Fredas, 29^th Last Seed 4E 201

I woke with Rigmor wrapped around me. I managed to extricate myself with only a few snuffles from my beloved.

Once free, I quickly bathed and donned my armour, then headed for my CORB. I remembered something that could save us a long walk.

The CORB aboard The Scarlett chimed for thirty seconds before First Mate Williams answered.

“Hello, Grandmaster.”

“Good morning, First Mate Williams. Is The Scarlett docked in Lostport Cavern?”

“Yes, we had favourable winds, and our return from Roscrea was quicker than expected.”

“Excellent. I will be arriving with a squad in about an hour. We shall not be staying long.”

“So, you are using our ship as a convenient portal.”

“Have I ever shown the slightest interest in sailing on her?”

“You do not know what you are missing, Grandmaster.”

“I am missing hanging over the guardrail, spewing up carrots I ate a month ago.”

“Haha… Yes, it is amazing how carrots show up like that.”

I roused Rigmor, which can be a bit difficult, but she eventually woke up, sort of.

Once the drowsy Rigmor bathed, dressed and ate her usual mountain of bacon and eggs, we headed for the barracks.

Dro’barri, S’in, Kharjo and Lion El were waiting for us.

• Dro’barri: This should be an interesting, if long, walk.
• Wulf: Our walk will be far shorter than I thought.
• S’in: It would be beneficial to avoid the many bandits on that road.
• Wulf: The Scarlett was due to arrive from Roscrea early next week. However, due to favourable weather, it docked yesterday.
• Dro’barri: Ahh, but there is a mountain range in the way.
• Wulf: You forget I can fly. Be ready to leave in a minute or two.

I turned to Rigmor and explained, “The Scarlett is one of my ships. It is currently at my docks called ‘Lostport Cavern’

“We don’t have to walk all that way?”

“No, we don’t. I will teleport us aboard The Scarlett. Once we leave the cavern, I will fly over the mountains and then summon you and the squad.”

“Why do you have to teleport us aboard the ship?”

“I have not visited Lostport Cavern for months. I do not know it well enough to teleport into it, and I never placed a Mark. But I know the insides of the ship very well. I spent a week inside getting intimate with a bucket.”

“Huh?”

“Spewing my guts out!”

“Oh. That is why sailing does not appeal to you.”

“I could have brewed a concoction to avoid the seasickness, but the First Mate kept telling me it would go away eventually. It didn’t!”

“Who is the captain?”

“I have not appointed one yet, so First Mate William fulfils that role till I do.”

“Do you have somebody in mind?”

“Yes, a Khajiiti you might have met. His name is Khulan.”

“That weirdo!”

“I have never met him, but apparently he is a bit eccentric.”

“He talks pure mumbo-jumbo with a heavy accent. He seemed to be a close friend of Baa’Ren, so I nodded occasionally as if I understood what he was saying.”

“Khulan is a mage and the person in charge of the Dwemer airship reconstruction. He would be the ideal captain of The Scarlett once we start our trade route with Elsweyr. He knows the seas better than any other due to his intellect.”

“He is a furry smartarse.”

“You could say that.”

“How far from your port to the enslavers?”

“A few miles from where I will summon the squad on the other side of the mountain.”

“Cool!”

A minute later, we came out of the ether aboard The Scarlett.

I hurried up the ladder to the deck.

• Lion El: The ship is anchored in calm waters, Wulf.
• Wulf: Sea sickness is as much psychological as physical, Lion El. Although I enjoyed my bacon and eggs this morning, I would prefer not to taste them again. Stomach acids make them less appealing.
• Rigmor: I have never been to sea aboard a large ship. Therefore, I will resist laughing at your discomfort.
• S’in: A wise move, Rigmor, for you do not know if you are susceptible to the malady.
• Wulf: I want to walk around so I can remember enough to teleport into the port, not the ship.

I looked at the cavern from the ship’s deck and began memorising it. My squad headed for shore.

Rigmor said, “That little ship is for taking your cargo off The Scarlett and along Skyrim’s lakes and rivers.”

“Oh, so you were awake when I told you the likely reason why Olette’s father met her mother.”

“That was one of the only quiet moments we have had outside Aetheron, Wulf. Therefore, it is now a precious memory.”

“I had a dream last night that a clingy octopus attacked me!”

“That doesn’t sound very dramatic or scary.”

“Lucky for me, the octopus only had two arms and two legs.”

“Octopuses have eight limbs.”

“Not those that come from Bruma and answer to the name ‘Rigmor’”

“I dreamt I was cuddling a lump of raw meat. Was that you?”

“I know you are anxious about the slaver’s list. We have saved a day by teleporting here.”

“Thank you for remembering The Scarlett and saving the travelling time.”

“I almost cost us that time by forgetting, Rigmor. I am not used to redrawing plans because I am stupid.”

“You have so much to worry about, Wulf, and you are not perfect. Now, get moving before we lose the time you have saved!”

I quickly said hello to Bradwin. He told me the cargo to Roscrea sold for an excellent price, and the goods brought back were purchased cheaply. A decent profit will be made, some of which will go to Jarl Elisif, since she owns Roscrea.

We climbed to a high vantage point to aid in my familiarity with the cavern. I was confident I could now teleport into it rather than the ship.

As we walked past the bow of The Scarlett, Rigmor commented, “That is a big ship! It must have cost you a fortune!”

“It is the sister ship of The Katariah.”

“Mede’s flagship?”

“Yes. And guess how much she cost me?”

“I have no idea. Over one hundred thousand septims, I guess.”

“That is how much it would cost the admiralty to build a new ship. I got The Scarlett for five thousand septims.”

“Ahh, why so cheap?”

“About ten years ago, the admiralty reported The Scarlett lost at sea. They knew pirates had captured it and its crew slaughtered, but did not admit that publicly.”

“How embarrassing!”

“Exactly. Not long after we arrived in Skyrim, Jarl Elisif told me that pirates were preying on ships going to and from Roscrea and Solstheim. I told her I would look into it. About a month later, we found the pirates hiding The Scarlett and themselves in this cavern. We made short work of them. That was painless, but gaining legal ownership of The Scarlett was not.”

“Did the admiralty want their ship back?”

“Yes. I could not claim it as salvage as it was still on the admiralty books. A bit suspicious since they claimed it had been lost at sea. So, Jarl Elisif demanded a representative of the admiralty inspect the ship and offer me a reasonable reward.”

“You threatened to tell the news sheets about them lying, didn’t you?”

“Not as directly as you describe, but they knew it was a possibility. The emperor’s representative was a stick up the arse noble who had no idea how to handle Kharjo’s bartering. He learnt from Ri’saad, the head of Skyrim’s Khajiiti caravans and is the toughest negotiator I know. Kharjo pointed out that the pirates had refitted the internals of The Scarlett and how much it would cost for the admiralty to refurbish it. On top of the unspoken threat to make the admiralty’s lies known to the public, and I suspect His Imperial Majesty, the representative said I could purchase the ‘hulk’ for twenty thousand septims. Kharjo then pointed out a security flaw we had found that allowed access to the ship’s interior via the anchor chain and said he hoped The Katariah did not have the same problem. The representative knew that the mistake would be just as embarrassing as the lie about The Scarlett being lost at sea. A bit more haggling, and I became the legal owner of The Scarlett for 5,000 septims. I sent a letter to His Imperial Majesty’s steward outlining the security flaw anyway. They might not have fixed it otherwise.”

“Have you paid for a refurbish?”

“These docks were in bad shape, and you can see that repairs are still underway. As for the inside of The Scarlett, the pirates had spared no expense, and there was plenty of room for cargo, so I have left it alone.”

“You got a port and ship worth over a hundred thousand septims for five thousand?”

“We had to kill the pirates!”

“Yeah, that was ten minutes of your precious time.”

“How did you guess?”

“I have watched you scythe through enemies, Wulf.”

I gathered the squad, and we headed for the exit.

We exited into early morning mist. I told Rigmor, “Turn around and look at the entrance.”

She exclaimed, “What entrance? We are standing next to a cliff! Explain, Dragonbum.”

“It is a permanent illusion. Even though I have told you what it is, if you try to find the entrance, you will only feel solid granite. Where The Scarlett leaves the cavern also looks like a solid cliff face. It is the same type of illusion that hides Aetheron amongst the Jerall Mountains. I have used a couple of Welkynd Stones to provide the Magicka needed.”

“The slavers are using a well to hide their entrance. I think this cliff is better!”

“If they had mages as skilled as those in the Dragonguard, they would not need to be slavers.”

“What now?”

“I could amuse myself watching you climb the mountain, or I could fly over it and summon you.”

“Yeah, right. Pffft! Really amusing till I slip and plummet to my death.”

“Oh, so I have to go through the effort of flying just because you are scared of turning into paste on the shore?”

“Flap your arms and fly, peasant.”

I flew over the mountain and a few minutes later, summoned the squad and Rigmor.

Rigmor asked, “How fast can you fly?”

“Much faster than a horse can gallop but nowhere near the speed of a dragon.”

I told the group, “This is the road we would have followed for most of the journey from Solitude. We are not far from the turnoff that the thief mentioned. It should be at the bottom of this hill.”

