Dragonborn

I am Dragonborn.

I'll have to repeat that, mostly for myself as I still can't believe it. I was a simple farmer in Chorrol who dreamed of being a warrior like my father, journeying to Skyrim to fight for an ideal, finding a calling by joining the Companions and yet now my destiny is something near unimaginable.

I am Dragonborn.

I've spent at least a week with the Greybeards learning all I can about being Dragonborn, asking more questions than I count about who came before me and why I was chosen now. I've learned more words of power from the Greybeards during a series of tests to prove I am capable. I still don't know how it all works, but without any training, I can shout any words I learn immediately. The Greybeards have also explained the word walls I had found previously and those I may find in the future. I would not know the dragon language yet, but they have offered to teach me if I desire. But they say the word walls are inextricably linked to the Dragonborn, and though I may not be able to read the language written, the word I see highlighted on each wall is linked with me, I would assume by magic, understanding I am of dragon blood when I approach.

They also explained the prophecy as foretold by the Elder Scrolls. According to those, I am the Last Dragonborn, sent forth by Akatosh to prevent Alduin, known as the as the 'World-Eater', from ending our and perhaps all existence. With the help of the Greybeards and any other allies I can find, I will need to defeat Alduin to prevent armageddon. I am now starting to realise what is resting on my shoulders. It is a lot for one single man to take in.

I thought after a week of learning, of tests and of observing the Greybeards, I would be accepted. But no, I was told there would be one final trial before I was truly accepted as Dragonborn. I didn't blame them for wanting to be entirely sure. It would give me peace of mind too. Lydia was a different story. Her attitude to me was already deferential because I was a Thane but that was just part of her job. The fact I was now Dragonborn? Now it wasn't just a case of being the job. I think she was already a true believer. I thought she would have been bored solid during our week at High Hrothgar but she never complained, spending much of her time reading the numerous books the Greybeards had available while spending a lot of time outside training… when it wasn't snowing.

Arngeir was the first Greybeard I had spoken to on arrival and had explained he would be the only who would speak to me during my stay. They had to be careful when speaking around Lydia as she would be unable to handle the power of their voices. Anyone untrained, except for the Dragonborn, could be killed otherwise. So Lydia was sent away whenever there was a test of my voice.

It was the eighth morning when Arngeir approached the room Lydia and I had been given for the duration of our stay. We looked up from our breakfast as he took a seat at the small table.

"It is time for your final trial, Dragonborn."

It sounded somewhat ominous, immediately assuming it wasn't just about learning and practicing another Thu'um. "What is it, Master Arngeir?"

"The founder of our order, Jurgen Windcaller, was buried in a tomb known as Ustengrav far from here. Within the tomb, you will find his sacred horn. Retrieve the horn, remain true to the Way of the Voice, and you will return."

"I'll leave at once. Time is of the essence."

"Of course, Dragonborn. The Greybeards will await your return."

The skies were clear when we exited High Hrothgar and the weather remained thankfully calm for our trek down the mountain. Having dealt with any wild animals or monsters on our way up, the trip down was peaceful and also far quicker, arriving back in Ivarstead by mid-afternoon. I discussed with Lydia the idea of hurrying back to Whiterun in preparation for our trip to Ustengrav. She wasn't particularly keen but, seeing that I was eager to get going, she eventually agreed with little argument on her part. This meant riding our horses at pace, something I'd never done before.

Once secured in the saddle, we dug our feet into the flanks of the horses and galloped back to Whiterun as quickly as possible. I'll admit it wasn't a comfortable journey. Having never ridden a horse so fast, certain parts of my body suffered from the experience and I was glad to see the walls of Whiterun lit up by braziers in the distance after what had been a very fast ride.

After stabling the horses, we were walking up the path into Whiterun, the night sky twinkling with stars and the moon as large as ever, when we ran into Aela, holding a torch and obviously waiting for me. I wasn't too surprised to see her, being a fellow Companion, but the concern on her face brought me to an abrupt halt. "What's wrong?"

