Priest

"By Oblivion, Ragnar, what happened to you?"

"I got into a fight with a Dragon Priest, which you were there to see, and then a Thalmor agent, which you were not, Farkas. Quite frankly, I found fighting dragons easier."

"That Thalmor bastard at the College?" I nodded. "What happened?"

"The Thalmor agent thought he could destroy the world. Anyone who think they can do that answers to me. Therefore, the Thalmor agent is now dead."

"That's putting it lightly," Serana added. I glanced her way but she just shrugged. "I think you took delight in it. Am I wrong?"

I couldn't disagree but I simply met her look with a shrug with my own. "He needed and deserved to die." I turned back to Farkas. "How is she?"

He sighed and my heart almost dropped. He must have recognised my reaction as, although he didn't laugh, he did smile slightly. "She's alive, Ragnar. By the Gods, I don't know how… But she's alive."

"Where is she?"

"At the temple, with the healers. Vilkas is with her now. A Companion has remained by her side since we returned. Do you want to see her?"

I nodded and we walked through the gates, the guards greeting me the usual way. I was used to it now and simply returned the gesture. Most of the citizens also greeted me as I walked by, calls of 'Hail, Dragonborn' echoing across the city. Some could see that I was carrying a few wounds and offered their concern, asking what had happened. I simply told them I was solving another crisis, this time nothing to do with dragons.

As we were walking by Breezehome, I felt a hand grab my own, turning to see Serana looking, of all things, worried. I stopped and met her eyes. "Something wrong?"

"Can I stay here, Ragnar?"

"Why?" 'Seriously? Did you just ask that question, idiot?'

She must have been able to read my face as she simply smiled. "I understand why you'd ask so I'll explain. I don't like temples. Simple enough, right?" I nodded. "Add to that what I am and… well, you understand?"

"Of course. Make yourself at home," I stated, handing her the key, "I'll be back later. I plan on sleeping for a few days before we make our next move."

She thanked me as I accompanied Farkas up past the Bannered Mare and to the Gildergreen. He informed me of recent developments within the Companions. Nothing major, one or two contracts and also two new recruits. The fact people were aware the Dragonborn was now the Harbinger of the Companions had spread the word that there were new opportunities to work for an honourable guild. While people were not flocking to our banner in droves, there were those out there willing to test their mettle as a warrior. Farkas simply suggested I should visit Jorrvaskr and run my eye over each recruit to pass final judgement.

Despite the many months I'd lived in Whiterun, I'd never entered the Temple of Kynareth. There was no real reason why I hadn't, but whenever I needed the help of the Gods, I'd usually approach Heimskr. If I wanted any God on my side before going into battle, as a Nord, it had to be Talos. But I knew all nine divines and worshipped all of them in my own way.

Farkas left me as I entered the temple. Danica approached me, asking if I was well, obviously taking note of the bloodied armour and the fact I was still limping. I probably looked like a complete wreck, happy enough that I hadn't seen a mirror in quite a while. I was expecting Aela to be on the one of the benches in the middle of the room but she stated that they chose to give a Companion some privacy and that her wounds more serious than those they usually treated. When I asked if she would survive, she nodded but her eyes said differently.

Vilkas appeared to wake as entered the small room, touching him gently on the soldier. He ran his eyes over me and grimaced.

"What happened to you?"

"Thalmor agent wanted to blow up the College and the rest of us. I stopped him."

"Sure you're okay?" I nodded. He turned back to the bed. "She's generally been asleep since we brought her back. She has woken once or twice, and was lucid but… Well, I dread to think…"

"It's my fault," I said quietly, taking a seat next to him, "I underestimated the Dragon Priest."

Vilkas shook his head. "Don't blame yourself, Ragnar. We know the risks of this game. Aela wouldn't have it any other way. And if anyone is to blame, then it's that damned Morokei. At least we killed him and took his mask and staff. I take it the issue at the College was resolved?"

I nodded. "The Eye is no longer a danger. And I may have made some new friends."

"With who?"

