New Companions

I sat back against the wall, ignoring the bodies that lay across the ground. Serana was crouched in front of me, gently tending to a wound on my head. I was tempted to drag her close and smother her in kisses. It was nice to see a female after what felt so long, especially one that smelled as nice as she did. 'Must be some sort of perfume. I must stink in comparison!' Instead, I just let her continue to press the damp cloth against my wound. A pair of guards continued to question me. I answered as honestly as I could. Eventually they seemed to run out of questions. Serana had all the evidence we needed anyway.

"I think you'd better go see the jarl, Dragonborn," one of them stated, "It's late now, but I'd say first thing in the morning. I'll send word that you'll be visiting."

"Are they all dead?" I asked.

"Madanach and Thonar bled out. One or two Forsworn may have got away but they won't be a real problem without leadership. Without Madanach to give the orders, there's a good chance they'll fall apart and turn into nothing but bandits."

"What do we do now?" another guard asked.

"The Empire will be sent word. If they're true to their word about restoring law and order, then they should send troops here to deal with the Forsworn menace," I replied.

"How do you know that?"

"I'll have a friend take care of it."

Serana offered her hand, helping me to my feet. I bid the guards goodnight and staggered back to the inn, throwing an arm around her shoulders, her arm around my waist as she attempted to keep me upright. "You're heavy, Ragnar," she stated, though she wasn't actually complaining.

By the gods was it the most comfortable bed I'd ever slept in that night! I woke up refreshed the next morning though the muscles were still tired. I was unsure whether to dress myself in armour or some fine clothing. Eventually I chose my armour as I still didn't know how safe I would be. I was hopeful word about what happened would have been passed around the guards, though I had no idea what the local population would think.

All was quiet when we exited the inn, though the guard waiting for us was a surprise, stating we would be escorted to Understone Keep. Having never been in the jarl's residence, I did spend a moment or two looking around before approaching the throne. Here was all the evidence we needed that this was indeed a Dwarven city.

A real surprise was running into a trio of Thalmor agents. I realised they operated with basic impunity across Skyrim, but to see them working in one of our cities was an uncomfortable revelation. They took little notice of me as I approached the jarl seated on his throne. I took a knee, Serana fitting in by doing the same, though she still wore her hood.

"I understand you are the Dragonborn," the Jarl stated.

I stood straight and nodded. "That is correct, my jarl. My name is Ragnar of Whiterun. In addition to being the Dragonborn, I'm also Thane of Whiterun and Harbinger of the Companions. Finally, I'm also assisting the Dawnguard."

There was no missing the raised eyebrows from both the Jarl, his steward and his housecarl. "You're a man of many titles. So what actually brought you to my city?"

So I explained everything. Helping the Dawnguard. Being sent to Markarth to find someone. The attempted murder of Margret. Helping Eltrys and his eventual murder. The Silver-Blood connection. Nepos the Noise. Cidhna Mine. The Forsworn conspiracy. The deaths of Madanach and Thonar Silver-Blood. The trio listened in silence as I spoke for what felt like hours.

"And I assume there is evidence to back all this up?" he finally asked when I finished up.

I looked back toward Serana and she handed me a small pack. I handed it to his steward. He and the Jarl looked over all the evidence we'd gathered, taking their time to read everything. Margret had been polite enough to hand over everything she had learned, also writing a detailed report, while Serana had done another sweep of the Nepos residence while I was in jail where she found more incriminating evidence. Once they were done reading, the jarl turned to his housecarl. "Faleen, grab a large detachment of guard and head to the Treasury House right away. I want Thongvor Silver-Blood arrested immediately. He'll hang for treason."

"At once, my jarl."

We watched the housecarl disappear before turning back towards the jarl. "And you, Ragnar … I can only apologise for what has happened since you walked through the gates of my city. If only others were as honourable as you were, perhaps all of this wouldn't have happened."

"It was the right thing to do. And someone like Eltrys didn't deserve to be murdered for trying to do the right thing."

The jarl nodded. "I will ensure his wife and child are cared for."

"Thank you."

