Loredas, 23^rd Last Seed, 4E 201

& Sundas, 24^th Last Seed, 4E 201

We came out of the ether, then had to leap out of the way of a carriage.

“Did you see those people appear out of nowhere, Hroagvir?”

“Even if I did, I am not going to admit it, Wuldrir. We could lose our permit to carry passengers if the Jarl thinks we are drunk or insane.”

“Okay, then. I did not see them either.”

“Good man.”

“That man who did not appear from nowhere looked awfully like Lord Welkynd in fancy new armour.”

“Betsy did not see those people we never saw. She did not miss a step.”

“Wolves have attacked us, and she did not miss a step.”

“True. Betsy is either the bravest horse ever or just plain stupid.”

As we watched the carriage make its way through Riverwood, Celestine suggested, “Perhaps you should teleport off the main road in the future?”

“Sorry, Celestine. I am not thinking straight.”

“You must try to calm down, Wulf. We do not know what we may find, and your wits will be needed.”

“She is alive, Celestine. I would know if Rigmor died.”

“You will never hear me argue about Rigmor and your connection ever again.”

“The cliffs run for quite a distance, but travelling close to them is difficult. I want to walk along the road and see if I can sense where Rigmor is.”

“You are not sure if that is possible, are you?”

“There are a lot of things about our connection I am unsure of.”

“Perhaps Meeko might be of some help?”

“Yes, of course. I should have brought Meeko with us. I shall summon him.”

Meeko answered my summons almost immediately. As per usual, he was eager for whatever adventure lay ahead.

• Meeko: Woof?
• Wulf: Rigmor is injured, unconscious, somewhere along these cliffs.
• Meeko: Woof?
• Wulf: No, it is not like last time. That was an accident. This time, she jumped deliberately or was pushed. She may have been trying to escape pursuit, as she did last time.
• Meeko: Grrr!
• Wulf: I do not know if it was Thalmor. They are banned from this Hold, and I doubt First Emissary Elenwen would breach the agreement made with Jarl Balgruuf.
• Celestine: You knew about the earlier encounter?
• Meeko: Woof.
• Celestine: You have believed Wulf all along, haven’t you?
• Meeko: Woof!
• Celestine: All we can do is apologise, Meeko. We did not mean to hurt Wulf.
• Wulf: This discussion can wait. We shall keep quiet and walk slowly. Use that nose and ears and find Rigmor for me.
• Meeko: Woof.
• Wulf: I know you cannot promise, but I also know you will try. So let us get going.

We walked at a leisurely pace, which was difficult with anxiety and fear urging me to run and find Rigmor.

We could hear a wolf pack nearby. If they were howling, they were not feasting, so I paid them no heed.

I often walk this path along the river as it reminds me of my childhood in Roscrea. Simple days adventuring with my best two-legged friend, Anna, and my four-legged buddy, Meeko. He was half the size and a normal-looking mutt back then.

I shook my head and concentrated on the task at hand. I could not afford to muddle my mind with nostalgic memories.

We neared the three Standing Stones, and I felt we had gone too far. I was going to suggest we head off the main road when Meeko growled.

There was no need to ask why, as a patrol of Thalmor came jogging around the corner.

Their officer wore banded armour, the kind troops stationed in Valenwood wear as they brutally suppress the Bosmer. They stopped and waited for us to approach.

Celestine whispered in Ayleidoon, “Ne thanar saim, Wulf! Venath na senthel dor Elenwen telor el vaelarir Whiterun va parathim mirim.” (“Do not kill them, Wulf! The loss of a patrol would give Elenwen cause to swarm Whiterun with more parasites.”)

I offered a nod and grin in reply. The Thalmor wanted to hurt Rigmor, and I would feel a tiny bit better making their insides spill outside. However, Celestine was correct. Besides, live Thalmor provide more information than dead Thalmor, and my grin told her I intended to have some fun. Humour suppresses my Dov instincts, which were screaming for battle and blood.

• Officer: Halt, citizen. You may be able to aid us.
• Wulf: Are you lost?
• Officer: Why do you ask that?
• Wulf: Well, you are in Whiterun Hold, and Jarl Ulfric the Great has removed this Hold from the terms of the White Gold Concordat until such a time as the civil war ends.
• Officer: We have every right to be here according to the terms agreed to by Emperor Titus Mede II!
• Wulf: Did I speak clearly, Master Mage Celestine?
• Celestine: Yes, Lord Welkynd. He might be too stupid to realise those terms mean nothing in Whiterun Hold, which is currently divorced from The Empire.
• Wulf: Divorce is often messy and confusing. I mean, who gets custody of the children?
• Celestine: We should at least be courteous and see what they need help with. Perhaps speak a bit slower and avoid big words.
• Wulf: Okay, Officer, what help can we provide, if not directions out of this Hold?
• Officer: We are looking for a girl. She is around 18 years old, 5’6 “tall, with shaved hair.
• Wulf: Is she slim?
• Officer: Yes.
• Wulf: Then she must weigh about eighty pounds. How scary is that, Master Mage Celestine? An eighty-pound young woman is on the loose in Whiterun Hold!
• Celestine: Terrifying! I wonder if she is wanted for lollygagging, or, I shudder to think of it, she stole somebody’s Sweetroll!
• Wulf: Officer, what hideous crime has this young woman committed?
• Officer: She is extremely dangerous and wanted for murder.
• Wulf: Who did she kill?
• Officer: Dozens of innocents in The Third Aldmeri Dominion’s Bruma embassy.
• Wulf: When you say innocents, were they Thalmor?
• Officer: Of course they were! It was our embassy!
• Wulf: You did not mention a breastplate embossed with Bruma’s coat of arms.
• Officer: So, you have seen her! Otherwise, you would not know about the breastplate.
• Wulf: Oh no, you have outsmarted me. Anybody would think I deliberately mentioned the breastplate to inform you I have seen her.
• Officer: Where did you see her? Where was she going?
• Wulf: Is there a reward?
• Officer: Fifteen thousand gold coins are offered for her capture, dead or alive.
• Wulf: We call them septim in Skyrim. You know, after that hero, Tiber Septim, who became the glorious and well-loved god, Talos.
• Officer: Do you confess to worshipping Talos?
• Wulf: Dragonguard Celestine, does Lord Wulf Welkynd worship Talos?
• Celestine: Yes, Grandmaster, you do. That is why all your properties have large Talos statues adorning them.
• Wulf: Oh, and that is why I wear an Amulet of Talos, like yours.
• Celestine: Indeed, Grandmaster. These Thalmor people would probably dislike that I am a Blade, as are most of The Dragonguard.
• Wulf: Making Blade outlaws was also part of the White Gold Concordate. It is too bad they have no jurisdiction in Whiterun. You would be arrested, then arrested again!
• Celestine: If they drew weapons and tried to arrest us, we would be legally allowed to cut them down.
• Wulf: Or turn them into crispy bacon with a few spells.
• Meeko: Woof!
• Wulf: Meeko likes that idea. But alas, the fifteen thousand septim reward is too big to sacrifice for a few seconds of fun.
• Celestine: There will be other Thalmor to slaughter when you feel the need, Grandmaster.
• Wulf: True. So, officer, that scary young woman passed us not long ago. I would say she was heading for Helgen. Even poorly trained Dominion slime such as yourself may catch her, for she was limping badly.  Send the reward to Lord Wulf Welkynd, care of Solitude Museum.
• Celestine: We should hurry, or we will be late for the wine-and-cheese tasting.
• Wulf: Oh, of course. So, if that is all, officer, we shall be on our way.

The officer stood gaping. One of his squad members whispered in his ear, likely to advise that there would be legal problems if they tried to arrest us. Plus, my reputation has gained momentum as word of our exploits spreads. Major gangs, vampire clans, and necromancer covens have fallen to our blades and spells. Even if we are outnumbered, it would be foolish to draw weapons on us.

The officer glared at me as he issued terse orders, then they proceeded double time towards Helgen. I think the two who lost a staring match with Meeko were relieved. He is cute and fluffy and promises a bloody end with his toothy grin and non-blinking glare. They knew he could rip their throats out before they drew their swords.

We waited till they were out of sight, then reversed our course.

We had not gone far when we heard cries for help.

A woman was facing off with an Alpha wolf. She was not ready with her bow and ran when she saw us.

The wolf might not have been hunting, but when something starts running, the chase is on. It would have taken the woman down, then invited its pack for an unexpected feast.

I Blinked to the wolf and cut it down. Then I cleaned my katana with a bit of Magicka before sheathing it.

I then approached the startled woman.

• Wulf: You can relax. His pack will not approach when I am here. My name is Wulf.
• Celestine: And I am Celestine.
• Meeko: Woof!
• Wulf: And that giant fleabag is Meeko.
• Rose: I was so focused on the girl that I did not notice him stalking me.
• Wulf: You found her? Can you lead us to her?
• Rose: Do you know who she is? How did you know she was here?
• Celestine: Forgive Wulf, he sometimes forgets his manners. What is your name?
• Rose: Rose.
• Celestine: It is a long story on how Wulf knew the girl was here. That can wait. We are both Master Restoration Mages. That means we can help, but time is of the essence.
• Rose: The Thalmor are hunting her.
• Celestine: We know, and sent them in the wrong direction, but that might not be the only squad looking for her.
• Wulf: Please, lead us to Rig… ahh… lead us to the girl.

The conversation continued as we ran through the thick undergrowth.

• Rose: I asked the other hunters to help, but they were too scared.
• Celestine: Were you hunting?
• Rose: Yes, we were looking for the wolf pack as a favour to the people of Riverwood. They have yet to kill anybody, but it is only a matter of time.
• Celestine: So, your friends were brave enough to hunt wolves but not deal with Thalmor.
• Rose: Wolves, they understand. The Thalmor are unpredictable, and their reputation precedes them.
• Wulf: It is a reputation well earned, trust me.
• Rose: I saw what happened. The girl leapt from the cliff, aiming for one of the older trees. Lucky for her, a few branches snapped. Otherwise, she would have bounced and probably done more damage.

Rose outpaced me for the last part, for I was frightened. Celestine understood and let me approach at my leisurely pace.

All the training I have had meant nothing. The secrets my colleagues and I had striven to keep were endangered. My emotions took control, and I let them.

Tears streamed as I stood over Rigmor, who was in a foetal position. Large branches barely missed her head, but they had slowed her fall. Blood was pooling.

I said aloud, not caring who heard, “Rigmor, your guardian is here. Everything will be okay.”

I knelt to get a closer look.

I cast Mage-light to aid in my examination.

I reported, “She has reopened the recent wound. They were neat stitches. That is all I can visually see. I will do a more thorough examination and stabilise her. Then we must hide her from Thalmor scum.”

I stood and did something I knew was possible, but had never tried. I groaned and held my stomach in the same place as Rigmor’s wound.

• Rose: What is he doing?
• Celestine: I am not quite sure. Something only Wulf can do, I am guessing.
• Wulf: I am sharing her pain. That provides a better understanding of the nature of her wound. It also lessens her pain, which is registered by her brain even when unconscious.
• Celestine: Wulf has created an Empathetic Link between himself and the injured girl. Very few people can do this, and it usually takes decades of training.
• Wulf: I am transferring some of my Lifeforce to the young woman. It will repair broken bones and internal injuries, but she will be very weak, for much of her Lifeforce is also consumed.
• Celestine: Her survival depends on willpower. She must want to live.

I finished my Lifeforce transfer and was surprised it worked.