I shrugged. "Some other order of magicians who, I think, hate the Thalmor as much as the rest of us. I won't say we have any sort of alliance, but the mage I spoke to hinted at possible assistance at a later time. I'm hoping they'll follow through."

"And Serana?"

"She's at home. I'm going to spend another day or two recovering before we decide what to do next. I can't even remember why we were at the College to begin with…"

Vilkas just shrugged. "I'll give you some time with Aela alone. She may wake up while you're here. She'll be happy to see you."

I didn't think he was referring to what I think he may have been. The twins were aware our relationship was no longer like that. But we were still relatively close. Vilkas closed the door behind him, leaving me in silence, though I could hear Aela take each breath. Her nose looked okay but I think it had been broken before. The swelling on her face wasn't as bad though it was still bruised. I couldn't see the rest of her body, covered by the sheet, but I didn't even want to think about looking. I was in a bad enough state and could still at least walk.

Considering she still appeared unconscious, or at the very least fast asleep, I had little idea what I should do. Lying beside her bed, on a chest of drawers, lay a book. No idea what it was but it was better than sitting in silence, staring at the walls. Picking it up, I flipped through the pages and started to read. Not just read though. I figured I'd read aloud. It seemed like a good idea at the time.

No idea how long I had been reading before I heard someone trying to suppress laughter. I looked up from the current page to see Aela was awake, squinting at me from a pair of blackened eyes.

"This was the best idea you could come up with? Reading to me?"

"You're awake, aren't you?"

She grimaced. "Yeah. Don't particularly want to be, though."

"Do you want me to get one of the healers?"

She shook her head. "It will pass in a moment." She looked me up and down. "You look like you've been through plenty yourself."

"Nothing like you, though."

"And you're looking as guilty as when we were sleeping together." She paused. "In fact, you look guiltier." I shrugged. "It wasn't your fault, Ragnar. I know what you're like."

"The twins said the same thing."

"And they're right. I think that was the toughest opponent any of us have any had to fight. Well, all of us except you, considering you've fought plenty of dragons. But, despite the injuries, we're all still alive." She chuckled lightly. "Granted, some of us are alive but through the grace of the Gods."

"I'm just glad you're alright. What have the healers said?"

"I don't remember too much but, although I'm still sore and will no doubt have to take it easy for quite a while, they said that I should live." She shrugged, another grimace as she did so. "Guess I'm just lucky. What happened at the College? Is the situation resolved?"

"The Thalmor's dead. The Eye and staff have been taken by the Psijic's." I paused and I couldn't help the smirk. "I'm also the new Arch-Mage."

Aela laughed at the idea, before she started to cough, her face creased in pain once again. "Who… Who thought that was a good idea? You're worse at magic than I am!"

I couldn't help but laugh at the honesty. "I agree. Trust me on that one. So, while I'm Arch-Mage in name, I've already agreed that others can actually do the job. Doubt I'll be up that way too often anyway. My home is here."

"Where's Serana?"

I gave her a look. "Couldn't resist, could you?"

"What else would you expect?"

"She's at home. Doesn't like temples, for a rather obvious reason."

"But there's more to it, isn't there?"

"She has many secrets. She's told me a few as we've spent a lot of time together. But there are things I don't think she's willing or doesn't think she can tell me yet. I won't push. She can tell me in her own time."

"Personal or…?"

"I think a lot of them are to do with her family. And also how they became vampires. I'll tell her stories of mine but she'll clam up tight whenever I ask about hers. Having met her father, it's understandable."

"Can I ask something personal, Ragnar?"

"Of course."

"Well, not just ask but…" She paused and looked unsure before she closed her eyes. "While I've been sleeping, I've had the most vivid dreams. So vivid I would swear that they were real. And they were of…" She opened her eyes and looked into mine. "When you were in Sovngarde, did you see Kodlak? Was he safe?"

"He made it to Sovngarde."

She smiled and nodded. "Good. That helps at least make a little sense of my dream."

"What was it about?"

"Ragnar, tell me of Sovngarde."