"You'll want to see this. Something… happened."

I felt my stomach drop. "What?"

She simply gestured for me to follow, walking up and through the gates into a scene of carnage. "They attacked just after nightfall," she explained as I examined the scene, bodies and blood, the signs of battle and the overwhelming stench of death. There was nothing that I could do for them now.

"Who or what attacked?" I asked

"Vampires."

"Vampires?" Lydia asked, incredulous at the very thought.

Aela nodded. "They're not a figment of imagination, if that's what you think. They exist. We've dealt with them before. But they've never attacked anywhere, that I know of, in such a manner."

"Any idea why?" I asked.

"Honestly, we haven't even started giving that a thought at the moment. All this happened barely two hours ago."

"Any idea on who was killed?"

"A couple of town guard. I think one or two civilians are currently being treated at the Temple of Kynareth."

I just nodded before sighing. "First dragons, now vampires. What next?"

It was a rhetorical question and, considering there was nothing I could really do to help out, I bade farewell to Aela and headed back to Breezehome. It was nice to be home after spending a week with the Greybeards, but knew we'd probably be on the road immediately the next morning. I would have liked to spend at least a day speaking with the Jarl and Kodlak, and would give the matter some through during the night.

Lydia offered to make dinner. While she did that, I made a quick trip up the Bannered mare to grab some bottles of mead. She cooked it quickly as it was ready by the time I returned, offering to dish up dinner as she took a seat, opened a bottle of mead. She then noticeably shuddered.

"Something wrong?"

"Just the thought of vampires, my thane. I've heard rumours of such creatures, but to know that they have the audacity to attack our homes and cities."

"Let's hope it's just an isolated incident. Perhaps something happened which riled them up?"

"I hope so too."

We at the rest of our meal in silence before simply sitting back and sharing some mead in front of the fire. It had been another long day and I know I needed to unwind before bed. I could also sense Lydia was still concerned about the vampire attack and didn't want to unduly concern here. 'But it may be something that will concern us all if it isn't an isolated incident.'

"So, do you know where Ustengrav is?" I finally asked sometime later.

"No idea, my thane."

"Okay, I'll ask around and see if anyone knows. We could also do with some more supplies before we head out."

"Oh, so… You want me to go with you?"

I must have given her a look as she actually blushed. "What do you mean?"

"Well, I thought since we're back in Whiterun, you'd ask one of your Companions for help."

"While I'd like to consider the Companions my friends as well as shield-brothers, what I also have to remember is that they work for coin. Aela accompanied me to Bleak Falls Barrow but she was paid by the shopkeeper after we found his golden claw."

"So you'll take me along because I'm free?" She was grinning as she said it and I wouldn't have said anything even if she wasn't. 'Glad we've already got that sort of friendship. Well, I hope she sees it that way too.' I just had a good laugh as she was at least half-right. Anyway, she'd proven herself on the walk up to High Hrothgar. All I knew is that I couldn't do this alone. I would need all the help I could get.

The next morning had Lydia shopping for supplies while I asked around for the best route to Ustengrav. I eventually ran into Skjor in Jorrvaskr, who was able to offer some advice but also news on the latest developments affecting the Companions. A lap map of Skyrim was sat on a table in the main hall. He spoke as he pointed.

"I guess you'll want to stay on the main roads?"

"It would probably be safer in the long run. Shortcuts save time but who knows what we could end up running into."

"Okay. The easiest route would be to follow the road out of Whiterun west until you reach Rorikstead. From there, follow the signs for Morthal. Horrid little town, well, it's a hold capital so technically a city, but I still wouldn't suggest staying there too long."

"What makes it so horrid?"

"It's situated near the marshes of Hjaalmarch. It's just a depressing area. All manner of creature makes their home in the marshes. There are all sorts of rumours about other things that may reside in the marshes. I'd tread carefully, Ragnar."

