had extensive use. However, Tsubaki hardly gets to talk after Runa and Hroar get going. Every day is full of excitement for those two.
• Wulf: Olette was delighted when she heard those two had been adopted. She befriended all the orphans who suffered under the former Governess’ cruelty.
• Rigmor: I think Olette plans to kidnap your fluffy cow.
• Akiho: Bessy is a sweety and one of the best milk producers we have had.
• Wulf: Aurane would be full of animals if Olette had her way.
• Rigmor: You did not discourage her by gifting those two weird spider thingies.
• Wulf: The Elytra were gifts from Uncle Sheo, so it was best I kept them.
• Rigmor: What about Arachnia, Hilda, Skritch, Sweet Roll and Thistle?
• Wulf: They followed me home.
• Rigmor: Yeah, right. Pffft!
• Akiho: Do you know anything more about what is happening in Akavir?
• Wulf: I do not think I will know much before I visit in person.
• Rigmor: Wulf will do his usual blind entry into unknown danger.
• Wulf: Somebody must do it. It might as well be the person best equipped to survive.
• Akiho: If the Akaviri could be released from Tsaesci enslavement, they would have free reign across all Akavir.
• Rigmor: Would you and your sisters be tempted to return?
• Akiho: The horror of arranged marriages would still be there. Skyrim is now our home.
• Olette: Stupid things stop these two from marrying who they want when they want.
• Rigmor: I thought you were so busy with Bessy that you were not listening.
• Olette: Pretending not to listen was a skill essential to being a successful information broker.
• Wulf: Aided by the dishevelled look of a typical street urchin.
• Olette: A lot of the dirt was to keep the perverts at bay. If they got too close, the stink defeated their libido.
• Wulf: I agree that Coverture laws are stupid, but you know that is not the only reason we cannot marry.
• Rigmor: To start with, I do not like him very much.
• Olette: Yeah, right. Pffft!
• Wulf: That was a reasonable effort, Olette. However, it needs to feel more dismissive.
• Olette: Like ‘Cobblers!’
• Wulf: Yep.
• Rigmor: Has there been much reaction to your armour, Akiho?
• Akiho: The armour of The Order of The Dragon has become well known. I am often asked if I am a Divine Knight, and when I say yes, positive reactions ensue.
• Wulf: His Imperial Majesty insisted we have standard armour and kimono. He was correct when he said it would aid us, even if removing some individuality.
• Akiho: Do you know about our Dragon-Breath Gates, Rigmor?
• Rigmor: No.
• Wulf: They are an idea I had when soaking in the Welkynd mineral pool. Come, ladies, and I shall demonstrate.

We stood on a balustrade overlooking one of the main gates.

I explained, “There are several levers scattered over the property. If you pull one, portcullises block the entrances.”

I walked over to a valve and turned it. Flames shot four yards from the gate. Even from our distance, their heat was intense.

I turned the valve off and stood back.

• Wulf: One group of roasted bandits was enough for the message to spread. Do not attack Lakeview Manor!
• Olette: Fire instills fear in everybody, including murderers and rapists!
• Wulf: Yes, and that is why I chose fire over ballistae or another deterrent.
• Rigmor: How hot is the fire?
• Wulf: Not as hot as Dragon Breath, but enough to melt standard steel.
• Olette: Do your other properties have Dragon-Breath Gates?
• Wulf: Not yet. Now, get ready for the cold. Windstad Manor is next.

There was not much to see at Windstad Manor as they were between crops. Nearly everybody was inside, out of the biting wind.

We made our way to Nobushi.

• Wulf: Greetings, Divine Knight Nobushi.
• Nobushi: Hello, Countess Rigmor, Sir Wulf, and Lady Olette. Are you enjoying your noble status, young lady?
• Olette: Yes, but I have yet to perfect flowery farts and keep using the wrong spoon or knife at banquets.
• Rigmor: I can assure you that the rose-smelling farts are a myth. However, nobles such as High Queen Elisif have learned to suffer the stink without comment or even a nose wrinkle.
• Olette: She giggled uncontrollably after letting one rip at the chocolate tasting.
• Wulf: Things seem quiet here.
• Nobushi: The guards are still doing their patrols, but nearly everybody else is in the warmth. New crops will be sewn and planted soon, but nothing else will be done until the weather improves.
• Rigmor: Some warmth sounds good to me, Dragonbum.
• Wulf: You are a Nord and should be happy to dive off the nearby ice into the sea.
• Olette: It is a bit chilly, Cap’n.
• Wulf: Okay, let me quickly look around, and then we can visit Heljarchen Hall.
• Nobushi: While Wulf does that, come inside and gossip.
• Rigmor: What an excellent idea!
• Olette: Is there any chance of a hot chocolate drink?
• Nobushi: Have you ever tried it with chilli?
• Olette: No.
• Nobushi: A Khajiiti trader introduced me to it. Now, I am obsessed with it.

We had been frantically visiting places for several hours. Therefore, I did not hurry my tour of Windstad Manor. Rigmor loves to gossip, and Olette thrives when meeting new people. I think they will enjoy the hot chocolate and chilli.

Sjorn, the estate’s fisherman, was the only employee apart from the guards who subjected themselves to the bitter cold. He maintained the fish farm and used a rowboat to catch wild fish. I would have loved to have spent a few hours fishing with him, but we still had other estates to visit.

After thirty minutes, I gathered the ladies and teleported us to Heljarchen Hall.

Hroar and Runa exited the manor house as we emerged from the ether. Hroar noticed us, but Runa did not. He waited for us to approach.

• Hroar: Hello, Sir Wulf, pretty lady, and Lady Olette.
• Wulf: It is good to see you, Hroar Chiyone.
• Hroar: I am still getting used to that name.
• Olette: I know it has been longer for me, but do the bad days of Riften seem distant to you?
• Hroar: Things were much better after Grelod was removed and repairs completed. But we all wanted a family, and I have never been happier.
• Wulf: Runa seemed to be in a hurry.
• Hroar: She planted some seeds a few days ago and keeps visiting the plots to see if anything has sprouted.
• Wulf: As you know, she lived on a farm before being orphaned. I can understand her eagerness to return to that lifestyle.
• Hroar: And I have always been a city child. I also like farming, but things do not grow faster when you stare at a plot.
• Wulf: Have you been doing chores?
• Hroar: Yes. I have been helping the blacksmith, loading wagons, cleaning the stables, collecting eggs, and doing many other things. I like contributing and have fallen asleep quickly every night because I am tired. 
• Wulf: It is good to see you thriving, Hroar.
• Hroar: Mother is going to take us to visit the orphanage soon. Governess Constance always cried when an orphan was adopted. I look forward to telling her how happy we are.
• Wulf: We had better say hello to Runa. I would hate to miss the moment something sprouts out of the ground.
• Olette: Can you see how lucky you are, Hroar? If Sir Wulf adopted you, crappy jokes would be a constant torture.
• Hroar: You have my pity, Lady Olette.

Runa was surprised when we approached. She squealed, “Lady Olette! HUGS!”

Olette ran over and engulfed the more petite girl in her arms while giggling.

Tears welled, and I quickly wiped away the evidence of the Blubbering Barbarian. Rigmor noticed and smiled. She knows I see the future of Nirn in children and how their happiness lifts my spirits.

The girls separated, and then Olette held my hand.

• Wulf: What have you planted, Runa?
• Runa: Yesterday, I planted potatoes, cabbages, carrots, and turnips. Mother thinks it is vital for me to learn how to care for different crops. I remember some things from before on our farm near Whiterun. I still get sad when I think about Mom and Dad, but Mother is terrific and lets me tell stories about them.
• Olette: Do you know she is a princess?
• Runa: Yes. She told us because she did not want us to find out from a loudmouthed visitor.
• Wulf: Do we know any loudmouth visitors, Olette?
• Olette: Get stuffed, Cap’n.
• Wulf: Good luck with your crops, Runa. Perhaps we can visit again soon and have a meal made from them?
• Runa: That would be nice, Sir Wulf.
• Olette: He has his moments.