• Rose: Now I feel redundant.
• Wulf: Do you have a camp nearby?
• Rose: Yes, there is one I share near the Standing Stones, but I have a more secluded one near Little Vivec. We could take her there by rowboat. It is moored at the nearby camp.
• Wulf: You will not be redundant, Rose. Restoration Magic and what I did only went so far in the healing process.
• Celestine: We will need to inspect her further, clean the wounds and let her know others care.
• Wulf: Empathy is not something learned. It is apparent you have plenty, and that will be crucial in the young woman’s recovery.
• Celestine: Besides, it is always good to work on a patient in pairs.
• Rose: How old is she?
• Wulf: Eighteen. Now, I know you have many questions, but the longer we stay here, the more chance some Thalmor with brain cells have of starting to look in the right places.
• Meeko: Woof?
• Wulf: Yes, Meeko, there is such a thing as thinking Thalmor.
• Rose: Ahhh….
• Wulf: Questions later, Rose.
• Rose: Okay, we shall avoid the main road. Follow me and…
• Wulf: And make sure I do not jostle the patient too much. You go at your speed, and I shall dawdle after you.

I gently lifted Rigmor. I did a cradle carry rather than sling her over my shoulder. I made that choice not for a medical reason. I wanted to listen to her breathing. If she regained any consciousness, I wanted her to know her guardian was with her. If she spoke, I wanted to hear her voice not muddied by the ether.

Rose was far enough ahead that Celestine could speak candidly as we walked slowly.

• Celestine: I have never seen you lose control like that before.
• Wulf: The initial shock was overwhelming, but my connection to Rigmor soon calmed me down.
• Celestine: The Lifeforce transfer you did. Was that planned?
• Wulf: I was going to cast Grand Healing, but then I had the confidence to try something Vayu, and I theorised.
• Meeko: Woof!
• Wulf: Yes, the connection to Rigmor does more than calm me. It allows logic and coherent thought to survive my emotions.
• Celestine: I can only imagine the stuff you and three shamans theorise.
• Wulf: Inigo comes up with some out-of-the-box thoughts as well.
• Meeko: Woof.
• Wulf: No, Meeko, it is not caused by brain damage from Skooma. Under his easy demeanour, Inigo is a deep thinker, while you are a deep stinker.
• Celestine: Why use Rose’s camp and not one of your houses?
• Wulf: I know little about Rigmor, and she may not recognise me as her guardian. I want us to learn about each other before she finds out how different I am.
• Celestine: It is okay if she knows you are wealthy. That will be hard to hide if you travel together.
• Wulf: If we travel together, and where to, is a big unknown, Celestine. I do not even know her family name.
• Meeko: Woof?
• Wulf: You know why I did not use resources to seek her out.
• Meeko: Woof!
• Wulf: Yes, I let my instincts guide me. I should learn from the horse’s mouth, so to speak.
• Celestine: Keep following your instincts, Wulf. It might get complicated when Alduin starts killing, and time to think might not be available.
• Wulf: Rose would make a good addition to our ranks, as a steward, perhaps.
• Celestine: It makes a change to meet somebody with genuine empathy.
• Wulf: She has stopped and is observing the main road. We had better hush in case our Dominion friends are below.

When we reached Rose, she whispered, “I can hear Aldmeri. I assume it is Thalmor approaching. We might need to take a different route.”

I crouched low and peered over a rocky outcrop.

Seconds later, Thalmor appeared.

I used Zoom-Vision to get a closer look.

It was the squad we met earlier, with a Justiciar added.

I looked closer, but did not recognise their commander.

I whispered, “It is the squad we misdirected. They have a Justiciar with them, but I do not recognise him. He has one of those ridiculous pointy chins their inbred nobility is proud of.”

Rose replied, “Okay, then the other route it is. Follow me.”

I hoped no bandits were looking for trouble in Embershard Mine. It was on our ‘to-do’ list of bandit eliminations that we were yet to cleanse. Rose’s alternate route took us past the mine’s entrance.

There were no sentries.

Rose stopped and said, “Wait here while I check the coast is clear.”

As Rose acted as a scout, I laughed.

“What is so amusing?” asked Celestine.

“As Inigo told me, I am one of the sneakiest sneaks that has ever been sneaky. Yet here I am, allowing a relative stranger to take a risk while I hide.”

“Which goes totally against your principles. So why the amusement?”

“Blame Rigmor. Our Quiet tells me it is the logical choice.”

“Our Quiet?”

“I had to name the thing between us something. Tirlineth is the Ayleidoon word that explains it better.”

“Soul-Stillness.”

“Or the more mumbo-jumbo interpretation?”

“Stillness of the Inner Light. I like that!”

“I think Father, as a Divine, must do something similar. Emotions are still there, but clarity of thought and logical decision-making are still possible.”

“But you risk seeming cold, as you have described some of Lord Talos’ decisions even before he reached apotheosis.”

“And sometimes I think I am too critical. For instance, I understand and accept the reasons why His Imperial Majesty agreed to the White Gold Concordat, including the ban on Talos worship and policing of it by Thalmor. Yet I fail to extend the same courtesy to Father.”

“Critical Thinking has been the cornerstone of your training, Wulf. We do not know when you may have to decide on actions contrary to your base belief system. Until you do, some scepticism and criticism are natural.”

“That is why I laughed. Letting Rose act as a scout is my first experience of such a dilemma.”

“Rose is signalling that the coast is clear.”

“With hand signals taught to Legionnaires.”

“Rose was in the Imperial Army.”

“And likely learned a lot from treating battlefield injuries.”

“That either increases a person’s empathy or turns them bitter.”

“I am glad Rose chose the former.”

It was harder to prevent jolting Rigmor as we walked downhill.

When we reached her, I said to Rose, “Let me lead now. I know where your camp is, and I want to dictate the pace.”

Rose nodded then fell in with Celestine and Meeko, who was using all his senses to keep us safe, despite his obvious enjoyment of being outdoors on a walk.

We came upon a dead Imperial courier. I searched him and found no document case.

I remarked, “It seems that Stormcloaks and The Empire also ignore Jarl Balgruuf’s decree of neutrality. His document case is gone. I doubt the information it contained was worth more than his life.”

Celestine retrieved his identity tags while I recited Arkay’s Rights. Like many Legionnaires, he wore an Amulet of Talos.

I said, “I hope we get his body retrieved before it becomes a meal for the local wildlife.”

We continued in silence to the hunter’s camp.

A scrawny man came running over and looked terrified.

• Hedren: Rose, are you mad? They will kill us all!
• Rose: I will not let those bastards push us around, Hedren.
• Hedren: And who is this stranger? Can we trust him?
• Wulf: I am Lord Wulf Welkynd.
• Hedren: Oh! Ahh, what nice new armour you have.
• Wulf: Rose trusted me, and she did not know who I was.
• Rose: Sometimes you must do what is right, even if it means risking everything.
• Wulf: Did you refuse to help Rose with this young woman?
• Hedren: Well… umm… neither of us helped.
• Wulf: Rose was used to relying on colleagues when a Legionnaire. I can only imagine her disappointment when you failed her.
• Rose: How did you…
• Wulf: Shhh, Rose. A lesson is being taught.
• Hedren: I am sorry, Rose. The Thalmor scare me more than a charging boar or angry bear.
• Rose: You have stepped in front of me to face such danger, Hedren. We all have a fear that defeats our courage.
• Wulf: The longer we stand here talking, the greater the chance Hedren’s nightmare comes true.
• Rose: Okay, put her in the boat, and we shall get moving.
• Celestine: Wulf will row like the gentleman he is. We shall keep watch over the patient.
• Meeko: Woof?
• Celestine: Well, he can pretend to be one.
• Wulf: I know where Little Vivec is, but you will have to direct me to your camp.
• Rose: Yes, Lord Welkynd.
• Wulf: Please, call me Wulf.
• Rose: Yes, Lord Welkynd.
• Wulf: Why does everybody do that?
• Celestine: I do not know, Lord Welkynd.

I gently placed Rigmor in the boat. The ladies made themselves comfortable, and I rowed us to Rose’s camp.

The ladies leapt out of the boat to prepare a shelter for Rigmor.  Meeko tried to dislodge some fleas he hoped would drown in Lake Ilinalta.

After a couple of minutes, Celestine called my name. I gently lifted Rigmor from the boat and entered Rose’s camp.

Rigmor’s shelter was crude and used for keeping firewood and other supplies dry.

Celestine approached and said, “We have laid some furs down. Rigmor will be comfortable and dry. If need be, we can drape a blanket over the front to block any wind.”

“It is more than sufficient, Celestine, and gives easy access to Rigmor for yourself and Rose.”

I placed Rigmor on her side.

• Wulf: Rigmor will not lie on her back. You will soon discover why. Even after four years, they still pain her.
• Celestine: Meeko is standing guard. Nothing will sneak up on us here, Wulf.
• Wulf: Yes, it is a good spot, and not somewhere the Thalmor will think to search.
• Rose: May I inspect her?
• Wulf: Yes, of course.

I stepped out of the way, and Rose gently pulled away the wool and gasped when she saw Rigmor’s stomach wound.

Rose stood, crossed her arms, and demanded answers.

• Rose: Who are you?
• Wulf: Lord Wulf Welkynd.
• Rose: Not your name; that is well known, although the armour is different from what was described in the news-sheets.
• Wulf: I am a Master Mage, Swordmaster, Bowmaster and owner of many properties, including newly opened orphanages in several Holds.
• Meeko: Woof!
• Wulf: And Meeko said I should mention my new museum in Solitude.
• Rose: You moved faster than my eyes could follow when saving me from that wolf.
• Wulf: Unless you can see into the ethereal plane, my movement would not be visible.
• Rose: How did you know I used to be a Legionnaire?
• Wulf: When the coast was clear, you could have called us over. However, out of habit, you used an Imperial hand signal.
• Rose: The girl’s wound was, as you said, a reopening of a recent wound. You know her and what happened to her.
• Wulf: At eighteen, she is not a girl but a young woman. Even if the Thalmor had not told us her name, I have known it for years. Her name is Rigmor. She fell down another cliff recently, about six weeks ago, and was found by another huntress near the border with Bruma. It seems Rigmor and gravity are not the best of friends, but huntresses are.
• Rose: How did you know where Rigmor was? Do not lie and say you were not looking for her.
• Wulf: I do not lie, Rose. However, I have secrets that must be kept, so do not expect answers to all your questions.
• Celestine: Please understand, Rose, that Wulf has enemies who are unaware of his presence in Skyrim. Everybody will soon know who he is, as one enemy is about to unleash terror and death that makes the civil war look like a picnic.
• Wulf: I have been preparing, in secret, to combat this enemy for over twenty years.
• Rose: How can this enemy not know you are in Skyrim? You are all over the news-sheets.
• Wulf: According to those news-sheets, I am a rich noble who enjoys hunting bandits and philanthropy. That may be true, but you have surmised I am more than that. My enemy is everybody’s enemy, and he will see what is written in news-sheets and spoken about in taverns. Only when he reveals himself will I be able to reveal myself.
• Celestine: Our enemy will not have prepared for Wulf. That is the advantage we hope will gain us victory.
• Rose: Okay, I apologise for being so nosy. I will probe no further.
• Wulf: Nobody could witness the things I have done and not have questions.
• Celestine: Ask anything you want, Rose. We shall answer what we can without compromising Wulf’s identity.
• Wulf: But our priority is Rigmor. She is our patient, and we must do what we can to ensure her survival.
• Rose: Rigmor is more than one mortal amongst the myriad to you, Wulf.
• Wulf: That discussion can wait. Is there anything you need to aid Rigmor’s recovery?
• Rose: Clean bandages. An extra fur or two. Lucan Valarius and his sister, Camilla, own The Riverwood Trader. They shall have what we need.
• Wulf: I shall retrieve them from one of my properties.
• Celestine: Take your time, Wulf. Rose and I will have to strip Rigmor and bathe her.
• Wulf: Do not mention me to Rigmor if she wakes, Rose. She has never seen me, but she may eventually recognise me. Nothing is guaranteed, but whatever happens, it must be at her pace.
• Rose: Okay, I promise not to mention that you talk to your dog.
• Meeko: Woof!
• Celestine: Meeko is offended. He is not a dog, and Wulf is not the only person who understands him.
• Rose: Understand him? Woof means woof!
• Celestine: I will explain while Wulf makes himself scarce.
• Rose: You can use the boat, but please bring it back in one piece.
• Wulf: No need. I shall go behind that tree and vanish. I should do that out of view so I do not startle you when I return.
• Rose: Ahh…
• Celestine: We are powerful mages, Rose. Teleporting is something we do.
• Rose: This day could not get any weirder.
• Celestine: Haha. Believe me, it can, and will likely do so.
• Wulf: I will stop in Riverwood and see if the Thalmor have visited. Jarl Balgruuf will likely send his housecarl, Irileth, to investigate their presence in Whiterun Hold.
• Rose: Irileth has quite a reputation.
• Wulf: She is a former Nightblade and fought beside Balgruuf in many Great War battles. You know how powerful a bond such comradeship makes. Her fierce reputation comes from a desire to protect her friend and this Hold.