"Is there anything you would like as compensation?"

"I just want my name cleared. Seeing Thongvor hang would be an added bonus."

"And I understand I can count on some help from the Empire?"

"Word will be sent to General Tullius about the situation here regarding the Forsworn. The only problem is that the Empire won't want to stretch their resources because of the civil war."

"Now that I know what the Silver-Bloods were doing with their mine, funnelling their profits towards the Stormcloaks or simply embezzling it through whatever nefarious schemes they had going, I will now ensure said mine is operated without forced labour and that the silver mined will be used to improve the lives of the citizens of Markarth."

"An honourable ideal, my jarl."

"What do you plan on doing now, Dragonborn?"

"Honestly, I just want to get on with my original mission regarding the Dawnguard."

"Of course." He got to his feet and descended to my level. He held out a hand. "Markarth thanks you for your service, Dragonborn. I know your first experience of my city has not been pleasant but I hope you will return one day, visit me here and I will ensure your second experience will be far more pleasurable."

I bowed my head. "Of course, my jarl. I look forward to it. Until next time."

"Farewell, Dragonborn."

We were not quite ready to leave Markarth as there was one final stop we had to make. After climbing a few sets of steps, we ended up outside another residence, knocking on the door. A voice called out from inside and the door opened a few seconds later. A great bear of a man, with flowing red hair, a large and bushy beard, a man so broad he almost filled up the doorway, greeted us.

"Yes?" he growled, not unfriendly or anything, it was just his natural tone.

"Are you Gunmar?"

He looked me up and down. "Who's asking?" he asked, narrowing his eyes.

I didn't blame him for being suspicious. "I'm Ragnar. This is Serana. We're with the Dawnguard."

If I didn't know any better, a smirk appeared under his large beard before he gestured inside. "You'd better come inside. I guess I'll want to be sitting down to hear this."

It was said with humour as we followed him inside. Serana and I took a seat at the only table, finding a tankard of mead placed in front of us a few second later as he took a seat opposite. He drained most of his drink, belched then turned his attention towards me. "Who sent you?"

"Isran."

Now he bellowed with laughter for at least half a minute. I couldn't help smiling in return. 'I like him already.' "Isran? Needing someone else's help? Never thought I'd hear that!" He kept laughing, slapping his knee as if what I told him was the funniest thing he'd ever heard. Finally, it subsided as he turned serious. "I'm afraid he's a few years too late. I've moved on and now do my own thing, answering to no-one except the person who offers me the contract. I have more important business to attend to, such as helping out those who can't fend for themselves. Besides, he can handle anything alone! He assured me so himself the last time I spoke to him. So, I'll admit, I'm wondering what could he possibly need my help with?"

"Vampires."

The face fell. "Vampires?" he stated quietly, "That... Hmm… Well, I'll admit, that might change things. Tell me more about what's going on."

"You were a Vigilant, correct?" He nodded. "The Hall is gone."

His mouth dropped. "Gone? What do you mean gone?"

"They're dead. Not all of them. I think some of them survived, those who were out on a patrol. But… There were a number of bodies when I got there. And the place had been put to the torch."

"And you're sure it was vampires?"

"There were vampire bodies there too."

"What else?"

I turned to Serana. She nodded. "These vampires believe in a prophecy about blocking out the sun and heralding the 'Dawn of a Vampire Age.' It involves an Elder Scroll." I noticed raised eyebrows at that revelation. "We need to establish what the vampires actually want or need, obtain whatever it is ourselves then put an end to this vampire menace, once and for all."

"So it's serious?"

"Serious enough for the Dragonborn to get involved," I replied.

"You're the…" I nodded. "I heard of your victory. Everyone has."

"Thanks. But while one crisis is resolved, vampires continue to attack across Skyrim. We need all the help we can get."

"Of course, of course. I guess Isran will want to explain more, right? He's still at that fort near Stendarr's Beacon, I assume?"

I knew my own eyebrows were raised at that. "How did you know?"

"If Isran is anything, he's stubborn. He's been working on that place for years now. Never lets anyone in. His own little fortress. Well, I guess I'll get to see what he's been up to all this time."