I was surprised when one of the Legionnaire guards called my name. I recognised her and walked over to say hello.

• Wulf: Corporal, no, Sergeant, Horra. It is a pleasant surprise seeing you here. Congratulations on your promotion.
• Horra: I got it for my actions at The Second Battle of Whiterun.
• Wulf: Lady Eisra and Lady Olette, Seargeant Horra fought by my side when we demolished Ulfric’s army at Whiterun.
• Rigmor: I thank you for your service, Sergeant Horra. Sir Wulf has described the horrors of that battle to me.
• Horra: The Stormcloaks faced the horror. However, we did lose some good people. How is your dark-haired friend? The pretty one who got cut down?
• Wulf: Divine Knight Lydia made a full recovery. We had some excellent Restoration Mages with us that day.
• Horra: I helped them for hours after the battle. They treated the injured Stormcloaks with respect and grace. Many of the injured enemy had fought beside us against The New Order. Seeing that they continued to believe Ulfric’s lies was unsettling. We should not have had to defend Whiterun again.
• Wulf: I was in Cyrodiil, helping destroy the other New Order army. However, the field reports paint an impressive picture of the combined armies using their different strengths to obliterate the enemy at The First Battle for Whiterun.
• Horra: The savage brutality of the berserkers combined with our discipline was, to use the colloquial term, a meat grinder.
• Rigmor: How often are you rotated?
• Horra: There are twelve of us in three shifts of four. Each group of twelve do a fortnight before rotation.
• Rigmor: I asked because my friend, Countess Rigmor of Bruma, was considering deploying guards to outlying farms. It would be wise to follow the example set by the best army in Nirn.
• Horra: Ha, my Imperial platoon mates are always boasting about the small number of bandits in Cyrodiil compared to Skyrim.
• Rigmor: Many bandits have fled to Cyrodiil since Skyrim has become inhospitable. However, it is tradition that the Counts and Countesses field their small armies rather than rely entirely on The Imperial Army.
• Horra: I suppose blocking all access over and through the mountains is difficult.
• Rigmor: Once the Countess becomes aware of a passage, it does not take many guards to cease its use by the bandits. But the mountains were once volcanic, and many passages are known only to smugglers and bandits.
• Wulf: Smugglers use children to crawl through the narrow tunnels left by ancient lava flows. Their lives are measured by the amount of Skooma they can carry. Many creatures that pose little threat to adults find such children a convenient food source.
• Horra: Would your friends, The Restoration Mages, show mercy to such people?
• Wulf: No. Most of Ulfric’s troops were misguided, not evil. Raiders and Skooma smugglers are evil. That is the difference. Instead of casting healing spells, my friends would use Destruction Magic to eliminate the scum.
• Horra: I am beginning to understand why Divine Knights have a reputation for mercy and ruthlessness.
• Wulf: It is good you realise that those who demolished Ulfric’s army are now Divine Knights. Some of the best warriors and strongest mages fight beside me, and we have strict, unwritten rules of engagement.
• Horra: They chose to fight outside of Whiterun’s walls against The New Order and Stormcloaks to minimise damage to the city and civilian casualties.
• Wulf: Yes. We would eliminate enemies faster if we did not care about collateral damage.
• Horra: Those precautions increase the risk to the Divine Knights.
• Wulf: And soldiers such as yourself who fought beside them.
• Horra: We obeyed orders. Courage was shown, but not voluntarily.
• Wulf: I am always proud to fight beside Legionnaires. Do not belittle yourself by saying you only obeyed orders.
• Horra: I do not know why you pretend not to have been present at The First Battle for Whiterun against The New Order. Nor do I know why Countess Rigmor Ragnarsdottier pretends to be Lady Eisra. All I know is that I would fight beside you on any battlefield, assured our purpose is justified, if not always obvious.
• Wulf: Do you know what Seargeant Horra is talking about, Lady Eisra?
• Rigmor: Not at all. Perhaps she got hit in the head during battle?
• Wulf: That would explain it.
• Horra: You seem to have found this amusing, Lady Olette.
• Olette: Many people suspect secrets are being kept, but few risk looking like an idiot by pressing for the truth. I admire the attempt.
• Horra: Thank you. Now, I had better continue my patrol.

Horra walked away whistling as we continued the discussion.

• Wulf: Logically, I commanded the armies at The First Battle for Whiterun.
• Olette: Are you telling me it was not that mythical Guardian General who then left for Akavir?
• Rigmor: The Divines rely on time and manipulated records to muddy the truth.
• Olette: The dweomer on your armour means every soldier asked will describe the Guardian General differently.
• Wulf: The only thing common will be how devastatingly handsome he was.

That declaration was met with a perfectly harmonised “Yeah, Right. Pfft!” from the ladies.

I hired Braon as Heljarchen Hall’s blacksmith for his skills with hammers and tongs, not his social graces.

• Wulf: Good afternoon, Braon.
• Braon: Is it? It might be when I have finished melting this stubborn ore and get to crafting.
• Olette: I am used to the smell of different ores but cannot guess what is smelting.
• Braon: It is Madness Ore, Lady Olette. Sir Wulf is one of the few mortals who has learned how to smelt it. He taught me.
• Wulf: Braon is the only Sparksmith I know who can forge Madness Metal into armour and weapons.
• Braon: Sir Wulf also taught me how to smelt Amber Ore. I am still learning how to create with it.
• Olette: Do Madness and Amber products command a high price?
• Wulf: Yes, they sell for more than ebony weapons and armour.
• Braon: Excuse my curiosity, Lady Olette, but how does a young woman learn to recognise the aromas of different ores?
• Rigmor: Lady Olette is keen on a young blacksmith and watches him for hours.
• Wulf: She especially likes it when he is hot and sweaty and shirtless.
• Braon: Ahh, yes, that is a common pastime amongst my tribes’ males and females. There was one blacksmith I was especially keen on when around your age. Her muscles gleamed as she worked topless, and she had a magnificent pair of….
• Rigmor: Ahem!
• Braon: Tusks, Lady Eisra. She had a magnificent pair of tusks.
• Rigmor: Oh. Forgive me. I thought you were going to compliment other assets.
• Braon: There is no need to apologise. Come to think of it, her tits were also magnificent!

Rigmor’s indignant look earned guffaws from three amused witnesses.

Every property of mine has several guard dogs. They often warn of danger long before the guards recognise it.

We had a quick look inside the manor house. Tsubaki has provided her new family with abundant toys and educational materials. There are extra beds for other children who may visit.

Many of my properties also have saunas, which are becoming popular across Tamriel.

• Rigmor: Steam Saunas are a Bruma invention.
• Wulf: Is that so?
• Rigmor: You do not have to read obscure dusty scrolls or tomes to know that fact.
• Wulf: What do you think, Olette?
• Olette: It is plausible. A Brumese could have fallen next to a natural hot spring and not gotten boiled alive. They may have then commented on how pleasant it was.
• Wulf: I wonder how long it will be before they discover soap.
• Rigmor: Get fornicated, Sir Wulf.

As we strolled around the property, the signs of domesticity were abundant.

I was talking with Rigmor about my plans for the trip to Akavir when Tsubaki arrived by carriage.

We waved to get her attention, and she came over to us.

• Wulf: Good evening, Divine Knight Tsubaki.
• Rigmor: Oh, cut the formal crap, Dragonbum. Hello, Tsubaki.
• Tsubaki: Haha. Hello, Rigmor, Wulf and some young woman who looks familiar but cannot be Lady Olette. She is way too tall.
• Olette: I have grown a bit in the last couple of months.
• Tsubaki: Has your father surrendered yet?
• Olette: No, but Rigmor is teaching me to nag Cap’n more effectively. He will soon do as he is told.
• Wulf: Who said I have not already arranged for your enrollment?
• Olette: You would be incapable of keeping such a secret.
• Wulf: Your adoption caught you by surprise.
• Rigmor: Tell her, Wulf!
• Wulf: Lady Olette Lillith Welkynd, you have been accepted as an apprentice at Solitude’s Bards College. You will sleep in The Safehouse as the accommodation at the Bards College is unsuitable for one so young.
• Olette: Then they should get thicker walls! But thank you, Cap’n!