I told Meeko, “Be alert, but hunt for your and our supper as long as you do not wander far.”

I cast a Mark behind a large tree, then teleported to Aonghus House.

I gathered some new furs, a blanket, and a lot of small pieces of linen for bandages and other uses. It can get very messy when looking after incontinent patients who are comatose or unconscious for extended periods. Cleanliness is paramount. Infection can prove deadlier than disease or injury.

I placed a magical barrier around the items. It is a barely visible blue sphere that lets me teleport multiple objects at once. I call it a Welkanelor, which means, in simplistic terms, ‘Bound-Light Enclosure.’

I stepped outside, and Jen approached me. She lives in Aonghus House but maintains my three properties along this part of the river. They are popular destinations for my friends who need time away from Aetheron for romantic purposes or just a break from the routine.

Jen was wearing the standard armour I have provided all my guards and stewards outside of Aetheron. Jen is a Swordmaster and would have no difficulty carving any aggressors into tiny chunks.

She said, “So, Grandmaster, the wait is over.”

“It could be some time before Alduin makes his move. Tamriel and Nirn are very different from what he remembers. And without troops, he cannot hold any territory he may gain.”

“How many dragons can he muster?”

“I do not know. There are at least sixteen in Skyrim that he can restore. We think quite a few have been using the deserts of Hammerfell as home. Others are scattered around small islands in the various seas. Odahviing will likely be given the task of gathering Dov loyal to Alduin.”

“The Holds are not prepared for the destruction to come.”

“Stone cities, such as Markarth, will fare better than places like Riften, which is almost entirely wood. My advice to the Jarls will be to herd your citizens as far underground as possible and only then consider fighting the attacking dragons.”

“Guests have been numerous recently. It will be strange having empty properties for a while.”

“You will appreciate not having to travel between the properties while looking upwards in case a dragon attacks.”

“Yes, there is that. My neck is bad enough from old battle scars!”

“Keep up the good work, Jen. I know it can be difficult cleaning up after the unruly people we call Dragonguard.”

“After what we endured and survived, they deserve to have some fun.”

I looked upstream to one of my other properties. I have purchased four along this side of the river. Anybody would think I like waterfalls and rapids!

I crossed my bridge and then headed towards Riverwood.

Whiterun is my favourite city in Skyrim. Riverwood is my favourite town. I could easily settle down on my small farm further along the river, but I doubt the future will allow me that pleasure. Undoubtedly, Alduin will only be one of many crises I shall have to deal with. Neither Father nor Silah have confirmed it, but I suspect his return has weakened The Liminal Barrier. Daedric Princes and other powerful beings may take advantage of that situation.

Hedren was heading away from Riverwood.

“Ahh, your camp is in the other direction.”

“Riverwood is full of Thalmor. I was at Alvor’s doing some smithing when I saw them and thought I would make myself scarce.”

“What are they doing?”

“They had manned both main entrances and were questioning everybody entering and leaving the town. Irileth and some of her guards arrived and are dealing with the situation.”

“Many of Riverwood’s citizens would not be pleased with their presence.”

“There was a threat of imminent violence. Hopefully Irileth will calm everything down and kick them out of Whiterun Hold.”

“Do you often do blacksmith work at Alvor’s?”

“Yes, I was an apprentice blacksmith in my youth, till I decided being a hunter was more entertaining. Alvor appreciates my assistance as together we provide items needed by the Imperial Army. That does not sit well with some of the Ulfric supporters, but he is well respected, so we have avoided our own civil war.”

“Alvor’s nephew is a Legionnaire.”

“And there lies the absurdity of what is happening. Hadvar’s childhood friend, Ralof, dons the uniform of the kingslayer.”

“All civil wars pit brother against brother, friend against friend. Anyway, Hedren, I am keen to see how Irileth deals with the scum.”

“And I will bravely wait for confirmation I can enter Riverwood again without pissing my pants.”

Merchant Johannas stormed past me with a foul look on his face. No doubt he was forced to answer Thalmor questions when they had no right to ask them.

Three of Irileth’s guards greeted me, but I was distracted by a wanted poster. I tore it down, then spoke to Maulkr, a guard I am familiar with.

“Greetings, Guard Maulkr.”

“Greetings, Lord Welkynd. Have you come to view the show? Irileth is about to rip that Justiciar a new one.”

“You are as eloquent as always, Guard Maulkr. But I cannot be a passive observer. I must contribute to the gaiety!”

“Ahh…okay. While you do that, I will ponder what it means to be eloquent and what gaiety is.”

Irileth and the Justiciar had quite an audience. A local fur trader looked ready to skin the Justiciar, who I recognised as the one I saw earlier. His squad were at the far entrance and still harassing people entering and leaving Riverwood.

Irileth did not have to shout or show any aggression. Years as an officer in the Imperial Army and in charge of Whiterun’s Guards have given her the skills of a drill sergeant. She has an aura of authority, and anybody with sense would realise she suffers no bullshit.

Irileth is a Nightblade, or as they are called within The Empire, a Spellsword. She is formidable with blade and spell. Her Magicka reserves were not large, but certainly enough to turn an enemy into a screaming torch with a Destruction spell or two.

Now that I was closer to the Justiciar, I could tell he was an Altmer Wizard. He is barely powerful enough to be accepted as an apprentice at The College of Winterhold, but wizard status helps when climbing Thalmor ranks. His chin was the pointiest I’d ever seen. Most likely a result of generations of careful inbreeding.

In her calm voice, which intimidates miscreant guardsmen, Irileth said, “Justiciar, Jarl Balgruuf the Great of Whiterun is waiting for an explanation. Why are the Thalmor hunting Empire citizens in this Hold?”

“What is your name?”

“Irileth, I am the Jarl’s housecarl. Now, Justiciar, answer my question.”

“There is a dangerous criminal in the vicinity. I am deploying my troops in the immediate area to find and capture her and any accomplices.”

“The Jarl has informed your Embassy that no Thalmor troops are welcome in Whiterun Hold till the civil war is resolved. Whiterun has remained neutral in the current conflict, and your presence endangers that neutrality. We are more than capable of finding and apprehending a young woman. Please leave Whiterun Hold at once!”

“Am I hearing this correctly? You are demanding I leave?”

“You heard correctly.”

“This is preposterous! Are you insane? I am well within my jurisdiction as Justiciar to deploy my troops in this area. I shall speak to the Jarl myself!”

“I have the Jarl’s authority to speak for him on this matter. Whatever you think you want to say to him, say to me. If you insist on talking to him directly, I am afraid his calendar is full. Perhaps we could book a time for your meeting with him for some time next week, maybe.”

“This is outlandish!”

“Currently, the White-Gold Concordat is suspended within Whiterun Hold. You have no legal rights here. Remove yourself or be arrested.”

“Do you know who I am?”

I said, “Excuse me, Housecarl Irileth, but to avoid bloodshed, let me hurry this along.”

Irileth nodded her head in approval. I am certain she was aware of how close Riverwood’s citizens were to eliminating the Justiciar and his squad.

“What is your name, Justiciar?”

“Why should I tell you?”

“The presence of Housecarl Irileth and me is the only reason the citizens of Riverwood have not turned you and your squad into corpses. If you are to make a formal complaint to First Emissary Elenwen, we need to prepare our rebuttal. So, tell me your name, or Irileth will have you arrested.”

“I am Justiciar Jovon Joror. You fed my squad false information!”

“Oh, I did not mean to. There are a lot of 80-pound teenagers with short hair and Bruma breastplates running around here. I must have encountered the wrong one. My apologies. Now, who issued your orders, Justiciar Joror? After all, you may be obeying those orders without the full realisation of their illegality.”

“Nobody issued them. I saw the murderer and pursued her, as is my duty.”

“Did you pursue her six weeks ago when she crossed from Bruma to Skyrim?”

“How do you know about…wait…have you been speaking to Rigmor of Bruma?”

“I witnessed what you butchers did to her four years ago. Rigmor is under my protection, and you will never find her. An army would not be large enough to take her away from The Dragonguard and me. If you value your life and that of your squad, leave Whiterun Hold immediately. It is only my hatred of paperwork and my reluctance to lie that stand between you and your afterlife. I would have to write an apology to Elenwen and Jarl Balgruuf and pretend I regretted my actions.”

The Justiciar looked around and was startled by the universal stares of contempt the locals were directing his way. He quickly turned and headed towards his squad.

I turned to Irileth, who battled to suppress a grin and maintain her stern demeanour.

She asked, “Do you know the whereabouts of this Rigmor of Bruma?”

“Yes, I am keeping her safe and helping her heal.”

“What crimes did she commit?”

“She killed every Thalmor in their Bruma Embassy. I assume it is the same place they whipped her every day when she was fourteen years of age. I do not know why they did that. If Rigmor recovers enough, she may tell me.”

“You witnessed this whipping?”

“I witnessed what I hope was the last one, when her flesh flew across the room and covered witnesses as a horse whip crashed down, blow after blow. If he were the Justiciar in charge of that whipping, he would not be walking away.”

“You are a mystery to us, Lord Welkynd. Jarl Balgruuf is quite fond of you.”

“Perhaps it is the huge amount of money I have invested in Whiterun real estate that has earned his favour?”

“You are one of the few who has the courage and audacity to put my Jarl in his place when his temper flares. That is what he admires.”

“A fifteen-thousand septim reward will attract bounty hunters and other scum from all over Tamriel. Innocent women and girls who vaguely fit Rigmor’s description are in danger. No matter your personal feelings towards Elenwen, that does not sound like a careful, calculated plan, and therefore, she is unlikely to be aware of this matter.”

“If they crossed from Bruma to hunt Rigmor, they might not report to Elenwen.”

“That is what I am thinking, and it is worth pursuing. Anyway, give my regards to Jarl Balgruuf. I will follow the Justiciar and make sure he leaves the immediate area. Oh, there is an Imperial courier dead near the Standing Stones. It seems others are not honouring this hold’s neutrality. His body should not be left to predators.”

Irileth barked orders to her squad, including one stating they were to gather a fallen soldier, as I walked towards the Justiciar’s squad.

The Justiciar gathered his squad, and they left the area.

I Recalled to the Mark at Rose’s camp.

Meeko welcomed me with a bark but did not bother to tell Celestine I had returned.

I called out, “Sheath the sword, Celestine. It is me.”

She said, “Hurry to Rigmor’s side, Wulf!”

“Why?”

“She has been restless, and nothing we have done has calmed her.”

I walked towards Rigmor, and when I was about ten feet away, she sighed and fell into a regular breathing rhythm.

I knelt and then stared at her scars.