"And Ustengrav?"

He placed his finger on the map. "Northeast of Morthal. Do you have a map of the area?"

"Lydia is buying one now. I suggested she should just buy a map of each hold so at least we're prepared for wherever we have to go."

"When do you plan on leaving?"

"We'll head for Rorikstead today and complete the journey tomorrow."

"Do you mind if I discuss something else with you before you depart?"

"Sure." He gestured to one of the tables surrounding the large fire. I'd always found Skjor rather serious in demeanour but it was obvious there was something on his mind as his expression was sterner than normal. "Okay, what's the problem?"

"We've discovered the name of the mercenaries you fought in Dustman's Cairn. The Silver Hand. Werewolf hunters. Normally this would not be an issue to the Companions but the news we've received even has Kodlak worried." I couldn't help but raise my eyebrows in surprise. "Their numbers are… staggering. They could attack Jorrvaskr and there may be little we could do to prevent it."

"How did they find out about the beastblood?"

"That is something we're all still wondering and will eventually find out. Which leads me to a question for you, Ragnar. Would you consider become part of the Circle? I have spoken with Aela and she mentioned your interest. I will be honest, having the Dragonborn as a Companion and Circle member would be a boon for our small group of warriors. And I understand you would like to remain a Companion."

I nodded. "I thought I wanted to be a solder. But I enjoyed working for the guild back in Chorrol and take pride in being a Companion. I would still like to be one once this business with dragons is complete."

"Would you consider becoming a Circle member soon? The main reason I suggest is that you may find having the blood of the beast advantageous in your fight against the dragons. You've seen Farkas change and the power that may be at your disposal, and I'm sure Aela was enthusiastic in her descriptions too."

I chuckled. "Yes, she certainly was."

"It is merely something to consider, Ragnar. Give it some thought and if you choose to do so, come see me and we will organise a ceremony."

"And the Silver Hand?"

"The honour of the Companions is at stake. We must take the fight to them when and where we can."

"If I have time, I will come to your aid."

"We all understand there are important issues affecting all of Skyrim but your offer is appreciated, Dragonborn."

I groaned. "You too?"

"Oh, you're still a whelp when it comes to being a Companion, Ragnar. But your destiny lies away from us for the time being."

We shared the handshake of warriors before I exited Jorrvaskr, tempted to visit Dragonsreach and speak with the jarl, but considering I wanted to reach Ustengrav as soon as possible, I returned to Breezhome, Lydia was ready to go as I opened the door. She had even taken time to pack my small bag.

"In a hurry?"

"I've heard about Morthal from Jon. It's not somewhere I would like to travel through when it's dark."

"Don't worry. We'll head as far as Rorikstead, find an inn there for the evening then continue tomorrow. Sound good?"

"Better than heading through marshland at night."

We were saddled and riding half an hour later, turning right upon exiting Whiterun and heading out onto the vast plains of the hold. The sheer vastness beggared belief. The mountain that I could see in the north were barely visible, though those to the south towered over us, no doubt hiding numerous caves full of wild animals or monsters. It was slightly warm out on the plain, no shade and the sun did beat down. We passed a fort not long after leaving Whiterun, no desire to stop and explore but it was interesting to see what appeared to be an unoccupied fort so close to the city.

"Why doesn't the jarl occupy this?" I had to ask.

"I'm not sure," Lydia replied, "I think because the jarl chooses to remain neutral, both sides would see the movement of troops into the fort as a provocation."

It was a sensible explanation so we passed the fort without stopping. 'Could be bandits in there or something. May end up having to take it anyway.' I could see fires in the north, Lydia explaining those were where giants made their home. After stating my surprise, she added that giants were usually docile creatures and would leave people alone as long as the boundaries of their camps were respected. The giant I had helped fight when I first arrived near Whiterun may have been from a nearby camp and been angered by continuous intrusions on its land. It was a possible explanation.