Olette tried hard to break my ribs with a heartfelt hug.

• Wulf: We were going to tell you at dinner tonight.
• Olette: You told me not to get my hopes up as I am two years younger than their minimum age.
• Rigmor: Headmaster Viamo and Master Bard Inge Six Fingers watched you and Wulf perform at Vittoria Vici’s wedding.
• Wulf: They were astounded when told you had been playing flute and lute for less than a year and had no formal singing lessons.
• Rigmor: You are a savant. That is somebody with a natural ability in something. In your case, it is the bardic skills.
• Wulf: Savants can be naturally talented in mathematics, languages, or other specialties.
• Rigmor: If they do not start training you, there is a chance you may use techniques that hinder your progression.
• Wulf: You will be living outside of the Bards College. That removed a lot of their concerns about your age.
• Olette: Why would I have to live in The Safehouse? Couldn’t I be teleported into Aurane each night?
• Rigmor: Bards often have little notice of a requested appearance. A senior bard may require a couple of apprentices to attend a function with them at short notice. Therefore, you must be available and easily contactable. That would be more difficult if you lived in Aurane.
• Wulf: I expect the demands for practice and study will consume much of your free time. I doubt you would have time to socialise if you were in Aurane.
• Tsubaki: Living in the Safehouse sounds like a good compromise, Olette.
• Olette: It is, and I cannot wait to start.
• Wulf: If you apply yourself and pass the first-year examinations, I will have a set of instruments made for you.
• Olette: I do not need any incentives, Cap’n. Being a bard is something I yearn for.
• Wulf: Regard them as reminders of the hard work required to achieve that milestone.
• Tusbaki: Not everybody can pass all their exams in days like Wulf.
• Olette: And with no studying.
• Wulf: I have studied for years and played instruments from an early age.
• Olette: I know, Cap’n. But you did not have to relearn anything for the Bards College.
• Rigmor: Hroar and Runa seem to have settled in well.
• Tsubaki: Nobody warned me that walking into an orphanage is dangerous. I would have brought them all home if I could.
• Olette: You chose two of the saddest and made them happy.
• Tsubaki: Wulf, there are many Akaviri children whose future is enslavement and early death on a Blood Farm.
• Wulf: I am aware of that, Tsubaki. What the Dragonguard have been able to do for the Akaviri in Tsaesci lands is limited. Perhaps I can do more, depending on the political climate and problems I encounter. But I do not know what is happening and will not until I am physically there.
• Tsubaki: It will be like when I walked into the orphanage. You will want to bring them all home.
• Rigmor: I worry about Wulf’s reaction to seeing enslaved people in great numbers. Especially children.
• Olette: In Cap’n’s journals, he has seen similar before.
• Rigmor: He is more of a softy than he used to be.
• Wulf: I will cope with your help, Rigmor. Our Quiet will let me put things in perspective.
• Olette: As Cap’n often says, if he does not do these dangerous, challenging tasks, who will?
• Wulf: Okay, ladies, you are in for a treat. Goldenhills Plantation is sensational.
• Rigmor: And there are no more ghosts?
• Wulf: The family’s spirits thanked me, and Lord Arkay led them into Aetherius. There are vampires, but no more ghosts.
• Rigmor: Vampires?
• Wulf: I will explain when we are there.
• Olette: The family rediscovered their love, Rigmor. It was sad but also uplifting.
• Rigmor: Yes, but Wulf is used to ghostly encounters. I am not.
• Olette: Bye, Tsubaki. Perhaps I can visit for longer soon.
• Tsubaki: Runa and Hroar would like that.

We came out of the ether in the exact spot where Urval’s ghost attacked me.

• Rigmor: This farm is beautiful!
• Olette: And big!
• Wulf: All it needs is a nearby river to make it perfect.

Bun-Za laughed and said, “You almost made Gertie choke on her sandwich!”

I turned and laughed back, “Who said that? Is it another ghost?”

We approached an amused Argonian in bright mage robes. Bun-Za was eccentric. Maybe even insane. But he was one of the best horticulturists in Skyrim and a Master Mage in all the Schools of Magicka. He is well known for his colourful robes, so I would have seen him from The Throat of the World, never alone a few feet away.

• Wulf: Master Bun-Za, this is Countess Rigmor Ragnarsdottier of Bruma and my daughter, Lady Olette Lillith Welkynd.
• Bun-Za: I am honoured to meet you, Ward of the College and Arch-Pain’s daughter.
• Wulf: Ladies, Master Bun-Za is Steward of Goldenhills Plantation. He has helped develop new wheat and other crop strains, so he is the ideal person to study them on a farm.
• Rigmor: I often forget I am under The College of Winterhold’s protection. It is good you reminded me, Master Bun-Za.
• Olette: They are the best robes I have ever seen!
• Bun-Za: Not only are they fashionable, but farmhands can find me more easily, which avoids the need to call out my name. We like to maintain the tranquillity of this farm.
• Wulf: Have the vampires had any troubles?
• Bun-Za: Vigilants of Stendarr used to cut across this property during routine patrols when Urval’s family lived here. A few days ago, a patrol of four stopped on the nearby road. One Vigilant handed his weapons to another and then approached me. He had a letter from Keeper Carcette requesting permission for patrols to resume crossing the property.
• Wulf: I advised Keeper Carcette and Brother Isran that vampires work this property and are Empire Citizens with all the rights thereof.
• Bun-Za: Thereby, diplomatically warning that the vampires are not to be interfered with.
• Wulf: I knew Keeper Carcette would understand. I was not, and am not, so sure about Brother Isran.
• Bun-Za: I gave permission, but only between thirty minutes after sunrise and thirty minutes before sunset.
• Wulf: Keeper Carcette has weeded out the more extreme Vigilants. The Dawnguard is less radical than they were, but I have little time for them. Their order is superfluous. One wrong move, and they will become as extinct as the Silver Hands.
• Bun-Za: They should rejoin The Vigilants of Stendarr.
• Wulf: Not all of them would be accepted. Only a few used to be Vigilants. But Fort Dawnguard can be used for other purposes, and I hesitate to let freeloaders waste it.
• Bun-Za: How is the wheat going at Tundra Homestead?
• Wulf: Very well. They are sending some out to select bakers, but most grain is being stored for distribution.
• Bun-Za: We think the strain we are growing here will slightly increase grains per stalk. The improvement might be minimal per farm, but across thousands of farms, it could be significant.
• Olette: There is probably a mathematical formula to calculate that significance.
• Bun-Za: Indeed, there is, Lady Olette. Do you have an interest in mathematics?
• Olette: Yeah. Cap’n says interests in music and mathematics are related.
• Bun-Za: They can be in specific individuals. The difference is music is open to interpretation. Two Bards can read the same score and produce different results. Mathematics is exact. It is the only science where that claim is valid.
• Olette: I recognise patterns in maths and music. However, I have yet to learn practical uses for mathematics apart from the essential functions.
• Wulf: Olette has recently been introduced to calculus. She has yet to be introduced to statistics.
• Bun-Za: Then you have revelations on the horizon, Lady Olette. One day, the possibilities of applying mathematics to resolve problems will become more evident. It might not change your chosen career, but it could provide an area of study you pursue for pleasure.
• Rigmor: Are you suggesting mathematics can be interesting, Master Bun-Za?
• Bun-Za: Indubitably.
• Rigmor: I think Uncle Sheo may be interested in you.
• Olette: Well then, Uncle Sheo would also be interested in me!
• Wulf: I agree, Olette. There are three who find mathematics enjoyable and one who does not. That makes Rigmor’s opinion that of a 25% minority.
• Olette: That is a statistic and does not invalidate Rigmor’s opinion.
• Wulf: It does allow the 75% majority to raspberry in her direction and show other forms of disdain.
• Rigmor: The first one to raspberry me will get my sword up their rectum.
• Bun-Za: That is an impressive sword you have. Did the Arch-Mage make it invisible?
• Rigmor: There might be a slight delay in the sword up the rectum outcome while I retrieve one.
• Wulf: We had better continue our tour of the plantation. There are other places I want to visit before it gets dark.
• Bun-Za: I advise caution near Hilda. We believe she is pregnant and might be irritable.
• Rigmor: Do cows get irritable when pregnant?
• Bun-Za: Hilda is the giantess who lives next to the plantation. She has been visited by several gentlemen giants recently.
• Rigmor: Do you think they mated?
• Bun-Za: How do I put this delicately? Mmm…giants are very passionate and vigorous. Their lovemaking can be heard for quite some distance.
• Olette: I wonder what Hilda’s real name is?
• Bun-Za: I do not think anybody has deciphered the language of giants. Much of it is too low in frequency for most bipedal species to hear.
• Wulf: One scholar communicated his name to giants and vice versa. The names of giants have many syllables and seemingly outline their ancestors going back several generations.
• Olette: That is fascinating! Do you have any dusty old tomes and scrolls on the subject?
• Wulf: Yes, of course I do!
• Rigmor: What have you done to Olette?
• Wulf: I know the question Rigmor is dying to ask.
• Olette: How big are a giant’s dangly bits?
• Rigmor: How dare you suggest…okay…I admit I am curious.
• Bun-Za: Like us, Countess Rigmor, there are different sizes. We did not record any measurements, but perhaps we can do so next mating season. We hire artists to draw the crops for my dissertations on the different varieties. Perhaps they can draw some diagrams for you? However, it might be difficult when the giants are having an orgy.
• Rigmor: Orgy?
• Bun-Za: Two male giants appeared at once. Rather than have them beat each other to death with clubs, Hilda entertained both simultaneously.
• Rigmor: Oh…um…
• Bun-Za: That was fascinating and rarely seen. We also observed similar dexterity when three males showed up. I cannot recall that being described in any scholarly paper.
• Rigmor: Ahh…three at once? How…um…never mind.
• Olette: Cap’n, is Rigmor’s colour healthy?
• Wulf: I think she is trying to emulate a Red Mountain Flower.
• Olette: That makes sense. They are her favourite.

