Payback

The next week and more saw Aela provide me with three more operations to carry out against the Silver Hand. The other members of the Circle were already getting wind of what we were up to, Farkas going so far as to pull me aside one day to warn me that it was being noticed. Aela didn't accompany me on any of these missions after that first one as she was following her own avenues of investigation, suggesting that she was also 'running interference', whatever that meant. I hesitated to think of what she was up to at times.

As Aela couldn't accompany me, and we didn't want to involve any other Companions in what we were up to, I took Lydia with me each time as I'd learned the hard way that going solo may end in tragedy. I didn't explain exactly what Aela and I were up to but I don't think it would have been too hard to figure out as we annihilated each Silver Hand outpost before I returned to Aela with more information. We were definitely closing in on their base of operations. Once we had that, I knew we were going to strike.

"Still no word from Delphine?" Lydia asked at breakfast one morning.

"Not yet. I had no idea what our next step was so I was leaving it to her. She thought the Thalmor were involved so I assume she's looking into them. But she has a price on her head so has to be careful."

"I haven't heard any news of more dragon attacks."

"Neither have I. It's strange that they haven't tried attacking here, for instance. The Thalmor link is interesting, though. Do you know much about them?"

Lydia shrugged. "No more or less than anyone else. All I know is that they elves, think they're better than us, almost defeated us in the Great War and now threaten our very existence."

I scratched my beard. "You think they're behind the dragons?"

She shook her head. "No. I think they want another war. They want to completely defeat and then subjugate us. It wouldn't surprise me if they tried to push all humans off the continent of Tamriel. I think they've been burning for revenge against man for centuries."

"An interesting viewpoint." 'And one that makes a lot of sense.'

"Which is why this war between the Stormcloaks and Empire is so stupid. The Empire is not the enemy. The Thalmor are the enemy. The White-Gold Concordat was necessary to stop the war. Ulfric is using that as an excuse to…" She trailed off.

"You can keep going, Lydia."

She sighed. "No. It's been discussed to death, my thane. What's done is done. You know what I think."

"Are discussions always like this?" I asked, unable to hold back a slight laugh.

"That's why we generally try to avoid talking politics, my thane."

I took the hint and shut up about the Thalmor and the war and we finished the rest of our breakfast in blissful silence. Knowing Aela would likely have more work for me, I wandered up to Jorrvaskr, stopping to have a quick chat with Carlotta and grabbing some fruit to eat later in the day. Heimskr wasn't raging with another fiery sermon this morning, instead appearing to be praying or meditating at the Altar of Talos he proudly displayed. I'd wanted to ask the Jarl why he tolerated it but felt it wasn't my place to ask. The Jarl ran Whiterun however he saw fit, but seeing Heimskr preach without censure pleased me. It was another reason why I was content to remain in the city for the foreseeable future.

Farkas was waiting for me at the top of the stairs. "Ragnar, a word."

I heard the tone. It wasn't good news. "What is it?"

"The old man wants to speak with you." I would have asked 'What about?' but it was a pointless if not stupid question. I knew exactly what Kodlak wanted to ask me about. "He was always going to notice what you've been up to. Just be honest with him. Skjor was a friend and companion to us all."

I found Aela inside and she had the look of someone who had been given a talking to. She met my eye and grimaced, shaking her head then pointing towards the stairs, so I figured there was little point asking what was asked. With what I would admit a large amount of trepidation, I slowly walked down the hallway until I arrived at the doorway to Kodlak's sitting room, the old man in his usual position, reading a book. He looked up, I guess sensing I was nearby.

"Ragnar, I'm glad you came. Please, take a seat." I quietly took a seat and readied myself for whatever was to come next. I didn't think he'd start shouting at me, I knew that wasn't his way. But, already, I could sense the disappointment. "So, Ragnar, I understand you and Aela have been keeping yourselves busy of late." I opened my mouth to say something, then close it. What could I really say? Sure, I could try and justify what we'd been doing but it was one of two when looking at it dispassionately; we were either on a hot streak of revenge, or we thought we were doing the honourable thing. "Aela, I can understand her reaction. She has a hot blooded streak in her, and add that to the beast-blood that flows through her veins, and her 'close' relationship with Skjor, and I should have realised this would happen. You, though, I'll admit I'm surprised."

"I wanted to help Aela," I stated with a shrug. It was mostly true.

He gave me a curious look. "Why is that?"

I didn't understand the tone for a few seconds. Then I realised, knowing my eyes opened wide. "Oh, not for that reason. That's not to say… I mean Aela is… But she's also…" I cleared my throat. "We're just friends, sir. And, as I said, I wanted to help. But I also remember finding Skjor, and what they did to him. It wasn't just murder. It was…" Then I trailed off and just shrugged. I'm not sure if he ever actually saw the body as he wrapped up in furs when I took him up the Skyforge for the funeral. If he had, perhaps he would understand…

"Do you believe this has been honourable?"

