Loredas, 30^th Last Seed, 4E 201

Rigmor wanted to see more of Skyrim, so I decided to take her to Helgen. I wanted to drop off some Juniper Berries for Vilod. His mead is a favourite amongst the Dragonguard.

Auryen also advised that a relic dealer was due to arrive in Helgen to conduct business.

I used my CORB to speak to my museum’s curator. He answered the annoying trilling within seconds.

“Good morning, Auryen.”

“Hello, Guild Master.”

“We investigated Bleak Falls Barrow, and there was one artifact from The Dragon Cult.”

“Was it The Dragonstone?”

“Yes, it was hidden behind a Puzzle Door, so I also have a golden claw.”

“So, the documents mentioning it were accurate. That makes a change! They are two excellent additions to the museum. I will have the plaques made ready for display.”

“Has Haskantoran Jodoen arrived?”

“He sent notice that he will be accepting offers on his goods from tomorrow, 8 AM. They will be on display in The Resting Pilgrim. I am positive he would allow you a private viewing before then. He can be a bit suspect on the source of his items, but I have found he has the occasional rare item worth procuring.”

“If Haskantoran can’t give me provenance, I won’t buy an item, no matter how enticing.”

“That is your prerogative, Guild Master. Haskantoran is an umpteenth-generation Breton peddler, so expect hard bargaining.”

“There might be many private collectors heading his way. I hate losing things that should be shared with the public to those attic-dwelling parasites!”

“Oh, I am sure they would purchase from Haskantoran one minute and then try to sell the item to you a minute later.”

“Have you had any luck finding Diamond Ridge Mine?”

“Every diamond mine in Tamriel is well documented and known. But a preliminary search has found no mine with that name, Guild Master.”

“Even if they used enslaved labour, an influx of diamonds from a hidden source would destabilise the market.”

“The name might not be a true indication of its purpose.”

“That is a possibility. I know you have not found any authoritative information on how the Ancient Tongues defeated Alduin.”

“There are a million pieces of conjecture. Take your pick!”

“Paarthurnax believes, and so does Silah, that the doing erased it from time. Even the Ancient Tongues have no recollection of what they did. The Time Wound at The Throat of The World still exists even though Alduin has returned. I am not looking forward to studying it, as anything that interferes with Sequential Time nauseates me.”

“I have been investigating a potential site of Jurgen Windcaller relics.”

“Oh, how exciting!”

“Haha. I think you and the Greybeards will butt heads.”

“I show respect for people’s beliefs, even if they are blasphemous. You must admire people who dedicate their entire life to worshipping bollocks.”

“Equating The Way of The Voice with bull testicles could be considered blasphemy.”

“Bollocks!”

“Are you taking Kharjo? Haskantoran might pay you to take his stock after Kharjo has finished bartering.”

“No, I am not taking Kharjo, but I have been watching him and learning. Ri’saad still runs circles around me, but any non-Khajiiti is at my mercy.”

“I look forward to cataloguing and displaying the Hoard of Helgen.”

“Always the optimist. I will see you soon, Auryen.”

I summoned Khao’s squad, the Ka’Po’Tun, which includes Shiva, Dhali and P’sua.

I warned, “Tilar has likely placed his New Order goons at the main entrance of every city, town and village. I think Baa’Ren-Dar’s estimate of one hundred troops was far too low. So, when we come out of the ether, be prepared. I am always at a disadvantage for a second or two as the spell completes. Therefore, I rely on my friends to keep me safe.”

As soon as we appeared from the ether, a New Order squad attacked. They died in seconds.

As I searched the corpses for orders or other useful items, a large group of bounty hunters tried to reach Rigmor.

We cut them down, with Shiva giving a free demonstration of dual-wielding techniques.

I grumbled, “Twenty people we have cut down within minutes of arriving.”

Dhali observed, “The last time we visited, the battlements were covered in Falkreath guards.”

“Perhaps they have been recalled to Falkreath. But there is something wrong. Helgen is a lively place, yet it is dead quiet.”

When I pushed open the gates, a New Order goon’s head rolled past me.

Helgen usually flies Falkreath flags, yet all I could see were Empire flags and banners.

There was no sign of Falkreath guards, just legionnaires. I approached one.

“Excuse me, soldier. I am…”

“You are Lord Welkynd, and you want to know what is happening.”

“Yes.”

“All I know is that we were asked to secure Helgen. Nobody is trusted, not even the Falkreath guards. General Tullius is escorting somebody of importance here. Who, I do not know. Most of the residents are a fair way up the road, expecting some grand parade to pass by.”

“So, you are on mushroom duty.”

“Hahaha!”

“Thank you for the assistance, soldier.”

Not surprisingly, the local Ulfric supporter was nowhere to be seen.

• Wulf: Jacob Stout-Tongue is Helgen’s main chicken farmer. He is also a very vocal supporter of Ulfric.
• Shiva: Well, he isn’t attending his chickens at the moment.
• Dhali: He is probably hiding under his bed, waiting for a Legionnaire to kick his door down.
• Wulf: People can support Ulfric verbally up to a point, and no action will be taken against them.
• P’sua: Are his chickens rooting for Ulfric? Perhaps we take a couple and interrogate them over a fire.
• Khao: In my experience, headless chickens with a skewer up their arse tend to be difficult to interrogate.
• P’sua: We could hold a séance.
• Dhali: Do you support the traitor, Ulfric Stormcloak?
• Shiva: Cluck…cluck, cluck cluck….
• Dhali: Then I find you guilty of insurrection and sentence you to be basted and roasted.
• Rigmor: Dragonbum.
• Wulf: Yes, Lady Ivanitchy Ramsbottom.
• Rigmor: What is mushroom duty? I sometimes struggle with your weird Roscrean sayings.
• P’sua: That is not from Roscrea, Rigmor. Mushrooms are kept in the dark and fed bullshit.
• Rigmor: Oh, so they have been told to guard Helgen but do not know why.
• P’sua: They know that Tullius is escorting somebody, but that is all.
• Rigmor: And if they asked an officer, they would get fed bullshit.
• Wulf: Sometimes, asking such a question can be regarded as insubordination.
• Rigmor: I know the Jarl is an ass, but why wouldn’t they trust Falkreath guards?
• Wulf: Apply some logic, Rigmor. What is the difference between a legionnaire and a Hold’s guards?
• Rigmor: Ahh, the uniform?
• Wulf: Who do legionnaires and guards swear allegiance to?
• Rigmor: Legionnaires swear allegiance to The Empire. Guards swear allegiance to their Jarl.
• Wulf: General Tullius can trust legionnaires. That same level of trust cannot be bestowed upon a Hold’s guards.
• Rigmor: Even though Jarl Ass is on the side of The Empire, his guards are suspect.
• Wulf: It is far easier to be a sleeper agent amongst guards than legionnaires. Also, Tullius is one of the three New Order priority targets. I am sure he has been told that.
• Rigmor: Therefore, it is a wise precaution.
• Wulf: Yes.
• Khao: I wonder who he is escorting?
• Wulf: We can ask some locals, and if they do not know, I will ask Vayu to snoop for us. It would be good to have that information before Tullius and his guest reach Helgen.

I saw Ingrid standing in the middle of the main street, looking puzzled.

When we approached, she asked, “Lord Welkynd, do you know what this Imperial convoy is all about?”

“General Tullius is escorting somebody to Helgen. Who that is, I do not know. You look concerned about it.”

“A lot of Imperial troops arrived an hour ago and went into the keep. I saw a headsman amongst them.”

“I wouldn’t be too concerned. Helgen is known to be almost one hundred per cent loyal to The Empire. There is only one exception who should be worried.”

“Yes, you’re right. Why would The Empire execute anybody in Helgen anyway? They like to make a spectacle of traitors in Solitude or The Imperial City. There is not much of an audience here for their barbarity.”

“Executions should be done out of public view. Otherwise, it is no different from the arena executions of old. You attract those who like violence, not justice.”

“Well. I will sit inside the inn and ignore whatever is happening.”

“Good idea. We shall probably head there soon.”

We did a quick tour of Helgen, observing the number and placement of Imperial troops.

As we headed for The Resting Pilgrim, Vilod approached us.

“Ahh, Vilod. I have something for you.”

I retrieved one hundred Juniper Berries from Cethnelor. To Vilod, they seemed to have appeared from thin air.

I handed the still gaping Vilod the Juniper Berries and said, “One hundred ripe Juniper Berries as promised.”

“Thank The Divines. Now I can make another batch of my mead. It has been hard since that traitor Jacob refused to sell his crop to ‘Imperial lapdogs’.”

“Your mead has become a favourite at my estates, so you keep making it, and I’ll keep buying it.”

“Well, I should have a few barrels in a fortnight with these berries.”

“I will visit and purchase a few dozen bottles.”

“Wonderful, I won’t have to beg on the streets! That can get embarrassing.”

“The town is too quiet today.”

“Word spread that a large Imperial convoy is on its way. Many of the townsfolk are lining the road to cheer them on.”

“I wonder if Jacob will join the celebration?”

“He will probably hide inside, worried that they are rounding up rebel sympathisers.”

“Legionnaires don’t let doors stop them, Vilod.”

“It is not like we are a neutral Hold like Whiterun. Why doesn’t he run off to Windhelm if Ulfric is such a hero?”

“There is no logic behind a lot of his support, Vilod. Ulfric’s grab for power kills far more Talos worshippers than The Thalmor.”

“True. Anyway, I had better take the berries and get brewing. I would hate for your estates to run out of my mead!”

As Vilod headed for his house, Rigmor said, “Servant, I expect some Juniper Berry mead and a platter of sweetmeats when we return to my palace.”

“Yes, Lady Ramsbottom. Is that before or after I massage your feet?”

“During, you dolt! It is so hard to find good help nowadays.”

“Am I to feed the berries to you whilst my hands are covered in oil and have touched your large, smelly feet?”

The group laughed, but I am sure we all felt a sense of unease. The quiet of Helgen was unnatural.