• Wulf: She has no new scars, but why hasn’t she had these attended to? She has endured their pain for four years!
• Rose: Who did that to her?
• Wulf: Thalmor, when she was fourteen years of age.
• Rose: Why?
• Wulf: I do not know why. However, the crime for which she is now accused is related, I think.
• Celestine: Rigmor killed everybody in the Dominion embassy in Bruma.
• Wulf: I think that is where they whipped her, but one dungeon looks very much like every other.
• Rose: There would have been dozens of guards in that embassy.
• Wulf: Wizards as well. I do not know if she killed the noncombatants. Only a minority of Altmer are Thalmor.

I stood and cast Welkoran, which means ‘Bound-Light Recall.’ The items from Aonghus House appeared in front of me, and I dispelled the Welkanelor.

• Wulf: Here are the linens, furs, and a good-quality blanket.
• Rose: Umm…
• Celestine: Wulf forgets that not everybody is familiar with magic. He cast a spell around the items so he could teleport them here.
• Rose: Rigmor took some water, which is always a good sign.
• Wulf: Has she peed? If so, was there blood?
• Celestine: She peed a little, and there was far less blood than I expected. Rigmor’s stomach is not bloated.
• Wulf: Good, that means I stopped the internal bleeding.
• Rose: She does not look like she could swing a sword of any size. She must be skilled to survive the attack on the embassy.
• Wulf: Another mystery to be solved.
• Rose: We need to keep the fire lit and wash the wound often to avoid infection.

Celestine knelt and quickly inspected the wound.

• Celestine: This is much easier when Rigmor is not all fidgety and restless.
• Rose: Celestine tried to explain the connection you have with Rigmor. I am afraid all this magic stuff is a bit hard to comprehend.
• Wulf: My connection with Rigmor is metaphysical, not magical.
• Rose: Huh?
• Wulf: It is as natural as a flower or clouds or the flight of a bird. No spell or incantation is involved. For some reason, the connection exists. That is another mystery I have been waiting decades to unravel. Lady Mara might be able to solve it if she sees us together.
• Rose: A god will talk to you?
• Wulf: I use my title, Champion of the Divines, often, and no priest or priestess has challenged that claim.
• Celestine: Not all nine Divines speak to Wulf directly. Some use intermediaries.
• Rose: I hate to think what you are keeping secret.
• Wulf: I bleed and can die. I put my trousers on one leg at a time. I am a mortal, Rose.
• Celestine: A very hard-to-kill mortal.
• Wulf: The Justiciar and his squad were questioning everybody entering and leaving Riverwood. Hedren was not impressed and was waiting for them to be gone before returning to Alvor.
• Rose: Did they question you?
• Wulf: No, I helped Housecarl Irileth question the Justiciar. She is very good at being scary!
• Celestine: Did you learn anything useful?
• Wulf: They were the same Thalmor who pursued Rigmor six weeks ago. I do not think Elenwen knows of their actions.
• Celestine: Elenwen would not dishonour the agreement she made with Jarl Balgruuf.
• Wulf: The people of Riverwood were close to violence. It does not matter whether they support Ulfric or the Empire; their hatred for the Thalmor is shared.
• Rose: Is there anything else we should know?
• Wulf: I told the Justiciar that Rigmor is under my protection. That revelation did not amuse him.
• Rose: Aren’t you afraid of retaliation?
• Wulf: They also know I worship Lord Talos, and that many of The Dragonguard, including Celestine, used to be Blades. So, no, I do not fear retaliation. Any Thalmor trespassing on my property will be forced to leave. Whether voluntarily, unconscious, or dead would be up to them.
• Rose: Their rubbish about Lord Talos not being a Divine makes little sense.
• Wulf: There is far more to their dislike of Lord Talos than people realise. But that is a lengthy subject, and this is not the place for such a discussion.
• Celestine: Wulf would need a good platter of various cheeses and a selection of red wines for that conversation.
• Wulf: You make me sound like some upper-class snooty noble.
• Celestine: You are probably the richest person in Skyrim and do live in a marble palace.
• Rose: Where in Skyrim is a marble palace?
• Wulf: It is not in Skyrim, Rose. Remember the teleporting I can do? The palace is a gift from my mother, and nobody can enter uninvited or even find it.
• Rose: Were your parents rich?
• Wulf: Father was a career soldier. Mother was enslaved. But they have provided me with the funds I need to do my duty as Champion of the Divines.
• Celestine: Do you understand why Wulf wants Rigmor to know him before some of his secrets are revealed to her?
• Wulf: There is no avoiding my wealth, for I am recognised all over Skyrim. But other things could scare her away before she learns about me, the mortal.
• Rose: I understand.
• Celestine: We know you were in the army, and will not enquire about your service. But I am curious as to why you became a huntress.
• Rose: You two have also seen service. You were a Blade, and as a Mer, it is difficult to ascertain your age, but I suspect you witnessed the brutality of The Great War. Wulf, on the other hand, claims to be decades older than he looks. However, he has the markings of a seasoned warrior in his demeanour.
• Wulf: We have fought together in battles alongside The Dragonguard and others against foes you would never have heard of or would ever meet. But that is getting into secrets.
• Rose: The Empire is always fighting somewhere. Half Rock is always a hotbed of local warlords, Reachmen and Orsimer, who need culling. So, I have experienced battles, but not on the scale of those during The Great War. Still, the results are always the same. Anyway, after I retired from service, others and I who could not easily shake our experiences decided that a quiet life away from the noise and crime of large populations was desirable. Some became farmers or smiths in small villages and so on. I decided that my skills suited hunting. Hedren and a few others had similar thoughts, so we formed a small group of hunters and fishermen. Hedren, Valmar and I are the last of that group. Others have died, fallen in love, or decided to pursue something more consistent.
• Wulf: Celestine, Hedren is aiding Alvor in Riverwood to provide equipment for the Imperial Army. He was an apprentice blacksmith in his youth.
• Celestine: Are you and Hedren together?
• Rose: Knocking boots?
• Celestine: Well, if you want to use that term.
• Rose: Ahh, no, but we are very close, like brother and sister. We have saved each other’s lives in battle and while hunting.
• Celestine: It seems you enjoy hunting, but what about fishing? Wulf is a bit of a fanatic.
• Wulf: It is the thrill, Celestine. You never know what is on the end of your hook until you bring it to the surface. It is also a different challenge depending on the river, sea, or lake. Moving water or calm. There is great skill and a bit of luck involved.
• Rose: I hate fishing. No, that is not right. I cannot fish due to a bad experience.
• Celestine: Do you want to talk about it?
• Rose: Why not? The stew will not be ready for some time. Thank you, Meeko, for getting those plump rabbits for us.
• Meeko: Woof!
• Rose: My father would often take me fishing and make me sit there by the bank, staring into the water. It made me feel dizzy and sick.
• Wulf: That is why I use floats. No staring needed.
• Celestine: Wulf, can you let Rose tell her story?
• Wulf: Maybe, if I try hard.

Rose laughed, and Celestine joined in. Then she continued her tale.

• Rose: Father caught this huge fish one day and forced me to take it. I could barely hold it, and he was yelling at me. ‘Rose put it back. Quickly throw it back into the river.’ He always caught and released, unless it was for our consumption. I panicked, and the fish slipped from my fingers and dropped onto a piece of driftwood. It died, and I began to cry when I saw the blood mingling in the water. Father never took me fishing ever again.
• Wulf: Was he mad at you for showing some compassion?
• Rose: No, he understood. So here I am, a hunter who breaks the necks of snared rabbits with my bare hands without a second thought. But fishing, I could never do that for sport or food. Hedren is a good fisherman, but Valmar is exceptional.
• Celestine: We rarely encounter elderly hunters.
• Rose: It is a hard existence, and if you do it for too long, you are likely to become prey, not predator.
• Celestine: What is Rose the ex-hunter going to do when she hangs up her bow and snares?
• Rose: I always wanted to visit the Gold Coast. It might be my ancestral blood that calls me there. I like meeting people, so a small inn would be everything I could wish for.

I retrieve a bag of gems from my invisible document case. I tossed it to Rose, who managed to catch it despite her surprise.

• Rose: What is this?
• Wulf: About twenty thousand septim worth of assorted gems. Enough for a down payment on a decent inn. You would still have to work hard to pay off a mortgage.
• Rose: I cannot accept such a gift!
• Wulf: I run orphanages and give to other charities. I am Champion of The Divines, and doing charitable work is not only a pleasure, but it is honouring The Ten Commands of The Nine Divines. You would not want me to be derelict in my duty, would you?
• Rose: But…
• Celestine: A stinking-rich person gave you some loose change that could change your life. Why object?
• Wulf: Please, Rose, I will cry in the corner if you refuse my gift.
• Celestine: There is no corner. However, there is nothing sadder than a blubbering barbarian.
• Wulf: Barbarian?
• Celestine: Well, you are not a civilised Mer like me.
• Meeko: Woof!
• Wulf: Yes, Celestine does fart and then blames it on you. Is that civilised?

Rose laughed once more, and I closed her hand over the bag of gems. She did not object further and placed the bag in a secure pocket.

• Rose: We shall enjoy the rabbits, but Rigmor needs red meat to build her strength and replace the blood she has lost. Some cabbage would also help. A local woman, Anise, also stocks Stamina Regeneration potions. If you visit her and tell her I sent you…
• Wulf: I will not visit Anise, Rose. I think she is part of a coven, but let her be, as I have no evidence she is harming anybody. However, if she is what I suspect, then her values are not mine.
• Rose: Coven? As in a witch coven?
• Wulf: Have you ever wondered how a frail elderly lady survives in an area frequented by trolls, large cats, Spriggans and wolf packs?
• Celestine: Stamina Regeneration potions are quite difficult to perfect.
• Wulf: But Reachmen learn such skills from an early age.
• Celestine: And they often nurture animal alliances for protection.
• Rose: Is Anise a Forlorn?
• Wulf: I do not think so. Not all Reachmen joined that cause after Ulfric sacked Morthal. I shall teleport to one of my houses, retrieve venison and cabbage, and create a few Stamina Regeneration potions. I shall be back in time for rabbit stew.
• Celestine: Do not take too long, Wulf. It is distressing when Rigmor becomes restless. I worry she may undo some of the healing.
• Wulf: Okay. Do not scream, Rose.
• Rose: Huh?

I teleported into Aonghus House and was greeted by the smell of baking bread. My stomach reminded me I had not eaten for hours.

Jen quipped, “Two visits in one day. I would celebrate, but my nerves are shot after you appeared out of nowhere.”

“Sorry, Jen. Others have asked if I can generate a bell or similar that sounds before I appear out of the ether.”

“That is a great idea, Grandmaster!”

“Do you have some venison and cabbage?”

“You know the larder is always well stocked. What an insulting question!”

“I will be creating a couple of potions, then grab some venison and cabbage. I will soon be out of here, and you can calm your nerves by raiding the excellent wine and cheese I have provided.”

“That is also a superb plan. You have my permission to proceed.”

Mother instilled in me a keen interest in alchemy from an early age. I always enjoy applying what she taught me.

Venison regenerates stamina, but a potion works faster. It is also easier to make a patient swallow a potion than to make them chew on venison. I use Alocasia Fruit as the basis for my Regenerate Stamina potion and soon had three potions prepared. I surrounded a good chunk of venison, some cabbage, and the potions in a Welkanelor.

I then returned to Rose’s camp and summoned the Welkanelor with Welkoran.

The venison and cabbage were added to a new stew that was starting to simmer.

I scoffed down my rabbit stew as I watched Rose coax Rigmor into drinking one of the potions. I was amazed at Rigmor’s rapid improvement and impressed by Rose’s gentleness with her.