He knew exactly what to ask. I shook my head. "At times, no. No, it hasn't," I replied quietly.

"I do wish both of you had spoken to me about this before going on your personal vendetta. You are warriors, and if you had come to me with a plan of how to deal with the Silver Hand, you both should have known that I would have backed you. But it's the sneaking around…"

"I'm sorry, sir." I felt like I was five years old and being told off by my mother for doing something wrong.

He shook his head. "You don't have to apologise to me or any of your other Shield-Brothers, Ragnar. That's not what I called you in here for. What you do in the name of the Companions falls on you alone. If you believe what you do is honourable, then that is all that matters. If not, then perhaps you need to re-examine what you're doing."

"Are you suggesting we stop, sir?"

"I think it's too late for that now, Ragnar. This has turned into a vicious cycle, a tit-for-tat that I think may run for some time. I would have suggested we try and contact the Silver Hand leader and talk to them, but I don't think that will be possible now."

"So what do we do?"

"I'll talk to the others and concoct a plan. We may have to continue on this course in regards to the Silver Hand. But you, Ragnar, I have a particular task for you, and you alone. Though I understand you generally take your Housecarl if you don't take one of your Companions, correct?"

"Yes, sir."

"Very well. So, about the task. You've asked Eorlund questions about our history?" I nodded. "He knows most of our history but there is one aspect he would know nothing about. How we came to be werewolves. What do you know about that?"

"Not a lot, sir. And those I have asked, I think it depends on their viewpoint. I see the advantages of it but I want to go to Sovngarde when I die."

"As do I. The Companions are nearly five thousand years old, Ragnar. We're almost as old as Skyrim being home to the Nords. And, for millennia, we fought simply for honour and the belief that we would all head to Sovngarde when we died."

"So how did we end up as werewolves?"

"A few hundred years ago, one of my predecessors, a good but short-sighted man, was looking to give the Companions an advantage over other guilds. So he made a bargain with the witches of Glenmoril Coven." I sat back, absolutely flabbergasted by that revelation, as Kodlak continued. "The agreement struck was that if the Companions hunted in the name of the daedra lord, Hircine, then we would be granted great power."

"I can only assume that there was a ruse somewhere in all this? Surely they should have realised striking a deal with witches would only lead to what happened to us?"

Kodlak nodded. "As I said, he was a short-sighted man. I don't know if the Companions were in any trouble but the deal reeks of desperation. And I also believe that the Harbinger did not think it would be a permanent change. The deal struck with the witches was no different than any other, according to the records. But, no, we had been deceived. The change was permanent and we have been cursed since that time."

I scratched my head, slightly confused. "Well, that's a point but only the Companions of that time were given the beast-blood. Surely it could have died out over the centuries?"

Kodlak shook his head. "No. Many of my predecessors have seen the benefits of the beast-blood, as have those who worked under them. Many may have been happy to have travelled to Hircine's hunting grounds when they died."

"So what do I do? Kill the witches?"

He sighed. "If only it were that simple. You see, the beast-blood is a disease, and it doesn't just affect your body, giving you the advantages you know of. No, it seeps into your very spirit. So even those who still wished for Sovngarde would have been claimed for Hircine. As I said, many like Aela, and likely Skjor right now, would be happy to chase prey with their master for eternity. I cannot fault anyone for what they believe in. Thousands of Nords worship daedra and that is their choice. But I am a true Nord, Ragnar. And I dream of Sovngarde. I wish to join my fellow Companions there when I pass."

"I've heard rumours that you've been trying to find a cure. Is that where these witches come in?"

"Yes. I've spent years investigating how we may be cured. I believe there is a way that the Companions as a guild can be completely cured of this curse, if they choose. I know Aela would not want a cure and that is her choice. Vilkas and Farkas, I believe, will want a cure. And what of you, Ragnar?"

I shrugged. "I may want a cure eventually."

"Bu you dream of Sovngarde?"

"I do, sir."

"Then that is why I ask you to travel to Glenmoril Coven. The witches magic ensnared us, and only their magic will release us. But I imagine it will only take force to obtain what we need. Strike then down, Ragnar. Strike them down like the true warrior I know you are at heart. Then bring me their heads! Only from there may we start to undo centuries of impurity."

I stood up, invigorated by his unbreakable faith. "I will restore the honour of this guild, sir."

He nodded. "Talos guide you, Dragonborn."

The hall was empty as I walked through it, actually thankful it was so I didn't have to explain what I was up to. I jogged back to Breezehome, Lydia sitting by the fire, reading a book though meeting my eye as I burst through the front door. She put the book down immediately. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing. But I have a task from Kodlak himself."

