Defender

"I had expected Ysgramor's city to be... bigger."

I chuckled. "You're comparing it to the Imperial City, gorgeous. Everything looks small in comparison."

She gave me a look, considering I'd just called her 'gorgeous' in front of my fellow Companions and housecarl, before she smiled and reached across to grab my hand. "No, Ragnar. Yes, the walls are intimidating and, yes, it may have once been the 'City of Kings' but even Solitude is far larger. Well, I think it is anyway."

There was a reason why my wife, my housecarl and three Companions were with me. Once I'd returned from Dragonsreach to explain what I was doing, Serana wouldn't hear of me effectively going behind enemy lines without her help. Lydia, being my sword and shield, was going to accompany me, no matter what. The three members of the Circle also heard I would be travelling to see Jarl Ulfric and said they would join me as 'protection'. They knew I didn't need it, and while I didn't think it was a show of force, it was definitely a show of support. Whiterun was their home as much as mine and they wanted to protect it.

We stabled our horses outside the city before making our way across the stone bridge, the gates of Windhelm looming in the distance. We wandered by numerous guards and I noticed the glances if not stares we received. At the city gates, the two guards moved to block the way in, running their eyes up and down all half dozen of us before saying a word.

"What brings you to Windhelm, strangers?"

"I come with a message from Jarl Balgruuf of Whiterun."

The two guards shared a glance and I thought looked unsure. "Who are you?" the first guard asked.

Ragnar Dragonborn, Thane of Whiterun."

"The Dragonborn?" the other guard asked quietly.

"The one and only. Do you need a demonstration of my Thu'um?"

I guess my confidence worked for once. "No, that won't be necessary," replied the first guard.

"I think we should let them in…," the second added

"And the people with you, Dragonborn?"

I gestured around me as I spoke. "This is Serana Dragonborn, my wife. Next to her is Lydia of Whiterun, my housecarl. Alongside her are Aela, Farkas and Vilkas, Companions and members of the Circle."

That did it. The first guard moved to the side as the second guard opened the gates. "Please enter, Dragonborn. You will find the Palace of the Kings straight ahead."

"You have my thanks," I offered, dipping my head respectfully.

The city seemed… cold, and that wasn't because of the chill wind and snow on the ground. There was nothing but dark stone around us, the low dark cloud adding to the general gloom of the city. It was the middle of the day but braziers remained lit across the city to provide light and likely a little bit of warmth too. It lacked the crowds of other cities in Skyrim, though perhaps the markets were somewhere else. Something else did catch my attention though.

"Ragnar," Serana stated quietly, tugging on my hand and gesturing, "Look what's happening."

I know I don't particularly like a lot of elves, but generally I'll reserve my unreserved hatred for any Thalmor I happen to meet. As for Dunmer, I've met quite a few of them and never had a problem. They're not the friendliest people themselves but I've never found a reason to dislike any of them. I didn't know of their race too well but everyone was aware that Red Mountain erupted and that thousands of Dunmer had to flee for their lives.

Without alerting the two men, I approached carefully and managed to hear part of the conversation.

"You come here where you're not wanted, you eat our food, you pollute our city with your stink and you refuse to help the Stormcloaks," one of the men stated.

"But we haven't taken a side because it's not our fight," the Dunmer replied.

"Hey, maybe the reason these grey-skins don't help in the war is because they're Imperial spies!" added the second man.

"Imperial spies? You can't be serious!" the Dunmer scoffed in exasperation.

"Maybe we'll pay you a visit tonight, little spy. We got ways of finding out what you really are."

I wasn't prepared to sit back and listen to any more, striding forward before anyone could stop me, grabbing one of the men by the shoulder and twirling him round to face me. "Why don't you pick on someone your own size?"

He spat on the ground and glared at me. "What are you, some sort of Dark Elf lover?"

"Whether I am or not isn't the problem. I do have a problem with bullies."

"What are you going to do about it?"

I laughed. "You really shouldn't have said that," I stated before I slammed my forehead into his face. Blood immediately flooded from his nose as his friend tried to attack me. He found a fist in his gut and ended up on his knees, gasping for breath. The first man was still woozy and attempted to throw a punch. I blocked that and punched him once, twice, three times before he ended up on the ground on his back.

"You'll pay for this," he warned.

I got down on one knee and grabbed him by the collar. "And what are you going to do to the Dragonborn?" The eyes grew wide, glancing back to see the second man was scrambling backwards away from me. I turned my attention back to the other. "I don't know who you or your friend are, and I don't really care. But if you're a representation of this city and the Stormcloaks, then I can only praise Talos that I didn't join you. Let me give you a warning, though. If I hear of you ever doing anything like this again, I will return and I will do this again." I let him go and stood tall over him. I pointed away. "I suggest you make yourself scarce."

The two men helped each other to their feet, taking one last fearful look in my direction before they disappeared around a corner. "Couldn't help yourself?" Aela asked.

"Thank you," the Dunmer stated before I could get a word in, "Did you say you were the Dragonborn?" I nodded. "You've come to the wrong city. Windhelm's a haven of prejudice and narrow thinking, unworthy of one such as you."

"What do you mean?"

"What you just witnessed is not an unusual occurrence. The only difference is that, for once, a Nord stepped in to stop the abuse. We have few friends in this city."

"What about the claim of being Imperial spies?" Farkas asked, "No smoke without fire, my father always stated."

The Dunmer just sighed. "Some of these Nords of Windhelm will come up with any excuse to despise us. And it isn't just the dark elves they hate."

"Who else is hated?"

"They make a target of the Argonians as well. At least we can live within the city walls. The Argonians are kept outside them and not allowed in, not even to trade their goods. In fact, just about anyone who isn't a Nord is fair game for their bullying."