We left the highly amused Bun-Za and walked silently to a wheat field.

• Olette: Why is there so much space between the plots?
• Wulf: Bun-Za wants to measure root growth, and it is difficult to do so if they become entangled.
• Olette: What is the fascination with roots around here?
• Rigmor: No, Olette, I will not take the bait and provide another avenue for embarrassment.
• Olette: Cap’n, what is Rigmor going on about?
• Wulf: I do not know. Perhaps her mind is still preoccupied with the dangly bits of giants?
• Rigmor: You are treading dangerous ground, Dragonbum!

A dragon called down, “DREM YOL LOK, DOVAHKIIN. NIR LOS PRUZAH KO DAAR NIZAAG.” (Greetings, Dovahkiin. The hunting is good in this area.)

“MAMUTAH FON WAH LOST GEZUK KO TOKAAN, YOLNAHTURZIL.” (Mammoths seem to have increased in numbers, Yolnahturzil.)

“NUST LOST, AHRK DOVAH WO NIR HET NUNON SELECT PUNAH VOTHNI CALVES AHRK GROZAH AHK WUTH WAH BRUD GEIN BORII EVGIR.” (They have, and the dragons who hunt here only select females without calves, who are likely too old to carry one next season.)

Yolnahturzil dived, and even from a fair distance, we heard his prey’s last cries of terror. Dragons kill quickly, so brief pain is usually involved in a target’s demise.

The tundra surrounding Goldenhills Plantation has far less grass than that near Whiterun. I could see The Mouth of the World and High Hrothgar. There is no denying the beauty of Skyrim.

We walked past the farmhand barracks.

• Rigmor: How many vampires work on this farm?
• Wulf: There are six. Only one of them is a Daywalker.
• Olette: Other vampires are working on farms, aren’t there?
• Wulf: Yes, and I know of a watermill owned and run by vampires. They have been there for many years yet remain unmolested by The Dawnguard or The Vigilants of Stendarr.
• Rigmor: I still find it hard to believe Serana’s clan were active for hundreds of years.
• Wulf: High Queen Elisif was incensed. The amount of skeletal remains we found in Castle Volkihar’s undercroft is staggering. All those people vanished, and little was done to investigate their disappearance.
• Olette: What would happen if the Penitus Oculatus or other authority asked for permission to enter that castle and were refused?
• Wulf: They would obtain a Court Order demanding that access be given. Violence would result if entry were still denied. A platoon of Legionnaires would have been enough to destroy Harkon and his clan.
• Olette: You would think the castle would have been searched at some stage when investigating a missing person.
• Rigmor: Has Elisif asked for an explanation?
• Wulf: Her Highness has demanded reports from The Vigilants of Stendarr and Penitus Oculatus. However, she suspects, like I do, that the wealth of Clan Volkihar allowed for the successful bribery of many people over the centuries.
• Olette: Are we going to visit Hendraheim?
• Wulf: Yes. I have let them settle in without interference. It should be interesting to see the result.
• Rigmor: You give hope to orphans, vampires, and veterans.

I showed my ladies the latest addition to Goldenhills Plantation. It is a small cottage that would hopefully house orphans who wanted hands-on training on a farm.

• Olette: Who will supervise the orphans?
• Wulf: Farmhands will teach them. But as you know, the skills required to understand and support orphans are not common. I will advertise a full-time position, emphasising the primary skills required are those involving orphans. Any horticultural expertise would be a bonus.
• Rigmor: Are you going to do the same for the smaller properties?
• Wulf: One or two orphans at each estate might be viable. I will wait to see if it works here first.

We had a look at another field where vegetables were being grown.

• Olette: There are a lot of unused plots.
• Wulf: More vegetables will be planted soon. We want to see how large a crop we can grow per acre.
• Rigmor: Are they College-created species?
• Wulf: Mostly. The potatoes, cabbages, melons, and carrots are College breeds.

We looked towards the main road leading from Rorikstead.

• Wulf: You can see where a road led from the main road and through this farmland.
• Olette: Yeah, the bits of wooden fencing outline it.
• Wulf: I might clear the road for use by us and others. It would make it easier for our carriage drivers.
• Rigmor: Would you restrict its availability for everybody, not just Vigilants and Dawnguard?
• Wulf: Yes. It is easy to tell some farmhands are vampires when the sun goes down.
• Olette: Because they have their fangs in your neck and are making loud sucking noises?
• Wulf: No, Olette. Their eyes glow in the dark.
• Olette: I must practice my sarcasm.
• Wulf: Oh, that was meant to be funny.
• Rigmor: It was funny, Dragonbum. But you lack a normal sense of humour.
• Wulf: I do not like making fun of vampires. They suck!
• Rigmor: Point proven!

Continuing our tour, we saw Hilda approaching.

She took no notice of us and passed by without a problem.

• Olette: I have never seen a baby giant.
• Wulf: They raise their children somewhere secluded, such as a cave or old ruins, for the first few years.
• Rigmor: I have seen some as tall as Wulf.
• Wulf: They would be two or three years of age.
• Olette: Wow, and I thought I was having a growth spurt!
• Rigmor: What the Stormcloaks did to giants is unforgivable!
• Wulf: They did many despicable things, but enslaving giants to fight for them was one of the worst.
• Olette: What happened to those giants after Ulfric was defeated?
• Wulf: They had to be culled. They were conditioned to attack anybody in an Imperial uniform.
• Rigmor: Wulf and others tried to find another solution, but nothing seemed to penetrate the fear and anger instilled in the giants.
• Olette: Did the Stormcloaks torture them?
• Wulf: Stormcloaks dressed as Imperial troops tortured and abused them. Stormcloaks in their uniforms fed them and tended to the wounds.
• Olette: Arseholes!
• Rigmor: Yep. Arseholes!

