Loredas, 14^th Hearthfire, 4E 201

Before I left Rigmor and Sorella’s room, Sigunn needed some answers.

• Sigunn: Why is her colour all wrong, Wulf? I have never seen somebody so pale.
• Wulf: Rigmor will be okay. They gave her a concoction, a potion, that did several things. Vayu has experience with such potions and agrees with my assessment. Celestine had a quick look and also agrees with me. We are all Master Restoration Mages.
• Sorella: Rigmor’s colour is better than a few minutes ago.
• Wulf: Some of the effects of the potion are wearing off. I don’t think she will be unconscious for much longer. However, it may take a while for her to recover fully.
• Sorella: Did the bad guys poison Rigmor?
• Wulf: Yes, but it won’t kill her.
• Sigunn: Why did they do this?
• Wulf: I will answer your questions later, Sigunn. For now, I will leave you with your daughter. Keep talking to her. She will respond soon, I think.

I felt like weeping, but I needed to show some strength to Sigunn and Sorella so they believed Rigmor would be okay.

I exited the bedroom, then sat next to the worried Baa’Ren.

“She will not die, Baa’Ren. But we must be patient and watch her recovery, not try to predict it or force it.”

“Angi said Celestine is a well-respected Restoration Mage.”

“Celestine is the best Restoration Mage that I have ever met. Her husband, Vayu, has experience with the sort of concoction they made Rigmor consume. He can also provide valuable advice.”

“Rigmor is speaking!”

I heard Rigmor raise her voice and Sigunn’s calm tone as she tried to reassure her daughter.

I could not hear the words, but I knew Sigunn and Sorella were making progress. Rigmor’s tone slowly changed. I couldn’t smile yet, as I did not know the state of Rigmor’s mind.

I watched Baa’Ren’s face, for he could probably understand what was being said thanks to his Khajiiti hearing. His face gave me no hope. It showed deep sadness, and his eyes welled with tears.

I had no platitudes to give. I was probably as scared as Baa’Ren, and my emotions were not easy to control.

After a few minutes, Sigunn left Sorella with Rigmor and joined us at the table.

• Wulf: Sigunn, how is Rigmor?
• Sigunn: She’s asleep. Sorella will stay with her.
• Baa’Ren: Rigmor was confused and did not know what happened. Khajiit could hear the conversation.
• Sigunn: Yes, she woke in a panic and was confused. I asked Rigmor what had happened, but she didn’t remember.
• Baa’Ren: Could Rigmor’s memory loss be due to exhaustion?
• Sigunn: It’s too early to tell. Once Rigmor has rested, we can talk to her.
• Wulf: It is not exhaustion. I healed her, but the concoction they gave her put Rigmor into a catatonic state. Her memory may be fragmented, and she may not remember some things for a considerable time. However, I am confident she will recover.
• Baa-Ren: How can Dragonborn be so sure Rigmor’s memory will recover?
• Wulf: Intuition, and as I mentioned, we are all Master Restoration Mages. Therefore, three Master Mages of Restoration have come to the same conclusion, Baa’Ren.
• Sigunn: Why would she have to drink such a thing?
• Wulf: The answer to that is complex and not easily summarised.
• Baa’Ren: Perhaps if Dragonborn starts from the beginning, an understanding will be reached. Tendril Sethri told me you were to meet with Jonte Malesam and that he knew where Rigmor was.
• Wulf: Jonte was spying on The New Order on behalf of his mistress, Lady Boethia. He fled the diamond mine after they desecrated Lady Azura’s shrine. I don’t think he knew where Rigmor was. I hope so, because if I find out otherwise, he will regret it.
• Sigunn: Then how did you find her?
• Wulf: Jonte told me Boethia would tell me Rigmor’s location if I recovered a relic for her. My friends and I retrieved the relic, but Boethia threatened not to tell me. She likes playing mind games with mortals. Therefore, I made a contract with her. I would fight her champions in exchange for Rigmor’s location.
• Sigunn: Why would you trust an evil god?
• Wulf: She is not evil, Sigunn. But that is irrelevant, as every Daedric Prince will fulfil a contract. It is sacrosanct to them. However, you have to be careful how you word the contract.
• Sigunn: How many of her champions did you fight?
• Wulf: I went to a part of Oblivion called The Proving Grounds. There I killed her ten best champions. Boethia honoured the contract and told me where Rigmor was.
• Sigunn: You talk of entering Oblivion like a trip to Riften.
• Baa’Ren: Hasn’t that one talked with Celestine and the ladies?
• Sigunn: Yes, but some of their tales about Wulf are hard to believe.
• Wulf: The New Order planned to open an Oblivion Gate and allow a Daedric Prince to steal Rigmor’s body. Not possess it or control it, but to replace Rigmor’s soul with Malacath’s.
• Sigunn: Oh my!
• Wulf: Rigmor was to be tortured to death to make this happen. If they had succeeded, Malacath would have returned to Mundus as Trinimac, one of the greatest warriors there has been and a god. Malacath was seeking vengeance in the wrong place. He was not acting as Trinimac would, or as he has taught the Orsimer.
• Sigunn: Why would they torture my daughter?
• Wulf: It is a way to allow a being to replace the soul of another.
• Baa’Ren: How did Dragonborn save Rigmor?
• Wulf: The New Order were using an abandoned Imperial fort on a small island in The Sea of Ghosts. I went to the island and killed dozens of New Order soldiers and wizards. I entered the chamber where the Oblivion Gate and Rigmor were and killed the priests and acolytes there. The Oblivion Gate opened, but Malacath could not transfer his soul, as I had interrupted the ceremony.
• Sigunn: You killed all those people by yourself.
• Wulf: Yes, it was the quickest way to get to Rigmor.
• Baa’Ren: Dragonborn has many skills, Sigunn. Killing enemies is one of them.
• Wulf: There was still a connection between Rigmor and Malacath that could only be removed by closing the Oblivion Gate. Therefore, I summoned a squad of Dragonguard to look after Rigmor while I entered The Ash Pit, Malacath’s realm in Oblivion.
• Baa’Ren: Dragonborn has entered Oblivion twice since nearly dying.
• Wulf: Nothing was going to stop me from saving Rigmor, Baa’Ren.
• Sigunn: Could you have died, Wulf?
• Wulf: Yes. I was in Malacath’s realm, and he could have killed me with a thought. I knew how to close the Oblivion Gate and headed for a tower containing a Sigil Stone.
• Sigunn: Like they did during the Oblivion Crisis.
• Wulf: Exactly as they did during the Oblivion Crisis. To reach the tower, I had to kill dozens of Malacath’s minions. Then dozens more as I climbed the stairs and ramps of the tower. When I reached the Sigil Stone, Malacath asked for parley. I agreed, as all intelligent beings follow the rules of parley.
• Baa’Ren: Parley is essential for any diplomacy to work.
• Wulf: I stood before Malacath and talked. He believed he had the right to be a king of Tamriel before Boethia turned him into Malacath. That was wrong! Trinimac never had any such right or desire. The New Order lied to Malacath and did not worship him. There are many reasons why it would be wrong for Malacath to do as planned, and we discussed them. After parley, I destroyed the Sigil Stone, which closed the Oblivion Gate. Malacath no longer had a connection to Rigmor’s soul. That is when I could bring her here.
• Baa’Ren: They could make another portal. The New Order must be defeated on the ground in Skyrim and Cyrodiil.
• Wulf: Their forces have no chance, Baa’Ren. I informed Malacath that The New Order would not only face the Empire’s twenty-four legions, but also as many soldiers from other places, such as Akavir. The New Order cannot possibly achieve what the Third Aldmeri Dominion failed to after five years of war. I could ask dragons to destroy their fleet, but I would prefer they land and be defeated by our combined Skyrim army and that of His Imperial Majesty. Their defeat will be so thorough, others who contemplate invasion will think twice.
• Baa’Ren: Khajiit understands. Ruthlessly destroying the enemy may save many lives later.
• Wulf: I have pity and show mercy to soldiers caught in a war not of their choosing. However, every single member of The New Order has decided to kill the citizens of The Empire without being ordered to do so. They do not deserve mercy.
• Sigunn: Why sacrifice Rigmor? Why not somebody else’s daughter?
• Wulf: There are things about Rigmor of which I am only just becoming aware. Things that I doubt Ragnar, yourself and Baa’Ren knew. I will not talk about them now, as Rigmor must be well before she is informed. It is also at Rigmor’s discretion who learns of these things.
• Sigunn: What kind of things?
• Wulf: Please, Sigunn, we shouldn’t discuss them now.
• Baa’Ren: Trust Dragonborn in this matter, Sigunn. He only has Rigmor’s best interests at heart.
• Sigunn: Yes, of course.