Otherwise we met not a soul for most of our journey towards Rorikstead, sharing some conversation as the horses trotted along. During those moments of silence, I could only guess we were each alone with our thoughts. My own were rather obvious. Two topics. One, the most obvious, that about being Dragonborn. The second was in regards to the offer from Skjor about the beastblood. I was tempted to ask for Lydia's opinion but then remembered that it was a secret of the Circle. Although I trusted her, I didn't know how she would react to such a confession, so, for the time being at least, I would have to keep it a secret.

"What would you have done if you had not become a housecarl?" I asked.

Lydia blinked rapidly as I broke her train of thought. "I don't really know, my thane."

"Ragnar."

She smiled. "My thane."

I just laughed. "You've never thought about it?"

She shrugged. "Honestly, not really. As I said, I've been training for this position since I was a little girl. Irileth was like a mother to me."

"Oh, what about your parents?" Her face told me everything I needed to know and I'll admit I felt guilty immediately. "Sorry..."

She shook her head. "Don't be. You were not to know. Just know that they are now at peace."

I didn't ask any further questions about her family. My father had died a hero in the war against the elves. My mother passed peacefully in her sleep. It didn't take too much thinking to understand how her parents had likely died. Further evidence, if any was required, that Skyrim was a hard, unforgiving land.

After a few hours' ride, with the sun now starting to dip over the horizon, we came to a junction where the road split three ways. Lydia pointed out the path to our left, which crested a rather large hill, led to Falkreath. So busy I had been with the Companions then the news about being Dragonborn that my mind turned to the family I may still have there. 'Wonder if my uncle is even still alive? I've never even seen the man before.' I had sent him another letter before leaving Chorrol for the final time yet events again had conspired against me, in a way, from arriving on his doorstep when I planned.

"I have an uncle in Falkreath," I mentioned once we'd taken the road to Rorikstead.

"You do?"

I nodded. "Never met the man. Don't know if he's even alive. I've sent him letters before but if he's ever received them, I'd never know. I just paid a courier to deliver them to Falkreath."

"Will you visit him?"

I shrugged. "If I manage to find myself being sent to Falkreath for a reason. I'll certainly think about it once all this dragon business is over."

We entered Rorikstead just as the torches and braziers were being lit, the last of sunlight finally disappearing to leave Skyrim in darkness once again. It was a small village, with only a few farmhouses, farms and thankfully an inn, where we tied up our horses outside and entered to see the place was relatively deserted. Mralki, the inn's owner, was friendly enough and was happy to provide us with rooms, this time separate, to the apparent relief of Lydia, along with hot meals and some mead.

"Did you know someone called Lokir?" I asked Mralki as Lydia and I enjoyed our first tankard.

"I do. What of it?"

"Has no-one wondered as to his whereabouts?"

Mralki put down the tankard he had been cleaning and stared at me. "What do you know of him?" he asked cautiously.

I held up a hand. "You misinterpret my intention. I merely have news of what happened to him."

"I assume he's dead?"

"He is. But why do you assume that?"

"Because the man was dishonest, a liar and a thief." He spat on the floor. "Oblivion take Lokir."

"Did he have any family?"

"No. He had a wife at one time, but she left him when she realised he would not provide for her. Lokir believed farming was beneath him and wouldn't attempt to do anything else. I think he was just bone-idle lazy."

"Is it wise to speak ill of the dead, my thane?" Lydia whispered to me.

I nodded, understanding what she meant. "Where did all this happen?" Mralki asked.

"Helgen."

"He was killed by the dragon?"

"No. We were being lined up to be executed by the Empire. Lokir tried to run and was taken down by a pair of arches."

Mralki scoffed. "He couldn't even face death like a true Nord. But you survived?"

"I did. I had some help and a lot of luck."

"So where are you headed tomorrow?"

"An ancient Nordic ruin by the name of Ustengrav."

"By the Eight. Whatever would give you the idea of visiting there?"