We climbed some rocks and took a final look at Goldenhills Plantation. It represents what life should be like not only in Skyrim but in Evermore as well. The farmhands are given a reasonable stipend and can remain employed as long as desired. They earn fair wages for a fair day’s work.

We teleported deep in the fens of Hjaalmarch to the entrance of Myrwatch.

• Wulf: Nothing friendly lives this deep in the marsh.
• Olette: Pew! Anything with a nose would disapprove and move elsewhere.
• Rigmor: Can we enter before the stink or a creature overwhelms us?
• Wulf: I found it interesting they bothered placing The College of Winterhold’s symbol at the entrance.
• Rigmor: Tell us why inside.

As we passed a Magicka Well, I enabled its dweomer.

I gave the ladies a quick tour. I told them much of the equipment in Myrwatch is unique or rare. However, the reasons would be of little interest to them, so I did not explain why.

We made our way to a balcony overlooking the swamp.

• Rigmor: How come it does not pong up here?
• Wulf: It will no longer pong at the entrance, and animals will keep their distance.
• Olette: Wulf did something to make that blue beam appear.
• Wulf: I was unsure what the Magicka Well was for until I found some notes from Master Mage Sidnar. He was the one who created this tower.
• Rigmor: Why did he create it out here?
• Wulf: Isolation. He was a bit eccentric and wanted to concentrate on his studies. He always claimed he had a falling out with The College of Winterhold. That was not the case.
• Olette: That is why you were surprised that symbol was there.
• Wulf: Yes. Master Mage Sidnar believed he was expelled, but he was not. He did not like the concern others at the College showed, which fed his paranoia. That symbol suggests that part of him still respected and probably yearned for the College.
• Rigmor: This is another property that cost you nothing.
• Wulf: I had to solve a puzzle that seems to have stumped a friend of Sidnar’s called Hans. I found his chewed remains near the entrance.
• Olette: Was Hans a mage?
• Wulf: No, he was Sidnar’s drinking buddy. Only a mage could solve the puzzle and enable the protection of the Magicka Well. Hans knew it was dangerous to keep visiting the tower, but he did anyway. One of the large Chaurus who lives nearby made a meal of him. I have made Myrwatch the property of The College of Winterhold.
• Olette: Will mages use it?
• Wulf: Yes. It is ideal for quiet study, and as I said earlier, some of the equipment inside is rare or unique. Master Mage Signar may have been insane, but he was one of the most skilled mages in the College’s history.
• Rigmor: I can see a fishing rod and a seat.
• Wulf: I wonder who put them there?
• Rigmor: You will fish anywhere!
• Wulf: I was unsure what fish species lived in this part of the swamp. I found it quite exciting!
• Olette: I do not think Rigmor will ever understand the appeal of fishing, Cap’n.
• Wulf: Fishing with my parents and friends was a big part of my childhood.
• Rigmor: Rose’s story about fishing confirmed my dislike for the pastime.
• Wulf: Have you tried to find her?
• Rigmor: No. Who knows who is spying on me? I do not want to lead the Thalmor or a snitch to her.
• Wulf: We shall find her one day. She probably knows you are the Countess of Bruma but is keeping a low profile.
• Rigmor: The Thalmor never forget being slighted, even if it was, technically, The New Order she gave a bloody nose.

We teleported to a large cave in the northern ice fields.

We entered the cave, which led to Bloodchill Manor, once home to an ancient Cyrodiilic Vampire clan.

• Rigmor: What a lovely place!
• Wulf: I have not done anything to it apart from removing the bodies, blood, and gore I created.
• Olette: Was this proof that The Vigilants of Stendarr are improving?
• Wulf: I think it was. Months ago, they would have attacked this place in numbers, and many innocents would have died.
• Olette: Vigilant Durian was the only one to accompany you.
• Wulf: Yes, but the skills of other Vigilants wrangled a dinner invitation for me. Little did the guests know they were the first, second and third courses. Durian waited outside till I entered. He then killed the vampires outside the dining room while I took care of those at the dinner table.
• Rigmor: All the guests survived, which might not have happened if Vigilants attacked in numbers.
• Wulf: I Shouted Slow Time, and none of the vampires drew a weapon before being cut down.
• Olette: What are you going to do with this place?
• Wulf: I have not decided yet. It has a good subterranean farm that might prove useful. We shall see.
• Rigmor: Can we go somewhere more pleasant?
• Wulf: Okay, Hendraheim is next.
• Rigmor: How many veterans are living there?
• Wulf: Only four, but there is room for many more. You will recognise one of them.
• Rigmor: Who is it?
• Wulf: Think of them as another surprising surprise.
• Rigmor: I hate you!
• Wulf: You did not tell me if you liked chilli in your hot chocolate.
• Olette: YUM!
• Rigmor: It was pretty good. You would prefer more chilli than me.
• Wulf: We shall sell drinking chocolate that is already ground and mixed with different amounts of chilli.

We teleported into the courtyard of Hendraheim, startling Frayr, the retired Imperial Battlemage. He walked away, grumbling about telling the others I had arrived.

A passing rainstorm cleared, and we were soon engulfed in afternoon sunlight.

The ladies enjoyed watching the traffic pass by on the road below.

Before Divine Knights assisted Legionnaires, the road was hazardous due to a large group of Forsworn that occupied Broken Tower Redoubt. Imperial flags now adorn that ancient fortress, and the road became far safer for all travellers.

We walked to another section, and I pointed to a waterfall.

• Wulf: That waterfall is called Bard’s Leap Summit.
• Olette: Oh, you leapt off that and met a ghost.
• Wulf: Many people have died attempting the stunt. I did it without using any spells, as that would be cheating.
• Olette: Madanach’s tribe helped you capture Lost Valley Redoubt from previously hostile Forlorn. They did not fight and accepted Madanach as their king.
• Rigmor: Many Forlorn knew of the myth and dared others to jump.
• Olette: You jumped and talked to the ghost so others would not try to die.
• Wulf: Yes. Many people tried it because they thought Bard Azzadal’s ghost would tell of hidden treasure or other nonsense. People knew of the ghost because it would appear briefly after each unsuccessful leap.
• Olette: But Bard Azzadal was waiting for somebody to survive so he could move on to his afterlife.
• Wulf: Yes. He felt tremendous guilt because he died doing something foolish and left his wife and child to cope without him. Like many forlorn spirits, he haunted his place of death.
• Olette: And then he witnessed others leaping to their death, which increased his guilt.
• Wulf: We have included Bard Azzadal’s story and a model of the waterfall in the museum.
• Olette: I think this tale can be made into a good song.
• Rigmor: A tragic tale about a bard would be well received.
• Wulf: Perhaps that can be what you write for your first-year assessment at The Bards College.
• Olette: That or a tragic tale about a Countess who runs out of Sweetrolls.
• Rigmor: You do not want to traumatise the senior bards!
• Olette: You are right. Imagine the weeping when Countess Iva Ramsbottom opens her larder and finds not a single Sweetroll!
• Wulf: And she starts licking the shelves in desperation in case there are any Sweetroll crumbs!
• Rigmor: I am not that addicted.
• Olette: Mmm….

We made our way to the Hendraheim’s front door, and Rigmor’s surprise met us on the stairs.