We were halfway down the hill when I noticed a bear trapped in a cage. Seconds later, Rigmor saw it and exclaimed, “Look, a poor bear! Come on, Wulf!”

Rigmor has been warned not to run ahead, but she did, so concerned was she for the bear. I soon passed her and made sure the bear was securely in the cage before letting her approach.

The bear had killed an Imperial soldier with a bite to the back of the neck. The bear was badly injured. Whether from mistreatment or otherwise, I could not determine. It had not consumed the soldier that it killed.

Dro’barri remarked, “That is a huge specimen! The legionnaire has been dead for several days, but this cold makes it hard to estimate when accurately.”

“The Imperial Army would not condone the bear capture and torture. I will check the legionnaire. Perhaps he has orders or something else that will let us know what happened here.”

I searched the legionnaire, and there was nothing on him to shed light on the matter. However, there was a key to the cage. Even before speaking to Rigmor, I knew what she would want me to do.

• Rigmor: Look at it, Wulf. The poor thing!
• Wulf: Locked in a cage, injured and all alone.
• Rigmor: Yeah, it kinda reminds me of somebody.
• Wulf: You don’t even have to ask. I will free the bear.
• Rigmor: That’s because you are a big softy.
• Wulf: The bear should be passive, as Kyne’s Peace is active.
• Rigmor: Can you stop Kyne’s Peace?
• Wulf: I can and sometimes do. I dislike it when animals join our side in a fight and get killed.
• Rigmor: Please stop it. I am positive the bear won’t attack us.
• Wulf: Why such confidence?
• Rigmor: I dunno how I know, I just know. What do you call it?
• Wulf: Intuition?
• Rigmor: Yeah, that thing.
• Wulf: The bear is injured. I will try to heal it. However, it may lash out if confused. Do not get in its way if it wants to leave.
• Rigmor: Okay. I think I will call him Mr Bear.
• Kharjo: That one cannot see the bear’s rear end. It might be a Mrs Bear.
• Rigmor: Nah, its face is the wrong shape.
• Wulf: We are a bear expert now, are we?
• Rigmor: As a matter of fact, yes. I read a book!
• Lion El: Oh, was it the one where the little girl breaks into the bear family’s house and eats their porridge? I love that one!
• Rigmor: Ahh, no. It was a reference book, not a bedtime story.
• Lion El: What? Isn’t that a true story?
• Wulf: It is fiction, Lion El.
• Lion El: Ha! Sure. Next, you will tell me a wolf never ate grandma and then wore her nightgown.
• S’in: Don’t tear down his childhood illusions all at once, Wulf.
• Dro’barri: I don’t think it matters what Rigmor calls it. It can barely hear anything!
• S’in: It wouldn’t attack Rigmor, as she is a Nord Bar-bear-ian.
• Rigmor: That wasn’t beary funny!
• Wulf: It might be confused until it gets its bearings.
• Rigmor: If you don’t hurry, it won’t be Mr Bear that mauls you!
• Wulf: Nobody is to have a spell prepared or weapon drawn. Mr Bear might have experience with such things and regard them as a threat.

I cast Grand Healing on Mr Bear.

Then I unlocked and opened the grate.

Mr Bear lifted his head and growled.

Rigmor said, in a soft, motherly tone, “Mr Bear, we are your friends. You are free!”

I added, “Mr Bear. We are friends, not food! We are friends, not food!”

Mr Bear stared at me as if trying to decide the truth of my claim. I warned, “Do not try to pat him, Kharjo.”

“But Khajiit likes patting furry things.”

“That one also likes having four paws.”

“Okay, Khajiit shall resist.”

Mr Bear shook his head, as if trying to dismiss the fatigue he undoubtedly felt.

Mr Bear stood but was unsteady on his legs.

Rigmor asked, “Will he be alright, Wulf?”

“Yes, Rigmor. Remember how weak you were, and still are, after we healed you with magic. Give him a few seconds.”

When a bit more stable, Mr Bear approached Rigmor, but Kharjo and Dro’barri deliberately blocked him.

Rigmor said, “It is okay, Mr Bear. You are free!”

Mr Bear ran down a path, faster than should have been possible after the Grand Healing spell.

• Wulf: Don’t look, Rigmor!
• Rigmor: Why?
• Wulf: He is showing his bare bottom!
• Rigmor: That is an ancient joke.
• Wulf: Well, it is an oldie but a goodie.
• Rigmor: More like mouldy and no goodie.
• S’in: All jokes aside, that was quite something!
• Wulf: Instead of magic or The Voice, Rigmor used empathy to tame the bear.
• Rigmor: I did?
• Wulf: You did, and I am not joking. However, don’t walk up to any wild bears and expect to keep your head.
• Rigmor: Is that the path that the thief told us to use?
• Wulf: I would say so. There is only one way to tell.
• Rigmor: Then hurry it up, Wulf.
• Wulf: Yes, Lady Ramsbottom. Your humble batman is eager to obey and avoid a beating.
• Kharjo: Khajiit regrets the demise of Wulf’s freedom. That one has tamed our friend!
• Rigmor: Careful, Kharjo. I have had peasants flogged for less!
• S’in: You are supposed to do an evil cackle at the end, Rigmor.
• Rigmor:  I have had peasants flogged for less! Wahahahahaaaa….
• Kharjo: Oh, Khajiit’s knees have gone all wobbly with fright.

We made our way in silence down the winding path.

The superior hearing of the Khajiiti and my Heat-Vision revealed no enemies in a gated compound.

I walked past the well we were told about and looked out to sea.

Rigmor asked, “Is that the slaver’s ship?”

“I do not know. If we find evidence that it is, I will sink it.”

When we used the well to enter a cavern, the sound of a pickaxe echoed.

Heat-Vision showed three heat signatures, but I knew two were skeletons.

I whispered, “One stupid sentry is making so much noise that an army could be here singing a battle song and they would not know.”

I crept forward with bow drawn.

My arrow thudded into the sentry’s back.

I whispered, “This is a moonstone mine. There is plenty of money in that, so I do not know why the bandits are working with the New Order.”

Rigmor replied, “It does not matter why. They die!”

“We will eliminate the sentries as quietly as possible. If we do it well, other people further in will have a false sense of security and be less alert.”

Further in, a sentry was walking towards us, but we were in darkness, and he did not see us.

An arrow took care of him, but there was a loud noise as he clattered to the ground.

Another sentry on the other side of a gate turned around, and I killed them as well.

I killed a third, and then a fourth sentry who came to investigate the racket.

We proceeded further, and I indicated two more sentries ahead.

Two more arrows, two more dead.

At a door, I whispered, “There are two dead ahead. I think we have found the holding cells.”

We entered the cells, and I informed the group, “There are three guards to the right.”

Rigmor sniffed, then whispered, “Ah, the aroma of home!”

“Are you okay?”

“Yes, Wulf. But the smell of unwashed people living in cells reminds me of what I endured.”

“I know this must be difficult. But we shall end up one step closer to Sigunn.”

I was concerned about how Rigmor would react if we saw Tilar Aedriath. But there was no turning back now.

In one of the cells was an old man. He had been beaten and then thrown into the cell to die.

My anger rose, and I growled, “Fucking animals!”

Rigmor asked, “Are you sure this is the place? It’s too quiet!”

“I guess that old man would not be worth much on the auction block. He cost the slavers money just by existing. Yes, Rigmor, this is the right place.”

“I hope so! I would hate to think another place like this existed within a thousand miles.”

A young woman lay dead. The disarray of her clothes suggested rape. I turned away quickly and said, “Fuck stealth!”

I ran ahead and killed three Imperial traitors.

At the next door, I said, “Thalmor in numbers. They heard the noise.”

We rushed in and cut them down quickly.

While inspecting the bodies, I remarked, “Rigmor, your aim was off. You usually get them between the eyes.”

“Oh well, I have not had much chance to practice.”

A bit further in, I said, “There are two ahead.”

We barged in, and I eliminated one, Rigmor, the other.

We were in an internal dock.

• Wulf: I can’t imagine the horror of abducted people, bound, and rowed into this place.
• Rigmor: I don’t have to imagine.
• S’in: Enslavement is one of the greatest of evils.
• Wulf: When you add the brutality Rigmor and others endure, it is the greatest of evils.
• Lion El: All races are capable of it. The Empire ignored it in some of its provinces for political reasons.
• Wulf: Yes, and since their moral code was supposed to be based on The Ten Commands of the Nine Divines, that was more than unforgivable.
• Rigmor: Your mother showed what the anger of suppressed and enslaved people can do.
• Wulf: As did the Argonians when they overran their Dunmer enslavers.
• Rigmor: I am surprised to see a lot of East Empire Company crates.
• Wulf: They often sell their goods without knowing where they are destined. Sometimes they are paid to deliver sealed crates without knowing the contents.

At the next door, I signalled two enemies, one straight ahead and the other to the right.

We burst through the door, and I killed the one straight ahead.

S’in killed the other.

As we sneaked forward, Kharjo sneezed.

We heard somebody say, in Aldmeri, “It seems we are the last two. Guard the list. If need be, destroy it.”

I rushed in and killed a Thalmor Wizard. Lion El ripped open a door, dragged the Thalmor soldier out and slit his throat.