As Rose attended to Rigmor, Celestine said, “As you can see, Rigmor is making a rapid recovery.”

“It is her willpower more than anything, Celestine. I get the impression she wants to achieve something, and an early grave is not part of her plans.”

“Perhaps she wants to meet her guardian?”

“It is something more than revenge. The Bruma Embassy was a step in her plan. One that went astray.”

“Intuition?”

“Yep.”

“Rose wanted another favour, but was too embarrassed to ask.”

Rose pretended not to be listening, but she would have to be deaf not to hear our conversation.

“Then ask for her.”

“She wants Hedren to know she still trusts him. So, if you take Rigmor’s dinged-up breastplate to him and ask him to repair it for Rose, he will know that trust exists.”

“It will also give Hedren a chance to grow some balls.”

Rose failed to suppress a giggle. Proof she was listening to us.

“Okay, I will take the breastplate to Hedren and ask oh so nicely for him to repair it as a favour for Rose. I promise not to enquire about the absence or otherwise of knackers.”

I tucked Rigmor’s breastplate under my arm, then I teleported to Riverwood’s entrance, but to the side a bit in case another carriage tried to squish me.

I removed all the wanted posters I could find. There are probably hundreds of them in circulation by now.

I then approached Hedren, who was working the bellows and hammering on a workbench.

“Evening Hedren. Rose asks that you do a favour for her.”

“Sure, what does she need?”

I placed Rigmor’s breastplate on the workbench.

Hedren gasped, “Are you mad? The Bruma crest is a dead giveaway!”

“Thanks to your little outburst, half the people in Riverwood know about the Bruma crest.”

“The Thalmor have their spies everywhere, including Morion and his gang.”

“Can you see Morion? If so, I shall have a talk with him on your behalf.”

“No…but…”

“Rose is giving you a chance to redeem yourself. She still believes there is a brave soul somewhere inside that scrawny body of yours.”

“Okay, I shall repair it. I cannot do it straight away, but I will work late. It should be ready tomorrow.”

“I will let Rose know.”

“Tell Rose she owes me big time for this.”

“You owe Rose, Hedren. I doubt I would still have faith in you.”

“Oh.”

No doubt Hedren squealed or similar when I vanished in front of him.

It would soon be pitch black, with the light of Rose’s fire our only illumination. That is an experience I have enjoyed since I was a child. Anna and I would camp miles away from our home, pretending to be brave explorers. But nothing hostile lived on the half of the island on which we lived. The ice fields further south were a different matter.

• Wulf: Hedren said he shall repair Rigmor’s breastplate.
• Rose: Did he hesitate?
• Wulf: Yes, because his fear of Thalmor is deep. That means it took great courage to say yes. He will work late, and it should be repaired by tomorrow morning.
• Celestine: Rigmor is making progress, Wulf. I helped her sit upright while Rose fed her venison broth.
• Rose: She looked around but asked no questions. However, she was hungry.
• Celestine: Even with my assistance, the effort to sit for a few minutes exhausted her. Rigmor is now in a deep sleep.
• Wulf: The healing I did saved her life. The Chicken Soup therapy you two have provided has produced this rapid improvement.
• Rose: Chicken Soup therapy?
• Celestine: Many children have experienced their mother ordering them to stay in bed at the first sign of illness.
• Wulf: Almost inevitably, a mother’s care for the sick child involves chicken soup.
• Celestine: The soup does not provide any medical benefits, but the care that went into it aids a child’s recovery.
• Wulf: The love of their mother, the empathy bestowed, aids the sick child.
• Rose: Rigmor did seem grateful for our assistance.
• Wulf: When a patient realises that someone cares enough to provide such assistance, their morale and, often, their determination to get better increase. That is why you were never redundant, even though Celestine and I are Master Restoration Mages.
• Celestine: I told Rose of your love for exploration and for telling true history, even if it is disturbing or paints a hero in a less flattering light.
• Wulf: Those two passions will culminate in the museum we are constructing in Solitude.
• Rose: I have often camped here, and on top of a nearby mountain is a mystery that has bothered me for years.
• Wulf: You have already told Celestine, haven’t you?
• Rose: Yes.
• Wulf: Celestine likely assured you I will help solve your mystery.
• Rose: Yes.
• Wulf: So, tell me with confidence, Rose. What is this mystery?
• Rose: Rumour has it that at the top of the tallest peak, there is an ancient shrine. It is said to be full of gold and treasures. No one who has ever tried to climb to it has survived. All have perished, and not even the bandits dare attempt the summit.
• Wulf: Most bandits are cowards, so that is no measure of the danger. The mountain is called Masser, and I cannot recall any mention of a shrine on its summit. I am not a grave robber, Rose, and no matter the god, if there is a shrine, I will not defile it or steal tributes from it.
• Rose: Celestine told me this. But surely your curiosity is piqued?
• Celestine: You have him hooked, Rose. Do not try so hard to land him.
• Wulf: I do not think a fishing analogy is appropriate for Rose, Celestine.
• Celestine: Oh, my apologies.
• Rose: Your trip to Riverwood was quick enough that Rigmor did not become restless. Climbing that mountain might take long enough for the agitated state to start.
• Celestine: Oh, I am sure Wulf will not take longer than ten to fifteen minutes.
• Rose: And it will be fully dark in minutes.
• Celestine: Wulf can see in the dark.
• Rose: What?
• Wulf: I will not be long, nor in any danger, and our curiosity will be sated.

With that, I headed towards Masser.

Night-Vision made it seem like midday.

Flags marked a trail to the summit. If you were trying to hide something, you would not leave such markers.

Well-constructed and maintained steps also dismissed the theory of a hidden shrine or temple.

I have different options for flying. Some of them involve the Thu’um, so they cannot be used until I reveal myself as Dragonborn. I could call my airship, but that attracts too much attention.

I have a knack for digging through ancient, dusty tomes and rediscovering lost magic, such as the teleportation spells I use. One such tome contained the story of a Court Wizard in High Rock who told his king he wanted to demonstrate a marvellous new spell. So, the king and a large entourage gathered in the castle’s courtyard as the Court Wizard had requested. The king was confused, for the Court Wizard was not waiting in the courtyard. Then he heard a familiar voice calling down from a high parapet.

The king and entourage looked up. The Court Wizard called down, “Behold, my greatest spell lets me fly!”

The Court Wizard leapt from the parapet, full of confidence. However, that confidence was soon replaced by terror. A short-lived scream ended in a loud crunch, somewhat diluted by a squelching sound as the Court Wizard exploded into a bloody mess on meticulously cleaned, but now icky, marble tiles.

The Court-Wizard’s public and somewhat amusing end ensured his tale was not lost to history. I eventually obtained the Court Wizard’s spell book and eagerly studied his flying spell. It should have worked, and I assume he did the incantation wrong in his eagerness to impress the king.

After a bit of refinement, the spell works every time and uses very little Magicka. My Magicka regenerates so fast, I could fly forever, except I would starve to death and hit the ground as an emancipated, skeletal figure.

I named the spell ‘Silathalor’, which means air ascent, or ascent through air.

The spell creates a bright blue miasma around my lower legs and a fainter one around my forearms. That is Magicka energy being turned into lift. If I go invisible using a spell, potion, or Shout, the miasma cannot be seen.

I cast Silathalor and lifted gently into the sky. I can obtain impressive horizontal and vertical speed, but nowhere near the velocity of a dragon. However, my hovering is a lot more graceful.

I saw several bodies and pools of blood where bodies once were, as I drifted upwards. Large trolls and Sabre Cats were the killers.

A troll looked at me with curiosity, but I was not an appealing meal. Besides, supper was already waiting patiently for consumption.

Like most of the dead I saw, the victim was unprepared for the colder temperatures up high and the predators that lurked along the path.

I hovered at the temple’s door and sensed that an active shrine to Azura was within. I was intrigued.

I dismissed Silathalor and entered.

Devotees of Lady Azura erected the large statue of her near Winterhold. Building this high temple and its stairway was a minor engineering feat in comparison.

Many tributes to their goddess were left behind. Some had interred loved ones in the sand surrounding an active shrine. There was probably a lot of value in the gems and gold, but I would never take any of it. However, I was drawn to a very large, bright red rose. It was still healthy, despite dust indicating it had been sitting in the temple for an extended period.

I picked it up and said aloud, “Forgive me, if this is offensive, Mother of the Rose, but the beauty of this flower intrigues me. I am not going to take any gems, coins, or other offerings, but I get the impression this was placed as a gift for a visitor like me. Perhaps I shall gift it to a lady who already owns my heart, even if she knows not who I am.”

Laughter filled the temple.

I bowed and said, “Thank you, Lady Azura.”

I exited and used my will to teleport the flower to a strongbox near my bed in Aetheron. It is a four-dimensional container, meaning it is larger inside than outside and was a gift from the Psijic Order. I can teleport items to and from it without using a spell. I always know exactly what it contains. Even if many tons were stored inside the strongbox, it never weighed more than a couple of pounds. Cethnelor, which means ‘Mind Enclose’ or ‘Mind Kept Vault’, is the Ayleidoon name I have given it. That is much better than ‘Extra Dimensional Storage Unit.’ The Psijic always gives things mouthy, boring names.

I then flew at a rapid pace to Rose’s camp.

I announced, “I’m back!”

Rose looked up at me and shook her head while mumbling about weird mage crap.

I landed and spoke to her.

• Wulf: It is a shrine to Lady Azura, and there is considerable wealth if you do not mind stealing tributes.
• Rose: That seems an odd place for a shrine to Lady Azura.
• Wulf: I suspect Ashlanders made it and that it is part of a ritual or pilgrimage. I will ask some experts on these matters, for it is new to me.
• Celestine: Those experts include my husband, Vayu. He is a shaman, so he knows lots of weird mage crap and other types of crap.
• Rose: Oh, you heard that. I hope you are not insulted.
• Wulf: If I received a septim every time somebody called me weird, I would be very rich.
• Rose: You are very rich.
• Wulf: And you owe me a septim.
• Rose: Is Wulf always like this?
• Celestine: He is a smartarse, and his head, although large, cannot contain his brain and damage has resulted.
• Wulf: There were a few dead treasure seekers along the path. Sometimes, when we find a deceased person in a crypt or other place, we try to find out who they are so loved ones can be informed of their demise. However, I am exhausted and did not do that this time.
• Celestine: Wulf has not rested in days, and even he gets tired.
• Rose: Alas, my tent only has two sleeping rolls.
• Wulf: I could summon a tent and sleeping roll, but I do not need them. I shall sleep on the ground near Rigmor.
• Rose: That does not look like a comfortable place to lie down!
• Wulf: I will not be lying down. I will be sitting and hovering just above the ground.
• Rose: But you will be asleep.
• Wulf: Yes.
• Rose: Weird mage crap!
• Meeko: Woof!
• Wulf: Yes, I trust you will keep us safe, Meeko. The only thing you have ever failed to save me from is Anna’s wrath.
• Celestine: Anna was Wulf’s childhood friend. When they got a bit older, Wulf rejected her desire to be intimate, and she took that as a personal insult.
• Rose: Why is that, Wulf? Was she ugly? Do you prefer male company?
• Meeko: Woof.
• Celestine: Meeko!
• Wulf: I do not prefer goats, you mangy, flea-infested fart factory.

Rose’s laugh was hearty, one that made others who heard it smile.