• Rigmor: Oyvind!
• Oyvind: It is good to see you again, Countess Rigmor Ragnarsdottier.
• Rigmor: Olette, Oyvind is the son of a Son of Talos.
• Olette: A grandson of Talos!
• Wulf: Oyvind, this is my daughter, Lady Olette Lillith Welkynd. She had been accepted as a student at Solitude’s Bards College.
• Oyvind: It is always a pleasure to meet a fellow bard.
• Rigmor: Have you returned to that occupation, Oyvind?
• Oyvind: That is my plan, Countess. I have a way to go before returning to the chaos.
• Rigmor: What did you do after The First Battle for Whiterun?
• Oyvind: I returned to Windhelm, where I was told General Yngol Storm-Blade retired immediately after the battle. No explanation was given, but many Stormcloaks, including myself, started questioning our cause’s morality.
• Rigmor: Did any Legionnaire try to convince you that Ulfric was wrong?
• Oyvind: No. Were the Legionnaires instructed not to do so, as it may have caused tension?
• Wulf: That order was given, but we approved another method of generating uncertainty.
• Oyvind: You asked those who wear them to display their Amulets of Talos over their armour.
• Olette: You can be sneaky sometimes, Cap’n.
• Oyvind: I started to wonder how many Legionnaires I had killed were worshippers of Talos. I also wondered why The Dragonborn was siding with Mede. I decided to ask Priest Lortheim for guidance.
• Wulf: Priest Lortheim was in a difficult position. He wanted to remain in Windhelm to provide guidance and spiritual support but did not want to alienate Ulfric or other Stormcloaks.
• Oyvind: I asked him if Lord Talos wants us to fight for the right to worship him. Priest Lortheim did not answer. That was confirmation that Lord Talos had not told a senior priest that Ulfric’s cause was just. That night, I had nightmares. I saw the faces of many Legionnaires I had killed, and around their necks were Amulets of Talos. I felt ashamed and decided I did not want to fight Ulfric’s battles.
• Rigmor: Did you leave without informing Ulfric?
• Oyvind: No. I was foolish and still thought Ulfric had some decency. I did not accuse him of anything. I said I no longer thought it was right to keep fighting the Civil War and wanted to retire.
• Rigmor: At least you told him. Most who left the Stormcloaks did not.
• Oyvind: He had me arrested and jailed. He said he would give me time to reconsider and ask again after he defeated Jarl Balgruuf.
• Olette: He did not get that chance as his army was slaughtered, and then Cap’n cut his head off.
• Oyvind: The Imperial occupiers looked at the prison records and released those they thought were unfairly imprisoned. When I walked the streets of Windhelm, I saw Khajiiti and Argonian. I saw the Imperials helping repair buildings, feeding the needy and providing medical attention. Windhelm is still bleak due to the weather, but it now seems far brighter with Ulfric gone. However, the nightmares continued. When I heard the truth about Ulfric, they became unbearable. I turned to drink, but that was no solution.
• Wulf: A young Legionnaire had befriended Oyvind at Whiterun. When he saw Oyvind lying drunk in a gutter, he asked his sergeant if they could do something to help him. A request went up the chain of command and reached me. That is when I decided we must do something for veterans impacted by war.
• Oyvind: Not every veteran is racked by guilt. In Ulfric’s army, any sign of regret after a battle would be seen as a sign of weakness or cowardice. We were Nord warriors who glorify battle and the honours it brings.
• Wulf: I have seen many fine soldiers incapable of fighting multiple battles. Unfortunately, many of Ulfric’s troops that attacked Whiterun had never experienced battle. The odd skirmish did not prepare them for the nightmare. We had killed most of their experienced leaders before they reached Whiterun. It was too late for them to learn the futility of their plight. We killed without mercy until no fight was left in the poor fools.
• Oyvind: And the Imperials have, rightly, continued to kill without mercy any fool who continues to wear a Stormcloak uniform.
• Rigmor: His Imperial Majesty declared them outlaws. If they refused to believe the truth as told by the Priests and Priestesses and The Dragonborn, then they were no better than common bandits.
• Oyvind: The four of us in Hendraheim have differing reasons for being here. But all of us needed help to recover. And, as any veteran will tell you, only other soldiers fully understand what they experienced.
• Wulf: Bard Oyvind, would you like to entertain the ladies and other veterans with a few songs?
• Oyvind: Will you accompany me?
• Wulf: Yes, of course. Lady Olette may also sing a song or two if we are lucky.

Oyvind smiled, and we headed inside.

I briefly introduced the ladies to the three other veterans and promised to tell them their stories over dinner.

Then, Oyvind and I played and sang several songs together.

I performed a couple of solo renditions before handing a Lute to Olette.

Oyvind and I had performed songs popular in taverns that demanded a standing audience with meads in their hands.

The ballads Olette sang demanded quiet, so the veterans sat and listened.

Olette will make a fine bard. I know she wants to be a travelling minstrel. I would worry about her if that was her calling, but I would let her fulfil her ambition. Not that she would need my permission as an adult.

When Olette finished, most listeners had tears in their eyes. I knew from the moment I met the grubby street urchin in Riften that she was special. Along with Rigmor, my adopted daughter is my saviour when darkness clouds my thoughts.

We then teleported to Goldenglow Estate, the large honey farm near Riften.

• Olette: Is honey the only thing produced here?
• Wulf: Yes, apart from basic foodstuff to feed the staff. It now produces more honey than before, and I have hired three times as many beekeepers as the previous owner.
• Rigmor: Maven Black Briar had the previous owner murdered and the hives destroyed.
• Wulf: We think she did. Like the framing of Sabjorn and the murder of Grelod the Kind, she covered her tracks well. Perhaps one day, we will find enough evidence to have her shortened by a head.
• Olette: You wiped out The Dark Brotherhood. Where would she find an assassin?
• Wulf: I doubt she would hire Morag Tong. Grey Writs are expensive, and Maven is worse than Nahfahlaar when it comes to the hoarding of Septims. She would have hired above-average thugs. The guards who protect her country estate are pretty good at doing her dirty work.
• Olette: Is there anything special about this estate’s honey?
• Wulf: I had new hives of an improved design made. Then, I spared no expense purchasing queens from all parts of Tamriel. I am confident the honey being produced is unmatched by what Maven uses. I also purchased much of her regular suppliers’ honey for use in our confectionary kitchens.
• Rigmor: Combined with the mead recipes of The Dwemer, you might produce something to send Maven broke.
• Wulf: That is the plan. Destroying her business empire is probably a better punishment than the gallows or headsman. She would probably die of humiliation.
• Olette: When will the new mead be available?
• Wulf: Not for some time. We must decide on the final recipe and ensure it can be reproduced accurately.
• Rigmor: If you need taste testers, I will do it for free!
• Wulf: You must spit it out like a wine tester, Rigmor. I shall use your expertise if we need a drunken opinion from under a table.
• Olette: I have never been drunk. After watching others fall prey to booze, I never intend to.
• Wulf: It is worth getting drunk at least once. A good hangover will aid in your determination never to get drunk again.
• Rigmor: Wulf cannot get drunk.
• Wulf: I have heard there are forms of alcohol that affect those with Dragonblood. I have never tried finding any.
• Olette: Imagine if Cap’n got drunk, did a Thu’um-powered hiccup and destroyed a tavern!

The ladies giggled at that imaginary scenario as we inspected Goldenglow Estate.

There were many beekeepers. The head beekeeper was meeting with Sabjorn, so I did not have a chance to speak to her.

After a quick tour, I teleported us to Riften. I wanted to check on the orphanage and let Constance know how well Hroar and Runa were doing.

A midafternoon fog shrouded Riften and dulled the sounds of the city.

I have often brought Olette to Riften to visit her mother’s grave and the orphans. Every time, she breathes in the air and smiles. It was her home, and despite the desperate circumstances of her existence, she has fond memories of the place.

We noticed Maven Black Briar ahead, and I hoped she would not turn around.

Unfortunately, a guard noticed me and said, “All is well, Thane Welkynd.”

Maven turned around and, unsurprisingly, lacked any indication that she was pleased to see me.

I nodded to the guard, who slinked away, knowing that unpleasantness was about to erupt. On the other hand, a young girl stood and watched with expectation as she sipped on a mug of hot chocolate.