Nobody commented on Kharjo’s sneeze. It can happen to any of us.

The wizard had nothing of use on him. I looked around and soon found the list of the enslaved.

I picked it up and opened it. Inside was a list of fifty-nine enslaved people distributed across four sites. Their ages ranged from eight to sixty-seven. They were Khajiiti, Nord, Redguard, Orsimer and Breton.

On the third page, the enslaved assigned to Diamond Ridge Mine included Sigunn, Rigmor’s mother. All it said was, “Sigunn of Bruma Nord 36 Female” Every other enslaved person had their surname listed. Perhaps the Thalmor are scared of even writing the name Fjonasson?

I turned, and Rigmor stood silent, hope in her eyes.

I told her, “I have the list, Rigmor.”

“What does it say? Is she on the list?”

“Yes, it says ‘Sigunn of Bruma, aged thirty-six.’ She is in a place called Diamond Ridge Mine.”

“Do you know where that is?”

“No, but we have plenty of resources to find it for us.”

“What now?”

“Let’s leave this terrible place, and then we shall decide.”

“Okay, we will follow you.”

It was easy to find our way out. We just followed the trail of corpses.

When we came to the murdered enslaved, I called for a halt while I performed Arkay’s Rite.

I removed my helm and said the liturgy, “Lord Arkay, I ask that you bless these souls and sanctify their broken vessels. May the light keep you in its warm and soothing embrace. May the light cleanse these vessels and let them rest in peace. By the light’s holy radiance, let the dead stay dead. Lord Arkay, guide any lost souls to the gate so they may enter their afterlives.”

It did not take long to reach the well.

I turned and told my beloved.

“I do not know why Diamond Ridge Mine is not on my map. Perhaps it is just over the border. But we shall find it, Rigmor.”

“We passed many bodies, and you killed most of them. I am sorry you had to do that.”

“It is efficient, Rigmor. I clear sentries faster and quieter than the Dragonguard can. That adds to the tally. Then I am quicker at slicing and dicing, but I still rely on my friends to aid me. I would not want to tackle places like this alone.”

“Via Tirlineth, I could sense a darkness growing as we passed the enemy dead. Your anger peaked at the three legionnaires. Do not act as if this is routine!”

“It is routine for me, Rigmor. The darkness goes the first time I hear one of my friends laugh, or I see a child playing, or I look into your eyes.”

“Still waiting for those three words, Dragonbum.”

“And what would they be?”

“I will give you a clue. The first two words are, ‘I love’”

“Mmm…I know. I love Sweetrolls!”

“Get moving, idiot.”

I climbed out first.

When Rigmor joined me, she suddenly pointed and said, “Dragonborn, there are people at the front entrance!”

As the Dragonguard exited, Rigmor ran, and I sprinted to catch up with her.

A Justiciar sat atop his horse. New Order Thalmor, Empire traitors, dogs and mercenaries surrounded him. Rigmor tensed, and I guessed who he was. It was her tormentor and the monster from her Night Terrors. It was General Tilar Aedriath.

I grabbed Rigmor by the wrist and said, “We need to capture him alive!”

“Let go of me!”

“Not until you listen. There are lives at stake. We need to capture Tilar!”

S’in advised, “Listen to Wulf. We need the New Order general alive, Rigmor.”

Rigmor growled, “Okay, okay. Let go!”

I released Rigmor’s wrist. The enemy dispersed and flanked us. It wouldn’t do them much good. I could quickly kill Aedriath, and so could any of my companions.

I used Zoom-Vision to have a closer look. Nothing was frightening about Tilar Aedriath. But then again, I wasn’t the woman who, as a teenage girl, was at his mercy.

My hatred for Tilar was immeasurable, but I would not let it override logic. If I captured him, we might even prevent the invasion. If I killed him, he would just be another face among my list of kills.

• Aedriath: Well, well, well, look what we have here, or should I say, look what the cat dragged in! A good disguise, but who else would be here but you?
• Rigmor: Fuck you, Tilar!
• Aedriath: Ah! You do remember me, and I am flattered, really. But Rigmor, you have been making quite a bit of a nuisance of yourself lately, haven’t you?
• Wulf: Are you male or female? Or perhaps you are a neutered male? What a milk drinker!

Tilar’s voice was effeminate and distinctive. Tirlineth let me know the fear that momentarily gripped Rigmor. Then it was overwhelmed by her resolve. Her will. The power of Tirnetha Marael!

I looked around and noted where Tilar’s troops were. S’in was doing the same. He looked at me, smiled, and did the universal finger across the throat signal. He knew the enemy was dead, even if they currently drew breath.

• Aedriath: Can you even begin to realise the trouble you and your friend have caused me? All that running around Skyrim, leaving a trail of dead people? You know…that sort of thing. I am afraid, Rigmor, that it seems I will have to punish you all over again.
• Wulf: Tilar Aedriath, let me introduce myself. I am Lord Wulf Welkynd, Champion of the Divines and Grandmaster of the Dragonguard. I am Rigmor’s Guardian, and to harm her, you would have to get past me.

I raised my voice so Tilar’s troops could hear me.

“You unfortunates who have been tasked with guarding Tilar, listen well and know your fate. Rigmor slaughtered every person in the Bruma embassy by herself. Rigmor and I killed every scumbag inside Fort Black. We just strolled through the slavers without pause. The Dragonguard and I have killed thousands in Skyrim and Akavir, yet you dare think you have a hope. You will die in seconds as General Tilar Aedriath runs away!”

Murmurs spread throughout Tilar’s troops as they looked worriedly at each other.

• Rigmor: There will be no punishment this time, Justiciar. I am no longer that defenceless child. You will need more than your lash to punish me. Where are your Bosmer lackeys? It is a pity they are not here to die at my hands. I would love to show them the courtesy they showed me in kind.
• Aedriath: Ahh! The Bosmer, ‘gangmasters.’ Yes, I am happy to say they are still doing very well. The last time I saw them, they kept a perfect watch on their fields…from the top of the spikes on which I placed their heads. At least they couldn’t complain about the view, hahaha!
• Wulf: Do you know the power of The Divines that I wield? Do you know what a couple of Master Mages in Destruction can do? Have you ever seen Akavir Swordmasters in action? This rabble is about to find out. But I am confused why they want to die for a cowardly piece of shit like you?

Aedriath’s troops were getting very nervous. The Justiciar realised they would scatter and leave him to our mercy if he did not hurry.

• Aedriath: But alas, Rigmor, no more time to chit-chat! I don’t suppose I could persuade you and your friends to come quietly, now, could I? All this fighting and killing is quite tedious for a high-ranking, noble gentleman like myself. Maybe we could start again where we left off and take time to reflect on older, happier times.
• Rigmor: Over my dead body!
• Wulf: You are a delusional idiot, Tilar.

I raised my voice once again,

“Ride away, Justiciar! Tell your New Order friends that Rigmor Ragnarsdottier, daughter of Ragnar Fjonnoson with the Champion of The Divines and the Dragonguard, will slaughter every single one of them. You had better ride fast, as this pathetic rabble will take seconds to kill!”

Aedriath turned his horse and yelled, “KILL THEM ALL!” as he rode quickly away.

It took less than thirty seconds to eliminate the opposition.

I said, “Come on, Tilar could not have gone far!”

We ran in the direction Tilar had ridden, but were blocked by his reserves.

We did not see Aedriath, but he saw us and yelled, “Ten thousand gold for each of their heads!”

The reserves lasted no longer than the first lot. We were aided by Mr Bear, who had run full speed into their rear.

My Bear roared in triumph and then fell face-first from exhaustion.

Rigmor had been using her bow, so she was at the bottom of the hill. When she saw Mr Bear, she ran as fast as she could to him.

I kicked the bodies away from Mr Bear and then inspected him. He lifted his head and looked at Rigmor before lying still again.

Rigmor cried, “Wulf, help him!”

“Relax, Rigmor. It is just exhaustion. It seems Mr Bear has the same willpower as you. He survived severe injuries while locked in a cage, alone. Then, so soon after being magically healed, he summoned enough energy to fight.”

“Is Mr Bear okay?”

“There is not a single wound on him. Just give him a few seconds to recover.”

About ten seconds later, Mr Bear stood and approached Rigmor.

They stared at each other, faces inches apart.

Then Mr Bear sniffed Rigmor, no doubt placing her scent in his memory.

Mr Bear grunted, his way of saying goodbye, and turned away.

Rigmor waved and said, “Goodbye, Mr Bear. Thank you for being so helpful!”

Mr Bear ran past Tilar’s reserve troops and then out of sight, around the corner.

• Rigmor: What now?
• Wulf: We shall spend some time trying to catch up with Tilar. I doubt that if he is alone, he would risk the main road to Solitude. That leaves only one direction he could have gone since he can’t fly.
• Rigmor: Do you know this area?
• Wulf: Yes, a mountain trail leads to a valley. It is often used by people travelling between Cyrodiil and High Rock.
• Rigmor: But he is on a horse and has a head start.
• Wulf: We have to try, Rigmor. If we can get Tilar, we may be able to stop the invasion. We would defeat The New Order if they invaded, but at the cost of many lives.
• Rigmor: That makes sense.

Rigmor seemed distant, almost in shock. I was torn between taking her back to Aetheron or looking for Tilar. I chose the latter as it could save lives.