That was a surprise. When I had returned, she was adamant that she didn't want to know. "What's changed?"

"Please, Ragnar. Tell me," she said quietly, pleadingly.

I nodded. "Okay." I took a moment, thinking of how best to explain it. I finally figured I could explain it in a couple of words. "It's paradise, Aela. A warrior's paradise. When Alduin was defeated and the mists cleared, I don't think I've ever seen a more beautiful sight in my life. And everyone was there. Ysgramor and his Companions. Kings of yesteryear. Warriors old and new. I was only there a short time but I already know I want to return. And I will, one day. But not just yet."

"I remember a comment Kodlak made when we saved him at the tomb, about the harrowing of the hunting grounds. About rescuing the trapped Companions…" I vaguely remembered that. I remembered our conversation in Sovngarde vividly. "In one of my dreams, I was speaking to Kodlak. He said I should cure myself and that I could be at his side and could rescue Skjor from Hircine's realm."

"But I thought you wanted to go there? Hunt for eternity and all that…"

"I'm finding myself… conflicted."

"Why?"

"I am the only one left of the blood. Everyone around me is pure. It is… a solitary existence. There is no feeling of the pack any longer. And… I would like to see Kodlak again."

"So you're contemplating a cure?"

"I don't know. Possibly. I've come close enough to death which I guess leads one to re-evaluating their life and their decisions."

"It's your decision but you know we'll back you no matter what decision you take. And we'll also help you slay the beast within."

"I also wonder one other thing… I feel awful thinking it but… It has been on my mind." I didn't say anything as I recognise when someone is getting things off their chest. "I wonder if I only loved Skjor because of the fact we shared the blood. We only became intimate after we both underwent the process. Before that…"

"You weren't that close?"

She shook her head. "Not at all."

"So you're wondering if you'd still feel the same if you were cured?"

She looked me in the eyes. "I've been wondering if my feelings were true since that first night we spent together in the Underforge."

"Oh…"

Thankfully she smiled. "I'm not saying I fell in love with you or anything." She paused. "Well, maybe just a little. Though, I'll admit, it did have something to do with you being Dragonborn and all. Add the fact you were so willing to help me with everything without even being asked. And there were a number of other reasons." She paused. "Stop smirking at me just because I'm being honest."

I cleared my throat and tried to stop smiling. She just laughed at me, started to cough and I helped her sit up a little bit before offering her a drink, a jug of water sitting on the bedside table. She nodded her thanks before continuing. "I've been doing a lot of thinking lately, particularly since our physical relationship ended and since you returned from Sovngarde. I'll admit that part of me now wants to go there instead."

"Don't be hasty. Think it over. You have plenty of time."

"I will but I thought I should tell someone. The twins are not the best at conversation and I can't tell anyone else." She then yawned, shuffling back down the bed under the furs. "I'm going to get more rest, Ragnar. But will you stay?"

"Of course. I can keep reading, if you'd like?"

She chuckled before she simply smiled. "I'd like that."

Once she was settled and closed her eyes, I started to read again. It wasn't long before I heard the sound of her light snoring. I kept reading anyway until I'd finished the book. Once done, I placed it quietly on the table, gently kissed her forehead and made sure she was completely covered in furs to keep her warm. Once satisfied that she was okay, I had a quick conversation with Danica, asking her to keep me updated if anything changed.

Feeling rather exhausted myself, I thanked the healers for their help and headed back to Breezehome.

*****

I think it was at least a week that passed, perhaps longer, before I sat down with Serana to discuss the next move. That's not to say I had simply spent the entire time doing nothing. Granted, I did spend most of the time allowing my body to recover from recent exertions. But I was also exhausted, having barely stopped since the day I learned I was Dragonborn.

Lydia kept me updated by sending another letter. At the time of writing, she was still in Solitude but comments suggested she may be moving on soon. If I didn't misinterpret what she was saying, and I actually asked Serana to read it over too, it sounded like she was heading to Cyrodil, sooner rather than later. 'Fantastic opportunities' was how she put it. She wasn't expecting a reply, my words stating she could do what she thought was best still applicable.