• Wulf: Good afternoon, Maven. It is always pleasant to see my favourite Riften citizen.
• Maven: I am hearing disturbing rumours.
• Wulf: Please tell! I love gossip, and so does my daughter.
• Olette: Yeah, spill the beans!
• Maven: I remember you, brat. Once a guttersnipe, always a guttersnipe.
• Olette: I remember you, shrew. Once a dumb, inbred bitch, always a dumb, inbred bitch.
• Wulf: I advise you to be a bit more civil, Maven. Otherwise, I will offer a tiny price for your business when you sell it.
• Maven: I have no intention of selling it!
• Wulf: Please, tell us these rumours. Perhaps I can put your mind at ease.
• Olette: Cap’n, are you sure she has a mind?
• Wulf: Even the slimiest, most disgusting slugs have minds, Lady Olette.
• Maven: It is bad enough you got that criminal Sabjorn released from prison. Now I hear you own Goldenglow Estate.
• Wulf: Do I own Goldenglow Estate, Lady Olette?
• Olette: Yes. We visited it earlier so you could check on the new beehives and the first batches of honey.
• Wulf: Now I remember. I purchased queens from all over Tamriel at exorbitant prices.
• Olette: Yes, and the resultant honey is much higher quality than Maven used to purchase. Rumour is somebody purchased nearly all her regular supplier’s honey.
• Wulf: No! What kind of bastard would do that?
• Olette: Using the brewing methods and recipes of The Dwemer and far superior honey, the Mead produced will make anything from Black-Briar Meadery taste like swamp water.
• Wulf: The enormous investment I am making and superior mead will ensure Honningbrew dwarfs Maven’s little business in sales and customer preferences. Taverns will no longer be forced to sell her swill.
• Olette: Why is that, Sir Wulf?
• Wulf: Maven’s exclusive contracts with many taverns have been declared illegal. Several innkeepers testified threats were used to make them sign.
• Olette: Oh no, was Maven threatening them with Dark Brotherhood contracts?
• Wulf: Yes. It must have been a severe blow to her business when The Dark Brotherhood was eliminated.
• Olette: The dumb, inbred bitch accused poor Sabjorn of being a criminal.
• Wulf: Well, she is an expert on criminals since her son will soon be tried for murder. It does not look good for him after he tried to hire me to kill a witness.
• Olette: He will probably be smarter after they lop his head off.
• Wulf: That was quite witty, Lady Olette.
• Olette: Sabjorn is lucky the alchemists at The College of Winterhold proved rodent poison had been added to Sabjorn’s latest vat of mead just before that poor Legionnaire tasted it.
• Wulf: That was Commander Caius, but it was not luck, Lady Olette. The Divine Knights were asked to investigate, and I immediately smelled the poison within the mead. But I suppose he was luckier than Aringoth, who was killed along with his guards just before his beehives were torched.
• Olette: Do you know who did that?
• Wulf: We have suspicions, and heads will roll when we finally have enough proof.
• Olette: Are they the only rumours you want to discuss, you dumb, inbred bitch?
• Wulf: Oh, I think we have upset her. She is not smiling!
• Olette: She is probably still upset at you for ensuring she was not made Jarl.
• Wulf: Why is she wearing a tiara?
• Olette: She might believe she is a noble of some sort. It sickens me when commoners think that.
• Wulf: Come, Lady Olette and Lady Eisra, we have wasted enough time talking to this unimportant peasant.

The young girl laughed out loud as we hip and shouldered our way past Maven.

We entered Honorhall Orphanage, and at first, it seemed deserted. However, we followed Constance’s voice and found a room full of children learning basic mathematics.

Constance saw us and said, “Children, please complete the first ten sums while I speak to Sir Wulf.”

A few children greeted Olette before starting the set task.

We approached Constance, who looked relaxed and pleased to see us.

• Wulf: Greetings, Governess. I see there are more children than desks!
• Constance: The numbers vary considerably week by week. We shall have to add some more desks to cater for the peaks.
• Olette: Why do some children not get adopted for ages while others come and go quickly?
• Constance: Potential parents make up their minds quickly. A smiling, confident child is likely to be adopted quicker than a sad one who has been rejected many times.
• Olette: Like Hroar and Ruma. They were very sad.
• Constance: Yes. Divine Knight Tsubaki took the time to listen to their stories and understood their sadness.
• Olette: Well, earlier today, we visited Heljarchen Hall, and both Hroar and Ruma were the happiest I had ever seen them.
• Constance: That is good to hear.
• Olette: They are both kept busy with chores and are not being spoiled.
• Constance: That is also good to hear.
• Wulf: How is Ram-Ku? I see he is not partaking in this lesson.
• Constance: He is still adjusting. You know what those bandits did to him. Such abuse is not easily overcome, even with the infinite compassion of other children surrounding the victim.
• Olette: Who is Ram-Ku, Cap’n?
• Wulf: An Argonian boy who was being rented out by a bandit gang we eliminated. They made enormous profits from their Skooma, so spite and greed decided Ram-Ku’s fate. Celestine cried as she healed his physical wounds. We knew the mental scars would be profound.
• Olette: Are the bandits all dead?
• Wulf: Nobody felt like taking prisoners once they saw Ram-Ku.
• Olette: Bastards!
• Constance: Ram-Ku has a way to go, Olette. He is smiling and laughing, and, as you know, children are resilient.
• Olette: Cap’n told me there are many children in his orphanages who were sexually abused or prostitutes. I never got the chance to sit and play with dolls or chasey with other children, and only by resorting to violence did I avoid becoming a victim of the perverted. We might be resilient, Governess, but scars remain when childhood is lost.
• Constance: If more could be done, any adult working in an orphanage would do it. We rely on the empathy of other children to heal such victims as much as possible. However, trust in adults can be hard to reestablish.
• Olette: Understandable and regrettable. I did not trust Cap’n at first. When I saw him helping so many other people, I took the gamble and left Riften with him.
• Wulf: It was not much of a gamble, Lady Olette. Your instincts had been honed on the streets of this city.
• Olette: Yeah, but I made you squirm before accepting your offer. I hoped to see some bribes to convince me of your sincerity.
• Wulf: I did not think offering you a bag of sweets would work.
• Olette: That might have earned you a stab wound or two.
• Constance: Haha! Do not ever change, Lady Olette.
• Wulf: I can assure you, Governess, Lady Olette is no different when dealing with Her Highness or His Imperial Majesty.
• Olette: Imagin’ that, eh! A snotty guttersnipe like me hobnobbing with emperors and queens!
• Wulf: We had an unpleasant encounter with Maven Black Briar. She used to be a constant pain in the posterior in Riften. How has she been recently?
• Constance: I often see her when taking the children to visit Lady Mara’s Temple. She is guaranteed to stare and snarl but has not said a word to me or a child.
• Wulf: I know she was responsible for Grelod’s death, amongst many other crimes. Justice sometimes works slower than we like, but she will be held accountable.
• Constance: That is what I tell the children. When a news sheet announces the eradication of this or that bandit gang, some children find comfort. They like to think gangs in a particular area are responsible for their fate.
• Wulf: Some children have finished their sums, so I will let you return to the lesson.

We had a quick look around the orphanage. A recent addition was a bathing pool heated by hidden pipes carrying steam.

We met Ram-Ku, who had been lying on a carpet reading. He stood to talk to me.

• Wulf: You are looking healthier, Ram-Ku.
• Ram-Ku: Yeah, and I am not as tired as I was. Divine Knight Celestine told me I would be exhausted. I did not know what that word meant. Now I do.
• Wulf: Ram-Ku, this is my adopted daughter, Lady Olette Lillith Welkynd, and a close friend, Lady Eisra.
• Ram-Ku: Lady Olette, can you give some clues on how to be adopted by a wealthy noble?
• Olette: It seems you are well-spoken and witty, Ram-Ku. Just be yourself, and somebody’s heart will melt when they meet you.
• Ram-Ku: I was always witty before things happened. I am learning to be so again.
• Wulf: How would you like to have two mothers?
• Ram-Ku: Did either of them used to be male? Not that it matters, but I am curious.
• Wulf: Yes, one of them was a male and got changed by The Hist. Their perspective might be helpful as you mature.
• Ram-Ku: Send them over, and I will check them out.
• Wulf: No promises, Ram-Ku, but they asked me to inform them of any Argonian orphans.
• Olette: Give them one of your toothy grins, and they will take you home.
• Ram-Ku: Thank you, Sir Wulf, for removing me from that place.
• Wulf: You are welcome.