Rigmor stomped into the room in a foul mood.

• Rigmor: What things am I not ready to know? Is everyone talking about me behind my back?
• Sigunn: Rigmor! No, we just thought…
• Rigmor: Who thought?
• Baa’Ren: Rigmor, your Guardian…
• Rigmor: Guardian? Pffft! I don’t see any guardian.

I stood and approached my beloved.

I smiled and told her, “Rigmor, I am relieved to see you walking and talking. Everybody was worried when I brought you home.”

“Brought me home? This place isn’t my home! It’s just part of the nightmare. So, get out of my face! Argh!”

Whenever Rigmor is uncertain, her anger flares. So I found her behaviour comforting, since it was normal for her! I could not help the smile.

Rigmor snarled, “I don’t even know you!”

I replied, “Look inside your heart, and you will find me waiting there. Please, get some sleep. It is the best thing for you at the moment.”

Rigmor turned and stomped towards her bed with no lessening of her temper.

I sat next to Baa’Ren again and was still smiling.

• Sigunn: Wulf, I’m sorry.
• Wulf: Rigmor will be fine. She needs time and no pressure.
• Baa’Ren: Dragonborn seems amused.
• Wulf: I don’t know what Rigmor’s temper was like when she was younger, but that was a mild tantrum compared to a couple I have been the target of.
• Sigunn: You are putting on a brave face, but it must hurt when somebody you love says that!
• Wulf: Love of family and friends, and that which she shares with me, will bring her back to us.
• Sigunn: Why don’t you get some sleep? You must be exhausted.
• Wulf: I must do some things before I can rest, Sigunn.
• Baa’Ren: Khajiit advises Dragonborn not to risk exhaustion.
• Wulf: I will be back in a few hours. Then I will sit by Rigmor’s side to ensure she does not have nightmares. I will ask Celestine to come and check on her.
• Sigunn: Rigmor never had nightmares as a child.
• Wulf: Ragnar’s arrest, Rigmor’s time enslaved, and not knowing if you lived or where you were caused terrible nightmares. Tilar Aedriath is the focus of many of the worst. I hope her memory recovers, even if she has to relive some of those things.
• Baa’Ren: It is one’s memories that define one.
• Wulf: I will quickly check on Rigmor, then start my errands. One important task is to have lunch with one of my orphans. Any room in my heart not taken by Rigmor has been claimed by Olette.
• Baa’Ren: Would Sigunn like to know about Olette? Baa’Ren knew her when she lived on the streets of Riften.

As Baa’Ren chatted with Sigunn, I visited Rigmor. Her colour was normal, and her breathing was the same consistent rhythm that has become part of my life. Tirnileth told me she was healthy, but it couldn’t tell me whether she would regain her memory.

I left the farmhouse and spoke with Celestine.

“Can you please check on Rigmor? It will ease Sigunn and Baa’Ren to hear something positive.”

“Yes, of course.”

“Did you visit The College of Winterhold?”

“Yes, Dae took my place here while I did. Congratulations, not only are you the newest member of the college, but you are also a Magister.”

Celestine handed me a Magister of Winterhold College medallion.

• Wulf: This is an honour and rank that can take a lifetime to earn. Did the Arch-Mage give a reason for doing this?
• Celestine: A Psijic Monk visited and advised Savos that it would be a good idea. I think Savos would have done it anyway.
• Wulf: Care to explain, Nexendia?
• Nexendia: I have no idea, Wulf. I assume they foresaw something that required intervention. I haven’t been told what that may be.
• Wulf: What about the information that Jonte Malesam wants to give Rigmor?
• Celestine: Savos is compiling a small book to explain it all. I will visit him and get it later today.
• Wulf: Did the Arch-Mage say which Psijic Monk visited him?
• Celestine: Quaranir.
• Nexendia: Haha… Wulf pretends to dislike Quaranir.
• Wulf: Altmer arrogance is unmatched. Quaranir was bred from the most arrogant.
• Nexendia: Come now, Wulf. You were friends.
• Wulf: Sometimes.
• Nexendia: As your Psijic advisor, I suggest you do not pursue why the Psijic Order has intervened.
• Wulf: They would not tell me, no matter how loud I got!
• Nexendia: See, I have taught you some wisdom. And I agree with Celestine; Savos would likely have done it anyway. The nudge was a precaution.
• Celestine: You look worn out, Wulf. Do I have to order you to rest?
• Wulf: I cannot rest until I have done a few tasks. I promise they’ll take only a couple of hours.
• Celestine: What tasks?
• Wulf: Spend time with Olette, take the Imperial Army oath, visit Father and, hopefully, surprise Sigunn.
• Celestine: Things could get very busy, very quickly. Therefore, I will hold you to your promise!
• Wulf: I do not want to be away too long, in case Rigmor has nightmares.
• Celestine: You know they are inevitable. Somebody will be with her at all times.

I walked to a clearing and summoned Nahfahlaar.

A few seconds later, he appeared out of the ether and hovered.