A light snow had been falling. Fresh hoofprints indicated Tilar had used the mountain pass.

We arrived in the valley, and the snow was deep and churned by heavy traffic. Tilar’s trail could no longer be followed. He could have gone in many directions from there. Intermingled footprints made it impossible to be sure which way he went, and I wasn’t willing to guess.

I told the group, “We have lost Tilar. It is time to go home.”

Rigmor asked, “Wulf, can we please talk?”

“Yes, of course.”

There was a cairn in the middle of the valley, and we headed for that. The others got the hint that we wanted privacy.

I noticed a tent on a hill above the valley. There was no sign of people up there.

Rigmor looked at me, and the brave and assured woman of an hour earlier had fled.

I asked, “Rigmor, are you okay?”

“Wulf, this is getting scary.”

“It must have been a shock to see Tilar. But we survived, and now he is scared of both of us.”

“Yeah, we made it. Do you think that rat sold us out?”

“Sethri? I don’t think so. The gem I gave him was very generous. Tilar Aedriath could have snitches everywhere. He is supposed to be very good. The best.”

“The list. Can I see it?”

“Of course. Sigunn is on the second last page.”

I handed Rigmor the slaver’s list. Rigmor gasped as she ran her finger over her mother’s entry. Seeing Sigunn listed in a neat inventory of goods was a shock. It reduced her mother to a commodity, like a sack of flour.

Rigmor handed the slaver’s list back to me.

Rigmor asked forlornly, “Mum has been taken to Diamond Ridge Mine. Do you know where that is?”

“No, sorry, Rigmor, I told you that before. It is not on my map.”

“Well, that’s cute.”

Baa’Ren-Dar knew Rigmor’s tormentor was hunting her, but didn’t tell her. He probably thought her anxiety would be too much if she knew beforehand. However, I told Rigmor who was hunting her and gave her time to think it over. Yet seeing him has affected her far more than I expected. I don’t think Rigmor could have handled his sudden appearance without that prior preparation.

The sadness expressed in Rigmor’s face and voice tore at my heart.

I calmly explained, “Rigmor, we went to the harbour to retrieve that list and see if it told us where Sigunn is. We completed that task and obtained that information.”

“Yeah, right. Look where it got us, nearly killed.”

“Not one of us suffered a single cut! We killed all of the New Order’s troops and lackeys. Every single one of them! We did not nearly die, but you faced your monster, and that was not easy for you.”

“Whenever I feel closer to finding her, she seems to get further away. We are going around in circles, and that bastard turned up. I don’t think I can carry on like this anymore.”

“Within days of starting the search together, we have found where she is. You didn’t even know which country she was in, or if Sigunn was still alive, until today! We are close to finding her. Much closer than you have ever been and not further away.”

“And now you have got us lost!”

Like outside the New Gnisis Corner Club, I was a convenient target for Rigmor’s anger, fear, and frustration. I expected it would end the same way. Rigmor will finally have vented all she had to, and I am happy to absorb it as long as that takes.

“Rigmor, we are not lost! I know exactly where we are and can teleport us to many places! We are doing well, Rigmor. We shall find this Diamond Ridge Mine and tear it apart to rescue Sigunn. We must remain calm, think it through, and use our available resources.”

“Don’t you tell me to calm down!”

“I said we have to remain calm! All I want to do is help, Rigmor.”

“Help? You are just making things worse!”

“Did saving your life make it worse? Did finding the list make it worse? Tell me, Rigmor, how have I made it worse? We shall find Sigunn and bring her home!”

“I’m not strong enough. I can’t do this anymore!”

“General Tilar Aedriath ran from our confrontation, not you. Every foe we have faced together has died, not you. Our enemies are terrified of your determination and strength!”

“Why are you saying that? Why do you even care?”

“Why does my heart skip every time you look at me? Why do I want so badly to hurt those who have hurt you? There is no mystery why I say these things. I love you!”

Rigmor’s response was not what I expected.

She cried, “Just get away from me!” Then Rigmor ran toward the steps leading to the ridge and the tent.

I stood, confused and stunned.

The I pursued Rigmor past my concerned friends.

Rigmor’s crying tore at my heart as I neared her.

When I saw her on her knees, sobbing, I could not help but cry along with her.

I let the tears flow for a few seconds. I then handed Rigmor a handkerchief and helped her to her feet.

In between sniffles, she said, “I do not think that was the reaction you expected.”

“Ahh…no, it was not! And don’t you dare try and apologise!”

“But I was a whiny bitch….”

I put my finger to her lips.

“Rigmor, I have not experienced the terror you have. But I understand that seeing that arsehole was a terrible shock. We should keep occupied, so we will go to Aetheron now and see what else we can do today. I will get my resources searching for Diamond Ridge Mine.”

“Do you think Baa’Ren-Dar is back from Cyrodiil?”

“It does not matter how quickly he can travel using portals and whatever other means he has. He has to speak to many important people, and since they do not have instant communication, Baa’Ren is likely to serve as both a courier and a diplomat. I do not expect plans to be drawn up for many days, if not weeks.”

“I think discussions between The Empire and Dominion would be interesting.”

“Imagine being a Dominion diplomat and having to keep a straight face while lying about the New Order.”

“Nope, we have never heard of them! I have no idea how Nirn’s biggest spy network never noticed the New Order making a force big enough to invade Cyrodiil and Skyrim.”

“That is why I could never do Baa’Ren’s job, never alone be emperor! I speak the truth and cannot stand bullshit.”

“Can you say it again?”

“That is why I could never do Baa’Ren’s job, never alone be emperor! I speak the truth and cannot stand bullshit.”

“Wulf!”

“I love you, Rigmor Ragnarsdottier. With all my heart and for eternity.”

“Cool!”

I was still laughing as I gathered the squad and teleported us into Aetheron.

I thanked my friends for their assistance, and they hurried off to eat.

Rigmor and I were enjoying a fruit-and-cheese platter in Coranelor when Vayu approached us.

• Vayu: S’in told me your mission to retrieve the slaver’s list was successful.
• Wulf: Yes, and I was going to ask you to find somewhere I have never heard of.
• Vayu: Diamond Ridge Mine. We are already on it. Auryen is checking his resources.
• Rigmor: Did S’in mention a certain person throwing a tantrum?
• Vayu: S’in said the stress is getting to you, Rigmor. We understand.
• Wulf: Is Celestine tired of guarding Angi and Sorella?
• Vayu: No, Wulf, she has taken them under her wings, to use an old expression.
• Wulf: We should try to swap her out for a few hours.
• Vayu: I came to tell you that Baa’Ren left a message at the museum. He said he would be in Riften’s Temple of Mara for a few hours.
• Wulf: Baa’Ren is still hesitant to visit Angi’s camp. He must spend a lot of time avoiding Dominion spies.
• Rigmor: Let’s go, Dragonbum!
• Wulf: Yes, Lady Ramsbotton.
• Vayu: S’in was impressed with your swordsmanship, Rigmor.
• Rigmor: None of us got much of a chance to use our swords, Vayu.
• Vayu: That is always how it goes when travelling with Wulf.

As Vayu existed, I teleported Rigmor and me into Breezehome.

We then headed for the temple.

Rigmor stopped near the market and said, “I still really want to see Riften’s market, but at a leisurely pace. So, not now.”

When we entered the Temple of Mara, Priestess Ahnasari rushed over.

• Wulf: Rigmor, this is Priestess Ahnasari.
• Rigmor: It is a pleasure to meet you, Priestess.
• Ahnasari: The one you seek departed an hour ago, but left a message.
• Wulf: Written or verbal?
• Ahnasari: He rarely leaves a paper trail for others to find.
• Rigmor: I never knew he was involved in all this secret stuff!
• Ahnasari: His duties are perilous, Rigmor. It is a pleasure to meet his hairless cub.
• Wulf: What is the message?
• Ahnasari: The wheels are in motion, but it may take time for them to bear fruit. The enemy fleet is yet to sail, according to those who do not deny knowing of the plot. Be patient and do not panic, we shall be ready.
• Rigmor: A mixed metaphor and the other stuff do not tell us much, Wulf.
• Wulf: On the contrary, Rigmor, it tells me a lot. I shall explain in Aetheron.
• Ahnasari: Go with Lady Mara’s blessings.

We teleported into Coranelor, and I explained Baa’Ren’s message to Rigmor.

“As expected, it will take some time for affirmative action and a detailed plan to be produced.”

“Yeah, I understood that bit. But who are ‘those who do not deny knowing of the plot’?

“The Third Aldmeri Dominion. They are keeping watch over the enemy fleet and are not denying knowledge of the New Order’s plot.”

“Is that acceptable under the White Gold Concordat?”

“I doubt the Dominion have any obligation under the concordat to stop the rebel fleet or inform The Empire of its existence.”

There was a knocking on my chamber’s doors followed by, “Wulf, it’s me. Can I come in?”

Rigmor followed me to the door and asked, “Who is that?”

“That is Silah. She is a Jill and a liaison between The Nine and me.”

“What is a Jill?”

“A female dragon. They are responsible for keeping the Primary Timeline intact.”

“Huh?”

“They fix things after a Dragon Break.”