Gunnar Stone-Eye, Imperial Army veteran and now Helgen’s blacksmith, came up to me.

“Good morning, Legate Stone-Eye.”

“Good morning to you, Lord Welkynd. The young ones who arrived this morning ignore my thirty years as a field commander. To them, I am salts.”

“Do you think they know something but are not telling you?”

“Perhaps, or am I being a grumpy old man and they are genuinely ignorant of what is happening?”

“I think some people in the keep know. The soldiers wandering the roads of Helgen do not.”

“If I stick my nose in the keep door, what do you think will happen?”

“They are likely to put you in a cell till their business here is over.”

“I did see a young captain enter the keep. I do not think a smile has crossed her face in years. The type of officer who can curdle milk with a single stare.”

“I know you spent the entire Great War leading Legionnaires into battle and have earned a level of respect. But I ask that you put yourself in their shoes, Legate. You faced Dominion forces. The young soldiers here will be facing friends, neighbours and even family in battle. Therefore, I am willing to show tolerance and understanding.”

“You are right, Lord Welkynd. They have far more to worry about than recognising the status of a retired Legate.”

“It is likely that lifelong friends have opposing forces facing each other across an invisible boundary. Both are hoping the other does not cross an imaginary line and force a clash. I think that is the status all across Skyrim.”

“That is a scenario to give me nightmares. I am glad I am retired.”

“Okay, salts, find a good vantage point to watch the pretty soldiers do whatever they will be doing.”

 “They will likely be trying to avoid eye contact with the captain.”

When we entered The Resting Pilgrim, Hamming, the barkeep’s son, was warming himself near the fire.

• Wulf: Good morning, Hamming.
• Hamming: Did you see all the soldiers, Lord Welkynd?
• Wulf: Yes, and they are from different regiments. I think they were hand-picked for whatever they are doing.
• Hamming: I counted seven different uniforms and four different shields.
• Wulf: You have met my Ka’Po’Tun friends before, but not Lady Ramsbottom.
• Hamming: Hello, Lady Ramsbottom.
• Rigmor: Good morning to you, Hamming. How come you are not with the other villagers?
• Hamming: Papa says the parade or whatever is coming here, so why wear out good shoe leather?
• Rigmor: That is very sensible. You have a nice balcony to watch from.
• Hamming: I had better get back to my chores before Mama has kittens.
• Rigmor: Haha. I have not heard that saying in years.

As Hamming found a broom and started sweeping, I spoke to his mother, Matlara.

“Can you tell me why my regulars are outside and up the road gawking at soldiers, Lord Welkynd?”

“They are showing their support for our troops, Matlara. So far, the civil war has barely touched Falkreath Hold, but that will change when things get serious. Lots of soldiers are dying, but no major battles have taken place. Falkreath is where supplies and reinforcements arrive from Cyrodiil. I expect it will be fought over vigorously. Ulfric knows that if he loses the first big battle, half his army will desert. After all, The Divines are on his side, aren’t they?”

“So Ulfric claims. What do you think?”

“I know they are not on his side. I know Lord Talos does not want people to fight over their right to worship him. There is no need because people hold Lord Talos and the other Divines in their hearts. They do not just exist in amulets, shrines, or temples. You can worship any of them through simple prayer at any time.”

“So, it is just the public display of worship that is suppressed?”

“Correct.”

“You are always fascinating to talk to. Are you here to see Haskantoran and purchase items for your museum?”

“Yes.”

“That little runt cannot keep his hands to himself!”

“Is Haskantoran a groper?”

“Only my arse because he is short and can’t reach my tits! If Torolf saw his touchy-feelys, he would be shorter by a head!”

“I have never met him, but Breton merchants are, forgive the generalisation, not the most reputable of people. Khajiiti merchants, including the Baandari, will drive hard bargains but enjoy a barter session even if they feel defeated. Every Breton merchant I have dealt with takes it as a personal insult and sulks.”

“Well, a Legionnaire came in here and said all traffic along the main road has been halted, so I doubt the little bottom pincher will be here anytime soon.”

“If Haskantoran is so repugnant, why allow him to set up shop in here?”

“He pays us a percentage of his takings. Therefore, I will put up with him, for now. But I did warn him last time that if he dares to touch me again, he will leave here minus a few teeth.”

“I think you need cheering up. How about if I sing a few songs?”

“The Dragonguard outnumber the paying customers.”

“I will sing to lighten your mood, Matlara.”

“Well, I cannot argue with that.”

“I will start in a minute or two.”

I walked into one of the rooms for rent and summoned Vayu.

“Yes, Wulf?”

“General Tullius is headed to Helgen. I do not know why. Please head out of the main gate, past the dead New Order goons and bounty hunters, and see if you can find out what is happening. Take your squad with you, as I have a gut feeling.”

“One of those gut feelings?”

“Usually, I have an idea what information my intuition is working with. Right now, I sense something dark is about to happen, but I have no idea why or what.”

“General Tullius is one of the three targets of the New Order. Perhaps he is in grave danger?”

“I do not know, Vayu.”

“Okay, I will talk to you soon.”

Vayu vanished. I retrieved one of my lutes from Cethnelor and entertained Matlara, my friends, and the few patrons who entered the inn.

After four songs, Vayu and his squad entered.

I cautioned, “Speak Tsaesci, Vayu.”

“General Tullius is minutes away. He has captured Ulfric Stormcloak and is bringing him to Helgen for execution.”

“That would explain the paranoid precautions.”

“First Emissary Elenwen is waiting for Tullius inside the main gate.”

“Squads, remain near the town centre but spread out. We do not want to make the guards paranoid.”

“How’s your intuition now?”

“I cannot explain it, Vayu. Something is wrong, very wrong, but I have no idea what. It is not a gut feeling or even intuition. It is a certainty, and it is my sense of Sequential Time that is telling me this.”

“Okay, perhaps we can discuss this further when we have some clues. For now, we shall wait outside and await Tullius.”

The two squads left the inn.

Rigmor whispered, “What is happening, Wulf? You are scared!”

“General Tullius, First Emissary Elenwen and Ulfric Stormcloak are soon going to be together in Helgen. We can be on alert, but without an idea of the danger I sense, we are at a disadvantage.”

“Not knowing is what frightens you.”

“A sense of dread without explanation is what frightens me, Rigmor. When we leave the inn, you must listen to me. If I tell you to do something, there is no time for debate.”

“Okay.”

Just then, Hamming burst into the inn and woke his father from a nap.

When Torolf shook off his drowsiness, the boy said, “Papa, Mama, come outside and see the soldiers! General Tullius leads them, and there are Stormcloak prisoners and even some fancy-looking Thalmor!”

Torolf replied, “Calm down, Son. Let’s stand on the balcony and see what this is all about. You are not to leave the balcony!”

“Okay.”

We followed Hamming outside.

In the time we were inside The Resting Pilgrim, Helgen had been transformed into a town under martial law. Legionnaires lined the streets.

A headsman’s block had been placed in the town square. Three pilgrims and a guard were heading for the exit, no doubt concerned about the town’s atmosphere.

Rigmor commented, “You would think they would start with a clean block!”

We heard the main gates open, and an officer yelled, “The headsman is ready, General Tullius.”

The general replied, “Good, we shall get this show started soon enough.”

Rigmor and I rushed to the gates.

General Tullius faced Elenwen. Both were on horseback. Carriages carrying prisoners entered Helgen.

• Elenwen: General Tullius, stop! By the authority given to me by The Dominion and White-Gold Concordat, I’m taking custody of these prisoners.
• Tullius: I guessed that you wouldn’t want to miss an execution, First Emissary Elenwen. I would love to know how you learned of this little party since it was planned in secret.
• Elenwen: We all have our spies, General Tullius.
• Tullius: Care to explain the dead Thalmor outside the gates?
• Elenwen: I know nothing of them. We used the other entrance.
• Wulf: Excuse me, General Tullius.
• Tullius: Yes, Lord Welkynd.
• Wulf: They were sent to kill Rigmor of Bruma. Unfortunately for them, she is under my protection. The dozen deceased bounty hunters near them also had the same idea.
• Tullius: The Concordat does not allow the murder of our citizens, Emissary.
• Wulf: Those troops were not under First Emissary Elenwen’s command, General Tullius.
• Tullius: I have been briefed, Lord Welkynd. Please discuss the situation with me later.
• Wulf: As you wish.
• Tullius: Rigmor, your aunt will be pleased to know you are safe.
• Rigmor: This disguise has not fooled a single person, Wulf!
• Tullius: As the First Emissary Elenwen said, we all have our spies.
• Wulf: Forgive me for the interruption, General.
• Tullius: I am sure, First Emissary Elenwen, that you are well acquainted with my guest, Ulfric Stormcloak, Jarl of Windhelm. He was once a candidate for Skyrim’s throne but is now a traitor of the Empire. There is another unsubstantiated rumour that you knew him during The Great War and made promises about Markarth that you failed to honour. That inevitably led to this mess, which benefits nobody but The Dominion.
• Elenwen: I remind you again of my authority as given by His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Titus Mede II.
• Tullius: If you want Ulfric alive, you’ll have to take him by force! You can complain to His Imperial Majesty later, and I will write a humble apology. I must advise that if Lord Welkynd is here, Dragonguard are as well.
• Elenwen: You’re making a terrible mistake!
• Tullius: I will end this rebellion here and now, rightfully in my position as Legion General.
• Elenwen: Your Emperor will hear of this. By the terms of the White-Gold Concordat, I operate with full Imperial authority!
• Tullius: Yes, you can keep repeating that as much as you like. It won’t halt the axe or Ulfric’s head from rolling. Now, if you don’t mind, I have duties elsewhere.

We walked past Elenwen, and I could see she was seething.

The second carriage contained Ulfric.

Lieutenant Hadvar, nephew of Riverwood’s blacksmith, Alvor, brought up the rear of the procession.