• Wulf: Greetings, Great Flying Ego!
• Nahfahlaar: Greetings, Talos’ Crotch Goblin and Lunch.
• Hashire: Get stuffed!
• Wulf: I want a couple of Dov to patrol the Sea of Ghosts. I want to know where and when we can expect The New Order to disembark.
• Nahfahlaar: Krahzunmaar and I will patrol the seas.
• Hashire: Wulf met Boethia and he told me about a wonderful gold katana she carries.
• Nahfahlaar: Did you demand she return Goldbrand?
• Wulf: You gifted Goldbrand to Sivdur, so it was no longer yours.
• Nahfahlaar: It was my precious gold and time that created it!
• Hashire: Why do people need special swords anyway? I heard that a Redguard managed to kill a pesky dragon with his ordinary scimitar.
• Nahfahlaar: Get stuffed, Lunch!
• Wulf: I asked her if she wanted this armour since the same unknown Dovah created it.
• Nahfahlaar: You would not do that!
• Wulf: Of course I didn’t. Anyway, once The New Order lands, Dov are to be our scouts.
• Nahfahlaar: Is that for both armies?
• Wulf: Yes. I thought you might offer your services to His Imperial Majesty.
• Nahfahlaar: That would be an honour.
• Wulf: How much do you know of what has occurred since I stopped being a corpse?
• Nahfahlaar: I know about Sorella and the vampires and what Saint Alessia is doing. I don’t know why you met that bitch with my sword.
• Hashire: I only know because the ladies have been talking about it.
• Wulf: That is why I didn’t have a long chat with you, Lunch. I knew you would learn from listening to them.
• Hashire: Please desist from calling me that name.
• Wulf: You can gather details later, Nahfahlaar. I made a deal with Boethia. I would fight her ten best champions, and she would tell me where Rigmor and an Oblivion Gate were. I then rescued Rigmor and closed the Oblivion Gate after having a relaxing walk through The Ash Pit and a nice chat with Malacath.
• Nahfahlaar: Was this the missing bit of The New Order’s plan?
• Wulf: Yes, and very few of the fools on the ships know of it. The New Order were going to replace Rigmor’s soul with Malacath’s. He thought he would return as Trinimac. I explained the flaws in the plan and how The New Order was manipulating him. I closed the Oblivion Gate, and now Rigmor is recovering.
• Hashire: Those arseholes were going to sacrifice Rigmor!
• Nahfahlaar: Let me sink their ships and slaughter their troops!
• Wulf: No. I want His Imperial Majesty’s army in Cyrodiil to crush them and the combined army I am leading to defeat them in Skyrim. Hopefully, that will make many Stormcloaks reevaluate their allegiance to Ulfric. Plus, I do not want dragons to be regarded only as killers and something to be feared.
• Nahfahlaar: I can understand your concerns, Wulf. I will happily scout, as that will help defeat the scum.
• Wulf: Good. Then I don’t have to order you, Legate.
• Nahfahlaar: Don’t expect me to salute.
• Wulf: Don’t expect me to salute, Sir!
• Nahfahlaar: You would never make it as a drill sergeant.
• Wulf: I am not enough of a bastard for that role.
• Nahfahlaar: Is that young filly safe near Lunch?
• Hashire: I am faithful to Surilana!
• Nahfahlaar: How come you didn’t protest that she is too young? Pervert!
• Hashire: Go and fly around The Sea of Ghosts and don’t forget to drown.

Nahfahlaar circled the farm and startled a poor fisherman with a roar before vanishing.

I summoned Silah, who landed with grace a bit away from the farm so as not to scare the animals.

I told her what occurred with Boethia and Malacath and answered a few questions she asked. Then we moved on to other matters.

“You handled those two gods very well!

“Yeah, anybody would think I had years of training.”

“Training only teaches you the theory. It was you being yourself that worked.”

“It is a juggling act, showing a certain level of respect but not acting subservient.”

“Are you visiting Lord Talos?”

“Yes, in a few hours I will.”

“He risked himself to speak to you in The Void.”

“I am aware of that, Silah. Some might regard that as foolish.”

“And you?”

“Was it love for me or the fear of losing their mortal champion that motivated him?”

“The man, Tiber Septim, loved you. The god, Talos, loves you.”

“The Divines love all mortals.”

“You do him a disservice.”

“I cannot easily dismiss what he is, Silah. What is best for all mortals must take priority over what is best for me, or him.”

“If the timing was different and Alduin was still a threat when Rigmor was taken, would you have risked all by entering Oblivion to save her?”

“Would I have put my love for Rigmor ahead of my duty? Yes, I would have.”

“Then why don’t you accept that your father would do the same?”

“I am mortal. Father isn’t. Priorities differ.”

“Talk to Lord Talos and let your intuition guide you since logic fails.”

“Thank you for the Tinvaak, Silah.”

I teleported into Coranelor, my private chambers of Aetheron.

I then summoned Vayu.

“You are worn out, Wulf!”

“Yes, I know. Your wife has already given me an ultimatum.”

“What can I do for you?”

“Offer yourself as my liaison with General Tullius. Do not undersell your experience and knowledge while doing so.”

“Okay.”

“Ask General Tullius to teleport here so I can take the oath. Give me half an hour to bathe, as I smell like The Ash Pit.”

“Anything else?”

“Discreetly offer Legate Rikke the option of meeting me here. I will take her to visit Sigunn at the farm. She should be dressed as a civilian, as it is Stormcloak territory.”

“I am sure she will be keen on that idea.”

“Rigmor woke disoriented. When Rigmor is unsure of things, she gets into a foul mood, so I was relieved when she tore into me.”

“Did she recognise you?”

“No.”

“What did Tirnileth tell you?”

“Rigmor is physically healthy. Time will tell if she has ongoing memory issues.”

“I will head for Castle Dour now.”

“And I will scrub Malacath’s home from my skin and hair.”

About thirty minutes later, I had bathed and donned a kimono. I summoned Vayu, and he appeared with General Tullius and an impressive suit of armour.