"I'll meet you there. I have someone else to find?"

"Who?" he asked, obviously intrigued.

"Sorine Jurard."

"He wants her too? By Ysmir, this must be more serious than I thought. Anyway, I know she's camped a little way from here as I met her while I was tracking a bear. Sat down with her for dinner, shared old stories, you know… So I'll help you locate her then we can head back to Fort Dawnguard together."

"A great idea."

"I'll meet you near the stables. Give me some time to put a few things together."

Outside the city gates, I came to a stop and took a deep breath. 'Ah, freedom. And I don't know if I'll ever come back here again after all that. At least the Jarl was apologetic. Though I wonder how much will change. At least Margret will keep in touch and let me know what's happening.' Serana and I chatted about nothing in particular as we waited for Gunmar, taking a seat on a couple of hay bales near the stables. Then she asked a clanger.

"Why did you kiss me?"

I shrugged. "Seemed like a good idea at the time considering I was heading to jail. No idea when I'd see a woman again."

"Was that the only reason?"

This reminded me of the conversation I'd had long ago with Lydia. 'Not nice with the boot being on the other foot, is it Ragnar? Could I be honest?' I shrugged again. "Pretty much." 'You can't be honest. At least… not yet. Not now. Maybe… later?'

I sensed she was staring at me so I met her eyes, dark red behind the hood. I knew she was judging my words and also my body language. I tried to stay relaxed. Finally, she nodded. "Very well, if you say so, Ragnar."

I held back the sigh of relief. "What did you do while I was down the mine?"

"I was tempted to mount a rescue mission. Margret talked me out of it. Instead, we worked on gathering more information to prove your innocence. She was hoping to approach the Jarl. I thought we'd already had enough to prove it but she wasn't sure. I didn't really blame her as we had no idea how high up the corruption went."

"She thought the jarl was involved?"

"If not the jarl, maybe his steward."

"Something to keep in mind if we ever come back."

"You want to come back?"

"It'll take some thinking about."

Gunmar appeared through the city gates a few minutes later and, once he'd saddled his horse, we mounted and headed off. I didn't look back towards the city. Part of me hoped never to see it again.

*****

I was still appreciating the simple fact of being a free man, enjoying the rhythmic movement of my horse underneath me, and trying hard not to drift off and have a nap, figuring I'd probably fall out of my saddle if I did. It took us a day and a half to locate Sorine Jurard and half as long to convince her that I was serious about Isran wanting her help. I think it was the fact Gunmar was with us that helped finally convince her to join us, spending a night under the stars at her campsite before starting the ride across Skyrim back to Fort Dawnguard.

We were barely trotting along when Sorine kicked her horse forward to join alongside me. Gunmar was a few lengths ahead, scouting for any enemies with Serana in between us, alone with her thoughts too.

"I know what your friend is," she stated quietly.

I should have been shocked but I wasn't. I figured Gunmar knew too and would ask questions once we arrived at Fort Dawnguard. So I just nodded. "How'd you know?"

"Vampires have features they can't hide no matter how hard they try to convince us they're human."

"Is it the eyes?"

She shook her head. "No, but that's not to say I haven't noticed them. Though seeing humans with red eyes is as rare as hen's teeth."

"So… How?"

"I was a Vigilant for long enough to know a vampire when I see one. And your friend is definitely a vampire. So I wonder why she is with you and how she is working for the Dawnguard?"

"It's a long story."

"It's a long ride, Ragnar."

So I explained everything I knew about Isran and the reformation of the Dawnguard, in addition to how I had helped along the way. Who I was. How and why I'd come to join the Dawnguard. Who Serana was, or as much as she'd told me. The prophecy her father was obsessed with. And what the result of his victory would mean.

"Do they honestly think we'd just roll over and die?" Sorine scoffed.

"No. But without the sun and the light and heat it brings, we'd be at a complete disadvantage. We'd starve before long if my knowledge of agriculture is worth anything."

"A warrior knows about farming?"

"I grew up on a farm." I shrugged. "I know a little."