He noticed me and whispered, “It is good to see you, Lord Welkynd. There is quite a tale to Ulfric’s capture. Perhaps we can share a mead or two when I am off duty.”

“Does your uncle know you still breathe?”

“I last wrote to him a month ago. I shall visit him as soon as I can.”

“I will let you concentrate on your duty, Hadvar.”

The Falkreath militia allowed the pilgrims to exit after General Tullius ordered them to do so.

The Dragonguard were discreetly watching from vantage points throughout Helgen. I was tempted to summon more squads. However, I refused to surrender to my seemingly irrational fear.

An Imperial headsman and Priestess of Arkay stood at the ready.

I pointed to Ulfric and told Rigmor, “That scary person with the bear claw boots is Ulfric Stormcloak.”

“Haha, he is bound, gagged and sitting next to a Khajiiti. How embarrassing!”

A very loud but young Imperial Captain yelled, “Get these prisoners out of the carts. Move it!”

Rigmor commented, “That must be the milk curdler that old man mentioned.”

Torolf ordered Hamming inside. A child does not need to witness public executions.

I advised Rigmor, “You do not have to watch, but I need you close to me.”

“I would never leave your side when I can feel your fear, Wulf.”

The bound prisoners disembarked, seeming resigned to their fate.

The bossy Captain yelled, “Step towards the block when we call your name. One at a time.”

I didn’t think any prisoners would try to jump the queue. The captain was trying to impress General Tullius by being loud and annoying.

Hadvar stood next to the captain and called out the prisoners’ names. He checked each one on a list as the prisoners trundled past. Another legionnaire did the same on, I presume, an identical list. You must admire Imperial efficiency even if The Empire might be buried under bureaucratic paperwork one day.

Ulfric walked by me, and I laughed at his armour. Bear claws on his boots! It is the sort of thing children wear for bedtime slippers.

Hadvar called out, “Lokir of Rorikstead.”

Lokir yelled, “No, I’m not a rebel. You can’t do this!”

Lokir ran straight past the captain and Hadvar and headed towards the entrance. It was locked after Hadvar entered, so there was no escape.

The captain yelled, “Halt!”

Lokir ignored her and kept running. He yelled, “You’re not going to kill me!”

The captain barked, “Archers!”

Lokir ran swiftly, but he made the fatal mistake of not weaving. Two Imperial Legion archers aimed and let their arrows fly.

Lokir screamed when the arrows embedded in his back with an audible thump. He pivoted and fell, dead before his face hit the ground.

I suspect the proceedings were not lawful. Did these prisoners have a trial with attorneys to represent them? We are no better than Thalmor if we ignore the laws of The Empire.

I asked, loud enough for Tullius to hear, “Have these men had a trial?”

The captain barked, “Shut up or leave the area!”

Hadvar told her, “Captain Ariorta, Lord Welkynd is a well-respected citizen and has every right to ask that question.”

Captain Ariorta growled, “Lieutenant Hadvar, this town is under martial law. I don’t give a toss about who the civilians are right now. They are required to do as instructed, no matter how rude they deem the delivery of those instructions. Now get on with it!”

Hadvar shook his head. His body language made it apparent he had no respect for the captain. He looked at his list, turned a few pages, and then asked the Khajiiti in front of him, “What is your name?”

The Khajiiti replied, “This one is Drosava Anaihn.”

I whispered to Rigmor, “I know Drosava. He is a buyer for Ri’saad and a vital member of his caravans.”

Hadvar ticked his name, and Drosava headed for the block.

I asked as he passed me, “Did you commit a crime, Drosava?”

“Yes. Khajiit stole items from our caravan and sold them to Stormcloaks. This one is guilty, Lord Welkynd, of betraying Ri’saad’s trust. Let this one accept his fate quietly.”

“What should I tell Ri’saad?”

“The truth. Khajiit is ashamed and apologises to Ri’saad.”

When the last prisoner had been ticked off the list, Captain Ariorta headed towards the block.

General Tullius showed great courage and ordered Ulfric’s gag removed.

After Ulfric was free to speak, General Tullius spoke.

“Ulfric Stormcloak. Some in Skyrim call you a hero. You are a veteran warrior. High King Torygg was an unblooded youth. But you were cowardly in your deceitful challenge and broke your sacred traditions by using The Voice to win the contest. A hero doesn’t murder his king and usurp his throne. I have removed your gag, so what is your defence?”

Ulric replied, “You are not the one who will judge me. When I am welcomed into Sovngarde, my actions will be seen as just and correct. You will regret making me a martyr.”

“You started this war, plunged Skyrim into chaos, and now The Empire will put you down and restore the peace. Martyr, you may be to some, but your rebellion will stall, and your disillusioned followers will return to relieved families, ashamed they believed your lies.”

Tullius nodded, and Ulfric’s gag was put back into position.

A roar echoed, and everyone immediately looked to the sky.

It was the roar of a dragon and a challenge to all comers.

“What was that?” asked Hadvar.

General Tullius turned towards the captain and said, “It is nothing to concern us. Carry on!”

I decided to let the Greybeards know I existed. I used the Thu’um and said, “THAT WAS A DRAGON ISSUING A CHALLENGE. I ADVISE YOU FIND COVER WHILE YOU CAN.”

Captain Ariorta exclaimed, “What an idiot! There is no such thing as dragons.”

“I just used The Voice, Captain Ariorta. An ignorant person such as yourself would not believe that exists either.”

General Tullius intervened, “You may be right, Lord Welkynd, but this necessity cannot be delayed. Undoubtedly, since Elenwen knows of our intentions, Stormcloaks in numbers will be heading this way. Captain, continue.”

Captain Ariorta shoved her nose further up the general’s backside, saluted, then said, “Yes, General Tullius!”

She turned to the Priestess of Arkay and ordered her to administer the prisoners’ last rites. A priestess is not a soldier. The captain should have asked, not ordered.

The priestess said, “As we commend your souls to Aetherius, blessings of the Eight Divines upon you, for you are the salt and earth of Nirn, our beloved….”

I was about to correct the priestess and proclaim the existence of Nine Divines. However, the actions of a condemned Stormcloak and Rigmor, who grabbed my arm, stopped me from doing so.

I turned to my beloved, who whispered, “Concentrate on what matters, Wulf. Many of the civilians believed you and have left.”

I replied, “They do not want to see this barbarism, and wooden buildings will not save them!”

A young Stormcloak who came striding up to the block stopped and said, “For the love of Talos, everybody shut up and let’s get this over with.”

The priestess looked at the Stormcloak, then at General Tullius, who nodded. Then she said, “As you wish.”

The Stormcloak shuffled closer to the block, demanding, “Come on, I haven’t got all morning!”

That comment was met with much laughter from everyone except Rigmor, me, and my least favourite captain.

The Stormcloak knelt.

Then Captain Ariorta used her foot to bend him.

He laughed and said, “No need, Imperial, I will bend before the block, but not your oppression.”

He placed his head in position. Hadvar stood before the block. Captain Ariorta sheepishly removed her foot, and the Imperial Headsman got a good grip on his axe.

The condemned man said, “My ancestors are smiling upon me, Imperials. Can you say the same?”

The headsman lifted his axe high. Blood already covered the wicked blade.

The instrument of death came down with an audible thump and ended the mortal life of the young Stormcloak. He is in for a shock when he reaches Sovngarde. He might end up in Alduin’s gullet.

Rigmor gasped, and her horror was transmitted via Tirlineth. We might disembowel, chop off limbs or decapitate in battle, but none of that prepares you for the horror of an execution.

The Stormcloak’s head landed neatly in a wooden crate placed before the block. I hope Hadvar keeps track of which head is which. They will need several crates to cater for them all.

The Stormcloak’s body stayed in place for a couple of seconds, which was too long for Captain Ariorta. She unceremoniously pushed it with her foot. It fell to the side, blood still pumping as the heart did not realise it inhabited a corpse.

A sole voice, that of Jacob, yelled, “You Imperial Bastards!”

I will give him credit. That took courage that I didn’t think he had. He must have emerged from hiding when he realised the Imperials were not in Helgen to arrest him.

Jeers and taunts answered him from other Helgen citizens still watching the pantomime.

Captain Ariorta yelled, “You, cat, you’re next. Step up to the block!”

The Priestess of Arkay did not know how to farewell Drosava, so I spoke up as he walked with dignity towards his death. I used a small bit of Thu’um to ensure all heard my words.

“Drosava Anaihn, I do not know the road your soul will walk, but I know it is not mine to close it.

May Khenarthi lift you from this cold place on a warm wind.

May Jone and Jode shine above you, so you are not lost in the dark.

May Azurah see the true shape of you, not only the worst hour of your life.

May Alkosh judge the span of your days with wisdom, and may mercy stand beside justice.

If there is sorrow in you, let it be spoken now.

If there is regret, let it be known.

If there is courage left, hold it.

You leave Nirn as a child of the moons.

Walk softly, and may the sands remember your name.”

Drosava replied, “Khajiit is sorry he betrayed Ri’saad and regrets actions that encourage further persecution of Khajiiti. This one’s courage has never wavered. Thank you, Lord Welkynd.”

Drosava knelt and then placed his head in position on the block. Captain Ariorta wisely kept her feet away this time.

I don’t know if the headsman started his backswing. Another roar, louder and closer than before, echoed throughout the town of Helgen, then three words, spoken in a deep, powerful baritone voice, followed soon after.

“ZU’U LOST DAAL!”

I have returned!

That proclamation was for me. No one, apart from some of the Dragonguard, would understand Dovahzul.

I used my Thu’um, stronger than before, and said, “THAT IS ALDUIN, THE WORLD EATER. RUN, GET UNDER COVER! NOT WOOD, BUT STONE! THE DEEPER, THE BETTER. RUN!”

Captain Ariorta exclaimed, “Alduin is a myth, like all dragons!”

General Tullius pointed to the sky and said, “Then that is a mighty big bird, Captain Ariorta!”