• Wulf: Welcome to Aetheron, General Tullius. These are my private chambers.
• Tullius: All this marble reminds me of the Ayleid ruins dotted around Cyrodiil.
• Wulf: This palace and adjoining town were made by Saint Alessia. They are what the Ayleid ruins looked like when she founded The Empire.
• Tullius: And how did you become the owner of Aetheron?
• Wulf: Saint Alessia gifted it to me. The Divines have also gifted me things, including money, to aid in my duties.
• Vayu: Lord Welkynd was very wealthy when he arrived in Skyrim late last year. He has since invested in many Skyrim properties for others to use and to aid orphans. He does not waste coin on trivial things or to increase his prestige.
• Wulf: I had two towns built to support Khajiiti traders. Income from ventures in Elsweyr will help offset the cost of the various orphanages I own. The Dragonguard are not mercenaries, but I pay them a generous stipend and have purchased properties for their use when on furlough. I own several ships and a port that will provide support for trade with Elsweyr and Solstheim.
• Tullius: Jarl Elisif said you earned your title by purchasing a castle in Whiterun.
• Wulf: Yes, and I have plans for that castle. My orphanages are not large enough for the number of orphans in Skyrim. A number that will increase due to civil war and, if we are not careful, the New Order’s invasion.
• Tullius: What is your plan for The New Order?
• Wulf: They were relying on the aid of a Daedric Prince manifesting on Nirn. I entered Oblivion and destroyed their Oblivion Gate. Logically, they should now turn their fleet around and cancel the invasion. But they will not, because their regular troops and most of their commanders knew nothing about the Daedric Prince.
• Vayu: They have been told their plan is foolproof and that His Imperial Majesty and General Tullius will be caught unaware.
• Wulf: I could destroy their fleet by myself or with dragon allies and other mages aboard my airship. But I won’t. I want the victory to be owned by His Imperial Majesty’s troops and our combined army in Skyrim.
• Vayu: To those aboard the ships, the dragons will be specks in the sky. However, the dragons could count the freckles on the sailors and soldiers from that height.
• Wulf: We shall eventually scramble our fleet as if caught by surprise, seeming confused and ill-prepared.
• Vayu: When we have an idea where they are going to make their landing, we shall place our fleet elsewhere, maintaining the illusion we do not know their intention.
• Tullius: So, if they were intending to land near Windhelm, you would have the fleet protect Solitude.
• Vayu: Yes.
• Wulf: We expect them to do what has proven effective in the past. They will likely besiege Solitude and Windhelm and head for Whiterun.
• Tullius: That is what Legate Rikke and I have concluded.
• Wulf: That does not mean they will make landfall near either city. We must be flexible and respond to their beachhead location and the paths they take to Whiterun and other targets.
• Vayu: We must offer enough resistance in major population areas to make them too hard to conquer quickly. The New Order will not want to get bogged down and have the majority of their troops fighting unimportant battles.
• Tullius: Our combined effort with Ulfric’s mob must remain secret till too late.
• Wulf: Hey, Vayu, this General Tullius is quite good with tactics!
• Vayu: I wonder how he obtained such expertise?
• Tullius: If you two have finished playing the fools, continue.
• Wulf: The first time our combined army will be seen is at the decisive battle, which is likely to be on the plains of Whiterun.
• Vayu: We want to minimise damage to infrastructure and civilian deaths. Therefore, we would prefer to fight outside rather than defend city walls.
• Tullius: Most battles for a city end up with the defenders sallying forth anyway. You might as well cut out the middle bit where the enemy lobs random death over the wall.
• Wulf: Any catapults and trebuchets will be destroyed just before the major battle starts. Let them drag that equipment across the province only for it to be turned to ashes and splinters of wood.
• Tullius: Is that what dragons will do?
• Wulf: Dragons will scout, but I will not ask them to participate in the battles. Squads of mages, including Imperial Battlemages, will teleport to a spot, destroy set targets, and teleport out before they are overwhelmed.
• Vayu: Dragons talk to us via telepathy. Using that telepathy, they can direct our teleport spells to the exact spots required. When The New Order attacks populated areas, we shall take advantage of the fog of war to cull their officers. Just before the major battle, we shall use the same tactics to destroy their catapults and trebuchets.
• Wulf: We expect very few officers will remain, and nobody will be willing to don an officer’s uniform soon after their arrival. But we want them to keep moving towards their target so we can eliminate their main force in a decisive battle. We do not want to have to hunt down pockets of desperate New Order troops.
• Vayu: By the time they realise they face a united front, it will be too late. Nothing will stop their march to their main objective, especially if most competent officers have been eliminated.
• Tullius: Junior or newly promoted officers might not have the guts to ignore their orders, no matter how suicidal.
• Wulf: We used these tactics in Akavir, so we know they work. We have quickly combined and coordinated troops of different clans and races to face a common foe. The reasons for the battles we fought in Akavir are many, but most were not dissimilar to The New Order. One group wanted to impose changes on another, take their lands, or do both.
• Tullius: You will be the youngest Imperial General in history.
• Wulf: How old was Hjalti Early-Beard when he commanded the forces at the Battle of Old Hroldan?
• Tullius: I do not know. It has been decades since I suffered through a history class.
• Wulf: He was twenty years of age. Therefore, I will not be the youngest.
• Vayu: It is not a secret that The Nine have taught Wulf many things. Lord Talos schooled him on tactics.
• Wulf: And I still have bruises from his early sword training.
• Tullius: Forgive this old soldier if he dismisses such things as impossible. I do not want to get more grey hairs contemplating such things.
• Wulf: Do you have any reservations about Vayu being my liaison with you?
• Tullius: Not at all. I have to remain hands off, but Vayu informing me of what is happening will stop me from wearing out my boots and the floor of our war room.
• Wulf: Hands off does not mean I cannot ask for advice, General.
• Tullius: No, of course not.
• Wulf: Does Legate Rikke want to surprise her sister?
• Vayu: Yes, she is very keen. But it will have to be in about ninety minutes.
• Tullius: I can count on one hand the number of times I have seen Rikke in civilian clothes. Lucky for my staff, she will be waiting for Vayu out of sight. Otherwise, the fact that she is a very attractive woman and not just a growling legate might prove too much of a shock revelation for some.
• Wulf: Did she encounter much derision because of the accusations against Ragnar and Sigunn?
• Tullius: Not within the ranks, no.
• Wulf: The armour you brought is impressive.
• Tullius: So was the cost! I am amazed at how quickly the Imperial blacksmiths made it.
• Wulf: I am ready to take the oath.

• Tullius: Do you intend to fight for The Empire against Ulfric’s rebels?
• Wulf: Yes.
• Tullius: Then this commission will last until Ulfric’s defeat. After that, you shall be retired. Do you agree with these terms?
• Wulf: Yes.
• Tullius: Repeat after me, ‘I, Lord Wulf Welkynd, upon my honour do swear…
• Wulf: I, Lord Wulf Welkynd, upon my honour do swear…
• Tullius: Undying loyalty to His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Titus Mede the Second.
• Wulf: Undying loyalty to His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Titus Mede the Second.
• Tullius: May those above judge me, and those below take me, if I fail in my duty.
• Wulf: May those above judge me, and those below take me, if I fail in my duty.
• Tullius: Long live the Emperor! Long live The Empire!’
• Wulf: Long live the Emperor! Long live The Empire!
• Tullius: Welcome to the Imperial Legion, soldier. I am authorised to promote you to the rank of General. The rank’s insignia is on the provided armour. You have officially been given command of all Stormcloak and Imperial Army assets in Skyrim. Please don’t break anything before handing them back to me.
• Wulf: I feel awkward, standing in front of a legend and accepting such a rank.
• Tullius: Nonsense. Anybody who can read knows of your accomplishments in the short time you have been in Skyrim. They might not know about your time in Akavir, but you have earned enough respect.
• Vayu: Wulf, I have been amongst the population more than you, recently. Your title of Champion of The Divines is accepted and revered. Nobody, soldier or otherwise, is going to question your seemingly miraculous rank of general.
• Wulf: What do you think I hope to achieve with the combined army, General Tullius? Apart from the total annihilation of The New Order.
• Tullius: You hope to convince a lot of Stormcloaks to abandon Ulfric. Fighting beside old comrades and proof that The Empire is stronger when united should provide that catalyst.
• Vayu: Wulf being the Nord hero of prophecy, the Dragonborn, should also influence many. Why would he not side with Ulfric?
• Wulf: Lord Shor’s avatar will fight by my side. I will not tell the truth about Ulfric until after we have defeated the New Order. But during the intermission between fighting together and against each other, I will let every citizen of Skyrim know the truth. Those who remain by Ulfric’s side will be no better than The New Order.
• Tullius: I had better return. Legate Rikke always worries when I am not standing over the war room map.
• Vayu: Ready for the dark and cold again?
• Tullius: Yes, and thank you for warning me before. I am too old for surprises.

Vayu and Tullius vanished.

I inspected the armour. It didn’t need improving, apart from my usual dweomer.

I decided to look for the children. They would be in the middle of the free time they enjoyed after lunch, and their laughter always makes my darkness tremble.

I soon found them. Six orphans can make a lot of noise!

The children had no idea about the dramas unfolding outside Aetheron. But one orphan did, and when she saw me, she started to cry.

I walked over to Olette and held her tight.

Then I whispered, “Come, I am starving, and there is a lot to talk about.”

Olette was silent as we walked to the outside eatery. I ordered Olette’s favourite and a large pie for me.

Olette’s tears had dried, but she still had not said a word.

“I am okay, Olette. So is Rigmor.”