"So this prophecy… What are the chances of them succeeding?"

"That's why Isran is recruiting people like you. I'm left with the feeling that releasing Serana from her hiding place didn't help and perhaps precipitated all of this kicking off. But we weren't to know."

"Why is she helping us?"

"That's another long story. I know a little bit as we've talked a lot but there are things she hasn't explained yet. I think it has to do with how they all became vampires."

"How's Isran?"

"Gruff. Paranoid. Short-tempered…"

"So he's feeling rather normal then," she interrupted with a chuckle, "You get used to his attitude in the end. The good thing is that he does generally mean well."

"I'm amazed he trusted Serana."

"She's a pawn that he can use. But what about you? I'll admit you seemed rather… friendly last night around the fire."

I shrugged. "We're just friends. She appreciates me waking her up. I appreciate her helping us. And she's done nothing so far to not deserve my trust. Whether Isran trusts her or not isn't really my problem, as long as he doesn't try and kill her."

"You'd protect her?"

"She's the strangest vampire I've ever met. You've spoken to her. She's friendly and I'm not left thinking she wants to dig her teeth into my neck whenever we're together."

"Well, as long as she doesn't try anything on any of us, then we should be okay."

Our rate of progress meant that it was near sunset by the time we approached the outskirts of Whiterun. It wasn't much of a discussion in regards to stopping for the evening. Serana was concerned about stopping in the city but I said she could just stay at my place. She was rather taken aback by that suggestion, while Gunmar was happy enough to stay at the inn. I figured he was just going to drink plenty of mead and eventually fall into bed. Sorine would also stay at the inn, the four of us enjoying a meal and a couple of drinks before Serana and I headed back to Breezehome. We had an early start the next day.

There was a letter waiting for me when I opened the door, Lydia writing to me stating that she was heading to Solitude and would be gone for a while. She didn't state when she had left but at least that resolved the sleeping issue as Serana could just sleep in Lydia's quarters. I explained this to Serana, who appeared surprised by the revelation.

"Where would I have slept otherwise?"

I shrugged. "In my room."

"Oh… And where would you have slept?"

"On the floor."

"Oh… Okay. So I would have had the bed?" I nodded. She paused a moment. "Seriously?"

"Sure. I've slept in far worse places and conditions. I just spent over a week sleeping on the floor of a cave. The floor of my own house is a luxury compared to that!"

She was silent for a moment before looking at me with a smile. "Thank you. That would have been very kind nonetheless. But are you sure?"

"Trust me, it would have been fine. But Lydia isn't here so at least we'll both have a bed now."

We made our way to bed sometime later after discussing what we were going to do next once we'd delivered Gunmar and Sorine to Fort Dawnguard. I was tempted to speak to the Jarl and see if anything had happened during my time away, aware I'd been gone far long than originally anticipated. But I also remembered that we had to find the Moth Priest, so figured that should be our next step. I had no idea if vampires were still being a nuisance around Skyrim, not hearing of any further attacks, but I knew we had to get this resolved quickly.

Did I sleep well that night? Honestly… no. And you should know why. I was sure she was aware that I had some feelings for her. I figured I'd been quite obvious. The fact the last thing I wanted to do before heading into jail was to kiss her should have been proof enough. But I certainly didn't want to sit her down and 'share my feelings'. The simple fact is that I'm a vampire hunter, she's a vampire. And despite the fact we were friendly, I doubt she returned my feelings at all. That realisation as I lie awake, staring the ceiling as my mind raced around in circles, was a kick in the guts.

Not that I gave her any indication of any of my thoughts the next morning, cheerfully greeting her as she joined me downstairs before we headed up the Bannered Mare to collect Gunmar and Sorine. We enjoyed a quick breakfast, mounted on our horses and heading towards Riften not long afterwards, the sun rising over the mountains with barely a cloud in the sky. It was going to be a warm day.

We didn't waste time unlike the day before, pushing our horses along at times as we wanted to ensure we'd reach the fort with the sun still in the sky. The fort that Lydia and I had to race through previously was now deserted, leaving me scratching my head as I hadn't cleared it out. 'Maybe the Companions? Dawnguard? Rift Guards? That hardly seems likely.'