“Gobbledegook?”

“Yes, it is gobbledegook. We know that is what the Jills do, not how they do it.”

I opened the door and invited Silah inside.

• Silah: Hello Rigmor, it is nice to see you not unconscious and with clothes on.
• Wulf: Silah visited Rose’s camp while being nosey on behalf of The Nine.
• Rigmor: Hello, Silah.
• Silah: Odahviing was restored a couple of hours ago. We think he is heading for Hammerfell, where many of Alduin’s allies fled after he was tossed into the time stream. No other dragons have been restored.
• Wulf: Does anybody know how many dragons we are going to face?
• Silah: No, Valdr.
• Rigmor: Is Odahviing an important dragon?
• Wulf: Yes, he is Alduin’s second in command. He inherited that position after Paarthurnax changed sides during the Dragon War.
• Silah: Valdr predicted Odahviing would be the first ally that Alduin restored.
• Wulf: That was logical, Silah.
• Silah: Did anything major occur about an hour ago?
• Wulf: Was there another junction?
• Silah: Yes, the largest yet.
• Wulf: Can you think of anything that changed about an hour ago, Rigmor?
• Rigmor: Just some barbarian in ebony and red armour declaring his love for me.
• Wulf: It seems Tirnetha Marael can create junctions.
• Rigmor: But why?
• Silah: We may not know why for some time, Rigmor.
• Wulf: This is all supposition. There may have been an event we are not aware of that is not associated with Rigmor and me.
• Silah: It cannot be long before Alduin acts, Valdr. He may not wait for all his allies.
• Wulf: We are ready as can be, Silah. Goodbye, and say hello to the other Jills for me.

Silah vanished.

Rigmor laughed and said, “That is not how I imagined my first meeting with a dragon.”

“Because Silah may have to act as liaison with other mortals, she asked Lord Akatosh to give her that avatar. Before that, she was like a ghost.”

“And that would have made some people nervous.”

“Yes, and now all the males do is stare at her cleavage.”

“But not you.”

“Silah is a friend who just so happens to be a few minutes younger than the present kalpa. So no, I do not stare at her cleavage.”

Olette was our next visitor, who sat down while munching on a roll.

• Olette: D.. .ou .et th. list?
• Wulf: Rigmor, did you understand Olette?
• Rigmor: I think it was something about being missed.
• Wulf: Would you like to try again without a mouth full of food, young lady?
• Olette: Pardon, Cap’n and Rigmor. I asked if you got the list.
• Wulf: Yes, we did. We know the name of the place where Rigmor’s mother is.
• Rigmor: But we do not know where that place is.
• Olette: Well, Cap’n Smartarse will figure it out.
• Wulf: I am depending on others to find it for us.
• Rigmor: Guess what happened, Olette.
• Olette: Cap’n finally came to his senses.
• Rigmor: Yeah, Wulf told me he loved me!
• Wulf: Then Rigmor told me to leave her alone.
• Rigmor: Hey, I did not mean it! I was in the middle of a tantrum.
• Olette: Does Rigmor throw good tantrums, Cap’n?
• Wulf: They are epic and a thing of legend.
• Rigmor: Twice, Dragonbum. That is all. Twice!
• Wulf: Not many things become so legendary so quickly. You should be proud!
• Olette: I am glad Cap’n grew a spine. I have to go now. I have a marksmanship lesson.
• Wulf: You never mentioned an interest in marksmanship.
• Olette: Well, it is a new interest.

Olette rushed off.

Rigmor said, “Next to the marksmanship range is the blacksmith, and a handsome young apprentice works there.”

“Conner?”

“If I were a twelve-year-old girl, I might find the sight of a handsome, young, hot and sweaty apprentice interesting.”

“Olette wouldn’t commit to marksmanship training just to ogle at Conner!”

“Do you want to bet a Sweetroll on that?”

My private chambers were busier than Solitude’s main thoroughfare. As Olette was leaving, Mage Lai’Shr came to visit. He is one of the Khajiiti who will be living in Warm Sands.

• Wulf: Mage Lai’Shr, let me introduce Rigmor Ragnarsdottier.
• Lai’Shr: It is a great pleasure for this one to meet the infamous Rigmor of Bruma.
• Rigmor: Infamous?
• Lai’Shr: Indeed, yes. Khajiit has heard many variations of your devious exploits, so terrible that they earned a fifteen-thousand septims reward.
• Rigmor: Do you know the truth?
• Lai’Shr: Yes, of course, this one knows the truth. But the fictional tales are amusing nonetheless.
• Wulf: To what do we owe this visit, Lai’Shr?
• Lai’Shr: Does that one know of Bleak Falls Barrow?
• Wulf: Yes. It was the next on my list of places to visit for the museum. Auryen believes there may be artifacts related to The Dragon Cult inside. I also know the surrounding area is crawling with bandits.
• Lai’Shr: Lucan Valerius came running to Khajiit, asking if this one knew how to contact Lord Welkynd. That one’s prized possession, a solid gold dragon claw, had just been stolen.
• Wulf: By the bandits around Bleak Falls Barrow?
• Lai’Shr: Yes, and when that one described it to Khajiit, the claw’s importance became apparent.
• Wulf: Please describe it.
• Lai’Shr: It is solid gold, three sharp talons and three ancient Nord symbols on its bottom.
• Wulf: A Puzzle Door key!
• Lai’Shr: Yes.
• Wulf: Then I shall assemble a squad and head there immediately.
• Rigmor: Why is the dragon claw important, Wulf?
• Wulf: There is an idiotic invention called a Puzzle Door that The Dragon Cult and others used to protect items of importance. To unlock a Puzzle Door, you need a combination and a dragon claw, like the one just stolen.
• Rigmor: Why is it idiotic?
• Wulf: If you come with me to Bleak Falls Barrow, you will see firsthand.
• Rigmor: I am glad you did not suggest I remain behind. Tantrum number three would have been the biggest!
• Wulf: Lai’Shr, tell Lucan we shall be there very soon.
• Lai’Shr: That one should also know that a squad of Thalmor have been waiting for Wulf and Rigmor to arrive.
• Wulf: They must be part of the one hundred sent after you, Rigmor. Tilar must suspect we are likely to visit Riverwood. Perhaps he knows of my properties along the river.
• Lai’Shr: The Khajiiti in Riverwood asked the residents not to inform Jarl Balgruuf, as they will take great pleasure in removing the stain from Whiterun Hold. Riverwood’s people agreed. If that one teleports to his usual place, the Thalmor will attack and die.
• Wulf: Return, tell Lucan and then get in place for the ambush.
• Lai’Shr: Khajiit looks forward to it!

Lai’Shr vanished, and I summoned Dae’s squad, who soon appeared from the ether.

• Wulf: Rigmor, this is Dae, Taku, Jin and Ishen.
• Rigmor: I am glad to meet you all again. I am terrible with names.
• Taku: Mages like Dae and Wulf think everybody’s mind is like a bear trap. Normal people have difficulty remembering names.
• Wulf: Then it is fortunate I was a gentleman and reminded Rigmor.
• Rigmor: Gentleman? Yeah, right. Pffft!
• Dae: Who are we killing and where?
• Wulf: It is a bit presumptuous to assume we are going to kill people. We are visiting a Dragon Cult barrow that may contain important artifacts.
• Rigmor: Surrounded by bandits.
• Dae: And likely full of Draugr.
• Ishen: I wonder if I will get to bloody my katana?
• Wulf: I will clear the sentries. Then you can hack and slash to your heart’s content.
• Rigmor: We had better wait for your Khajiiti friends to get in position.
• Wulf: We shall leave in two minutes. There are also New Order scum to eliminate, and the Khajiiti have been looking forward to it.

While waiting, I asked Rigmor, “Are you sure you are okay to join us?”

“I need to keep active, Wulf. Without Tirnetha, I would be pacing up and down and filled with worry. So, I must be with you.”

“You have never seen a Draugr, have you?”

“No.”

“They are undead, but have retained the martial skills they had when alive. Some Draugr can use The Voice.”

“I am sure Dad’s sword will make short work of them.”

“When wielded by you, there is little that would need more than one slice to defeat.”

“What about dragons?”

“Then your sword would be like an axe cutting firewood. Hack, hack and hack again. When fighting dragons, we will be relying on the substantial amount of damage each Dragonguard squad can deliver in a short amount of time.”

“Could you defeat a dragon by yourself?”

“Most dragons I could defeat if it were one-on-one. I could probably defeat Alduin once he was grounded, but surviving till that happens would be the challenge.”

“How far is it to Bleak Falls Barrows?”

“It is about five miles from Riverwood along a winding path. We have to cross a lot of open ground to reach the bandits, who have a height advantage.”

I warned the group, “Have weapons drawn and be prepared to fight.”

I teleported us to the outskirts of Riverwood. As soon as we emerged from the ether, ten New Order troops attacked us.

They did not last long.

I asked Lai’Shr, “Was it worth the wait?”

“All Khajiiti who truly love Elsweyr find enjoyment in the death of Thalmor, even this type.”

“Please burn the bodies. The residents of Riverwood should not be subjected to their stink any longer.”

We made our way to Riverwood Trader. The squad stayed outside while Rigmor and I entered.