“The adults keep things from the other children, but not me. So, I sat with them for three days, hoping my Cap’n would return. Everybody was trying to convince each other that you would be okay and exact revenge on those who tried to kill you and hurt Rigmor.”

“But you were not convinced.”

“No, I thought you would die. I thought Rigmor would die. I have never felt so helpless, Cap’n. I have never felt so alone.”

“In a way, I did die. My Consciousness ended up in The Void. I was waiting to be summoned to Aetherius. However, a god called Azura kept part of my soul attached to my body. I used my love for Rigmor, my friends, and an annoying guttersnipe to will myself back from The Void.”

“And then I was told you had to rescue Rigmor and there was no guarantee you or she would survive.”

“At least my friends were being honest, Olette. They treated you like an adult and told the truth.”

“The other children laughed and played as if nothing bad was happening.”

“Circumstances stole that carefree part of childhood from you, Olette. We want the orphans to remain innocent as long as possible even after losing their parents. So we don’t tell them things that would worry them or that they wouldn’t understand. But you are mature enough to know the truth.”

“It just seemed wrong that for some people the world was no different. But for your friends and me, we tried to put on a brave face, but I know many of them wept as hopelessness overwhelmed them.”

“When you love somebody, the good memories are what sustain you. Do you remember your mother incoherent on Skooma or the times when she was silly and treated you like her beloved daughter?”

“If the horrible memories get too much, I push them aside with the happy ones.”

“Did some of the guards and Dragonguard talk about fond times with me and smile and laugh?”

“Of course, there are endless tales of your weirdness. Nobody could remember you being deliberately funny.”

“The bonds made when facing danger together, and accomplishing something worthwhile, are some of the strongest. People who love me know I may have to risk my life, often away from where I can be reached. If I could avoid the worry and stress that causes, I would. I am sorry you all went through those days of uncertainty.”

“What about Rigmor? Wouldn’t she worry if you are in danger and somewhere you cannot be reached?”

“Yes, of course, and I experienced some of that the last couple of days. I could not find Rigmor, and panic and despair threatened.”

“You rescued Rigmor’s mum.”

“Yes, just before I was outwitted by the person we were hunting.”

“You made a deal with one god and then went to another god’s place in Oblivion.”

“I will summarise it for you. You can read a longer explanation when I have the chance to write it.”

“Okay.”

“I said from the start that The New Order was hiding something. That we did not know their entire plan.”

“The Dragonguard were saying their plan was stupid, and that they had no hope of conquering The Empire.”

“They were trying to bring a Daedric Prince to Skyrim. That was how they planned to win. Rigmor was to be sacrificed to allow the Daedric Prince to use her body as a vessel till he could change it into another form.”

“A god was going to live inside Rigmor?”

“Rigmor’s Consciousness would have been trapped in Oblivion if not destroyed. What remained would have looked and sounded like Rigmor, but would have been the most powerful being on Nirn.”

“You assume I know what Consciousness is. You have referred to it twice.”

“I am sure you do know. The mages have told me about your inquisitive mind.”

“Yes, Cap’n. I learned about the two parts of the soul while asking a heap of questions about you and all that son-of-gods stuff. I am glad I did learn that; otherwise much of what I accidentally heard would have been confusing.”

“It seems nice dresses, good food and luxury haven’t stopped your snooping.”

“The adults have been open with me, but I wanted to make sure I had all the information.”

“I am healthy. Rigmor is healthy in body, but she may have memory loss. She is recovering on a farm near Riften.”

“Does Rigmor remember what happened to her?”

“No, and she didn’t remember me.”

“Cap’n!”

“I am sure she will, eventually. Till then, I must be careful and let Rigmor’s mind repair itself. Her memories must return in some semblance of logical order.”

“That is important because older memories might be needed to make sense of newer ones.”

“And they call me a smartarse! I dub thee Lady Dartwing, apprentice smartarse.”

“The mages harp on about logic. Most of the time it is common sense!”

“I am sorry we haven’t been to visit your mother’s grave.”

“I know how busy you and Rigmor have been. I understand.”

“How is your instrument training?”

“I am doing very well with the three basic instruments. My voice is still scary enough to frighten a Draugr.”

“What about your sweaty apprentice staring, I mean, marksmanship training?”

“He has been watching me, so I have put some effort into it and mostly hit the target.”

“Are you going to eat those dumplings?”                                       

“Are you going to eat that pie that is supposed to feed a family?”

“Yes, because being dead makes a person very hungry.”

“Being dead doesn’t improve a person’s sense of humour. Not that you ever had one.”

Light-hearted banter continued as we both scoffed down the excellent food.

When finished, I gave Olette a goodbye hug. She had not asked what dangers I still faced.

I placed my usual dweomer on the new armour and put it on. It was much heavier and more cumbersome than my usual suit, but it left no doubt as to my Imperial Army rank.

It didn’t have a matching shield, so I retrieved one from my collection. It was of the type used by the troops that defended Bruma during the Oblivion Crisis.

My katana did not match the armour, but there was no chance I would enter battle without it.

I assumed Legate Rikke would be ready by now, so I summoned Vayu. He appeared a few seconds later with Rikke.

I bowed my head.

• Vayu: Legate Rikke is not used to wearing a dress, Wulf. So be careful what you say.
• Wulf: Lady Rikke Frostreaver, your beauty is as described by renowned poets.
• Rikke: I warned Tullius that helmet was too small and likely to cause you problems.
• Wulf: So, do I look like a Legion General?
• Rikke: Nobody else in the twenty-four legions has similar armour. Therefore, let’s say you look ‘different’.
• Vayu: That is a very diplomatic answer.
• Rikke: You look authentic enough that any Stormcloak that sees you will want to hack you to death.
• Wulf: Well, that could be awkward in front of The New Order’s army!
• Rikke: Is he always like this, Dragonguard Vayu?
• Wulf: Unfortunately, yes. Do not let him being dead for three days be an excuse.
• Rikke: What?
• Wulf: Thank you for your help, Vayu. I shall chat with Legate Rikke before taking her to the farm. Celestine will summon you when it is time to take her home.

As Vayu left the room, I poured two goblets of wine, and we sat to talk.

I asked, “Did Vayu tell you that Sigunn is on a farm near Riften?”

“Yes, but he insisted that you give me the details of what occurred.”

“We rescued Sigunn from an old Imperial fort being used by The New Order. We freed dozens of enslaved people, and they were taken care of by some of my Khajiiti friends, and most have been returned to their homes all over Tamriel.”

“Is she in good health?”

“Remarkably so. It seems Sigunn was well liked by the other enslaved. I have not asked about her time as a guest of The Dominion. I do not know how she ended up in the hands of The New Order or where they have held her for the last four years.”

“Why is she on a farm? Why not here?”

“I decided not to risk the discovery of Aetheron, as New Order Wizards hunt Rigmor and powerful vampires hunt another guest. Also, some of those with Sigunn and Rigmor live a simple life. They would not be comfortable here. You and General Tullius are the only people outside of the Dragonguard who have been allowed inside Aetheron, and only within my private rooms. I took that risk as it is a short visit, and neither of you has as many people hunting you as Rigmor does. New Order troops are indistinguishable from regular Dominion troops. They would not last long in The Rift, which is Stormcloak territory. Dragonguard protect Sigunn and Rigmor, and many can be summoned in seconds if need be. Dragons will also protect the farm if called upon.”