Sitting near the fire for breakfast one morning, Serana finally asked "So what's our next step?"

"Regarding what?" I asked, confused as to what she was asking about.

"The Moth Priest, Ragnar. Remember?"

I'd forgotten all about it. With everything else going on, I could understand if she thought I was an idiot, though she didn't say as much. "Hmmm. That's why we had travelled to the College originally." I couldn't help the groan. "I really don't want to travel all the way back there again."

"We don't have to." I must have had a confused look on my face as she laughed. "I've been busy while you've been resting."

I shrugged. "I've been catching up on all that sleep I missed and have needed. So, what have you been up to?"

"I've asked about town. Someone pointed me in the direction of Hulda in the Bannered Mare. Once I'd explained that I was assisting the Dragonborn, she was only too willing to part with the information we needed."

My interest had been perked. The rest had been nice and all, but it was time to get back to work, leaning forward to ask "Okay, I'm ready whenever you are. Where are we going?"

"Dragon Bridge. Do you know it?"

"Vaguely. Never been there before but I know it's only the road linking Morthal to Solitude. Do you think the information is correct?"

"I'm willing to investigate it, at least."

"Very well. We'll leave tomorrow at sun up."

It took only half an hour for my crotch to start aching once we'd started out from Whiterun. I guess I must have pulled a face or two as we trotted along as Serana kept looking at me and eventually couldn't help herself from laughing. I returned a look, meant to be fierce, which instead simply caused her to laugh even more. Eventually all I could do was smile at her. At least we were both in a good mood. I think the rest probably helped.

The pain finally subsided and we dug out heels into our horses' flanks and charged on, blowing through Rorikstead without a backwards glance. It was a warm day, the sun high with barely a cloud and my horse was starting to sweat heavily, so we eased the pace down again, considering we were making good time. I'll admit I was sweating heavily myself, wrapped in my armour for the first time in over a week. It glistened in the sunlight as I had washed and polished it at least twice to ensure all the blood had been washed away.

At the crossroads leading east to Morthal or north to Dragon Bridge, we came across a dead horse and a carriage. I raised a hand to Serana to halt a few paces back, dismounting my horse slowly as I could see no bodies around except for the dead horse.

"Do you think this may relate?" Serana asked quietly.

I simply shrugged and cautiously stepped forward. The blood around the horse had long since dried, only the sound of flies buzzing around. Rounding the carriage, I couldn't help the slight sag as I found the pair of bodies. I couldn't judge the exact time but it was clear they'd been dead a while, stepping back to take a deep breath as the smell caught me by surprise. The only good news in finding such a ghastly scene was the fact neither body appeared to be the Moth Priest. Not that I knew what a Moth Priest actually looked like.

"What do you think killed them?" Serana wondered as we walked back to our horses.

"Vampires? Forsworn? Bandits? Who knows…"

"You're not worried?"

"Not yet."

Mounting our horses, we continued north, mountains to our west starting to rise once again. Ahead, I could just see the bridge, which even from far away appeared a little intimidating. 'Guess that's where the village takes its name.' My geography of Skyrim was still limited, despite having travelled near the length and breadth of the country, but I did know that this was the main crossing point for miles. The fact the Empire held the bridge kept their options open regarding troop movements.

Barely one hundred metres from the bridge, I brought my horse to a halt again and couldn't help the sigh. Serana came to a stop beside me and even she couldn't help but gasp. We spent time investigating the carnage. A trio of Legion soldiers were among the dead, two of the bodies near ripped apart. Blood was everywhere, and much like the previous carriage, it too had also dried, suggesting the attack was not recent. I cursed myself quietly as I knew the Moth Priest was somehow involved. I could only hope he'd been kidnapped as I couldn't see a body that looked like that of a priest.

"I've got something," Serana called from the other side of the carriage.

I walked around to see her bent over the mutilated body of a vampire. In her hands was a blood soaked piece of paper. "Tell me it's good news."