Lucan was behind his counter. His sister, Camilla, was sitting at a table.

• Lucan: See, Camilla, I told you Lord Welkynd would help us.
• Wulf: Are you aware that knowingly purchasing stolen goods is illegal within Skyrim?
• Camilla: Perhaps Lord Welkynd is here to serve justice on you, Lucan?
• Lucan: If it was stolen, I did not know.
• Wulf: Who sold it to you, and how much did you pay?
• Lucan: Three days ago, a rather scruffy-looking individual came here with the claw in his hands. He said it was worth at least a thousand in gold alone. I offered him five hundred. That was all the coins I had in our safe. He accepted it and found it far harder to run while carrying five hundred septims than with a solid-gold claw. A few minutes later, several ragged men and women ran past my store. I stuck the claw in our safe, and when a few ruffians burst into my store demanding its return, I denied all knowledge. I must have been convincing because they apologised and left.
• Camilla: That night, somebody snuck in here while we were inside the Sleeping Giant Inn, enjoying a good meal and mead. They stole our safe with the claw inside.
• Rigmor: It seems Lucan was not so convincing. They waited to take the claw without creating a fuss.
• Wulf: And when you discovered the theft, you asked Mage Lai’Shr if he could contact me.
• Camilla: We know the Khajiiti will soon be moving to a town you had built in the Rift. We have grown quite fond of our furry guests during their time in Riverwood.
• Lucan: So, we asked Lai’Shr if he would ask for your help.
• Camilla: Will you help retrieve the claw, Lord Welkynd?
• Lucan: It is a family heirloom!
• Camilla: We owned it for a day.
• Lucan: Well, it could have become an heirloom.
• Camilla: You need descendants to pass heirlooms down to, Lucas, and I don’t see any women lining up to knock boots with you.
• Lucan: Unlike the bachelors of Riverwood drooling over you.
• Rigmor: As they should. Camilla is very pretty!
• Camilla: Pardon me, but Lord Welkynd did not introduce you.
• Rigmor: He is still a barbarian, but I shall tame him. I am Rigmor Ragnarsdottier.
• Camilla: Would Rigmor Ragnarsdottier and Rigmor of Bruma be the same?
• Rigmor: Yes, and if you look up the road, you will see another ten Thalmor corpses.
• Wulf: I would estimate that today alone, we have killed close to a hundred enemies of Rigmor.
• Rigmor: Your accents are those of The Imperial City.
• Camilla: Yes, we moved to Skyrim hoping to have more success as traders here than at home.
• Wulf: Lucan, your description said the claw had three symbols on the bottom. What were they?
• Lucan: A bear, a moth and something in a cocoon.
• Wulf: That would have been an owl.
• Lucan: Sure, everybody knows owls come out of cocoons.
• Camilla: It means you mistook the picture of an owl for a cocoon, you idiot.
• Lucan: There is a massive nest of bandits at Bleak Falls Barrow. I am sure that is where you will find the thieves and the claw.
• Wulf: I might purchase it from you to display in my museum. It is of historical interest, and those bandits are grave robbers. They have probably disturbed a nest of Draugr who might visit you, looking for their stolen claw.

Rigmor started shuffling around while uttering, “The claw! The claw! Where is our claw?”

• Lucan: Ahh, you are joking again, aren’t you?
• Camilla: Would the claw be on display in your new museum?
• Wulf: Yes, and you are welcome to visit anytime. Lucan can drool over the gold dragon claw and other relics on display.
• Rigmor: As long as a Draugr hasn’t eviscerated him.
• Camilla: Do you know where Bleak Falls Barrow is?
• Wulf: Yes, Camilla, it is that vast structure that can be seen from miles around. It is kind of hard to miss.
• Lucan: What about the Draugr?
• Wulf: If they turn up, I suggest you show them a range of the latest fashions. The stuff they wear is so out of date!
• Camilla: I need some fresh air!

We followed Camilla outside.

• Camilla: My brother is naïve, Lord Welkynd, not a criminal.
• Wulf: Relax, Camilla, I am not interested in Lucan’s petty crime.
• Rigmor: I bet he thinks twice before buying something on impulse from a stranger again.
• Camilla: The claw is quite beautiful, and I do not think he had any intention of selling it.
• Wulf: He used your profits to purchase it.
• Camilla: Yes, which has left us in a bind.
• Rigmor: I am sure Lord Welkynd will pay a fair price for the claw.
• Camilla: Lucan is an idiot, but I love him, and it would break him if we failed here.
• Wulf: Do not worry, Camilla, you will not go broke. Lucan will make a hefty profit from your family heirloom.

Camilla laughed.

I gathered the squad, and we headed for Bleak Falls Barrow.

As we passed White River Cottage, Rigmor observed, “That place looks pretty.”

“It is much larger than it seems from the outside. After Alduin is sent back to his father, the New Order is eliminated, and Ulfric is dead, I shall give you a tour of my properties.”

“Do I have to wait a whole week?”

“Do not be silly. It will take at least two weeks with all the running around involved.”

Rigmor was smiling and enjoying my company. It was a stark contrast to earlier, and I know which I prefer.

As we got closer to Bleak Falls Barrow, I informed Rigmor, “It will get dark fairly quickly as the mountains block the sun. The shadows are deep, and you can soon forget it is sunny.”

We emerged from the shadows into bright sunlight.

We ignored a vocal troll. Kyne’s Peace meant he would not attack us.

I told the group, “I can see two sentries. There may be more in the tower.”

Rigmor scoffed, “There is no chance of hitting them from here, Wulf.”

“My first shot will be close enough for the sentry to notice, but will lodge in the nearby tree. They will alert the other sentries, who, by looking at the lodged arrow, know the shooter is in this direction. Then, being the smart people they are, they will walk slowly in this direction, looking for the shooter, thus presenting perfect targets.”

“So, we crouch down and watch you miss.”

Everybody crouched, and I fired the first arrow, which lodged in the tree near the startled sentry.

He stood, called the other sentries who came, looked at the arrow, then headed our way.

Three arrows later, they were all dead.

Rigmor laughed and said, “If Angi saw you shoot like that, she would die of embarrassment for trying to teach you.”

There were no other bandits in the tower, and nothing of much worth in their chest.

As predicted, it had become very dark, very quickly.

I informed Rigmor, “We are going to turn around a corner and no longer be protected from the winds. Can you hear them? We are walking into a blizzard.”

We turned the corner into the expected howling winds.

Heat Vision showed me the unfortunate bandits given sentry duty in the bitter cold.

I told the group, “There are a lot of bandits! I will take care of the three nearest, and then we can move closer.”

Rigmor whined, “We can’t even see them, Wulf! And what about this wind?”

“The draw on my bow is several times that of Angi’s. That means arrows travel much faster and are less affected by the wind. I will have to compensate, which is difficult in random winds. However, intuition plays a part in my aim.”

I swiftly eliminated the three sentries.

When we got closer, other bandits made themselves easy targets when there was plenty of cover they could have utilised. They paid for their lax attitude with their lives.

The main body of bandits finally realised something was happening and that the most likely point of assault was where we stood.

They started streaming down the stairs, intent on running towards us and dealing with pesky intruders. It took no more than one arrow each to end that silly idea.

Jin whined, “It is always the same. Aim, twang, whoosh, death. Like a machine, over and over.”

“Are you saying the Dragonguard Bowmasters shouldn’t have trained me so well?”

“We all trained with them, Wulf. Yet none of us approaches your level of skill.”

“I watched Inigo the other day. He is fairly close.”

Dae added, “Shiva said he is no slouch with dual-wielding either. He could probably pass a Swordmaster test.”

We arrived at the intricate front door of the barrow.

I said, “I cannot see anybody close to the door. It will make a lot of noise when we enter, so if they have internal sentries, I will have to deal with them swiftly.”

We entered, and I disposed of two bandits.

We quietly moved further in the barrow.

Then we saw a bandit standing before a lever and a lowered portcullis. Another bandit lay dead.

I whispered, “If he has got the combination wrong, he will also die.”

The bandit pulled the lever, and poison darts riddled his body.

I asked Rigmor, “What do you think the combination is, right to left?”

“Fish, snake and snake.”

“Stuhn, or Lord Stendarr as we now call him, would laugh at being called a fish. It is a whale.”

“Where do we enter the combination?”

We walked over to three rotating plinths.

“Rigmor, the triangle on the plinth base designates the active icon. You must be aware of its position as it is not always in the same place. The plinths rotate. It does not matter what direction you turn them. They must match the icons in the same order when the lever is pulled.”

“The one on the right should be a whale, and the other two should be snakes.”

“Correct. I will turn the plinths to match that pattern.”

I set the correct combination.

Then told Jin to pull the lever.

He did, and the portcullis was raised.

Before descending a spiral staircase, I warned the group, “Scary Skeevers ahead!”

As we passed them, Rigmor shuddered and remarked, “I hate their beady pink eyes!”

We were stealthy. In fact, with the dweomer on our armour, our footsteps made no noise. However, Ishen tripped on a rock and made enough noise to wake the dead.

An unmistakably Dunmer voice called out, “Is… is someone coming? Is that you, Harknir? Bjorn? Soling? I know I ran ahead with the claw, but I need help!”