For once, I rode my horse through the canyon, leading my three companions towards the fort. As I rounded one of the towers, I pulled my horse to an abrupt stop as I was sure I heard the sound of battle ahead. As I sat there for barely five seconds, a horse brushed by, Gunmar high in the stirrups with weapon in hand. I wasted no time digging my horse in its side and urging it on, holding onto the reins with one hand as I unsheathed my sword with the other.

I leapt from my horse as I noticed what was happening. At least a half-dozen Dawnguard were fighting off at least a score of vampires. Without even thinking, I roared and charged forward, slicing one vampire should shoulder to hip, sending blood flying as Gunmar was taking on two vampires at once. I dodged a swing from another vampire before parrying its sword, taking a step back to give myself room before answering its attack with one of my own. Making sure I wasn't going to get a stab in the back, I continued to turn, waiting for a mistake.

Once that vampire was dealt with, I linked up with my three companions and we slaughtered the rest as they were caught between us four arriving and those defending the fort itself. Over the bodies that now littered the ground, we took stock of our position. There were one or two new faces regarding those who had been defending the fort, sharing a round of handshakes as introductions were made. Thankfully Isran didn't appear to have let slip who I actually was, so I was simply 'Ragnar'. Or, at least I was for now. They'd probably figure it out eventually.

Durak said he would clear up the mess and that Isran had been waiting for our return. At least he didn't say he was unhappy, but I figured he probably didn't have a clue what had happened to me since I'd last seen him. Celann then suggested that Serana had better wait outside for a moment. I asked why. He said I'd understand as soon as we walked through the front doors.

I followed Gunmar and Sorine inside, noticing barriers were erected, blocking the hallways leading deeper into the fort. I looked up and saw Isran watching us. 'What's he doing now?' I shared glances with the other two, shrugging my shoulders as I had no idea what he was up to.

"Okay, Isran, we're here. What do you want?"

He didn't reply at first. Instead, we soon found ourselves blinded by sunlight. It certainly wasn't natural, as it was verging upon darkness outside, but it was the reason why Celann had suggested Serana to wait outside.

"What's all this about?" I asked.

"Making sure you're not vampires. Can't be too careful."

Eventually the sunlight disappeared and the barriers lowered, Isran joining us soon afterwards. He looked as unhappy as always, but I was already used to it. He offered no hand for Gunmar or Sorine, who both looked defensive themselves. "Funny way of welcoming the help," Sorine stated.

Isran looked past her to Serana, who walked through the doors. "As I said, can't be too careful."

"Serana? She's harmless. Well, she is to us, at least," Gunmar stated.

"She's a vampire."

"We're both aware of that, Isran." 'No surprise Gunmar figured it out too.'

"Why don't you tell us why we're here?" Sorine asked.

Isran nodded and expanded his arms wide. "Welcome to Fort Dawnguard. I'm sure it looks rather different to when you were last here." They both nodded, then he looked at me. "You've been gone a while. I thought you ran into some trouble. Anything to report?"

"Don't go to Markarth."

"What happened?"

"It's a long story. I will tell you about it later."

"Fair enough." He looked back towards Sorine and Gunmar. "I'm sure Ragnar has already told you but we're up against powerful vampires, unlike anything we've seen before. And they have an Elder Scroll. If anyone is going to stand in their way, it's going to be us. And I've been preparing for your arrival. Sorine, you'll find room to start your tinkering on that crossbow design you've been working on. Gunmar, there's an area large enough for you to pen up some trolls, get them armoured up and ready for use. If either of you need anything, you let me or one of the others know."

"Anything else?" Gunmar asked.

"Not at the moment." He paused. "But… Rest up for now. You can get started tomorrow."

"Thanks," they both stated. I shared a handshake with both of them as they disappeared down the hall leading towards the kitchen area.

"And you, Ragnar? What are you plans now?"

"I guess we need to find ourselves a Moth Priest."