“I understand. I can hear children playing.”

“I have several orphanages, but some children want to learn particular skills. So, we host them here.”

“You are unlike most wealthy people I have encountered.”

“I follow The Ten Commands of the Nine Divines, as all Empire citizens are expected to do.”

“Please, continue your tale.”

“Shortly after finding Sigunn, Rigmor and I sent her to safety with Dragonguard and others escorting her from danger. Rigmor and I then searched for General Tilar Aedriath. Did Rigmor tell you about him?”

“He is the one who had Rigmor flogged!”

“Yes. Rigmor and I thought it important to confront Tilar, hoping it would stop him from being a constant source of her nightmares. We found him, killed his elite guards, but he escaped, or so we thought. It was a trap. He sacrificed his guards to make us overconfident. I was shot in the neck with a crossbow bolt laced with the deadliest poison. When I didn’t die quickly enough, two of his remaining guards stabbed me through my armpits. I should have died.”

“You look healthy for somebody who suffered such trauma.”

“Gods aided me. My love for Rigmor and others aided me. So here I am, back in the fight.”

“What about Rigmor?”

“The shock at seeing what happened to me, and the horror of facing Aedriath alone, took the fight out of her. They captured Rigmor even though she could have killed them all. Minutes before, she killed three of the elite guards in seconds. She surrendered and was in the hands of the monster from her nightmares once again.”

“But she is back with Sigunn on the farm.”

“Yes, I had to enter Oblivion to rescue her, and she is healthy except for memory loss. I am positive seeing her favourite aunt will help jog some memories loose.”

“I am her only aunt.”

“Then you are her favourite. Isn’t logic wonderful?”

“You, General Welkynd, are the strangest person I have ever met.”

“You have no idea how strange.”

“Rigmor said you were her Guardian, but also her weirdo.”

“I am what The Divines need to protect the mortals of Nirn.”

“Does Sigunn know about me?”

“Rigmor never had a chance to speak to Sigunn before being captured. So, I doubt it.”

“I am eager to see her.”

“Then you know the routine. Place your hand on my shoulder and in a second, we shall be at the farm.”

We came out of the ether and caught Sigunn by surprise. It looked like she had been removing some weeds near the farmhouse patio.

The two women stared at each other, and tears streamed down their faces before they hugged and wept. I left them alone.

I approached Hashire, who had changed into his Daedric form.

“Why the scary black form with glowing eyes?”

“My spells are more effective in this form. If the flying ego returns, I will give him a lightning enema.”

“One day, you two will admit your mutual admiration.”

“It seems your brain rotted while dead.”

“Has Sorella ridden Svinnr?”

“Yes. Svinnr is not used to saddles, so we started bareback. Angi said no. Sorella said yes, and it seems Angi is under her spell, for there were no more objections.”

“How did she do?”

“Svinnr is a natural, and so is Sorella. They did not go faster than walking pace, but it was an impressive start. Meeko took credit, as he says Sorella spent hours riding on his back.”

“Entertaining children is one of his favourite pastimes.”

“You have probably been told by several people, Wulf, but you need to rest.”

“One more visit. I promised to speak to Father.”

“Show some empathy. Balancing the unbelievable burdens of being a Divine with fatherhood cannot be easy.”

“I know, Hashire. Logic dictates that.”

“Love should dictate your behaviour!”

“Love and logic sometimes collide.”

I walked over to Angi, who seemed to have been in deep conversation with Meeko for some time.

• Wulf: I see that you and Meeko are getting along.
• Angi: He was explaining Wolf Friend to me.
• Meeko: Woof.
• Wulf: Yes, that is important. Sorella should not assume all wolves, dogs, or Death Hounds are friendly.
• Angi: Was that Sigunn’s sister?
• Wulf: Yes, she is General Tullius’ assistant, Legate Rikke Frostreaver.
• Angi: Oh… um…
• Wulf: The truce is in effect, Angi. Therefore, if a rather large Nord in Stormcloak uniform visits, there will be no violence.
• Angi: One or more of us has been sitting next to Rigmor. She occasionally had nightmares when I tended her months ago, but now they seem constant.
• Wulf: They will cease when I sit next to her, but I must visit one more person before I rest.
• Meeko: Woof?
• Wulf: Yes, Meeko, I am visiting Lord Talos.
• Angi: The god?
• Wulf: The Ninth Divine. I want to thank him for helping me, and we haven’t had a good talk in a while.
• Angi: What does he think about Ulfric’s claims?
• Wulf: I must be careful, Angi. We do not need the truce to defeat The New Order, but I want the Stormcloaks to fight beside the Legion and see how Skyrim is much stronger when part of The Empire. I want them to see me wearing this uniform and ask themselves why the Dragonborn of legend would side with The Empire. I don’t want friends like Yngol and Casius facing each other across a battlefield.
• Angi: Are Ulfric’s claims about Talos worship wrong?
• Wulf: It is wrong that people are persecuted for worshipping Lord Talos. It is probably time that His Imperial Majesty removed that ban. However, Lord Talos never asked for people to die over the right to worship him. It is not necessary. You do not have to wear an amulet or be before a shrine to pray to or worship any of The Nine. They are symbols, not the gods themselves.
• Angi: Would you kill Yngol?
• Wulf: If he faced me on a battlefield, yes. I will tell the truth about Ulfric when the time is right. Anybody who still fights for him after that is no better than The New Order. They would be a danger to the people of Skyrim, and I am not wearing this uniform for show. I will help General Tullius crush the Stormcloaks.
• Angi: If there are things about Ulfric that Yngol does not know, why not tell him now?
• Wulf: Hopefully, like many other Stormcloaks, Yngol will abandon Ulfric before I tell the truths I know. They should recognise the immorality of fighting for a cowardly king-killer against those who have dedicated their lives to defending The Empire. How many of the Imperial Legionnaires who die in the civil war wear Amulets of Talos into battle?
• Angi: I don’t know.
• Wulf: And neither do Ulfric or Yngol! The moment Skyrim leaves The Empire, it would become prey for The Dominion, and I would not blame His Imperial Majesty if he ignored pleas for help.
• Angi: Why don’t you speak to Yngol? Convince him.
• Wulf: He must decide on what he already knows. That is enough to convince people of honour. Only then would I trust him in the future. Yngol seems to be a good man, Angi. Many who wear the Stormcloak uniform are good people. That is why I hope many of them abandon Ulfric and go home.
• Angi: Yngol is a good man, Wulf.
• Wulf: Then hope he sees the truth before I have to tear Ulfric apart!

A fisherman was leaving Warm Sands. It will soon become a popular trading centre. Most of the population being Khajiiti will not be an issue.

I willed myself into Aethsela, and Father was already waiting for me.

He hugged me, or his non-flesh avatar did.

Then we sat to talk.

“That is impressive armour, Valdr. You can still see the influence of what we wore during our Skyrim campaign.”

“They have invented underwear since then.”

“Haha. Droll!”

“Yes, it is fine armour, but I much prefer Nahfahlaar’s gift.”

“It is a wise and strategic move to show allegiance to The Empire at this moment.”

“It will save lives if it makes Stormcloaks question their loyalty to Ulfric. I have to tread carefully, though, and not reveal all I know about the kingslayer.”

“You do not need the Stormcloaks to defeat The New Order.”