Heat-Vision showed a quite large spider on the ceiling of a nearby room.

• Dae: That was clever, Ishen.
• Ishen: Well, Wulf insists we crawl around in the dark. Not all of us have Night-Vision.
• Wulf: I am not using Night-Vision.
• Rigmor: I saw the rock.
• Jin: As did I.
• Taku: Me as well.
• Wulf: There is a spider on the ceiling, waiting for its next meal, or at least waiting to ensnare it.
• Ishen: That would be the worst. Being bundled up, knowing that eventually the spider will come over and eat you.
• Dae: Spiders do not munch on you like a wolf or Sabre Cat. Their venom kills you, then turns your insides into a paste.
• Jin: Then, when you are all tender, they bite down and suck the yummy liquid out, leaving a husk behind.
• Wulf: Most spiders will eat the husk. Nothing is wasted.
• Ishen: I will not be upset if you choose to kill the spider without giving us the chance, Wulf.
• Rigmor: Inigo would be upset.
• Taku: Oh, has he told you all about his spider fetish?
• Rigmor: Inigo likes crunching spiders. I like cutting Thalmor in half. We all have our hobbies, Taku.

The group gave up all pretence of stealth and laughed as we moved forward.

I destroyed a web covering the entrance to a cavern with two arrows.

We entered the cavern, and then I killed the spider as it dropped from the ceiling.

The Dunmer we heard earlier was caught in a web. Three Draugr ambled around in the distance.

We walked up to the intended spider snack and could not help but be amused.

• Wulf: You have found yourself in a sticky situation. What is your name?
• Arvel: Arvel the Swift. Now cut me down before something else shows up!
• Dae: I don’t think you are in a position of authority here, Arvel the Not Swift Enough.
• Arvel: Haha, I am glad you think this is amusing.
• Wulf: You were trying to cheat your fellow grave robbers, who are all dead.
• Arvel: All dead? Are you sure?
• Jin: We watched in total boredom as Wulf killed everyone. The dozens outside and the few who were inside. He can be a bit greedy sometimes.
• Rigmor: But not as greedy as a small Dunmer with squinty eyes who tries to cheat his gang members.
• Wulf: I don’t suppose you would have the gold dragon claw on you, Arvel the Immobile?
• Arvel: Yes, yes, the gold claw. Cut me down, or you will never get it!
• Kharjo: Khajiit could carve you to pieces till this one finds it.
• Arvel: WHAT! No, no, cut me down, and I will show you how to use it. You won’t believe the power the Nords have hidden here!
• Wulf: The claw has three Nord totem animals on one side: a bear, a moth, and an owl. You turn the concentric circles on the Puzzle Door from top to bottom to match that pattern. Then you insert the three talons of the claw into the central circle and twist it in either direction. The door will slide into the ground if you enter the correct combination. If you have the combination wrong, poison darts or another deadly trap are sprung.
• Dae: Tell us, Arvel the Motionless, what is behind the door?
• Arvel: Ahh, umm…
• Dae: You have no idea. For all you know, it could be a stash of mouldy Sweet Rolls!
• Rigmor: Sweet Rolls never go mouldy.
• Dae: Oh, no! Wulf has infected Rigmor with the ‘Facts Ruin Fun’ disease.
• Wulf: Rigmor, can you hear them?
• Rigmor: Yes, are they always that noisy?
• Wulf: Some of them are. Should we cut Arvel down and let the Draugr kill him?
• Arvel: Do you think I am a fool? We have not seen any Draugr here!
• Wulf: I am going to release you, Arvel. A wise person would hand us the claw and run for the exit. A fool will try to run towards the Puzzle Door and be killed by the Draugr or us. Let’s test your intelligence, shall we?
• Rigmor: He has squinty eyes! He will run!

I bashed the webs with my bow, and Arvel was freed.

Arvel turned and ran whilst saying, “You are the fools! Why would I share the treasure with anyone?”

Arvel noticed the Draugr and screamed just before my arrow thumped into his back.

I quickly disposed of the Draugr with my katana before returning and searching Avrel’s corpse.

I retrieved the gold dragon claw and a journal. I read the relevant journal entry to the group.

“My fingers are trembling. The Golden Claw is finally in my hands, and with it, the power of the ancient Nordic heroes. That fool Lucan Valerius had no idea that his intended store decoration was the key to Bleak Falls Barrow.

I would have slit his throat, but that would guarantee a visit from Whiterun’s guards.

Now I need to get to The Hall of Stories and unlock the door. The legend says there is a test that the Nords put in place to keep the unworthy away, but that ‘When you have the golden claw, the solution is in the palm of your hands.’”

I said, “This place will be crawling with Draugr. Some of them may use The Voice. I will not take chances and will kill them from a distance. Sorry if that spoils your fun.”

Rigmor yawned and said, “Boring!”

“For your safety, and ours, Rigmor. Do not try to get to the Draugr before me. Be aware, though, that some Draugr may seem inert but will attack after being passed.”

I killed dozens of Draugr and I agree with Rigmor, it was boring.

At one point, Rigmor inadvertently got between two Draugr and me.

I warned, “Rigmor, behind you!”

Rigmor turned, saw how close the Draugr were and leapt backwards.

She then leapt forward and cut down both Draugr with a single stroke.

I could see how impressed the Dragonguard were. However, since we were trying to be quiet, they said nothing.

Dozens more Draugr fell before we came upon swinging blades that blocked our progress.

I said, “Draugr are not the smartest and will try to walk through the blades to get to us.”

I made a noise, and a Draugr did as expected.

I had to time my progress between swings to reach a pull chain. Pulling it stopped the blades, allowing the others to pass safely.

Dozens of Draugr were eliminated on the way to The Hall of Stories.

I told the group “We are getting close to a Word Wall.”

Rigmor asked, “What is a Word Wall?”

“Some knowledge of The Voice is needed to explain a Word Wall. I know, let’s start with something you have seen me and other mages do, which is cast a spell.”

“Okay.”

“Most spells involve an incantation, words spoken in a ritualistic manner. The spell might also include some hand movement.”

“Like when you wiggle your fingers to teleport.”

“Do you want to learn or not?”

“Listening.”

“The incantation and hand movements focus the mage’s mind on what they want Magicka to do. The hand movements and incantation by themselves do nothing without a mage willing them to do so via Magicka. Understand so far?”

“Yep.”

“The Voice uses a primal force called Thu’um. The spells used with The Voice are called Shouts. To make a Shout happen, Words of Power are spoken in such a way that the Thu’um is shaped into what is desired.”

“So, instead of an incantation, with or without finger wriggling, a Shout merely requires spoken Words of Power.”

“Yes, and the Words of Power are common words of Dovahzul, the language of dragons. Spoken as part of a normal sentence, they do nothing. Strung together with purpose and willpower, they become a Shout.”

“Some incantations I have heard are quite long.”

“A Shout can be triggered by one, two or three Words of Power. There are four Word Shouts, but only a couple of them. If you use two Words, the Shout will be stronger than if you used One Word. Three Words will create a stronger Shout than two Words.”

“This is easy so far.”

“How powerful a Shout is depends on how powerful your Thu’um is, plus how focused it is. Practice makes your Thu’um more focused and therefore more powerful. I have started with a very powerful Thu’um, stronger than any other mortal. However, it still needs focusing.”

“What could you do with a Shout?”

“A single Shout could kill dozens of enemies if they were close together. So can my spells, but they take far longer to cast than a Shout. When I am free to use my Thu’um, I will kill at a far greater rate than I am now. If hundreds of New Order troops were in battle formation, a single Shout could kill them all.”

“Oh, Wulf! What would that do to you?”

“They would not be faces I remember, Rigmor.”

“So, what is a Word Wall?”

“They were created by The Dragon Cult and used as memorials for famous people or to preach some ancient wisdom. They are covered in Dovahzul glyphs, and amongst the writing will be a Word of Power that is taught to a dragonborn who is close enough. But only dragonborn like me, who have both dragon soul and dragon blood.”

“This all makes sense.”

“A Word Wall only teaches a Word of Power. It does not teach you how to use it in a Shout or what the Shout is.”

“Huh?”

“Other people learn how to use Words of Power and Shouts through years of study. For instance, Ulfric Stormcloak spent ten years with the Greybeards and only learnt three Words of Power and one Shout.”

“The one he used to kill High King Torygg!”

 “Yes, that Shout is called Unrelenting Force. If I used a full-strength Unrelenting Force on a person, they would disintegrate or fly apart.”

“You told me you know many Shouts. How did you learn them?”

“To obtain the knowledge Ulfric spent ten years gaining, I would have to kill three dragons and absorb their souls. I protested against that.”

“Because it wipes the dragon’s soul from existence.”

“That is abhorrent to me, and The Divines knew I would refuse to do so. Also, I did not want to waste time learning Shouts while Alduin and his allies were killing people. Therefore, Lady Kynareth gifted me many Words of Power, the knowledge on how to use them and the Shouts generated by them.”

“How do you know there is a Word Wall nearby?”

“They emit a sound that only people with a dragon soul can hear.”

We entered the Hall of Stories. There were no stories, just bas-reliefs old Nord pantheon gods.

“I informed the group, “There is a Draugr behind the Puzzle Door and another further along.”