Everybody gasped as Alduin approached. Some civilians took the hint and ran. The Legionnaires unsheathed their weapons while the Imperial Battlemages prepared spells and staves.

Alduin landed on a tower and stared at me.

He, too, used the Thu’um to ensure everybody heard him.

“WE MEET AGAIN, DOVAHKIIN. I APPRECIATE THE BOUNTY TO WHICH YOU HAVE LED ME. YOU LOOK CONFUSED. DID YOU EXPECT ME TO SPEAK IN DOVAHZUL? NO, I WANT EVERYBODY TO KNOW THAT YOUR PRESENCE LED TO THE DESTRUCTION OF HELGEN. WHEREVER YOU GO, DEATH WILL FOLLOW. MY LOYAL BROTHERS WILL ENSURE THAT NO PLACE IS SAFE.”

Alduin believes we have met before. He can track me, but how? And I thought he would still be in Sovngarde for longer.

I replied, “IT IS ME YOU NEED TO CONQUER, ALDUIN. LET US TAKE THE FIGHT ELSEWHERE. THERE IS NO NEED FOR THESE PEOPLE TO BE HARMED.”

“AH, BUT THINK OF THE BOUNTY THAT WILL AWAIT ME IN SOVNGARDE, DOVAHKIIN. BESIDES, I REALISE NOW WHY YOU ARE CONFUSED. WHO KNOWS WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF YOU DIE TODAY? I WOULD GUESS A DRAGON BREAK, AND THEY HAVE A WAY OF SPOILING PLANS. NO, TIME IS UNPREDICTABLE, AND I NEED TO THINK MORE ABOUT POSSIBLE OUTCOMES. STILL, YOU CAN WATCH AS THOSE AROUND YOU DIE.”

I said, “Run, Rigmor. Into one of the towers. Go!”

It was too late as Alduin’s Thu’um thundered.

“FUS RO”

As everybody in the cone of effect was smashed by Unrelenting Force, including Rigmor, my logical mind said, “Alduin only used two Words of Power. He wanted you knocked over, not dead.”

Everything started to fade in and out. I reached out to Rigmor via Tirlineth. She was many feet away, uninjured.

I heard her curse, “You, Alduin, are dead meat!”

Alduin’s Thu’um thundered once more.

“JIID SO DAAN”

I could not open my eyes, or perhaps I had but was blind.

• Wulf: Rigmor, that bastard just created a meteor storm!
• Rigmor: Giant rocks are smashing into the buildings and squishing people out in the open.
• Vayu: Come, Rigmor, I will teleport you and Wulf into Aetheron.
• Silah: No, Vayu, Lord Talos says they must come to Valdr’s Aetherius Room.
• Rigmor: More dragons are here!
• Silah: They are Valdr’s friends and will try to keep Alduin occupied.
• Vayu: Go with Silah, Rigmor. We shall help whom we can.
• Silah: Let the darkness come, Valdr. Sequential Time is your enemy.
• Wulf: Rigmor, I love you!
• Rigmor: I love you.

I welcomed the darkness.

Then I sat up quickly and regretted my haste as the room spun, and I felt like vomiting.

Father’s gentle voice advised, “Take it easy, Son. Your mind and soul have had a hard time of it.”

I sat still and asked, “Helgen?”

“Nothing wooden was left standing. The towers seem intact. Imperial troops and your friends saved many. Still, the casualties are high.”

Rigmor added, “You take me to the best places, Wulf. Executions, World Eaters, and now Aetherius. I cannot imagine what you could do to top that.”

Father helped me stand and then escorted me to a table.

• Wulf: My friends?
• Talos: They are all healthy and being lauded as The Heroes of Helgen. Your friends risked their lives as they led or carried the frightened and injured to safety. Alduin was incensed and destroyed tunnels two stories below ground under solid masonry. Fortunately, they were not the main route being used. After your friends cleared spiders and aggressive bears, about thirty civilians sheltered, untouchable by Alduin, for several hours.
• Silah: Myself, Nahfahlaar, Krahzunmaar and Jormungandr harassed Alduin whenever he landed. That hurt enough that he was reduced to the occasional strafing run while we mocked him.
• Talos: Another dragon, we do not know who, did not attack Helgen. However, he killed the citizens and the escorting troops waiting to enter the town.
• Wulf: Tullius?
• Silah: Vayu teleported him to safety. The Imperial Battle Mages joined in the harassment of Alduin. Many Legionnaires, including Hadvar, who your friends said you knew, helped evacuate the civilians.
• Wulf: Ulfric?
• Silah: After Alduin returned to Sovngarde, I did some scouting. First Emissary Elenwen was escorting Ulfric.
• Rigmor: I briefly visited Aetheron and spoke to Vayu. He said there were many Stormcloaks in the tunnels and the old fort below Helgen. They attacked the legionnaires aiding the civilians and were killed.
• Wulf: Tullius was right. They were planning a rescue of Ulfric.
• Silah: Granite ordered his squad like the legendary commander he is. It did not take long for people to realise they were Dragonguard. Several people owe their lives to their strength.
• Talos: Son, you can get more details from your friends later. There are things we need to discuss.
• Wulf: Do you know what Alduin claimed?
• Talos: He claimed you led him to Helgen, which is true. But you weren’t to know, and even The Nine were unaware of that possibility. Alduin tracked you because you left a ripple in time when you came out of the ethereal plane and into Mundus.
• Silah: Like a spider detects movement in its web, Alduin detected an anomaly in Sequential Time when you exited the ethereal plane. He recognised the anomaly as you.
• Wulf: Why would I leave a signature like that?
• Silah: For the same reason that I urged you to accept the darkness and why we brought you to Aetherius.
• Wulf: I am confused. Alduin says I have met him before, and he seemed concerned about causing a Dragon Break.
• Silah: You will meet him in the distant past, except that, due to Sequential Time, you haven’t done so yet. That is why you caused a time anomaly.
• Rigmor: When they explained that to me, I almost upchucked as much as you.
• Wulf: Have I been upchucking?
• Silah: Think of the dizziest you have ever been and multiply that by a hundred. Yes, Valdr, you have been vomiting.
• Wulf: Alduin and I are on the Primary Timeline. If I met him in the past, and I died before doing so, that might cause a Dragon Break.
• Silah: The triggering of a Dragon Break would depend on how crucial that meeting was to the integrity of this timeline. For instance, if you were to go back in time and provide the Ancient Tongues with new information that allowed them to defeat Alduin, that has to occur for this timeline, as it is, to be.
• Rigmor: I am getting giddy again.
• Wulf: If Alduin is unsure how and where the Ancient Tongues learned the knowledge to defeat him, he would be wary of killing me before I travel back in time. That is why he only used a weaker Unrelenting Force Shout.
• Talos: Alduin has the advantage of knowing the context of that meeting. Your death before that meeting could cause a Dragon Break in infinite scenarios. There are infinite scenarios where it wouldn’t. We now have a rough idea of when it was. Logic tells us where it was.
• Wulf: Does this support Paarthurnax’s claim that in the very doing, the Tongues erased the knowledge of it from time itself?
• Silah: Yes, Valdr, and the Time Wound resulted from that erasure.
• Wulf: Normally, I could figure this out logically. But at the moment, I cannot. So, please, explain.
• Silah: A period of time has been snipped away from this, the Primary Timeline. When I look back, there is a gap. We believe that gap has manifested itself as the Time Wound, the Tiid Ahraan.
• Wulf: So now you know to when I go.
• Rigmor: Wow. That sentence made sense!
• Silah: You go back in time to the day Alduin was thrown into the time-stream.
• Wulf: Logically, the place we meet would be The Throat of the World, where the Ancient Tongues fought Alduin.
• Silah: I had not studied the Time Wound for centuries. Only after examining it again after the attack on Helgen did I discover a sliver of time was missing.
• Talos: The logical conclusion is that Alduin’s revelation that you had met in the past altered the Time Wound.
• Silah: You tried to figure out how Alduin’s claim could be true. Your sensitivity to Sequential Time and that revelation caused so much confusion that your subconscious decided you should faint. You fought that impulse till I spoke to you.
• Wulf: You brought me here, where my sensitivity to Sequential time is suppressed, so that when I woke, there would be no confusion.
• Rigmor: That sounds correct, even though I barely comprehend what you have been discussing.
• Talos: It is correct, Rigmor. Now Valdr understands what happened and why, he is no longer in danger of repeating the process.
• Rigmor: If the Time Wound is a missing splinter of time, why hasn’t it caused a Dragon Break?
• Wulf: The missing part of the Primary Timeline still exists. However, it is not where it is supposed to be.
• Rigmor: I shall put that down as gobbledegook. You said something exists, so I shall accept that and not harm my brain by trying to understand it all.
• Silah: A wise choice.
• Wulf: I need to be able to teleport.
• Talos: Once we knew what to look for, the solution was easy. I have placed a dweomer on your amulet. As long as you wear it, you will not leave a signature for Alduin to trace.
• Rigmor: Lord Talos also placed a dweomer on my amulet. I can now visit here without dying!
• Wulf: How long was I unconscious?
• Rigmor: A day, but we shall arrive back in Aetheron not long after Vayu and the other Dragonguard returned.
• Wulf: Time was altered here.
• Silah: Yes, but since time here is not part of Lord Akatosh’s Sequential Time, your mind ignored it.
• Rigmor: There they go again. I think I am starting to understand, but then they hurt my brain.
• Wulf: Gobbledegook, Rigmor.
• Rigmor: What now?
• Wulf: I assume General Tullius will speak to Jarl Elisif. Vayu would have emphasised the need to get civilians to safety first, then fight the dragons.
• Rigmor: Vayu said a warning, with those instructions, will be sent by courier to each capital, town and village.
• Silah: Krahzunmaar reported Mirmulnir flying around Whiterun not long ago. That should be your priority.
• Wulf: Mirmulnir has not been seen for nearly two hundred years.
• Silah: He may have been one of the first Alduin allies that Odahviing recruited from Hammerfell.
• Wulf: Krahzunmaar would be too powerful for Mirmulnir to pose a danger to him. But I do not expect Alduin’s allies to fight fairly or one-on-one.
• Talos: I advise caution with Krahzunmaar, Son. He has little control once battle lust takes over.
• Wulf: All our precautions were for naught. The first time I teleported after Alduin emerged from the Time Wound, he knew I was here.
• Silah: He would not have known when he first arrived or while he was in Sovngarde. If you teleported while he was raising Odahviing, then he would have known.
• Talos: He has found a way to slip in and out of Sovngarde without any of us, including Lord Shor, noticing.
• Wulf: His Thu’um was far stronger than any I have experienced.
• Rigmor: His first Shout killed many, Wulf, and you said it was a weak one.
• Wulf: He used two Words of Power, not three. He gambled I would not get hit by a meteor.
• Silah: If you were conscious and on your feet, that would have been a safe gamble.
• Wulf: But I was unable to defend myself. Still, he would not have expected that.
• Talos: We shall return you to Aetheron two hours after the attack on Helgen. It is up to you to decide the next steps.
• Wulf: Did you get to look out the windows, Rigmor?
• Rigmor: Yes, and it is beautiful.
• Wulf: Can you imagine what it felt like, at thirteen years of age, to float among the stars?
• Rigmor: That was a fine birthday present you gave Wulf, Lord Talos.
• Talos: That was just before Wulf decided he knew everything.
• Rigmor: That is the natural state of all teenagers.
• Wulf: Let’s go, Rigmor. I worry for Whiterun, as they have only their guards, no legionnaires, to protect the city, and Krahzunmaar may go berserk if even a single arrow hits him.
• Rigmor: We had better stand then!