She was silent and I knew she was thinking before she finally replied. "Is it to do with what you have been up to lately?" I nodded. "And the fact you are werewolves?"

"You do know?" She shrugged. "And you weren't going to say anything?"

"It's none of my business. But most of Whiterun knows your 'secret'. But we overlook that because you are still an honourable guild."

"I guess it could explain how the Silver Hand found out. Someone could have inadvertently let it slip."

"Or someone with an axe to grind," Lydia suggested ominously.

I know I stared at her. "You think?" She simply nodded without a word. I could only sigh. "I'll get my armour on. Will you be ready to go soon?"

"Just give the word, my thane."

Half an hour later, both of us were mounted and riding towards Riverwood, discussing or, for want of a better word, arguing over which was the best route to take. I could go into detail of the argument, but even now, I can't really remember what it was about. I think it was about if we should go north or south of the lake. Whatever the case, it was one of the few times I invoked my right as Thane to decide, and therefore we took the road south.

Once south of the river, we headed west and it was another fine day in Skyrim, barely a cloud in the sky. I actually sighed to myself as we trotted along, side by side, chatting casually about nothing in particular, avoiding the topics we'd discussed to death over recent days. Truth be told, we'd known each other a while by now but were still getting to know each other. That's why I wasn't surprised by one question she asked.

"Do you like her?"

"Who?" I asked, raising an inquisitive eyebrow.

"Aela?"

"Of course. She's a fine warrior and a good friend. Someone I can trust to cover my back."

"No, I don't mean like that."

"I know exactly what you meant, Lydia," I stated, having a quiet chuckle. I'm surprised she'd waited this long to start teasing me.

"Well, do you?"

I shrugged. "She's certainly got some spirit, that's for sure."

"And a nice pair of legs." Now I burst into laughter. "Come now, my thane, are you seriously going to suggest that you have never looked at Aela that way?"

"I'm not going to suggest anything. But what I do know is that her heart belonged to Skjor. I think she's still grieving for him. It would certainly explain what we've been up to." I shrugged. "Yes, Aela is an attractive woman, I'm not going to deny that. Am I interested in her? Not in the way you think."

"Is there anyone that has caught your eye?"

"Are you trying to play match-maker, Lydia?"

"Certainly not! I'm just wondering."

"Then the answer would be no. If it isn't dealing with the dragon issue, I've been working for the Companions. I can't remember the last full day where I've done absolutely nothing. Not that I'm complaining. Days like that are boring."

We eventually arrived at a junction in the road. To the left was Falkreath, and I have to admit I felt a pull towards the city. I'd been in Skyrim for at least a couple of months by now and still barely seen most of the country. There was also the fact I had family in the city. But I had a job to do and I had left Kodlak's sitting room under the assumption that he wanted this job completed as soon as possible. Lydia pulled the map from her pack and we checked for our destination. We agreed to keep to the road north until we had no option but to leave the road and trek through the forest.

The weather had taken on a chill the further south around the lake we had diverted, a faint mist descending and the forest took on an eerie feeling. The horses certainly noticed, as they skittered at times, alarming me as I still wasn't used to handling a horse, though I was more comfortable in the saddle. We eventually arrived at a point along the road where there was a large clearing to our left and we knew this was where we would have to make our turn.

Travellers and adventurers always warned about going off the road, as all manner of beasts and creatures wandered the wilds, waiting for the unwary to drop into their lap. It was with this advice in the back our minds that we slowed our horses down to a walk as we wound our way through the trees, the mist thickening until we could only see a few feet in front of us.

"I don't like this," I heard Lydia mutter from behind.

"Just keep an ear out. We'll be fine."

I'll admit we got slightly lost after turning off the road as there were no signs pointed directly to the cave, and using the sun was out because of the mist. So we rode by feel, trying not to take too many sharp turns and though it took longer than expected, the mist finally started to clear up and I could see a cave in the distance. I called out to Lydia and we slowly approached the cave, eventually tying out horses to a tree before approaching the cave entrance. The path was lined by dead trees, from which were hanging strange symbols I could only assume were daedric in nature. The path itself was splattered with blood spots.

At the cave entrance was a brazier on either side, thankfully lit to illuminate the darkness inside. I unsheathed my sword, looking back at Lydia who was already prepared. "Ready?" I asked quietly.

"Ready, my thane."

We'd barely walked a dozen steps before an almost unbearable stench reached my nostrils, hearing Lydia almost gag behind me. I heard mutterings under her breath but she didn't stop, following my lead as we followed the passage around a corner, coming to a stop as we let our eyes adjust to the gloom. It was then that I felt Lydia clasp my shoulder.

"My thane, these are not just normal witches. They're Hagravens!"

"They're what?"

"Powerful witches. This task just got complicated. I'd suggest we don't just rush in."