She looked up and grimaced. "It's not good but it is a lead. Someone called Malkus instructed whoever ransacked this carriage to take the Moth Priest to a place called Forebears' Holdout. Do you know where that is?"

"No idea. But I bet the villagers across the bridge do."

Tying our horses to the carriage, we walked over the bridge, taking a moment to stop and take in the view. The Blue Palace and Solitude were nothing but a mere spec on the horizon, leaning against the side of the bridge, listening to the sounds of the river rage below us. Despite the ferocity of the water below us, and the carnage we had just witnessed, the area on appearances appeared peaceful. In these moments, you could almost forget the civil war that still raged across Skyrim or the dragon menace had only recently been ended.

Or that vampires continued to stalk the innocent.

Dragon Bridge was a small settlement, no more than a dozen or so dwellings but there was the usual inn plus a lumber mill towards the edge of the village. Smack bang in the middle of the village was a building draped in the flags of the Empire, two soldiers standing guard to the side of the door. I had no idea who or what was inside but I noticed the eyes of both guards watching Serana and I walk by. I held back on the temptation to give them a sarcastic wave, figuring they'd probably want to thump me for it.

We tried the inn for information first but the innkeeper had no idea who or what a Moth Priest was, and no-one else had any idea where Forebears' Holdout was. We explained what we had found on the other side of the bridge, and while shocked at the news, the townspeople said it simply meant they wouldn't contemplate crossing any time soon. We wandered back onto the main street and simply started to ask anyone who lived in the village. After asking at least another half-dozen people, we finally found someone, a local hunter, who knew what we were talking about.

He pointed us back south across the bridge and said we should see the entrance to a cave to our right on the road towards Morthal. Thanking him for the information, we headed straight out of town, collected our horses and made our way. Thankfully it was only a short ride, dismounting and leading our horses towards the cave. Tying our horses against one of the few trees nearby, Serana and I waited at the entrance, noticing the blood trail that led from the cave entrance back towards the road. We shared a concerned glance.

"Any idea why they would have grabbed the Moth Priest?" I asked, "I mean, we have the Scroll."

"I can think of a few reasons. None of them good."

"We have the name of a vampire. We could try and question him."

"And the rest?" The look I returned would have clearly suggested what I thought. She simply nodded. "I thought so."

"As long as we take the Moth Priest alive, I'll be happy."

It wasn't just a simple cave. Braziers illuminated the passage leading from the entrance to the lone cavern we entered, hearing a river flow below us. Across the river was some sort of ancient structure, what appeared to be a fort, though I wondered why that sort of building would be located in a cave. It certainly wasn't Nordic so could only assume it had some connection to vampires. It, too, was illuminated by numerous braziers. Along the top of the structure, we could see one or two vampires on patrol. I gestured towards them but then called Serana to halt. We would worry about them once we'd located the Moth Priest.

Trying to keep quiet for as long as possible, Serana used magic to take care of a couple of patrolling vampire hounds. I generally don't like killing dogs. In fact, I don't kill them at all. I'll always try and find a way of getting around them. Vampire hounds are different. I have no problem killing or asking someone to kill them. A couple of ice spikes, aimed precisely, killed them quickly and quietly.

Keeping to the shadows, we crossed the bridge and I looked for a way to scale the wall. Serana wandered ahead and returned with bad news. A bonfire lay in the middle of the fort, which mean sneaking would be a no go.

"If you give me a boost, I should be able to reach the ledge up there," I suggested.

"Are you sure? They're patrolling!"

"We need to take them out now."

Even in the darkness I could see she was unsure but eventually relented, cupping her hands as I placed my right foot as gently as possible before she heaved me up, jumping at the same time. I just about managed to grab the ledge, my left hand coming away for a second and I was worried about falling off. Trying to keep my groans to a minimum, I managed to get my left hand back up and secured and, after checking neither vampire was approaching, I levered myself up. I then leaned over the edge and offered my hand to Serana. She jumped up and clasped my hand and I dragged her up too.