There was no visible effort from Father. Rigmor and I stood up in Aethsela, and a second later, we were in Coranelor. It was just after 1 PM.

Rigmor said, “I know that stopping Alduin is now the priority, Wulf. I only saw Helgen for a few seconds before Silah took us to Aetherius. Bodies were lying everywhere. Anything combustible was on fire, and most buildings were destroyed or heavily damaged. If one or more dragons attack a city…”

“I carry the same ability to destroy. I could devastate a city just as easily. But yes, we must stop Alduin. I doubt the New Order are stupid enough to bring ships near Cyrodiil or Skyrim while aggressive dragons roam the skies.”

“Mum has survived four years enslaved. She will survive a bit longer.”

“We had better gather a squad and head for Whiterun.”

We entered the barracks and quickly located Vayu.

• Wulf: Krahzunmaar thinks Mirmulnir has been scouting Whiterun in preparation for an attack. I want your squad to come with me.
• Vayu: How are you feeling?
• Wulf: Good. I will sit and explain what happened another time.
• Rigmor: Wulf’s anxiety is very high, Vayu. Let us get to Whiterun immediately.
• Vayu: Seiko was badly injured when a wall collapsed on her. She is exhausted after we healed her.
• Wulf: Then we shall take Inigo.

Vayu gathered his squad and Inigo.

“My Friend, that smelly Alduin was ugly, but your friend dragons were less ugly.”

“Nahfahlaar, Silah and Jormungandr are considered good-looking by other dragons, including me. However, Krahzunmaar looks like he has been flying high speed, face-first into mountains.”

‘Ri’saad’s caravan will not be at Whiterun, will it?”

“No, but he is due in Whiterun in a few days. He is smart and will hunker down rather than risk the roads.”

“Let’s go and kick some scaly bottoms!”

I decided to teleport us to Whiterun stables rather than Breezehome. If a dragon were going to attack me, I would prefer it to happen outside the city walls. There was no sign of Krahzunmaar or any other dragon.

We entered Whiterun, and the contrast to Riften and Windhelm was instantly noticed by Rigmor.

“Wulf, I can hear children laughing!”

“They are always playing hide-and-seek or tag or just running for the fun of it.”

“Bruma is like this, and so is The Imperial City. I like Whiterun more than Windhelm, that is for sure.”

“But there are no racists for me to punch!”

“Haha.”

Rigmor was doing her usual head pivoting as we walked the streets. Helgen was nice once. Alduin could make Whiterun a pile of smouldering ruins just as easily.

As we approached Jarl Balgruuf, we overheard him speaking with his steward, Proventus Avenicci. He prefers the title ‘Court Councillor.”

• Proventus: My Lord, please, you have to listen as I only counsel caution! We cannot afford to act rashly in times like these. If the news from Helgen is true… well, there’s no telling what it means.
• Balgruuf: What would you have me do, then? Nothing?
• Proventus: My Lord, please, this is no time for rash action. We need more information before we act. I just…

The Jarl noticed us and put his hand up to silence Proventus. Jarl Balgruuf’s housecarl, Irileth, approached us.

Irileth growled, “What’s the meaning of this interruption, Lord Welkynd? Jarl Balgruuf is not receiving visitors.”

“It seems that news of Helgen has reached the Jarl’s ears. It would be beneficial, don’t you think, to hear what happened from an eyewitness?”

“You were there?”

“Yes.”

“Well then, approach the throne and don’t forget….”

“How can I forget you are keeping an eye on me, Irileth? You remind me every time I visit. I still think you are staring at my arse.”

Irileth almost smiled. She is beautiful with her stern face. She would be stunning if a smile did break out.

I was used to Jarl Balgruuf’s gruff manner and gave as good as I got. Therefore. I was not surprised or offended by his greeting.

• Balgruuf: Well, Lord Welkynd, I trust you have something vitally important to tell me. Important enough to interrupt me in the middle of my council?
• Wulf: Oh, perhaps it isn’t vital, and it can wait till later if you want. Maybe I was wrong to think you might want to hear about the dragon attack on Helgen.
• Balgruuf: Are you sure a dragon destroyed Helgen? That it wasn’t some Stormcloak raid gone wrong?
• Wulf: I witnessed the attack’s start but became unconscious early in the battle. My colleagues saw it all.
• Balgruuf: By Ysmir, Irileth was right!
• Wulf: Helgen was under martial law. General Tullius arrived with a convoy, including two carriages of prisoners. They were to be executed in the town centre.
• Irileth: Why execute them in Helgen, and why would General Tullius be there?
• Wulf: First Emissary Elenwen was also there, for one of the prisoners to be executed was Ulfric Stormcloak. They chose Helgen as the long ride to Solitude invited a desperate attack from Stormcloaks trying to free their leader.
• Irileth: That makes sense.
• Balgruuf: I should have guessed Ulfric would be mixed up in this.
• Wulf: Don’t start thinking that the Stormcloaks have dragon allies. I assure you that they do not!
• Proventus: And how can you be sure of that, Lord Welkynd?
• Wulf: Because, Court Councillor Proventus, I was the reason the dragon attacked Helgen.

Irileth placed her hand on her sword. I used my Thu’um and advised, “IF YOU DRAW THAT SWORD AND BREAK PARLEY, I WILL CUT YOU DOWN!”

Dust fell from the ceiling, books fell off shelves, and several house staff screamed.