I gasped, and tears rolled as I quickly teleported us to Fort Dawnguard. I should have warned Ram-Ku that we would vanish, but my emotions betrayed me.

• Rigmor: I sensed the change in you via Mara’s Rings. It is frightening how quickly the darkness descended.
• Wulf: I was talking to a seemingly healthy Ram-Ku, but then the memory of the bloodied, quivering mess we discovered in that cave struck me like a hammer blow. Some bandits tried to surrender, but I let my Dovah decide their fate. I am glad Ram-Ku never saw the beast I became.
• Rigmor: The type of beast that left no survivors in Bruma’s Thalmor Embassy?
• Olette: I have read accounts of parents defending their offspring. The examples were not just mortals but also animals like bears and wolves. The desire to protect or avenge the young seems to be a natural trigger for what you did, Cap’n. As for you, Rigmor, years of pent-up anger found an outlet that day, and no blame is to be attached.
• Rigmor: We know that, Olette. But logic often takes a backseat to emotion. Our Quiet lets us champion the logic, but it can take some time.
• Wulf: I will be okay. The suddenness of the memory intruding so violently caught me off guard. I cannot let that happen. I can do great harm if I am not in control.
• Olette: You are Wulf and can not stop having the compassion and sense of justice that drives you. You would not be my Cap’n if you did.
• Rigmor: You will need me in Akavir.
• Wulf: I have no idea how long I will be there.
• Rigmor: It could be as dark as Evermore.
• Wulf: We are speculating. It is best to discuss this when I know what I must deal with.
• Olette: Why are we here? These people are not your favourites.
• Wulf: I wanted to make an appearance to let them know I was watching. I can think of far better uses for this fort than housing superfluous bigots.

I was not pleased to see Barknar and his people still camped outside.

• Wulf: Has Isran continued to refuse access to the fort?
• Barknar: Isran said the dangers are over, and we should return home. The thing is, The New Order destroyed my farm, and we have no home. It may take years before it is rebuilt.
• Wulf: I think Isran forgets he is a freeloading tenant here. Jarl Horik Strong-Hand has gifted Fort Dawnguard to me. This canyon has tracts of farmable land, and I want you and the other refugees to farm that land. I will provide the tools and seeds to enable this. You do not need to leave here until you are ready, if ever.
• Barknar: And we can live in the fort.
• Wulf: Fort Dawnguard has room for hundreds of people. You will be provided adequate accommodation inside.
• Barknar: Thank you, Sir Wulf.
• Wulf: I apologise that Isran did not do as suggested when I last visited. He will obey within the next hour or swap places with your people.

Somebody must have informed Isran of our arrival, for he was waiting for us when we entered the fort. If he did not recognise my foul mood as I approached, he soon recognised it when I spoke.

• Wulf: Brother Isran, I told you to allow Barknar and his people to reside within this fort. Why have you not done so?
• Isran: We are a martial organisation. It is inappropriate to have civilians garrisoned with us.
• Olette: Is he joking, Cap’n?
• Wulf: I do not think Brother Isran has a sense of humour, Lady Olette.
• Olette: Then he is an idiot.
• Isran: Excuse me, young lady, but who are you to pass judgement?
• Wulf: She is my daughter, Lady Olette Lillith Welkynd.
• Rigmor: And I am Divine Knight Eisra, also of noble rank.
• Wulf: Let me remind you of the reality, Brother Isran. I own Fort Dawnguard and will decide what is appropriate within its walls. Currently, a group of freeloaders is occupying it.
• Isran: That is unfair!
• Wulf: The Dawnguard are superfluous since Keeper Carcette and the revamped Vigilants of Stendarr have and will continue to deal with rogue vampires, werewolves, necromancers, and other threats to Skyrim. They have done so with other authorities such as The Imperial Army, Penitus Oculatus and Knights of the Dragon. They now occupy and guard several places, including Castle Volkihar.
• Isran: We helped you defeat Harkon!
• Wulf: Your help was minimal. I admired their bravery and allowed your members to accompany us when we stormed the castle. It was a chance for them to show they had the skills and courage to join The Vigilants of Stendarr if desired.
• Rigmor: The reasons for abandoning The Vigilants of Stendarr are no longer valid. They are a far different organisation now.
• Wulf: They aided me against other threats that cost the lives of many Vigilants. I can trust they will uphold Stendarr’s laws and the Empire’s. I cannot say the same for The Dawnguard. That is why Vigilants occupy Castle Volkihar and not The Dawnguard, and they do so with the blessing of Serana Volkihar. I ensured the deed for the castle was transferred to her. She is its owner, and her mother, Valerica, lives there.
• Isran: Serana may have found redemption, but Valerica has not! She should pay for the crimes of the Volkihar Clan!
• Wulf: That is an ignorant opinion. It is not the mercy and forbearance of Lord Stendarr. You have learned nothing about the discipline of The Vigilants of Stendarr or have decided to ignore their dogma. Now listen, and do not interrupt. Can you do that?
• Isran: Yes, Sir Wulf.
• Wulf: I will allow The Dawnguard to remain in Fort Dawnguard while they decide their futures. However, the rich farmlands of this valley are being wasted, and the garrison here relies on stores, not fresh food. Barknar and his people will work the farmland and be provided spacious rooms within the fort’s walls. If this is not done immediately, you and the rest of The Dawnguard will be sleeping in tents, not the farmers who came here looking for safety. Do you understand, Brother Isran?
• Isran: Yes, Sir Wulf.
• Wulf: Get it done, Isran.
• Olette: What now, Cap’n?
• Wulf: We head for Aurane’s tavern and enjoy the company of friends.

When I teleported into Aurane, I was surprised to see Serana there. Rigmor and Olette left for my chambers to freshen up before we headed to the tavern.

“So, am I correct when I address you as Divine Knight Serana?”

“Yes, I will take the oath. However, I have a favour to ask.”

“What is it?”

“Well, there are two things. First, will you accompany me as I tell Mother of my mortality?”

“Of course I will. It will be interesting to see Valerica’s reaction.”

“You have never heard Mother throw a tantrum. It is terrifying, not interesting.”

“I doubt she could match one of Rigmor’s hissy-fits.”

“I think it may take some time to understand your colloquialisms.”

“I suspect, like Miraak, it will take you some time to understand lots of things about the current politics and quirks of Nirn.”

“The second thing is redemption. You suspect what I had to do to become mortal. I desire to even the ledger, as it were.”

“Yes, Serana, we shall visit The Soul Cairn and see if we can help some trapped souls.”

“That is another thing that will take some time for me to understand. Your intuition seems unnatural.”

“Oh, it is natural if you consider Lord Shor’s meddling natural. However, the filled Black Soul Gem requirement told me all I needed to know about the cure you undertook. The Consiousness of the soul that once occupied the Black Soul Gem is now a guest of The Ideal Masters. No matter if it was the soul of the foulest, most evil mortal, that is too severe a punishment. The Soul Cairn will eventually prevent the soul’s reuse in the next kalpa. It is no different than me absorbing a Dragon’s soul.”

“I do not know if I can find redemption in The Soul Cairn. But I must try.”

“If nothing else, it will be a beginning. Only you can decide when redemption is achieved. Inigo and others are also on personal paths towards redemption.”

“I shall retire to bed now. I find it amusing that after all that time in the sarcophagus, I desire a comatose state. Vayu knew you would allow me to take the oath. He will do the ceremony in the morning.”

“Vayu will hand you unedited versions of my journals. Read those as soon as possible. They will tell you more about me, the Divine Knights and a future danger that concerns The Divines.”

“I thought you being the son of two gods was the extent of strangeness I must deal with.”

“Not by a long shot, Serana.”

“Huh? Do you have a listing of weird colloquialisms translated to plain Tamrielic?”

“Good night, Serana. If I do not gather Olette and Rigmor soon, they will start chewing the furniture.”

I gathered Rigmor and Olette and explained my commitment to travelling The Soul Cairn with Serana. Rigmor was not pleased but voiced no vigorous objection.

The laughter and comradeship inside Aurane’s tavern were another reminder of what is worth fighting for.