We worked quickly. Thankfully it was still dark, Serana put an ice spike through the face of an approaching vampire behind us as I took the dagger from my belt and threw it at another vampire. He cried out before he died but thankfully no-one appeared to hear. We moved around, keeping to the shadows, moving quietly. I grabbed my dagger and managed to sneak up on a third vampire, hand over the mouth and dagger through the neck, my hand ending rather bloodied as I practically sawed through the muscles and tendons linking its head to its body.

Rounding the top of the fort, we eventually found somewhere to drop down and came to a stop as we noticed what I guessed was some sort of ward. Within the ward appeared to the Moth Priest. An elderly gentleman, bald head, long beard and robes. Go figure… On the opposite side of the ward was another vampire, who hadn't noticed our approach.

"The more you fight me, the more you will suffer, mortal," the vampire warned.

"I will resist you, monster. I must!" the Moth Priest replied. I was surprised at how strong and courageous the tone was.

The vampire simply laughed. "How much longer can you keep this up, Moth Priest? Your mind was strong, but you're exhausted from the struggle."

Something then happened. The ward didn't change but the stone pillars within the ward flashed brightly and the Moth Priest collapsed to one knee, holding his head in his hands. "Must... resist..."

"Yes, I can feel your defences crumbling. You want it to end. You want to give in to me. Now, acknowledge me as your master!"

"Yes. master."

Serana and I got to work. The vampire was clearly taken by surprise by our appearance as we rounded the stone pillars from either side. He noticed Serana first, turning towards her and mocking her, I assume recognising who she was. With his back turned, I simply cut him down from shoulder to hip, leaving his body on the ground in two halves. Serana just looked at me, blood now smeared across her face and made a sound of disgust at the blood that pooled at our feet.

"Every time, Ragnar. Every. Time."

"Better him than me or you."

The ward had disappeared at the same time that I had sliced through the vampire. The Moth Priest then decided to turn violent, trying to attack both myself and Serana. Figuring he was still somehow under mind control, I just smacked him across the face and that worked as, after he'd picked himself up off the floor, he was very apologetic.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. That wasn't me you were fighting. I could see through my eyes, but I could not control my actions. Thank you for breaking that foul vampire's hold over me."

"That's quite alright. I guess we just got here a little bit too late. So, I guess introductions are in order. Who are you?"

He bowed slightly. "Dexion Evicus is my name. I'm a Moth Priest of the White Gold Tower. And you are?"

I pointed to myself. "Ragnar of Whiterun. Last Dragonborn." I then gestured to my right. "And this is Serana."

Eyebrows raised in clear surprised. "The Dragonborn? What are you doing here?"

"We're trying to solve the vampire crisis. There have been attacks across Skyrim."

He nodded. "Yes, I understand. These vampires claimed they had some purpose in store for me, but they wouldn't say what. They were probably hoping to ransom me, the fools, considering my life wouldn't be worth all that much. Now tell me, I know who you both are but whom do you represent, and what do you want with me?"

"Ever heard of the Dawnguard?" He shook his head. "They're a group of vampire hunters, based in a fort down near Riften. We also need your help reading an Elder Scroll."

"You have an Elder Scroll?" he asked excitedly. I just nodded. "That's… Remarkable! Just… remarkable! How did you come across such an artefact?"

"Serana had one with her when we met," I stated cryptically, though if Dexion took two seconds to actually look at her, he should figure it out, "While I have another one that was required to defeat Alduin."

"Yes, yes. Now, if my knowledge of history serves me, I recall that the Dawnguard was an ancient order of vampire hunters. Correct?"

"That's what Isran told me."

"Very well. If the vampire menace needs resolving, I will be happy to assist you with your Elder Scroll. Just tell me where I need to go."

"You can come with us back to Fort Dawnguard if you'd like. In fact, it would probably be safer if we journeyed together."

He readily agreed and, after checking the area for any further information, finding none, we exited the cavern. After mounting our horses, Dexion sitting slightly uncomfortably on the back of mine, we began the long journey back to Riften.