• Balgruuf: You had better explain that statement well, Lord Welkynd!
• Wulf: Oh, it is a far better explanation than Irileth has for breaking the laws of parley. I have done nothing to justify the drawing of a weapon during council!
• Balgruuf: Lord Welkynd is correct, Irileth.
• Irileth: Yes, my Jarl. And I apologise, Lord Welkynd.
• Wulf: Please listen and don’t challenge what I say. I am here to help save lives, not to be called a liar or to defend myself against ignorance.
• Balgruuf: You have always been straightforward in your discussions with me. I find it refreshing, even if Proventus almost chokes with indignation and Irileth itches to teach you a lesson.
• Wulf: It would be Irileth who would be taught a lesson, Jarl Balgruuf. Nightblade she may be, but I am a Swordmaster of the Dragonguard and have killed over a fifteen hundred in battle.
• Proventus: Preposterous!
• Wulf: Court Councillor, if you have any regard for this city and its citizens, you will shut up and listen.
• Balgruuf: Remain silent till I ask your advice, Proventus.
• Proventus: Yes, my Lord.
• Wulf: You know me as Lord Welkynd since I received that title by purchasing the ruins of Dragonmount. However, my official titles are Champion of the Divines and Dragonborn.
• Balgruuf: What proof do you have of those last two titles?
• Wulf: You may ask any Priest or Priestess with direct communication with a Divine. However, the proof that I am dragonborn will soon arrive, as the Greybeards will summon me to High Hrothgar.
• Balgruuf: Explain why the dragon attacked Helgen.
• Wulf: The dragon that attacked Helgen is Alduin, The World Eater. He has returned to Nirn and desires another Dragon War. If he wins, all mortals will be enslaved. He tracked me to Helgen, so he attacked that town. It was a coincidence that Ulfric, General Tullius and First Emissary Elenwen were there.
• Inigo: By the way, all of them survived. I thought that might be something you wanted to know at some stage.
• Irileth: Quiet unless spoken to!
• Wulf: You will soon learn that those behind me, and my other friends, saved many Helgen citizens at significant risk to themselves. Excuse them if they are not experts on court protocol.
• Inigo: Okay, I am being quiet. I know how to be quiet when told to be quiet. So here I am, being quiet. I am pretty good at it, am I not?
• Wulf: Inigo, if you continue, I will tie your tail in a knot.
• Irileth: You came to Whiterun while implying that the dragon that destroyed Helgen can track you. Haven’t you put this city in danger?
• Wulf: Yes, but not from Alduin. Like any warrior, he needs time to recuperate after a battle. I don’t think he has enough allies to attack in numbers, and any single dragon is no match for us. But an attack may occur.
• Balgruuf: Explain.
• Wulf: I have been informed that another dragon, named Mirmulnir, has been scouting Whiterun.
• Balgruuf: Who told you this?
• Rigmor: Lord Talos told us that Krahzunmaar, a friend dragon of Wulf’s, saw Mirmulnir scouting Whiterun and suggested we should talk to you.
• Balgruuf: Are you claiming that Lord Talos, the Divine, spoke to you, whoever you are?
• Wulf: Jarl Balgruuf, I am honoured to introduce Rigmor Ragnarsdottier, also known as Rigmor of Bruma.
• Irileth: The woman the Thalmor have been hunting.
• Wulf: Those Thalmor are not under Elenwen’s control, but that is a story for another time.
• Rigmor: Wulf was hurt during Alduin’s attack, so Silah, another dragon friend, took us to Aetherius. That is where we spoke to Lord Talos.
• Proventus: My Jarl, are you really…
• Wulf: I will make you soil yourself if you cast doubt once more.
• Inigo: My Friend is a very powerful mage, so I would not say another word if I were you.
• Wulf: Yes, keep quiet, as Inigo promised.
• Inigo: Oops!
• Balgruuf: What do you say now, Proventus? Shall we continue to trust in the strength of our walls? Against a dragon?
• Irileth: My lord, we should send troops to Riverwood at once. It’s in the most immediate danger if that dragon lurks in the mountains…
• Wulf: Alduin is not lurking in the mountains, and Whiterun will have as much chance as Helgen against him. If General Tullius and his elite troops couldn’t defend Helgen, what chance does your depleted number of guards have to defend Whiterun? Riverwood needs troops not for defence but to help coordinate civilians and herd them to safety in the event of a dragon attack. There are several Khajiiti there who can aid your guards.
• Balgruuf: How much time would we have to prepare if a dragon attacked?
• Wulf: They don’t give you a warning, Jarl Balgruuf! Dragons appear from the ether and start killing. It would be best if you had a plan that prioritises saving civilians. Then you can worry about killing the attackers.
• Proventus: The Jarl of Falkreath will view any troop movement into Riverwood as a provocation! He’ll assume we’re preparing to join Ulfric’s side and attack him. We should not…
• Wulf: Court Councillor, don’t you think the Jarl of Falkreath would be worrying about his town being razed to the ground and not a handful of troops appearing in Riverwood?
• Proventus: Yes, but….
• Balgruuf: Enough! I’ll not stand idly by while a dragon burns my Hold and slaughters my people! Irileth, send a detachment to Riverwood at once with the instructions Lord Welkynd advised.
• Irileth: Yes, my Jarl.
• Proventus: If you’ll excuse me, I’ll return to my duties.
• Balgruuf: That would be best.
• Irileth: He is like a scolded puppy with his tail tucked between his legs.
• Wulf: As Jarl Balgruuf knows, sometimes it is necessary to cut out the bullshit.
• Irileth: Indeed, you two are much alike in that.
• Balgruuf: This was well done, Lord Welkynd. I want to give you a small token of my esteem. You sought me out on your initiative. You’ve done Whiterun a service, and I won’t forget it.
• Wulf: I am doing my duty as Champion of The Divines, Jarl Balgruuf. Saving lives is all the reward I need. There is much work to be done to thwart Alduin. I hope the Jarls forget about the civil war and protect their citizens until that is accomplished. They might soon learn that troops gathered for battle prove tempting targets to roaming dragons. A single pass of Dragonfire would decimate either or both sides.
• Balgruuf: You expect much of those whose bloodlust has overtaken common sense.
• Wulf: I expect nobles to care for their citizens.
• Balgruuf: Come, Lord Welkynd, and let’s speak to Farengar, my Court Wizard. He’s been looking into a matter related to these dragons and… rumours of dragons.
• Wulf: Has he? This discussion will be interesting.

We followed Balgruuf to Farengar’s laboratory.

Farengar placed a book on his desk as we entered. It was titled “Atlas of Dragons”

Balgruuf announced, “Farengar, I’ve found someone to help you with your dragon project. Go ahead and fill him in with all the details.”

Balgruuf did not announce my titles. I knew he was fishing for proof of my claims.

• Farengar: The Jarl thinks you can be of use to me? Oh yes, he must be referring to my research into the dragons. Yes, I could use someone to fetch something for me. When I say fetch, I mean to delve into a dangerous ruin in search of an ancient stone tablet that may or may not be there.
• Wulf: Dangerous ruins and a stone tablet? What have they got to do with dragons?
• Farengar: Ah, no mere brute mercenary, but a thinker – perhaps even a scholar? When the stories of dragons began to circulate, many dismissed them as mere fantasies or rumours. Impossibilities. One sure mark of a fool is to dismiss anything outside his experience as impossible. But we began to search for information about dragons, such as where they had gone all those years ago.
• Wulf: You want me to go to Bleak Falls Barrow and retrieve The Dragonstone?
• Farengar: How did you know that?

I pointed to the book Farengar had just placed on his desk and said, “You want to compare the map of Dragon Mounds on The Dragonstone with dragons listed in the Atlas of Dragons. I see some text on the spine is in Tsaesci and some in Yokudan, so your copy comes from Wind Scour Temple in Hammerfell. Not much survived the sacking of that place by The Dominion. I was unaware this book had.”

I stepped closer to Farengar, as it was time for some intimidation.

• Wulf: You do not need The Dragonstone. I have it and a copy of Atlas of Dragons, and I know in which order Alduin will revive his comrades. The first, as I predicted, was his second-in-command, Odahviing. He will continue in an anti-clockwise direction from there.
• Balgruuf: Is that why you sought this Dragonstone, Farengar?
• Farengar: Ahh…yes, my Jarl.
• Wulf: You realised The Prophecy of the Dragonborn has come to pass.
• Farengar: Yes, we did.
• Wulf: Tell Jarl Balgruuf what you concluded.
• Farengar: That a dragonborn would appear to combat Alduin.
• Balgruuf: You knew I was searching for proof, Lord Welkynd.
• Wulf: Yes, and your own Court Wizard just provided it. The Nine knew years ago that Alduin’s return was imminent, but not precisely when. They sent me to await his return and defeat him. I must compliment you, Mage Farengar, but you let it slip several times that you weren’t working alone. Who else knows of this?
• Farengar: Their identity is a secret. I cannot tell you.
• Balgruuf: I am ordering you to tell Thane Welkynd the name of the person working with you. I know, but I would hate to think you would disobey me.
• Farengar: Thane Welkynd?
• Balgruuf: Yes, I decided it was time I made him Thane.
• Wulf: I have not agreed to accept that title, Jarl Balgruuf.
• Balgruuf: Then we shall discuss it later.
• Wulf: I can see you have a moral dilemma, Mage Farengar. If Jarl Balgruuf knows, then you are not divulging a secret. So, how many others know of your conclusion about the prophecy?
• Farengar: Just one.
• Wulf: And their name?
• Farengar: I know her as Delphine.
• Balgruuf: She is a Breton and is the innkeeper of The Sleeping Giant Inn in Riverwood. She has been here often discussing things with Farengar. She may be an innkeeper, but Irileth and I recognise a warrior when we see one.
• Vayu: Delphine is a Blade. We worked together during The Great War.
• Wulf: Vayu and many other Dragonguard were Blades who came to Akavir after being outlawed by The White Gold Concordat.
• Balgruuf: Well, Farengar, what have you to say?
• Farengar: I…ah…well….
• Wulf: It’s okay, Mage Farengar. Your hesitance tells me all I need to know. I am Grandmaster of the Dragonguard and a dragonborn. I have many Blades living in my estates and present no danger to Delphine. She owes me her allegiance, plus I outrank her. More importantly, she may have crucial information I require. I request that you do not contact Delphine or disclose my identity. I need to assess her without prior bias.
• Farengar: There are more Blades?
• Wulf: Yes, as mentioned, many of them are now Dragonguard. Have you noticed something about some of my companions?
• Farengar: Vayu looks like a Redguard, apart from his glowing eyes. Your Khajiiti friend seems to have fallen into a vat of blue dye. The lady is very pretty. Apart from that, nothing of note.
• Wulf: They are Akaviri, the native race of Man from Akavir.
• Taku: Not all of us were consumed, or enslaved if you prefer that term, by the Tsaesci.
• Vayu: They now serve Lord Wulf Welkynd as protectors and allies.
• Balgruuf: As if today could get any stranger.
• Wulf: You have no idea how strange things might get, Jarl Balgruuf.
• Farengar: I will not tell Delphine, Lord Welkynd. Anyway, I doubt I will travel the roads when dragons are around.

Just then, a flustered Irileth came running up to us, saying, “Lord Welkynd, Farengar, Jarl Balgruuf, a dragon has been sighted!”

I stepped out of Farengar’s room to speak to her, but she ran past me.

• Irileth: All of you need to come at once. A dragon has been sighted nearby.
• Farengar: A dragon! How exciting! Where was it seen, and what was it doing?
• Irileth: I’d take this more seriously if I were you. If a dragon decides to attack Whiterun, I don’t know if we can stop it.
• Balgruuf: So, Lord Welkynd, you have brought destruction to my city.
• Wulf: Where was the dragon, Irileth?
• Irileth: It attacked the Western Watchtower. We have a witness who ran here to tell us.
• Wulf: Then, Jarl Balgruuf, the dragon does not intend to attack Whiterun. It is bait, and I am the fish.
• Balgruuf: What makes you say that?
• Wulf: You fought in enough battles. Would you notify the enemy of your intention to attack their city by attacking an outbuilding of no strategic value?
• Irileth: Lord Welkynd is correct. The Western Watchtower is not crucial to our defence. I have already ordered the guard on high alert, and they are manning the walls as we speak. Attacking the tower and then the city doesn’t make tactical sense.
• Wulf: If it were Alduin, he would not hesitate to attack Whiterun. But he is still recovering from Helgen. It will be one of his allies, likely Mirmulnir. Odahviing will still be busy flying all over Nirn recruiting allies.
• Balgruuf: Let’s speak to the guard and make plans from there.

We followed Balgruuf and Irileth up some stairs. Waiting for us was a Whiterun guard.