“No, but I want Stormcloaks to see the power of a united Empire. Forcing a moral choice now would jeopardise the truce.”

“The truce might be seen as a move against Ulfric, not a genuine offer of cooperation.”

“Exactly.”

“Silah told me what she knew, but please, tell me of this daughter and mother whose spirits talked to you.”

“The mother’s name is Nemiel. She wore Alik’r clothes, but I do not think she was a member of the Ash’abah tribe. The vampires are using a form of ensorcellment they called ‘The Calling’. We assume they must be near a child for The Calling to manifest. When it does, internal voices tell the child to travel to one location, then another and so on until the coven can gather them. I think The Calling has been operating across several provinces, definitely Hammerfell and Skyrim. I do not know how long they have been gathering children, but even if Mother discovered it early, that is four years of children being lured, and I doubt even a quarter of them reach the coven alive.”

“And a child you know was affected by The Calling.”

“Yes. Sorella is a child that Rigmor and I rescued from The New Order. When I returned without Rigmor, Sorella took it upon herself to search for her. That is when a nearby coven infected her with The Calling. A ring with a weaker version of Cethera is enough to block the impulses, so as long as Sorella wears it, she is safe.”

“Tell me exactly what the spirits said.”

“Nemiel said, ‘Valdr, your mother fights for the victims of The Calling.’ Then Xenia, the child, said, ‘I am helping Perrif and the children. I am not trapped like the others. Thank you for helping us, Valdr.’”

“Perrif was hoping they would eventually speak to you. That is why she used your real name, and the one I call her. Your mother must have discovered Bal’s plan and had to act immediately with no time to explain. She let me know she was fighting Bal over souls, and that was it.”

“I do not know if Mother’s foresight works wherever she is, or if Xenia told Mother about the person who just reunited her with her mother.”

“We probably won’t have many answers till reunited with Perrif.”

“Knowing why Bal needs the souls of children is the first puzzle to solve. That will help us find their headquarters, which is somewhere in Hammerfell. Xenia was a victim of The Calling, but died by accident, not at the hands of the vampires. Therefore, she has some affinity for whatever Bal is doing, but freedom to act.”

“Bal is always trying to drag bits of Nirn, or even all of it, into Coldharbour or trying to bypass the Liminal Barrier.”

“If Bal managed to gain control of Mother’s soul…”

“The Liminal Barrier would no longer stop him manifesting on Nirn.”

“He might eventually be defeated and sent to The Void to recover, but the devastation would be enormous.”

“Tell me about your time in The Void.”

“You risked a lot by speaking to me there.”

“Some of the other Divines complained, but they have never been parents. Saying the mortals of Nirn are your children is not the same.”

“I thank you for taking that risk.”

“What else is a father supposed to do?”

“The Void was an eye-opener, which I found amusing while not having a corporeal body.”

“I am yet to find the evil being I can blame for your humour, Valdr.”

“I fought with guilt for what seemed like an eternity. Rigmor’s last words haunted me and made it difficult to focus. Eventually, I fought back by punctuating replays of those words with thoughts of her smile, laughter, giggles and other fond memories. That worked, and I could make a better assessment of my predicament.”

“Your love for Rigmor was the catalyst for your return.”

“Yes, I thought about the other people I love, and that contributed, but my love for Rigmor was the central focus.”

“Did you see the souls of beings from other realities?”

“Yes, I guessed it was something to do with my ability to read souls. And are they from different realities, or just other Mundus in the Aurbis?”

“The latter. It was a poor choice of words. Yes, they are from the same reality as us.”

“I wonder if any being from another Mundus has ever visited?”

“You know there are many things we do not know, Valdr.”

“Yes, but mortal curiosity is part of who we are, so I will happily ponder questions without answers. The other being I talked to is one of those curiosities.”

“And another thing I have no answer for. But logic tells you there are other gods we have no dealings with or even knowledge of.”

“I asked her, it, whatever, if she was a god. She said that was a matter of perspective.”

“Once more, that is logical. Would I regard her as a god? Primitive cultures attribute divinity to mundane phenomena and objects. What defines a god is a matter of perspective.”

“Intuition tells me that whatever she is, she has a vested interest in Nirn, maybe the entirety of Mundus.”

“Some people have ants as pets and have a vested interest in their survival and are fascinated by their activities.”

“Wow, thanks for making me feel insecure about my very existence and value in the scheme of things!”

“It is a valid analogy, Valdr. Curiosity or intellectual interest does not equate to love and empathy. Tell me of your interactions with Boethia and Malacath.”

“Boethia claimed to have the ability to determine Rigmor’s whereabouts. It was not some advanced spell or form of scrying. She had spies in The New Order’s most secret site, the Black Diamond mine, so I have no doubt she had spies in the fort where they had built the Oblivion Gate. It was mortal agents that informed her about the plan to transform Malacath into a reborn Trinimac on Nirn. I likely killed her spy or spies.”

“You are right to question her ability to know Rigmor’s location or that of the Oblivion Gate any other way. The same with the knowledge of the purpose for the gate.”

“Boethia was correct that Rigmor was to be sacrificed, but wrong about how it was to be achieved. It was not a quick death as she described it, but torture to prepare for the exchange of Tirraen.”

“Lord Arkay will have kittens when he hears that.”

“And people think my colloquialisms are strange.”

“He is a Divine. Who says he can’t have kittens?”

“I could sense some interest in the survival of Rigmor beyond the fact that it would ruin Malacath’s plans. She seemed to recognise and respect the love that Rigmor and I share.”

“Daedric Princes can love, Valdr. But adherence to their sphere of influence may prevent it from being expressed. Do not be surprised if Boethia envied what you and Rigmor have.”

“I travelled to her proving grounds and defeated ten of her best champions. Undoubtedly each of them had slaughtered others, and not just Boethia devotees, to earn their titles. I had no qualms killing them, even if it was, essentially, for Boethia’s amusement.”

“Did you have problems in The Ash Pit?”

“Apart from its terrible colour palette, no. I faced some powerful Dremora, but they hardly slowed me down.”

“Why didn’t Malacath kill you?”

“I think Boethia transformed Trinimac, but did not erase all traces of him. Malacath does care for Orsimer, and he has never been a vindictive god. Strict, but not bloodthirsty. I knew the risk of entering his domain, but I had no choice. The sacrificial ceremony was only partly completed, but Malacath was bound to Rigmor’s soul, and the only way to save it was to close the Oblivion Gate. He called for parley, and I knew he would honour it.”

“The unwritten rules of parley are one of the few things gods and mortals can have confidence in.”

“Malacath thought he had a right to rule Nirn. I pointed out that was never Trinimac’s or Auri-El’s goal. I compared Trinimac’s teachings with The Code of Mauloch and pointed out their many similarities. I told him neither the Orsimer nor Auri-El would recognise him as Trinimac or Malacath. What Malacath proposed to do was not something Trinimac would do. What Malacath proposed did not follow The Code of Mauloch. There were other points I made, but that was the crux of my appeal to his sensibilities.”

“That was well done, Valdr. You did not plead or threaten, but appealed to his basic principles, which do not differ from Trinimac’s.”

“I did mention the absurdity of The New Order achieving what five years of war with The Dominion didn’t. And that twenty-four legions await whatever paltry force they land.”

“Did you also mention the inevitable resistance from other provinces?”