• Wulf: Anna was like my sister. Plus, I knew I would be leaving that life behind, but I could not tell Anna that.
• Rose: Secrets.
• Wulf: Yep. I wonder what Anna would think if she saw me now?
• Celestine: She would be debating whether to hug you or kick you in the cobblers.
• Wulf: She probably has half a dozen kids by now.
• Celestine: You left home four years ago, Wulf. They do not breed that quickly over there.
• Rose: It is confusing. You left home, wherever that was, four years ago, yet claim to have waited decades to resolve the mystery of your connection to Rigmor. How old are you?
• Wulf: I am twenty-two years of age, but have lived for over forty-two.
• Rose: Huh?
• Wulf: Secrets.
• Celestine: Yep, secrets indeed.
• Rose: I think I had better retire before something is said that causes me to leap into the lake and happily sink to its bottom.
• Celestine: Rigmor is set for the night. She has been peeing like a waterfall, but I have placed enough linens to keep her comfortable.
• Wulf: Good night, Rose. Sleep well knowing you are safe with Meeko and us guarding you.
• Rose: How can I sleep well with all the weirdness floating in my head?
• Celestine: I need to water some plants and will join you soon, Rose.

Celestine wandered off to attend to nature. Rose crawled into her tent and was asleep in minutes, despite the weirdness floating in her head.

“Knock, knock, can I come in?” asked Silah.

“Silah, there is nothing to enter. I am outside, not in my private chambers.”

“Oh, I am just getting into the habit since you insist that I must ask permission before barging in.”

“You really would struggle if Lord Akatosh turned you into a mortal.”

Silah appeared before me, and her avatar does not reflect her age. She came into being minutes after Alduin. It also masks her intelligence.

“You appearing so soon after Rose fell asleep is such a lucky break. I would hate to have to explain you to her.”

“I could have visited and only let you see me.”

“Father was in Little Vivec earlier today. Both of you have been spying on us.”

“I told Lord Talos you would detect him. But can you fault our curiosity and concern, Valdr? A new Junction, larger than the other two combined, occurred when you saw Rigmor in the flesh. There is no denying that she must have some significance regarding future events. But even your mother can never foresee much of the evolution of the Primary Timeline. There are always too many variables.”

“Suddenly believing in what I have said for years does not excuse the intrusion, Silah. Let me, the poor, mortal champion, unravel some of the possible futures. This task is done more efficiently when immortal sticky beaks are not looking over my shoulder and ignoring my desire for privacy. If something major occurs, like Alduin and a few friends trying to burn down Solitude and eat Jarl Elisif, for instance, then intrude all you want.”

“Are you dismissing me?”

“If you were in your dragon form, my language would be more direct. However, this nubile, underage avatar you have chosen excludes that option. It would feel like yelling at a child. So, shoo, go away!”

“Meanie!”

Silah rasp-berried and vanished.

Celestine returned and crawled onto the other sleeping roll.

I told Meeko, “I will be entering Linuraleth and may be harder to wake than normal.”

“Woof!”

“I do not think barking inches from my ear would be necessary.”

“Woof.”

“Biting is also banned.”

Linuraleth means ‘Still Rest-State.’ It is a discipline that Dragonguard shamans practice and taught to me. I am asleep, but my mind sorts through events and sometimes provides new insights. I might not have consciously registered a sound, a snippet of speech, or any other clue, but my subconscious has stored it for Linuraleth to ponder along with other memories.

To reach Linuraleth, I perform a ritual in the form of exercises to ready the mind.

I adopted a lotus position, then used Magicka to levitate, thus negating uncomfortable rocks, cold ground, and other possible distractions.

What used to be difficult, especially with impatient shaman teachers staring at me, now came easily. I was asleep, but my subconscious was busy. Dreaming is what the mind normally does when trying to make sense of events and store what is important in memory. Linuraleth is a more disciplined, logical alternative to dreams.

My mind, driven by my personal moral code, rebelled against what was being fed to it. I caught glimpses of a Khajiiti face. It was the elderly Khajiiti who rescued Rigmor. A place circled on a crude map. An anger fuelled by pure hatred and desire for revenge that allowed the slaughter of innocents, not just Thalmor. I was tapped into Rigmor’s subconscious, and that was morally reprehensible to me.

I fled Linuraleth and awoke to a voice, familiar yet different, saying, “Hey, you, sleepyhead. What do I have to do to get some attention around here?”

I got into a crouching position and faced the sitting Rigmor.

I said, “Good morning, Rigmor. Please, wait a second while I wake up.”

I stood and stretched. Celestine came over. She looked like she had spent an uncomfortable night sleeping rough in her clothes. Funny enough, that is what happened.

I crouched down again.

• Wulf: It is good to see you awake, Rigmor.
• Rigmor: Where is my stuff?
• Wulf: Well, thanks to us, your intestines are back inside your abdomen. I have no idea where your manners are. Other stuff, like clothes, is piled in the corner.
• Rigmor: Yeah, sorry. I can be an asshole sometimes.
• Celestine: Rigmor, you are undoubtedly confused, so there is nothing to forgive.
• Wulf: How long have you been sitting up and trying to get my attention?
• Rigmor: Not long. I had no right to be impatient.
• Celestine: Rigmor, you…
• Rigmor: …are undoubtedly confused, so there is nothing to forgive.
• Wulf: Celestine, have you seen Rose? She would like to chat with Rigmor.
• Celestine: No. She might be off in the bushes doing her morning ablutions.
• Rigmor: Having a piss.
• Celestine: Yes, Rigmor, Rose might be having a piss.
• Meeko: Woof!
• Wulf: She what?
• Meeko: Woof.
• Wulf: Rose has gone to Riverwood to speak to Hedren.
• Celestine: Did Rose tell you what she was doing, Meeko?
• Meeko: Woof.
• Celestine: She might have felt silly talking to you, but it seems she decided that there was merit in our claims about you.
• Rigmor: Can somebody please tell me what happened? How did I get here? Why am I sitting here in rags, and where are my undies?
• Wulf: You were badly injured after leaping from a cliff while escaping a Thalmor patrol.
• Rigmor: I remember falling, and then all went dark.
• Wulf: Your memories will return in time.
• Celestine: I am Celestine. Wulf and I are Master Restoration Mages. Rose is a huntress who saw you leap and asked us to help.
• Wulf: I carried you to Rose’s boat and rowed us here, away from where Thalmor were searching for you.
• Celestine: Your injuries are repaired, but you will be weak and maybe disoriented for some time.
• Wulf: I am worried about Rose, so I will leave you with Celestine and look for her.
• Celestine: We can sort out your undies and other stuff while Wulf is away.
• Rigmor: A dog barked, which somehow gets interpreted as ‘Rose has gone to Riverwood…blah blah blah.’ I must have banged my head as well.
• Meeko: Woof!
• Rigmor: Nonsense. You are a dog! You are not a horse, a pig, or a cat. You are a dog.
• Wulf: She does not realise what she just did.
• Celestine: Remarkable. It can take some people weeks to understand Meeko.
• Rigmor: What?
• Wulf: Meeko barked. You heard him say he is not a dog.
• Rigmor: Yeah, right. Pffft!
• Meeko: Woof!
• Rigmor: You had better be joking. What kind of perverted animal eats a woman’s only pair of undies?
• Wulf: Waiting for the realisation to set in.
• Celestine: Five, four, three…
• Rigmor: Hey, I just answered a woof, but it was not a woof!
• Wulf: If you want to know more about what is going on, Celestine and Meeko can answer your questions.
• Celestine: If you are hungry, I can warm up the leftover stew.
• Rigmor: Is Rose in danger?
• Wulf: If the Justiciar took the hint and left Whiterun Hold, then Rose is safe. But we cannot assume that is the case, so I must check on her.
• Rigmor: Am I safe here? What if the Thalmor now know where we are?
• Wulf: It does not matter how many there are. If they come for you, they die.
• Rigmor: For some reason, I believe you.
• Wulf: Hopefully, I will not be gone for long and will return with Rose.

It seems that using Linuraleth while ‘Our Quiet’ was active let me see into Rigmor’s subconscious. That was not my intention, and I must discuss it with Celestine later.

I instructed Celestine, “Summon a squad or two at the first sign of Thalmor approaching.”

“Yes, of course.”

“Give Rigmor free rein. I do not want her starting to think we will dictate her immediate future.”

“I will tell her she has to stay within a certain distance.”

I teleported to Riverwood’s entrance and watched trouble emerge from the shadows. Somebody had managed to squeeze themselves into Rigmor’s breastplate. Two other thugs were with him.

Lai’Shr is a powerful mage. He and a couple of other Khajiiti currently living in Riverwood will move to Warm Sands once the additional accommodation is finished.

I asked, “What is with the three clowns?”

“This one hoped you would arrive soon and provide some entertainment. They squealed to Thalmor about Rose. That one was caught when heading for Riverwood from the fisherman’s camp. Thalmor took no notice of Irileth’s warning, it seems. A rider has sped towards Whiterun to inform of this incident.”

“Do these idiots think the people of Riverwood will allow them to cooperate with Thalmor and live?”

“This one does not think that those ones know how to think. Rose is well-liked by Riverwood’s people.”

“Is the boss called Morion?”

“Yes. A local thug with a small following.”

As I approached, I planned my attack. Morion would die first. The one in expensive scale armour on the right would be next. The idiot on the left would be slow in his heavy bone armour. He will probably still be drawing his weapon when I remove his head.

I stopped a fair distance from the three. Any closer and they might be tempted to try to surround me. That would require a premature end to our discussion.

People ushered children indoors because violence was inevitable.

I growled, “Morion, the only way you keep breathing is to tell me where Rose is.”

“Well, well, well, what do we have here? Hedren did not say who you are, but I recognise you.”

“Oh, from where?”

“You are the one who carried the wanted girl to Rose’s boat. The Thalmor paid good coin for that information about Rose, you, and the boat. They paid even more when we told them Hedren had repaired the wanted girl’s armour. But me and the lads are a bit greedy, and here you are.”

“So, they were hoping to capture me, not Rose. They would not have survived the attempt.”

“If you do not want to join that skank, Rose, in some Thalmor torture chamber, you will pay us one hundred gold and be on your way.”

“And who is going to take me to the torture chamber? The Thalmor have wisely left before Irileth, and a few dozen Whiterun guards arrive. Yet you, shit for brains, remain behind acting like the locals will not gut you. Tell me, does that teenage girl’s armour have enough room for your fat tits?”

The audience laughed.

I continued, “You probably cannot read. Therefore, news-sheets are only useful for wiping your arse. Am I right?”

Morion tried hard to maintain his veneer of toughness, but I could see how frightened he was.

In an unsure voice, he said, “Hahaha, hey, lads, it seems we have a little problem. I’ll wager you don’t have enough gold, am I right? Or maybe your brain is scrambled by mead. Hahaha!”

“The katana I carry is called Nichirin. It took the world’s most prominent sword maker twelve months to craft. I have been offered over a million septim by somebody keen to purchase it. My armour is purest ebony and worth at least half a million septim. My bow is worth a quarter of a million. I am likely the richest person in Skyrim, but you are so ignorant that you have no idea who I am. You can tell him now, Hedren.”

“He is Lord Wulf Welkynd. One of the most well-known people in all of Skyrim. He and The Dragonguard have eliminated dozens of the most prominent bandit gangs.”

Morion’s companions realised the danger they were in. Morion continued to dig his own grave.

“Well, he is by himself, and there are three of us. Since you are so rich, the fee is one thousand septim.”

“I will give you one hundred thousand septim if you tell me where they have taken Rose. The one who tells me becomes rich and lives. The other two die. This deal, I swear on The Divines.”

The thug in scale armour said, “We dunno where they took Rose. They told us that our payment can be collected from a fort near the Bruma border.”

“There are dozens of abandoned forts that fit that description, and none of them should be occupied. They either lied to you, or they are up to more than hunting teenage girls and kidnapping huntresses. In their hurry to scramble out of Whiterun Hold, they left you idiots and Hedren alive. You would die if you ever managed to find that fort.”

“So, do I get the hundred thousand?”