• Balgruuf: Irileth tells me you came from the Western Watchtower?
• Irileth: Tell him what you told me about the dragon.
• Guard: Uh… that’s right. We saw it coming from the south. It was fast… faster than anything I’d ever seen.
• Balgruuf: What did it do? Was it attacking the watchtower?
• Guard: It was just circling overhead when I left. I thought it would come after me for sure. I heard it roar and attack the tower, but that didn’t slow me down! I never ran so fast in my life…
• Irileth: I could see the tower burning from the battlements.
• Wulf: What colour was the dragon?
• Guard: Orange and red.
• Wulf: Then it was probably Mirmulnir, he is a Fire Dragon.
• Balgruuf: Good work, son. We’ll take it from here. Head down to the barracks for some food and rest. You’ve earned it. Irileth, you’d better gather some guardsmen and get down there.

• Irileth: I’ve already ordered my men to muster near the main gate.
• Balgruuf: Good. Don’t fail me!
• Wulf: We shall run ahead. The dragon is neither Alduin nor Odahviing, so we should be able to defeat it quickly. Irileth and your guards had better hurry if they wish to join the fight.
• Balgruuf: Is that a boast, Lord Welkynd?
• Wulf: I never boast! I know our capabilities against dragons or mortals.
• Farengar: I should come along. I would very much like to see this dragon.
• Balgruuf: No. I can’t afford to risk both of you. I need you here, working on ways to defend the city against these dragons.
• Farengar: As you command.
• Wulf: If you want to meet a dragon, Farengar, I will summon one or two of my allies, and you can chat with them.
• Farengar: You have friend dragons?
• Wulf: Mortals have always had dragon allies. How do you think we won our freedom during the Dragon War?
• Farengar: Oh.
• Balgruuf: One last thing, Irileth. This task isn’t a death-or-glory mission. I need to know what we’re dealing with.
• Irileth: Don’t worry, my lord. I’m the very soul of caution. Besides, if Lord Welkynd is correct, I might not have to bloody my sword.

We rushed ahead and quickly outdistanced Irileth. I think she was shocked at our pace.

Krahzunmaar dropped from up high and circled overhead.

I used my Thu’um and said, “YOUR AID IS WELCOME, KRAHZUNMAAR, BUT THE SOLDIERS MAY MISTAKE YOU FOR AN ENEMY.”

He replied, “I WILL REFRAIN FROM RETALIATION, DOVAHKIIN.”

The watchtower was badly damaged but still standing. I was about to run up its ramp when a scared guard came outside and crouched.

He said, “No! Get back! It’s still here somewhere! Hroki and Tor got grabbed when they tried to run for it!”

There was a roar, and the guard exclaimed, “Kynareth, save us. Here he comes again!”

Mirmulnir flew at great speed towards me.

I was going to cast Lightning, but Krahzunmaar made Mirmulnir pivot midair.

Mirmulnir decided a sole Redguard trader and his camel were fair game.

I Blinked to the dragon, and for the first time on Nirn, I used The Voice.

Dragonfire engulfed Mirmulnir, and he roared with pain. I was pleased. To harm a Fire Dragon with Dragonfire requires great power in the Thu’um.

I then used shield and katana to deliver tremendous physical damage to the enraged Dovah.

Mirmulnir alighted, then flew low as he prepared to strafe me.

Lightening from Vayu and more Dragonfire from me aborted the attack.

As Mirmulnir flew off to prepare another attack, he roared, “THURI DU HIN SIL KO SOVNGARDE!” (My Overlord will devour your souls in Sovngarde!)

I wanted to confirm the dragon’s identity, so I replied, “ZU’U DREH NI LOS ALDUINIK WAH DEIN, NAAL FAH HIN MINDOK JOOR?” (What is your name, sacrifice of Alduin?)

“MIRMULNIR. YOU ARE BRAVE. BAHLAAN HOKORON. YOUR DEFEAT WILL BRING ME HONOUR.”

“WE ARE NOT JUST BRAVE, MIRMULNIR. WE ARE YOUR DOOM.”

Mirmulnir was badly injured and landed in a field. Rigmor approached and swore when Dragonfire engulfed her.

Tirlineth let me know it did not tickle, but my dweomer prevented serious injury.

I Blinked past Rigmor and then slashed Mirmulnir with my katana while Krahzunmaar covered us both in Dragonfire.

Mirmulnir reared up, said, “Dovahkiin…no!” and died.

The fight was over in less than two minutes!

As I absorbed Mirmulnir’s soul, Irileth, her guards and my friends stood and watched the spectacle.

Krahzunmaar landed, and I told him, “Thank you for your assistance. Please, guard what is left of this watchtower and protect Whiterun if need be.”

“Yes, Dovahkiin. It was good to fight by your side once more.”

Krahzunmaar took off and then landed atop the burning watchtower.

I walked over to Irileth and the guards.

• Guard 1: You… must be Dragonborn!
• Guard 2: Dragonborn? What are you talking about?
• Guard 3: That’s right! My grandfather used to tell stories about the Dragonborn. Those born with the Dragon Blood in them. Like old Tiber Septim himself.
• Guard 2: I never heard of Tiber Septim killing any dragons.
• Guard 1: There weren’t any dragons then, idiot. They’re just coming back now for the first time in… forever.
• Guard 3: The old tales tell of the Dragonborn who could kill dragons and steal their power. You must be one!
• Guard 4: What do you say, Irileth? You’re being awfully quiet.
• Guard 2: Come on, Irileth, tell us, do you believe in this Dragonborn business?
• Irileth: Hmph. Some of you would be better off keeping quiet than flapping your gums about matters you don’t know anything about. Here’s a dead dragon, and that’s something I definitely understand. Now we know we can kill them. But I don’t need some mythical Dragonborn. Someone who can put down a dragon is more than enough for me.
• Guard 1: You wouldn’t understand, Housecarl. You ain’t a Nord.
• Irileth: I’ve been all across Tamriel. I’ve seen plenty of things just as outlandish as this. I’d advise you all to trust in the strength of your sword arm over tales and legends.
• Wulf: Sorry to say, Irileth, but your men are right. I told you I am dragonborn. I am not some tale or legend! Without me, you have little chance of defeating the dragons. I advise you to learn who I am and why The Divines have sent me. Ignorance could get you or your men killed.
• Guard 3: See, I told you so.
• Wulf: Do not be so smug. You were wrong. I do not steal a dragon’s power. I absorb their soul, from which I gain knowledge of The Voice. I do not just have the blood of a dragon. I also have the soul of one.
• Guard 3: Now you are speaking of tales and legends.
• Wulf: No, I am not. Ask Mage Farengar, for he knew this moment in time was approaching. If you will excuse me, I need to report to Jarl Balgruuf.
• Rigmor: And as demonstrated, not all dragons are our enemy. Lord Welkynd has many dragon friends. Krahzunmaar is one of them.

I turned towards High Hrothgar and focused my Thu’um on it.

A full-strength Unrelenting Force Shout sped across the miles, and its echoes lasted many seconds.

We walked toward Whiterun in silence. The Dragonguard and Rigmor knew the significance of my Shout towards the Greybeards. They had not yet summoned me. I was forcing the issue.

We were close to Whiterun’s outer gates when the earth shook as the Greybeards called, “DOVAHKIIN!”

My title echoed for several seconds. Then it was deadly quiet for a second before every dog for miles around started barking, sheep and cattle cried in fear, and people came running out of their houses and businesses.

I turned to my friends and said, “I don’t want to get caught in the crowd. Let’s teleport the rest of the way.”

We exited the ether just inside Dragonreach’s entrance.

As we approached Jarl Balgruuf, Proventus said, “Good. You’re finally here. The Jarl’s been waiting for you.”

I growled, “Bullshit, Proventus! Nobody would expect us to have defeated the dragon and returned so soon!”

Then Hrongar, Jarl Balgruuf’s brother, said, “We were talking about you. My brother needs a word with you.”

“Funny enough, that is why I am walking towards him. What a coincidence!”

I stood before Jarl Balgruuf, my temper not helped by inane comments.

• Balgruuf: What happened at the watchtower? Was the dragon there?
• Wulf: It was as we predicted. Mirmulnir was there to challenge me. He had already destroyed part of the watchtower, and only one guard was alive. An ally dragon named Krahzunmaar aided us. We took just over two minutes to kill Mirmulnir. Irileth and her men did not reach us until the battle was over.
• Balgruuf: That was a mighty deed. You’ve earned a place of honour among the heroes of Whiterun, Lord Welkynd. But there must be more to it than that. Did something… strange… happen when the dragon died?
• Wulf: It might seem strange to others, but my friends and I expected it. I absorbed the soul of Mirmulnir, and it was quite a spectacle to observe.
• Balgruuf: So, it’s true. The Greybeards were summoning you.
• Wulf: I told you that they would. They called my name in Dovahzul, the language of dragons. Dovahkiin means Dragon Hunter Born, or to simplify it in Tamrielic, Dragonborn. Mirmulnir also called me Dovahkiin as he died.
• Hrongar: The Greybeards summoned you to High Hrothgar! That hasn’t happened in … centuries, at least. Not since Tiber Septim was summoned when he was still Talos of Atmora!
• Proventus: Hrongar, calm yourself. What does any of this Nord nonsense have to do with our friend here? Capable as he may be, I don’t see any signs of him being this Dragonborn.
• Hrongar: Nord nonsense?! You puffed-up, ignorant milk drinker! These are our sacred traditions that go back to the founding of the First Empire!
• Balgruuf: Hrongar. Don’t be so hard on Avenicci.
• Wulf: No, Jarl Balgruuf, Hrongar should be hard on Avenicci!

I approached Proventus and demanded, “Look into my eyes!”

Proventus had no choice but to look, and then he screamed and tried to shield himself.