We walked up to the puzzle door and showed Rigmor the claw.

“Can you see why this is so stupid, Rigmor?”

“Yeah, the combination to the door is underneath the claw, which is like a key. The claw has to be inserted into the middle circle, so it’s also like a key. The dragon claw is like having two keys attached to each other. That is kinda stupid if you wanted the two keys to provide extra security!”

“This Puzzle Door and the turning plinths earlier take little intelligence to figure out.”

“They must have thought intruders were dumber than a rock.”

“Two bandits died trying the wrong combination with the plinths. Avril must have figured that out, but did not get much further. It seems simple puzzles are a challenge for the average grave robber/bandit type.”

I set the correct combination.

Then I inserted the talons into the centre circle and twisted it.

As the door started to lower, I retrieved the dragon claw and drew my katana.

Rigmor decided to stand in front of me. Once more, I realised how much I tower over her.

I pushed Rigmor aside and cut down the two Draugr.

I told Rigmor, “If a Draugr hits me with The Voice, I might stagger. If they hit you with The Voice, you will hurtle backwards and likely smash into us or a wall. I warned you earlier, let me take care of the Draugr.”

“Sorry, Wulf.”

“I would rather you be sorry, or even grumpy at me, than hurt, Rigmor.”

I had to dispose of several more Draugr before we could approach the Word Wall.

I stood before the Word Wall and tendrils of power surrounded me. which taught me the Word of Power, ‘Fus’. It means force. It is the first Word in the Unrelenting Force Shout.

• Rigmor: That was impressive to watch.
• Wulf: The Word Wall tried to teach me ‘Fus’, which means force. It is the first Word in the Unrelenting Force Shout.
• Rigmor: Did you already know that Word of Power?
• Wulf: Yes, I already had complete knowledge of the Word of Power and the Shout. The Word Wall is not designed to test for prior knowledge.
• Rigmor: What did it feel like?
• Wulf: It is not a comfortable experience. You know I have mental barriers that gods can’t bypass.
• Rigmor: Yes. Can a Word Wall bypass it?
• Wulf: The dweomer involved is another that is lost to the ages. Whatever it is, it works through my soul, not my mind. The knowledge is forced into my mind via a method for which I have no protection. It is not pleasant.
• Dae: The blessings that make Wulf a Ningheim provide natural intuition about souls. If exposed to enough Word Walls, he could probably create a barrier for his soul to stop the knowledge transfer.
• Wulf: But since I can’t foresee any reason to do such a thing, that discussion was purely academic.
• Rigmor: What does the inscription say?
• Wulf: Het nok faal vahlok deinmaar do dovahgolz ahrk aan fus do unslaad rahgol ahrk vulom.
• Rigmor: Which means?
• Wulf: Here lies The Guardian, Keeper of The Dragonstone and a force of unending rage and darkness.
• Rigmor: Who is The Guardian?
• Wulf: Walk towards that closed sarcophagus. I am positive he will introduce himself.
• Rigmor: You first!
• Wulf: So, your Guardian should cut down The Guardian?
• Rigmor: Yep.

I approached the sarcophagus with my katana at the ready.

The lid flew off, and a powerful Draugr tried to exit. I cut it down before it could.

From inside the sarcophagus, I retrieved The Dragonstone.

I inspected The Dragonstone, and then it was passed around. It eventually made its way back to me.

• Wulf: The symbol at the bottom is that of The Dragon Cult.
• Dae: The same symbol is above the Word Wall.
• Taku: They were Atmoran, weren’t they?
• Wulf: The first to arrive in Tamriel were. They soon grew in numbers and were led by the most potent Dragon Priests. During the Dragon War, most of them were killed. The survivors are responsible for the Dragon Mounds you see dotted around Skyrim. I don’t think they knew Alduin was tossed into the time stream. However, the construction of the Dragon Mounds suggests a belief that Alduin would return one day.
• Rigmor: And each Dragon Mound covers the skeleton of a slain dragon?
• Wulf: A dragon’s soul resides in its skeleton. If another dragon or I am the cause of death, the defeated dragon’s soul is absorbed. Alduin could not revive them, as their soul would no longer reside in the skeletons. So yes, the Dragon Mounds cover skeletons of slain dragons, but only those not killed by a Dragonborn or another dragon.
• Dae: In another riveting conversation, Wulf and I discussed the possibility of him transferring stored dragon souls back into their skeletons.
• Wulf: So, what do you think The Dragonstone is showing us?
• Ishen: The location of the Dragon Mounds.
• Wulf: Yes, and the writing on the back reads, ‘Het nok un mahlaan drogge erei suleyk se Alduin vokrii.’
• Ishen: I understood one word, which is ‘Alduin’.
• Wulf: Here lie our fallen lords until the power of Alduin revives.
• Ishen: The names of the dragons are not recorded.
• Dae: Not on The Dragonstone, but they are recorded in the Atlas of Dragons. Our copy is one of the few items that survived the destruction of Cloud Ruler Temple.
• Taku: Will we ever visit Sky Haven Temple?
• Wulf: I have been hesitant to do so as it may trigger something that tells the Greybeards, and now Alduin, that a dragonborn exists. Once that is known, we shall have to visit it. It may contain clues as to how Alduin was brought to ground and sent into the time stream.
• Rigmor: Silah said that Odour Thing might be gathering dragons in Hammerfell.
• Wulf: His name is Odahviing.
• Rigmor: Well, if I see him, I shall call him Odour Thing!
• Wulf: Not all the dragons we face will be revived by Alduin. I expect many more will have hidden until Alduin returns. The Dragonstone will let us keep track of his progress in reviving his comrades.
• Dae: And if we figure out how to bring him to the ground, we can prepare an ambush at the next Dragon Mound he will visit.
• Wulf: Odahviing likely knows where many dragons have hidden, not just in Hammerfell but all over Nirn. At the speed he can fly, and through the use of teleportation, he could probably visit all of them in less than a week.
• Ishen: Oh, good. I was starting to worry a new Dragon War would be over just as I was getting to enjoy it.
• Rigmor: Oh, poor Ishen. He is almost as weird as Wulf!
• Wulf: Let’s keep going. If this is like every other boring Nord barrow, it will have another way out that doesn’t require retracing steps.

A lone Draugr stood between us and fresh air.                            

We exited the barrow, and Night-Vision made it look like midday, even though it was nearly 11 PM.

I teleported us to Riverwood, and then we made our way to The Riverwood Trader.

Lucan was still behind his counter. Camilla was at her table.

• Wulf: I thought you would be locked up for the night, Lucan.
• Lucan: We were waiting for your return, so why not stay open?
• Wulf: Lucan Valerius, on behalf of The Explorer’s Guild, I am offering you 1500 septims for your gold dragon claw. A most generous offer, don’t you agree?
• Camilla: I swear, Lucan, if you try and barter with Lord Welkynd, you will wear your gonads as a neck ornament!
• Lucan: Ahh…yes…that is a most generous offer.
• Wulf: A wise decision, and because I am such a nice person, I will have our craftsman create a replica, not of solid gold, mind you, and have it couriered to you.
• Camilla: Rejoice, Lucan! You will have a stupid gold thing on the counter, not go to jail, and we shall not be bankrupt. Thank goodness some people have restored our faith in the laws of our mighty Empire by ignoring them.
• Lucan: What about the bandits and Draugr?
• Ishen: Lord Welkynd killed them all. We just watched and applauded.
• Lucan: All of them? By himself?
• Wulf: Nearly all of them, and I couldn’t have done it without their cheering and clapping.
• Dae: Do not forget when Rigmor sliced two Draugr in half with one swing!
• Taku: A mighty blow from a most impressive artist of the sword.
• Lucan: Oh.

I handed Lucan two rubies worth more than 1500 septims and said, “I don’t carry 30 pounds of septims with me. Those rubies are worth more than 1500 septims. Goodnight, Lucan and Camilla.”

I didn’t bother exiting the store before teleporting us to Aetheron. I have no doubt Lucan will be gossiping about today’s events to all who will listen. I want people to wonder who Lord Welkynd is. When I let the world know I am The Dragonborn of legend, people will accept it, and that will give them hope, because they have heard exaggerated stories about my achievements. My friends know of this tactic and don’t mind me taking all the credit for joint efforts.

Rigmor was exhausted, so we did not join the squad for a late supper.

When Rigmor approached in her underwear, I failed miserably in suppressing a laugh.

“What is so funny, Dragonbum?”

“The top half is nice and lacy. The bottom half looks like granny pants.”

“Not all women’s undergarments are designed to please the lustful thoughts of males.”

“Oh, those do a good job of suppressing mine, although I swear, I have not had lustful thoughts, even when you were draped over me.”

“How can I suppress lustful thoughts if you never had any? And why haven’t you? Am I ugly?”

“Rigmor, I am trying to be light-hearted.”

“Put a cross on your calendar, and twenty-eight days from now, give or take a day or two, refrain from being light-hearted in my presence.”

“Oh… now I understand. There is no need to explain further, my beloved. I can prepare potions if you suffer from cramping. It was one of the first things Mother taught me.”

“Good. Now lie down and let me be an octopus.”

“Yes, Lady Ramsbottom.”

Not long after, I fell asleep under a tangle of arms and legs.