I looked at Lydia, who understood and simply shrugged. 'She's suggesting it's my decision.' I figured I would be cryptic. "There's something in the ruin that I have to get."

Mralki looked ready to ask a question then thought better of it, or that's what I thought. Instead, he trailed off and started speaking of Rorikstead, where it got its name, what the local farms were growing while also mentioning issues about the Forsworn.

"Who are they?" Lydia asked.

"You don't know?" We both shook our heads. "They're the native men and women of the Reach. I don't know much more about them personally, just tales that have come from warriors arriving out of Markarth. Bloodthirsty, daedra worshipping madmen is the general consensus. What I do know is that they managed to take control of Markart for a time, at least until Ulfric Stormcloak, while he was still loyal to the Empire, took it out of their hands. The Forsworn have been in rebellion against both the local Nords and the Empire ever since."

"Hope we don't run into any of them," Lydia muttered.

"You should be okay. They very rarely leave the Reach. They've only raided here once or twice looking for supplies. Thankfully they're only looking to steal, not to kill."

"Well, we'll certainly keep an eye on the hills until we reach Hjaalmarch," I stated, Mralki simply nodding his approval to such a good idea.

We left Rorikstead at first light the next morning, crossing the border into Hjaalmarch sometime mid-morning, thankful that each hold had banners attached to wooden posts that signified each border crossing. The road followed a river, unsure as to the name, Lydia mentioned it was probably the Hjaal River, though the map didn't state it if it was or not. But we followed the road and the river until we came to the turning for Morthal, the weather turning colder as we started to climb again, thankfully not too high, snow lightly falling at the same time and settling on the ground, leaving hoof prints in our wake.

We rode through Morthal before lunchtime without stopping, our progress far quicker than expected as we put our horses through their paces. I was surprised to see that the capital of a Hold appeared almost completely undefended, no sign of any walls or barricades preventing an invasion with only a few town guard on patrol. The citizens looked at us warily as we rode by and, while not openly hostile to our presence, I was left feeling with the distinct impression they didn't want us to stop on our way. Lydia mentioned she was left with the same thoughts once we'd crossed the bridge out of town.

The fog started to thicken once we'd left Morthal, not thick enough to leave us blind but the sense of gloom left that feeling running up the back of your neck, wishing you could heighten your senses even more. 'Another advantage of taking the beastblood?' Every noise in the distance led to immediate turns of the head, staring ahead and listening hard to see what made the noise. Our pace dropped as a consequence and we travelled more on feel and guesswork rather than any real idea of where we were heading.

After a few stumbles and being turned in the wrong direction at least twice as no path led directly to the ruin, we finally found Ustengrav, I guess sometime in the afternoon, as although it was still light, the thick fog prevented us being able to see the sun. We hadn't arrived expecting to find the ruin deserted, but running into a trio of bandits outside was a surprise. We were off our horses and attacking them within seconds of seeing them, putting them down with almost relative ease, Lydia and I already working well as a team. We had a look around the camp the bandits had made but there was nothing of consequence we could find but we now realised we would definitely not be alone.

"Do we go in now?" Lydia asked.

"I don't think delaying would be a good idea. These bandits may have friends inside who might wonder where they've disappeared to."

"There's a good chance it will be dark by the time we're done," she stated and there was no missing the nervous edge to her tone.

I nodded. "Understood. We have camping supplies so we can make camp once we're out." Lydia's face fell at the thought. "Or we could head back to Morthal. Though that would mean journeying through this marsh at night."

Lydia sighed. "Neither option sounds great, if I'm being honest."

"How about we just get the horn first and worry about that later?"

"Okay."

We tied our horses to a wooden stake next to the ruin, leaving our packs behind as well, taking only what we needed as we cautiously descended the steps towards the iron doors of the ancient tomb. I took one last look back at Lydia, who met my eyes, determination in them once again, nodded that she was ready.

Barely thirty seconds later, Lydia and I were both lucky to be alive.