“Now you know the power I wield. You are more than puffed up and ignorant, Proventus. You are a danger to your Jarl! My arrival was predicted in Prophecy, and I was just called Dovahkiin by The Greybeards and a dragon. The Dragonguard have sworn service to me because they know who and what I am. Yet you question my honesty, and for that, I should smash you in the face! However, to keep the rules of parley, I will suggest the same to you as I did Irileth. Learn about me, and what it means now that I am here. Then you may be able to advise your Jarl during this crisis properly.”

We gave Proventus a few seconds to recover before continuing.

• Balgruuf: What did you see, Proventus?
• Proventus: A beast with many teeth and talons. Taller than Lord Welkynd.
• Wulf: That is a rare reaction. I let Proventus see my soul. Most people freeze in place for several seconds.
• Balgruuf: Can you explain what the beast was?
• Wulf: A wolf is a beast. A horse is a beast. A dragon is not. A Minotaur is not. They may be dangerous. They may be enemies. They may even be monsters by deed. But a monster is judged for what they choose to do. A beast is excused as instinct dictates their actions. Do not use the wrong word merely because it makes killing easier.
• Proventus: I know what I saw!
• Wulf: You saw a form I can take. It was still me, Lord Wulf Welkynd, not a monster. Not a beast. Do you still question what I am, Proventus?
• Proventus: No, forgive me, Lord Welkynd. All of this is new to me.
• Wulf: Then do as I suggest. Learn the history and lore, and then you can properly advise your Jarl.
• Balgruuf: I know you have resisted any suggestion of subservience to Skyrim nobility. However, I must offer you the position of Thane. Do you accept?
• Wulf: Now is the time I can use the influence of such noble ranks. So yes, Jarl Balgruuf, I accept the position.

Balgruuf’s tone became more formal as he said, “You have done a great deed for me and my city, Lord Welkynd and own property within this Hold. Therefore, by my right as Jarl, I name you Thane of Whiterun. It’s the greatest honour that’s within my power to grant. I assign you, Lydia, as a personal Housecarl. She requested the position if you accepted the honour. Also, take this weapon from my armoury to serve as your badge of office. I will also notify my guards of your new title. We wouldn’t want them to think you are part of the common rabble, would we? We are honoured to have you as a Thane of our city.”

“My Jarl, I have asked Krahzunmaar to guard Whiterun. He is perched atop the Western Watch Tower. Let your citizens and guards know of his presence.”

“I shall.”

I bowed, then headed to Lydia.

• Wulf: Welcome to our band of misfits, Lydia.
• Lydia: I asked Jarl Balgruuf to be appointed as your housecarl. It’s an honour to serve you.
• Wulf: You will soon learn that nobody serves me, Lydia. If they desire to accompany me on dangerous missions, they want to help the citizens of Nirn.
• Lydia: Jarl Balgruuf said you might take a little getting used to.
• Wulf: My friends wearing red and black are Vayu, Shouken, Omoi, and Inigo. The young lady is Rigmor. Vayu is a Shaman and Master Mage. Shouken and Omoi are Swordmasters. Rigmor is the finest two-handed wielder I have ever met. Nobody is quite sure what Inigo is or why he keeps following us.

Each of my companions bowed to Lydia as I mentioned their names. Inigo went cross-eyed.

• Lydia: I know the Dragonguard were the Akaviri who became The Blades.
• Wulf: You will have much to learn quickly, Lydia. However, you do not automatically become Dragonguard. There are formalities involved.
• Inigo: Lydia, ignore My Friend’s rude introduction. You will soon realise I am the backbone on whom all the others rely.
• Omoi: Lydia, I suggest you pretend to believe what Inigo claimed. He gets upset if you shatter his illusion.
• Wulf: I shall take you to one of my properties in Solitude. Our Head Shaman, Raikou, shall talk to you and decide if you are suitable to join the Dragonguard.
• Vayu: If accepted, there will be many people to help you acclimatise. It may seem daunting at first.
• Lydia: What happens if I am not suitable?
• Wulf: I do not think you have to worry about that. This process is a formality, and I am certain you will be accepted.
• Lydia: Okay.
• Wulf: Now, to get to our Solitude Safehouse, we will teleport. Have you used any of the portals I enabled?
• Lydia: Yes, I was curious as to how they work.
• Wulf: This will be a similar sensation, but for the first time I teleport you, I require your hand on my shoulder.
• Vayu: When Wulf knows you better, no physical contact will be needed for teleportation.
• Wulf: Are you ready, Lydia?
• Lydia: Yes.

Lydia placed her hand on my shoulder, and a second later, we appeared in Solitude’s Safehouse.

“The rest of you, relax for a few minutes while Lydia, Raikou and I talk. Lydia, move close to the fire if the chill of the ethereal plane still bothers you.”

We moved to the front of the fire, and I summoned Raikou.

• Raikou: Yes, Grandmaster.
• Wulf: Shaman Raikou, I am now a Thane of Whiterun. Lydia wanted to be my steward if I accepted that position.
• Raikou: Greetings, Lydia.
• Lydia: Ahh…hi!
• Raikou: I think Lydia is a bit disturbed by my appearance.
• Wulf: So she should be, you are ugly, even for a Kamal.
• Lydia: Kamal? As in the second invasion from Akavir?
• Raikou: That was us. I was very disappointed when we had to return home. However, we did destroy Windhelm, which should make you feel better about us.
• Lydia: Oh.
• Wulf: Raikou will talk with you, Lydia. He has the final say on who can join the Dragonguard.
• Raikou: Even though Wulf seems happy to bypass that formality on occasions.
• Wulf: If he thinks you are suitable, you will be given my personal journals to read.
• Raikou: You may ask any question you want, Lydia. Some things must remain secret until you are sworn in as Dragonguard.
• Lydia: I thought your friends followed you voluntarily, Thane Welkynd.
• Wulf: First rule, call me Wulf unless I suggest protocol is needed.
• Lydia: Okay.
• Wulf: The Dragonguard oath does not require blind obedience to the Grandmaster or to a dragonborn. It is the acceptance of a moral code. Even those who worship other gods swear on The Nine to become a Dragonguard. Therefore, be assured that nothing in the oath is contrary to the Ten Commands of the Nine Divines.
• Lydia: I have only heard and read about the good deeds you and the Dragonguard have performed.
• Wulf: Being accepted into the Dragonguard ranks is one step. We must ensure your combat ability is good enough to participate in the tasks we undertake. If that is deemed suitable, you will find yourself very busy as we fight a new Dragon War.
• Raikou: Your combat ability will be tested by Swordmasters. They will not hold back, but do not despair if they make you feel clumsy. Few can handle swords as well as they.
• Wulf: I will leave you with Raikou. Tomorrow, if accepted into our ranks, you will be teleported to my palace, where armour and weapons will be supplied, and a bed in our barracks will be allocated.
• Raikou: The pantry here is well stocked. Come and help me prepare our meal while we talk.
• Lydia: Whereabouts in Solitude is this place?
• Wulf: It is connected to my museum. Next to The Blue Palace. I will talk to you tomorrow.

I gathered my group and teleported us into Aetheron.

I thanked Vayu and his squad, plus Inigo, then headed for my rooms.

I said a quick hello to the children. Olette was getting some lute lessons from one of our bards.

Rigmor and I had a private supper while discussing the day.

When preparing for bed, Rigmor asked, “Can I take the oath, Wulf?”

“You want to be a Dragonguard?”

“Yes, I think, since I know your secrets and travel with you, that it is only right that I take the oath.”

“Okay, but you must keep wearing that armour for now. If need be, I want to be able to locate you quickly, and if you are wearing the same as everybody else, that could cause a delay.”

“Cool! I like this armour!”

I produced the oath from my journal case and passed it to Rigmor.

She asked, “Do I have to put my hand on my heart or something?”

“No, Rigmor, just read it aloud. As long as another Dragonguard witnesses the oath, it is accepted and binding.”

“Can I read through it first?”

“Of course you can!”

Rigmor read the oath to herself and then said, “Okay, I am ready.”

“Speak clearly.”

“I stand before The Nine, before my comrades, and before the mortals I am sworn to defend.

I give my hand to the Dragonguard, my blade to the innocent, my shield to the helpless, and my life, if need be, to the preservation of Mundus.

I shall not serve greed, cruelty, or ambition.

I shall not raise my weapon for murder, vengeance, or unlawful gain.

I shall not obey a command that betrays the innocent, profanes the Law, or shames this oath.

The Empire is Law. The Law is sacred.

Yet no crown, council, temple, or general shall make me a butcher of the blameless.

I shall defend dragon-kind when they seek peace, oppose them when they prey upon mortals, and judge each by deed, not by fear, tale, or blood.

I shall honour the Dragonborn, not as a master of my soul, but as the chosen guardian of this age. I shall guard his back, speak truth to his face, and stand beside him when darkness rises.

I shall keep the secrets entrusted to me.

I shall aid my comrades in battle and in grief.

I shall leave no child to terror, no prisoner to torment, no wounded ally to die forgotten.

By Akatosh, who binds Time, by Talos who proved Man may rise, by Alessia who gave Law to freedom,

and by The Nine Divines who watch though they do not command my conscience.

I swear this oath freely.

My courage shall not be cruelty.

My loyalty shall not be unquestioning.

My strength shall not be tyranny.

I am Dragonguard.

Until my breath fails, until my soul is judged, until mortals are safe beneath the sky…

I stand.”

“Welcome to the Dragonguard, Rigmor Ragnarsdottier.”

“It is a beautiful oath.”

“Yes, it is. Now, bathe and prepare for bed. We shall be leaving early in the morning for High Hrothgar.”

“You are going to teleport us there, aren’t you?”

“Nope. I want you to climb the Seven Thousand Steps. Just me, you, beautiful views and burning thighs.”

“But I am still recovering.”

“Rigmor, what does Tirlineth tell me?”

“Okay, but I reserve the right to complain and whine all the way.”

“Hopefully you will be too puffed to do so after halfway.”

An hour later, Rigmor was asleep in my arms. I hope she sleeps well, because I doubt there will be much rest to come after tomorrow.