“No, you did not fulfil the bargain. I still have no idea where those animals have taken Rose. Even if I rewarded you, the good folk of Riverwood would descend upon you three and tear you to pieces. The moment you cooperated with Thalmor, you became traitors in the eyes of all, whether they support Ulfric or the Empire. Now you die.”

I Blinked to Morion, drew my katana, and lopped his head off.

As planned, the thug in scale armour was the next to die.

The idiot in heavy armour was still reaching for his weapon when his head landed on Riverwood’s main street.

Most citizens are not accustomed to seeing violence in its purest form. I heard retching and crying.

Hedren came over, and I could see he tried hard not to look at the results of my handiwork.

I told him, “I will do my best to find Rose. You should be safe, as Thalmor will not dare enter Whiterun Hold again. You must explain to Irileth what happened.”

“The speed with which you moved was amazing! They did not get a chance to draw their weapons.”

“That was not a fight. It was an execution. They did not have the skills to harm me, or the Khajiiti who have been here for the last couple of weeks. If I had not come along, Morion and his thugs would have died at the hands of others. I have encountered many stupid bandits over the years, but Morion ranks as one of the most idiotic.”

“Morion might have been stupid, but he was sneaky. He spied on you and Rose as you took the girl, Rigmor of Bruma, to the boat. He spied you bringing the armour for repair.”

“I let him speak, hoping he would provide some useful information.”

“He bragged he had been to their fort.”

“He had not, that is why he did not attempt to accept my offer and walk free. There is something strange about these Thalmor. If they were working for Elenwen, dozens of them would have been searching for the fugitive. They would have scoured the lake looking for Rose’s camp. They would have taken you and Valmar into custody. They would not try to ambush me without a large force.”

“They were waiting for you, not Rose.”

“They would not expect Rose to visit you, but assumed I would retrieve the armour. They would have died, no matter their numbers, if they ambushed me.”

“How are you going to find Rose?”

“I have many resources, Hedren. If these Thalmor have repurposed one of the old Imperial border forts, I will soon find which one. Unless they have an army, The Dragonguard and I will sweep them aside. If there is an army, then I shall sneak in, find out what they are doing, and rescue Rose.”

“You make it sound like a certainty.”

“They cannot stop me. Now, time is of the essence. Morion has stopped twitching, which will make it easier for me to retrieve Rigmor’s armour. I will let you, and the people of Riverwood, know of our success or otherwise.”

I spent a couple of minutes removing Rigmor’s armour from Morion’s headless corpse. Nobody else approached me or spoke to me. They thought they knew all about Lord Wulf Welkynd by reading news-sheet articles. With three sword strokes, I showed them I am more than a rich philanthropist. I am an extremely efficient killer.

I teleported into Rose’s camp and was pleased to see Rigmor walking around. Her recovery cannot be explained by the magic and other treatments applied to her. Her willpower was the catalyst.

I approached Celestine.

“The Thalmor were waiting in ambush after being tipped by snitches. I think they wanted to nab me, but got Rose instead.”

“Do they know about this camp?”

“I do not think so. But even if they did, these Thalmor have not had the numbers to take Rigmor from us. If they were under Elenwen’s command, they could pit dozens of troops against us, and they would already have tried.”

“Where have they taken Rose?”

“A fort along the border with Bruma.”

“There are dozens of abandoned Imperial forts that fit that description.”

“Something is odd about these Thalmor. Maybe if I had not stopped Linuraleth, I might have figured it out by now.”

“Why did you end Linuraleth?”

“Tirlineth must have interfered somehow. I was seeing what Rigmor’s subconscious was processing.”

“You would regard that as intrusive. Something forbidden.”

“Tirlineth brings us calm, and I would never try to suppress it. However, in Linuraleth, I felt, for the briefest instant, the answering edge of her confusion reaching toward me. I withdrew at once. Whatever lay there was Rigmor’s to reveal, not mine to take.”

“I am sure Vayu and the other shamans would find this fascinating. But I understand that for you, it was very disturbing.”

“I spent months perfecting my Cethvara, a mind-block, to protect against such an invasion of privacy. To almost invade Rigmor’s privacy, even though it was by accident, is a direct assault on my fundamental values.”

“Rigmor has been very quiet. She scoffed down a couple of bowls of stew, then sat with Meeko on the water’s edge. They discussed the swans, otters, and other creatures that Rigmor takes genuine delight in. Then their discussion was about light reflecting off the water and how, if you try, you can learn secrets from those reflections.”

“Rigmor can carve through dozens of Thalmor, yet she has a depth to her. Beauty is often overlooked, but it seems our patient sees it clearly. I hope I get to learn about her before she runs away, horrified by what I am.”

“You are being presumptive and, unlike you, expecting a negative outcome.”

“There were three Thalmor snitches who were stupid enough to boast about what they did and then try to extort me. The people of Riverwood saw me behead all three in seconds. They must now reevaluate who I am, and some will fear me, even though I have not changed. If Rigmor has killed many, she may accept that side of me. But the son of gods, a dragonborn, a person who will be in constant danger? That is my reality that would scare away most.”

“Rigmor had a long talk with Meeko. How many people have you met who calmly accept a dog that is not a dog that talks in your head? Rose resisted admitting that such a thing exists. You are weird, dear Wulf. Your method of thinking and decision-making is unlike anyone I have met. However, who you are, under all that weirdness, is the type of person who gathers dozens of friends who love you.”

“Rigmor has been glancing my way. I had better talk to her and decide our next move.”

I approached and said, “You are recovering quite well, Rigmor.”

“Yeah, I thought I would do some flower picking.”

“It is strange that only red mountain flowers seem to grow near Rose’s camp.”

“Well, most roses are red, so it kinda makes sense. Anyway, red mountain flowers are my favourite, so I think it is cool.”

“Then why don’t you sit by the fire?”

“Huh?”

“If you are cold, sit by the fire.”

 “Cool means good or even great.”

“Oh, so the fact that there are only red mountain flowers is cool, because they are your favourites.”

“DUH!”

“Please sit by the fire, anyway, as we need to discuss some things.”

“Okay.”

Meeko gave a warning bark, and his growl echoed off the mountains.

“Stay with Celestine, Rigmor. It seems we have an unwelcome visitor.”

I could hear somebody approaching the rear of the camp and waited for them.

An Orsimer armed with a spear approached.

He said, “Let us make a deal. Hand her over, and I will let you live.”

“Hand who over?”

“The murderer. I shall deliver her to justice.”

“And collect fifteen thousand septim as payment for your good deed.”

“Well, I do have expenses, so that is only fair.”

“Rigmor is not going with you, so I have a counteroffer. Leave this area and live.”

“Fancy armour does not make a warrior. But it might fit me and would suit my new, wealthy, social status.”

“Only a city Orsimer would value such things. Your clan must be relieved a weakling like you does not pollute their stronghold.”

The Orsimer charged. I blocked his spear thrust with my shield, then cut his head off.

I searched him and found one of the wanted posters.

Celestine stood behind me as I spoke to Rigmor.

• Rigmor: Who was that?
• Wulf: A bounty hunter. The Thalmor have offered a fifteen-thousand-septim reward for Rigmor of Bruma, dead or alive. Most of them would be content to take your head and avoid the problems of dealing with a live captive.
• Rigmor: Pfft! Let them try!
• Wulf: Until you fully recover, an angry Skeever would be a match for you, Rigmor. Let us get you healthier and equipped so that you can defend yourself.
• Rigmor: I feel fine!
• Celestine: You are not fine. The look of relief on your face when you sat down tells me you know that. A few minutes of smelling and picking flowers exhausted you.
• Meeko: Woof!
• Rigmor: How can I win when even the dog gangs up on me? And do not whine, complain, or claim you are not a dog!
• Wulf: We must move before more bounty hunters come this way. I tire of lopping people’s heads off.
• Rigmor: I saw you brought my armour back. Where is Rose?
• Wulf: The Thalmor captured her. The snitches who told them about us paid for their lives.
• Rigmor: Then we must rescue her!
• Wulf: To do that, we must know where they have taken her. All I know is it is a fort on Bruma’s border.
• Celestine: We have ways of quickly finding out which of the many forts it is.
• Rigmor: It will be Fort Black. I know Thalmor occupy it.
• Wulf: How do you know this?
• Rigmor: I…I do not remember. I even have a map from Angi’s cabin to it. Maybe she told me Thalmor were there.
• Wulf: Is that Angi, the huntress who lives near Falkreath?
• Rigmor: Yeah. Do you know her?
• Wulf: I know her reputation amongst Falkreath’s citizens. She is well-liked but very protective of her privacy, and she enforces that with her bow.
• Rigmor: Yep, that is her. Angi helped me, and we drew a map to Fort Black. Rose helped me, and we cannot leave her in the hands of those arseholes!
• Wulf: I want to rescue Rose as much as anybody, Rigmor. And if you wish to help me do that, you must be patient and recover a bit more.
• Rigmor: But you do not know what it is like to be their prisoner!
• Celestine: Rose risked her life to save you. Do you think she would want you to die or re-injure yourself rushing to her aid?
• Wulf: It sounds callous, but I have a choice. I can help you rescue Rose, or do it without you. What I will not allow is for you to attempt it before you are ready. Rose is fit and healthy and has probably told her captors to fuck off a million times already.
• Rigmor: You cannot stop me!
• Wulf: For your sake, I can and will. Hate me for it, but your scorn is preferable to your death or capture.
• Rigmor: Who do you think you are? My guardian?

I was shocked and could not form a reply. Celestine put her hand on my shoulder. A look of guilt crossed Rigmor’s face.

• Rigmor: I am sorry! I should not be so rude to those trying to help me.
• Celestine: Wulf has had to kill to protect you, Rigmor. Please, listen to our advice. We only have your best interests at heart.
• Wulf: You drew a map to Fort Black, so you intended to visit there before knowing of Rose’s capture. Please, when you are ready, tell me why, and we can factor that into our plans. You killed many people in the Dominion’s Bruma Embassy. I don’t need to know why, so there is no need to tell me.
• Celestine: If Wulf asks a question, it is important, not snooping. Trust him. Trust me.
• Meeko: Woof.
• Celestine: And trust that thing.
• Rigmor: There are things I find difficult to speak about.
• Wulf: And we will not pressure you into discussing those things.
• Rigmor: So, what is next?
• Wulf: I will take you to one of my houses. It is in Whiterun Hold, which means it will be safe from Thalmor hunting parties.
• Rigmor: Pfft! Yeah, like they did not chase me through Whiterun Hold or snatch Rose.
• Wulf: The Justiciar in charge of those hunting you was warned not to enter Whiterun Hold again by Irileth, Jarl Balgruuf’s housecarl. This second breach of Elenwen’s agreement, a day after that warning, will guarantee sterner measures.
• Celestine: Knowing Jarl Balgruuf’s temper, he will tell his guards to arrest or kill any Thalmor found in Whiterun Hold.
• Rigmor: You said one of your houses.
• Wulf: Didn’t Angi have news-sheets, even as arse wipes in the privy?
• Rigmor: No. Why?
• Celestine: Lord Wulf Welkynd is well known for his wealth and charitable work. He is, to use the vernacular, filthy rich, but a nice person. His hobbies include chopping up the bad people taking advantage of Skyrim’s Civil War.
• Rigmor: Is that what I am? A bit of charity?
• Wulf: You are a person who needed help and still needs help. I have a lot of responsibilities, Rigmor, and many people are clamouring for my attention. I have decided to forsake some responsibilities to help you. Why is that? Perhaps you might find out if you stop being so suspicious and combative.
• Rigmor: I am not usually like this. Perhaps it is the tiredness and strange circumstances that are affecting me.
• Wulf: There is something you want, no need, to accomplish. Frustration with delays and a sense of urgency are the sources of your anger.
• Rigmor: How do you…oh…never mind.
• Celestine: If you spend any time with Wulf, you will get used to his uncanny perception and inability not to blurt some things out.
• Wulf: The moment you are seen in public, bounty hunters will know. So, Rigmor, we shall make you look like a very rich lady with a large, brutish bodyguard.
• Rigmor: Me? A lady? Hahaha!
• Wulf: You shall wear the finest armour and wield the finest sword. Celestine can teach you how to speak like a stick-up-the-arse noble. After all, she was one.
• Celestine: I still am, peasant. It is easy, Rigmor. You put this lower-class excrement in his place at every opportunity. Never say please or thank you. Use a snuffbox or a scented handkerchief when among commoners.
• Rigmor: That could be fun!
• Wulf: Let me prepare some things, and we shall get out of here.
• Rigmor: Will I have to walk far?
• Wulf: No. We shall be teleporting.
• Rigmor: What?
• Celestine: It is perfectly safe, Rigmor.