"We'll take them out at distance. Did you bring you bow?" I saw her nod in the near darkness. "Then we'll do it that way."

I took the bow attached to my back and placed an arrow against the string, pulling it back until the tension allowed it no further. I then lined up the Hagraven in my sights and asked if Lydia was ready. When she was, I counted down from three and then we fired. The two arrows hit simultaneously, one in the side of the head, the other in the neck. The Hagraven went down without a sound.

We moved quickly, keeping crouched as braziers dotted around the area provided enough light that someone else would have noticed us. I unsheathed my sword and told Lydia to look away as I took the head clean off.

"Is that it?" Lydia asked once I was done.

"No. We're wiping them out."

She heard my tone and, even though I don't think she would have argued about saving a bunch of Hagravens, all she did was unsheathe her sword and state she was ready to follow me.

What followed over the next hour was bloody revenge. The Hagravens were not all together in one area of the cave. Instead, each had their own where they appeared to be concocting all sorts of experiments. There were dead animals, dead bodies, dead creatures, dead… things I didn't even recognise. The Hagravens tasted the wrath of the Dragonborn and his Housecarl, revenge of the Companions for a bad deal agreed centuries before.

The fifth and last Hagraven put up a terrific fight, casting all manner of spells in our direction and I know Lydia and I would be feeling the pain on the ride back. But we eventually cornered the creature and I was hoping to question it.

"Do you know who I am?" The Hagraven hissed at me so I simply raised my sword into its eye line. "Answer me!"

"Yes. I know who you are, Companion."

"I have one simple question. Why?"

The Hagraven hissed again. "Hircine now has thousands of souls. A price worth paying."

"You should have known we would have come for you eventually."

"You are cursed. It can never be broken. Hircine will take you, just like he has taken all those before."

"We'll see about that."

I simply stepped forward and drove the sword through the face of the Hagraven, only stopping when my sword hit the rock of the cave wall behind. I then took her head. I used the long hair from each of the disgusting creatures to tie their five heads together and carried the bundle out, blood still dripping from their severed necks and I could see the disgust on Lydia's face, finally explaining why I had their heads.

By the time we were back on our horses, it was late afternoon and I knew we'd get back to Whiterun after dark. I asked Lydia what she wanted to do and she was happy enough to ride fast back home. So that's what we did, kicking our horses into a canter once we'd found the road and following exactly the same route we'd come.

The sun had disappeared over the horizon once we were passing through Riverwood, and I was tempted to stop at the inn and see if Delphine was there and if she'd found anything. But Delphine had said she would message me if she'd found anything so I could only assume she was still investigating.

Lydia lit a torch as we departed the village and it was another gentle ride back to Whiterun. We stabled our horses as usual and I earned a few strange looks from the town guard as I carried the heads over my shoulder towards the city gates. It was on the other side of the gates that my world started to come crashing down.

"Another vampire attack?" I heard Lydia ask as the we looked over the bodies. I could see Silver Hand mixed in with those of town guard.

"Not this time. Jorrvaskr has been attacked," the guard replied.

"How?" I asked.

"Honestly, we thought they were with you. It was only when we heard the sound of fighting that we knew something was wrong. We tried to stop them but they had no problem cutting us down as they escaped."

"I'd better get up to Jorrvaskr," I muttered. Lydia said she'd come too, fearing what we were going to find.

Nearly all of Whiterun appeared to be crowded at the bottom of the stairs leading up to the guildhall. I weaved my way through them, receiving questions of what had happened. I ignored them, only concerned about what I might find at the stop of the steps. Halfway up, I noticed Companions not of the Circle dragging bodies to the side, lying them in a line, checking them for information, or perhaps coin. I counted at least another half dozen in addition to the bodies I'd counted near the town gates. The number of Silver Hand which attacked us almost beggared belief.

"Where have you been, Ragnar?"

I turned away from the bodies to look at Vilkas. The tone had been one of anger but he looked… broken hearted. My stomach dropped as I dreaded to ask. "What happened?"

"They finally got the courage to attack Jorrvaskr. We tried to hold them off but…" He trailed off.

"But what, Vilkas?"

He turned and gestured for me to follow, the doors to Jorrvaskr wide open. We stopped at the entrance. "The old man… He's gone, Ragnar. They sought out only him. And then they murdered him."

My eyes took in the scene. Farkas was sat beside the body. There was no missing the tears streaming down his face, holding the limp right hand of our Harbinger. I watched Aela pace about, glancing my way and the guilt on her face was palpable. I couldn't say a thing. What could I say? It was clearly our actions that had led to this reaction. But my mind was working at a thousand miles an hour as I thought about what we had to do next. Thankfully, what Vilkas said next matched my thoughts exactly.

"We're going to kill them all, Ragnar. You and me. We're going to kill them all."