“Yes, and the fact that a chastened Alduin would destroy Mundus if Malacath’s actions allowed The Dominion to endanger The Nine and The Wheel.”

“It is usually gods that lie and manipulate mortals. It seems that Malacath was susceptible to lies from mortals.”

“I think Malacath had been seeking revenge. The New Order misdirected his rage and offered a chance to exercise it.”

“That is the likely scenario.”

“I fear for the Orsimer if Malacath’s plans become known. Their culture revolves around his worship.”

“If need be, Malacath will tell his shamans a convincing tale of what happened. Unless you contradict him, they’ll accept it. They know Malacath is a transformed Trinimac. They can weave many lies around that known fact. Who can say what a transformation can do to the mind of a god?”

“Yeah, it did weird things to that Tiber Septim person.”

“What is next?”

“That is up to The New Order. The logical thing, upon learning of the destruction of the Oblivion Gate, would be to turn the fleet around and return home, hoping Dominion leaders are willing to forgive their audacity. But few of the troops on the ships knew about the Malacath plan. Therefore, they will land, convinced they have some hope of victory. His Imperial Majesty will let them land and create a beachhead. He will let them march to a place of his choosing. Then he will destroy them. He has the advantage that there will be few civilians to worry about if The New Order takes the logical path to The Imperial City.”

“And your plan?”

“Dragons will give us ample warning of their arrival date and likely landing points. Nahfahlaar will offer his scouting service to His Imperial Majesty.”

“As if Nahfahlaar’s ego is not big enough.”

“We shall act surprised and uncoordinated, but ensure any large population points along their route are well defended. We want them to continue to their major objective, likely Whiterun, and not get bogged down in major battles. Most of their army will remain intact, except their officers, whom we shall cull. They will be no match for Legionnaires and Stormcloaks in open battle. Add Dragonguard and me, and it will be a short, violent end to The New Order.”

“Sound tactics, Valdr. Hjalti Early-Beard would approve.”

“What would a twenty-year-old general know?”

“It is good just to sit and talk.”

“I have no excuse, Father. I can sit here for hours and only have seconds tick by on Nirn. I can always find time no matter how busy or chaotic things are.”

“I have been different since Perrif is not around to remind me of my mortal self. I know you have been uncomfortable around me. More god than father. I understand.”

“I will return now, and sit next to Rigmor so she has relief from nightmares.”

“Did Rigmor escape the ordeal healthy?”

“Rigmor is physically healthy, but her memories are not. She did not recognise me, Father. It is upsetting, but I am positive it is a temporary thing.”

“Tirnetha Marael, Valdr.”

“The most powerful force known. Well, to the few gods I bother speaking to.”

We stood, and Father hugged me again. It is not the same as when we lived on that small island, but it was enough to convey his love for me.

I willed myself to the farm.

I looked up at the stars and said, “If you have something to say, speak more clearly!”

I entered the house and then Rigmor’s bedroom.

Sigunn had been sitting next to Rigmor. She stood and approached me, so we could speak without disturbing her daughter, or Sorella.

Before I could say anything, she whispered, “Shush! Can you hear that?”

I listened for a few seconds, then replied, “Somebody downstairs is snoring.”

“Rigmor has been tossing and turning and muttering all sorts of things for hours. Within seconds of you entering this room, she became quiet.”

“Tirlineth. Ayleidoon for Our Quiet. That is what you have witnessed, Sigunn. I knew the nightmares would happen. But I had to do some things before chaos dictates my actions.”

“Thank the gods Sorella had worn herself out riding Svinnr and helping Angi with the gardening. She fell asleep despite the noise.”

“I will sit with Rigmor now, and she will get proper rest.”

“Rigmor was calling out for you, Wulf. Most of what she was saying was nonsense, but your name was clear.”

“I… I am sorry I had to leave Rigmor for a while.”

“Nonsense! You have a duty you are committed to and did what you thought best. That is something Ragnar emphasised with Rigmor. He used to say, ‘We can only try our hardest.’”

“That is what Rigmor said to me when I first found her when she was fourteen. She was alone and in the dark, and now it has happened to her again. You were right when you said that Rigmor didn’t deserve any of this. But I have orphanages full of children who did not deserve what happened to them and their families either. I can only try my hardest to lessen the number. We cannot stop every injustice, but we can try our hardest. That is what The Dragonguard and I are committed to doing.”

“During my time enslaved, I met only a few bitter people sharing my fate. Empathy and love were the basis of survival in appalling circumstances.”

“That is what I have found amongst the orphans. They never see race or religion. They see another child who is sad or scared, and they try their hardest to make them happy and unafraid. We helped all those enslaved with you, Sigunn.”

“Yes, Christine told me they made their way to another Khajiiti village near the mine. You have paid for their passages home.”

“I left all that to the Khajiiti, some of whom are Dragonguard, to organise. No instructions were needed from me, because it was a natural extension of the compassion we exercise. The Empire is supposed to use The Ten Commands of the Nine Divines as guidance. Most other races and provinces have a similar set of values, because that behaviour is part of all intelligent beings. Greed, cruelty and other vices are learned, not part of a newborn’s instincts.”

“I look forward to sitting and listening to Rigmor tell me about how you met when she was fourteen. Celestine said that meeting changed you.”

“It did. And here we are, yapping away, and I have not asked. How was your meeting with Rikke?”

“Oh, Wulf, that was a wonderful surprise! It took us a while to be able to talk between sobs and sniffles, but Rikke is the same as she has always been. A soldier through and through, but her hardness is for command. Underneath the armour, she is a quiet, reserved woman full of compassion for her troops.”

“Rikke would have been upset to see Rigmor in this state.”

“She sat with me for a while, but Rigmor’s nightmares were too much. She felt hopeless, because there was nothing that we could do to ease them. Celestine warned us to let Rigmor sleep, for even disturbed as it was, it helped her healing. So Angi and Sorella sat with Rigmor while I wandered around the farm with Rikke.”

“I am tired, but so are you, Sigunn. Get some sleep, knowing Rigmor will be free of nightmares. She can dream of more pleasant things, and perhaps that will help with her memory. Even we Master Mages of Restoration find the mind a mystery.”

“Baa’Ren said you have reservations about Rigmor choosing you as her life partner. Remove them, Wulf. Everybody says it is obvious to all who know you and Rigmor that you are meant for each other. I want to witness that love, as Rigmor’s happiness is paramount to me. If Rigmor has committed with full knowledge of the possible consequences, then you have no right to question it. Do not let your insecurities override her choice. You told me you decided to be Champion of The Divines. You chose that path knowing the possible consequences, or perhaps you knew it would not be easy. Trust Rigmor to make a similar choice.”

“I bet you had the best-behaved students ever! With the Sigunn Stare and that tone of command.”

Sigunn laughed and said, “You know you are in trouble if I combine my stare with hands on hips!”

“Oh, I know that one. You will be proud to know that Rigmor has honed that skill to perfection.”

“Goodnight, Wulf.”

“Goodnight, Sigunn.”

I was amazed that even though we were whispering, we hadn’t woken Sorella. I checked that she was wearing the ring, and she was.

I pulled the chair closer to Rigmor and sat, listening to her regular breathing.

No matter how many people tell me otherwise, I know I failed Rigmor. A Guardian does not let the monster of his charge’s nightmares capture his charge.

I soon fell into a deep, undisturbed sleep.