I piled Rigmor’s armour together and then sent it to Cethnelor.

• Rigmor: What did you do to my armour?
• Wulf: I teleported it to the centre of a volcano. It was a bit pongy.
• Rigmor: You had no right to do that! And why are you grinning?
• Celestine: Relax, Rigmor. Wulf sent it to one of the safest places imaginable.
• Rigmor: So that was supposed to be funny?
• Wulf: The look on your face was hilarious.
• Rigmor: You are an arsehole!
• Wulf: It is best that you stand for the teleport, or you shall end up on yours.

I extinguished the fire, then told Rigmor, “We shall stop briefly at Aonghus House. I must tell Jen, a steward, that we shall be occupying the house next door.”

Celestine explained, “We shall be in a place where no light has ever penetrated. It is more than dark. It is black in its purest form. It will also be very cold, for heat never reaches there either.”

“How long for?”

“A second at the most. Now, place your hand on Wulf’s shoulder.”

I said, “There is no need, Celestine.”

Celestine knew the implications of that. I knew the uniqueness of Rigmor, her Tirraen, which means ‘Soul Trace’ or ‘True Personal Pattern.’ Until I learn somebody’s Tirraen, physical contact is needed to teleport them.

Celestine quickly said, “Oh, my mistake. That is required for a different type of teleporting.”

I added, “This type is far more reliable, and we rarely appear at the other end naked.”

Rigmor asked, “Meeko, is that supposed to be another joke?”

“Woof.”

“Why hasn’t anybody told Wulf he is not funny?”

“Woof.”

“Oh, I am sure he would only cry for a little while.”

Without further warning, I teleported us into Aonghus House.

• Rigmor: You were not kidding! How creepy was that?
• Celestine: It is called the Ethereal Plane. Think of it as the space between nothing.
• Rigmor: I would rather not think about it at all.
• Wulf: Excuse me while I speak to Jen. I will only be a moment.

I exited, and Jen was just about to enter.

She sighed and said, “Grandmaster, please invent that bell or whatever. Otherwise, my heart will give way.”

Rigmor had exited behind me. I had not told her to remain inside.

• Rigmor: Grandmaster? I hope you never expect me to call you that.
• Wulf: Jen, this is Rigmor. She was badly injured and, while recovering, will be staying for a day or two with Celestine and me in Riverfall Cottage.

Jen raised her eyebrow. I did a quick nod. Jen knew about Rigmor. All The Dragonguard did. Hopefully, she does not ask anything awkward.

• Jen: Ahh…greetings, Rigmor.
• Wulf: Rigmor, this is Jen. She is one of my stewards and looks after Aonghus House, Riverfall Cottage and White River Cottage.
• Rigmor: Hello, Jen. Nice armour. Look at this view!
• Jen: The view from all three houses is spectacular. I am fortunate to be their custodian.
• Rigmor: Is that the type of fancy armour you want me to wear?
• Wulf: No, Rigmor. That is the armour my guards and stewards wear. It is optional for stewards.
• Jen: I feel more comfortable in armour than finery.
• Wulf: Jen is an excellent sword-and-board warrior.
• Rigmor: I prefer greatswords and bastard swords. Cleaving enemies down the middle is kinda satisfying.
• Jen: My katana neatly decapitates opponents. I find they die faster without a head, whilst even a good cleave can leave them fighting.
• Rigmor: Is the view from the other house as good?
• Wulf: It is only a few hundred yards away.
• Rigmor: Why so many houses in one area?
• Wulf: I have a lot of friends who like to spend time in different houses. So, I have purchased them all over Skyrim. I even have ones far north in the ice fields. It might be chilly there, but the views are amazing.
• Rigmor: Do you have any high ones?
• Wulf: No, I do not. But I have an airship called Moraeth, which means Eclipse. I can take people even higher than The Throat of The World.
• Rigmor: Cool!
• Wulf: Jen, Rigmor’s cool means good, great, or amazing. Not cold.
• Jen: Then I agree, Rigmor. The view from Moraeth is very cool.
• Wulf: I will let you know when we have finished using Riverfall Cottage.
• Jen: Okay. I hope you recover quickly, Rigmor. And that Celestine and Wulf find you some clothes.
• Wulf: Rigmor will be introduced to the wonderful world of kimono.
• Rigmor: Kimono?
• Wulf: What Celestine is wearing, but in many colourful patterns.
• Rigmor: Butterflies?
• Wulf: Yes, we have a pink kimono with butterflies.

Celestine and Meeko joined us outside. Meeko wanted to walk to Riverfall Cottage, so I only teleported three of us.

As soon as we exited the ether, I cast Flames and lit the central fire.

• Rigmor: There is enough food in here to feed an army!
• Wulf: Jen takes great pride in keeping the pantries stocked.
• Celestine: Different guests like different foods, so all bases are covered.
• Rigmor: Did you hear that rumble? It could be an earthquake or my stomach.
• Celestine: I shall prepare a midday meal while you have a bath.
• Rigmor: How long will it take to heat the water?
• Wulf: It is always heated, Rigmor.
• Celestine: I will help you prepare for your bath and set out some clean clothes.
• Wulf: Including the butterfly kimono. Think about the type of wig you want. We can try different ones when I return.
• Rigmor: You are leaving?
• Wulf: Only for a short time.
• Celestine: After your bath, you will feel refreshed in clean clothes and can fill your stomach.
• Rigmor: I feel guilty doing all this while Rose is with those bastards!
• Wulf: I am not pleased either, Rigmor, but she would understand.
• Rigmor: I remember bits and pieces. How gentle Rose was feeding me and cleaning me and…
• Wulf: The people of Riverwood adore Rose. We shall rescue her, Rigmor. Now, follow me.
• Celestine: Place the kimono in the guest room, Wulf. We have a supply of the other clothing here.
• Rigmor: Including undies?
• Celestine: Brand new ones. I will let you choose. Lucky for us, Wulf likes to keep a selection of women’s underwear handy.

Rigmor laughed, and it spoke to my soul like no other sound.

Climbing the stairs showed me how weak Rigmor still was. She was panting by the time we reached the bath.

• Wulf: There is your bath, milady. If the temperature is not to your liking, Chambermaid Celestine can adjust it.
• Rigmor: Then begone, peasant. Your eyes are not fit to see my noble flesh.
• Celestine: Rigmor will be a very good snob.
• Wulf: Yes, we might create a monster.
• Rigmor: You are still here. Must I have you flogged for insolence?

Celestine and Rigmor giggled as I bowed low and walked backwards through the doorway. Rigmor sniffed with her nose in the air and slammed it shut.

I retrieved the required Kimono from Cethnelor and placed it on one of the guest beds.

I then teleported into Aetheron and headed for the barracks.

I soon found Ko’rassa.

“How has Inigo been?”

“He was complaining of headaches, but I think he was fishing for sympathy. A couple of mages checked him and found nothing wrong.”

“I wonder if the tale he told you had much to do with reality?”

“Not much when I checked the facts with Flint. However, his seemingly tall story about being the subject of a prophecy is true!”

“Did he express my scepticism?”

“Yes. But he said you are jealous that he, Inigo the Brave, might be the greatest mortal hero ever.”

“He can keep that accolade as long as I can retire to a nice farm next to a river.”

“Tell me about Rigmor.”

“She is still a mystery, Ko’rassa. Now we are trying to get Rigmor healthy enough so she can pursue her agenda. We do not know what that is, but hopefully I can assist.”

“Does she recognise you as her guardian?”

“I do not know. Rigmor may be playing the same game as me. Get to know the real person before discussing the ethereal travel stuff.”

“It must be difficult for you.”

“It would be far harder if I were still met by scepticism. Celestine has witnessed the connection between Rigmor and me. She now comprehends why I was always so adamant that I was correct. She also understands how deeply I was hurt. But that is history, Ko’rassa. It is time to move forward, not stew in the past.”

“As Inigo and I have done.”

“Yes, and both of you have benefited from that choice.”

“I am sure he would appreciate a quick hello.”

“I see him. Bye for now, scorned lover of Inigo the Brave.”

Inigo stood as I approached.

He said, “My Friend, the guilt I see on people’s faces is earned.”

“You were not enthusiastic about my Rigmor claims.”

“I told you that I did not think you wrong, but I did not witness all that happened with your Dragonguard friends. I did not realise the depth of your hurt. For that, I apologise.”

“Now, tell me the truth. How has your head been?”

“I have had minor headaches.”

“Do not exaggerate health problems, Inigo. If you are honest, Restoration Mages have a better chance of keeping you healthy.”

“A couple of them made that point.”

“Besides, you no longer have to try and impress Ko’rassa.”

“She made that point. In fact, so many points have been made by different people, I feel like a pincushion.”

“Rigmor is still an unfolding story. When I have a better idea of where she fits in the big picture, I will let people know.”

“Dhali was looking for you. She wants everybody to dress in Dragonguard armour. There is a bit of resistance.”

“That was the plan, but we can be a bit flexible. I shall chat with Dhali and sort it out.”

Dhali was not looking pleased! She was my board-and-sword instructor and very senior amongst The Dragonguard.

Her tone reflected her frustration, “Grandmaster, we had a plan. For very good reasons, we were to present a united front during the renewed Dragon War.”

“I am aware of why we made that plan, Dhali. In the inevitable confusion of a dragon attack, we must be recognised as the authority on how to combat them and for others to trust us. That is easier done if somebody can look at a Dragonguard and recognise what they are, regardless of species.”

“Now they do not want to give up their individuality. That cannot be allowed!”

“All plans must have some flexibility. Therefore, I suggest a compromise. The red and black of The Dragonguard must be worn. That allows Ko’rassa and others to use their current robes and armour. Others will have no choice but to change to the standard armours and robes. However, I will allow the free choice of weapons. We are not going to force people to change to board-and-sword or demand they use katana or kai-katana.”

“Board-and-sword and katana are the most practical against dragons.”

“I agree. Somebody who chooses not to have a shield may well regret that decision when facing Dragonfire and other Shouts. Sometimes you get short chances to inflict physical damage, and a katana allows more damage per second in most scenarios. However, let people choose how to fight and, therefore, how they are equipped. It is their life they risk.”

“Okay, I shall try that approach and bite those who continue to whine and complain.”

“The Minotaur do not have to wear Dragonguard colours. They will be known as Dragonguard but are also representing their species.”

“They will be most welcome when people buried in rubble and burning buildings need rescuing.”

“That is what we envision.”

“And what about Rigmor?”

“At this stage, I have no idea if she has a role to play. I am now going to meet with Father and Silah and discuss Rigmor. However, I will not accept any questioning of my gut feelings, my intuition, on this matter.”

“I do not blame you. Good luck arguing with gods.”

As far as I could tell, preparation for Alduin’s next move was progressing as planned. It was time to speak to Father.