"And Jarl Ulfric does nothing?"

"Jarl Ulfric cares for no-one who isn't a Nord. Perhaps the cause is not completely hopeless, as he was the one who invited us in, but since that very day, he has done nothing to help us."

"How bad is it here?"

"Why don't I show you?"

We made introductions, the Dunmer being named Suvaris, and made our way to the Grey Quarter. To call the area where the Dunmer were forced to live in Windhelm a slum would be an insult to the word. It was… disgusting that people – man, mer, anyone – was forced to live in such conditions. Disease must have been rife within the community. The standard of housing was awful. The smell was horrendous. I ended the tour feeling nothing but genuine pity for these people and furious that a Jarl would allow such conditions to prevail with their city walls.

Suvaris escorted us out of the Grey Quarter after having spoken to many of the locals, including a Nord man by the name of Brunwulf, who Suvaris stated was one of few Nord friends to the local Dunmer population. Once he realised who I was, he almost pleaded with me to do something, thinking that the Dragonborn may be able to bend the ear of the Jarl, though once I explained why I was in Winterhold, he knew the chances were minimal at best.

I wasn't surprised to see that a Temple of Talos still existed in Windhelm, considering this was the seat of the rebellion and one of the major reasons for the uprising being his worship. I was inclined to stop and worship myself but I sensed we had started to attract attention from one or two more locals, and unsure of their motivations, we headed down the wide boulevard towards the palace. Once again our progress was stopped by a pair of guards who enquired about our visit but the doors were opened quickly enough upon telling them who I was and where I was from.

The palace matched the city outside. The same cold, dark stone. It wasn't very warm – in fact, it was bitterly cold within - but there is no doubt the building reflected the intimidating power the city intended to portray. Otherwise, the great hall was relatively empty. Ahead sat Jarl Ulfric upon his throne, in conversation with another the warrior, who I remembered as his second in command from the conference. Ulfric met my eyes as I approached and he lifted a hand, halting whatever his second was saying, who turned and appeared ready to unsheathe his weapon upon seeing me.

"Stay your hand, Galmar. The Dragonborn approaches the Jarl without weapon in hand." I raised a hand myself, my five companions standing to my side, two to my left, two to my right with Lydia watching my back. Whether we were intimidating or not was for others to decide, but I could hear boots behind me and knew the hall was now being filled with Stormcloak soldiers. I didn't look behind, instead waiting for Ulfric to continue. If he was expecting me to bend the knee, he was going to be sorely disappointed. We waited in silence until he finally asked "So, Dragonborn, what brings you to my hall on this day?"

"You threaten my home, Jarl Ulfric."

He shared a glance with Galmar. "What home would that be?"

"Whiterun."

"And so you've come to the Palace of the Kings to do what?"

"Jarl Balgruuf has sent me here with a message." I reached into my small pack and retrieved the letter, handing it to Galmar. He handed it to Ulfric, who read the letter in silence. He raised his eyes once he'd finished reading. "I heard a rumour, Dragonborn. A rumour about you and your arrival in Skyrim so long ago."

"And what rumour would that be?"

"That you originally journeyed here to Skyrim to join my cause. Is there truth to those words?"

"You speak the truth."

"Yet you stand there now, representing Whiterun and the Empire."

"Incorrect. I stand here representing Whiterun and my home."

"Do you care nothing for your Nord brothers and sisters?"

"I think everything I have done since I crossed that border would suggest I do."

"Yet you will support the Empire?"

"My father fought and died for the Empire and a long conversation I had with him in Sovngarde..."

"Blasphemy!" Galmar cried.

I stared at him. "I have been there, my fellow Nord. I have seen the glories of the hall. And it is there that I defeated Alduin. But I learned something else while I was there. I once thought you were right, Jarl Ulfric. But thoughts, unlike beliefs, can change with a solid argument."

"So what do you think now, Dragonborn?"

I took the large axe from my back and walked forward with it. "I would suggest you take this, Jarl Ulfric."

"You dare suggest anything to the future High King?" Galmar asked, again ready to reach for his weapon.

Ulfric just shook his head. "It's a pity that you appear to have chosen the wrong side, Dragonborn…"

"So you will not take the axe?"

"You can return this axe to the man who sent it. Tell Jarl Balgruuf that we will soon be at his gates." I placed the axe on my back to ensure my hands were empty.

"I warn you, Jarl Ulfric. And I will warn you and your men only once. Do not make war on Whiterun. You do not want me as your enemy."

Now he stood up. "You dare warn me in my own city!" he yelled, pointing a finger. "I should have you placed in the dungeon, wrapped in chains."

"You may do as you wish. But for you to arrest the Dragonborn and his companions will only lead to… complications for yourself. And if you don't realise it already, for you to declare war on Whiterun will only force Jarl Balgruuf into the arms of the Legion."

"He is already their puppet."

I now shook my head. "No, he isn't. No Legion troops are in our city. There has been no communication for the Legion to reinforce our defences. Whiterun continues to be neutral. But if you choose to attack, you will be the one to break the cease-fire. And if you choose to attack my home, then you will see the Dragonborn opposite you on the battlefield. Do you want to take that chance? Would you really wish to test your Thu'um against mine?"

"There is no progress without sacrifice. No wheat without threshing the chaff. The Empire and the Jarls who back them must be swept away. The people demand it. I demand it. And if, when doing so, I must face the Dragonborn, then I will face him on the field. I see the line in the sand, Dragonborn. I see it. And I will cross it when I see fit." He sat down. "You may return to Whiterun, Dragonborn. I would not wish to deny my men the honour of being the one to give you an honourable death."

"I leave with one final warning, Jarl Ulfric. Do not attack Whiterun. Doing so will only bring ruin to you, your people and eventually your city. You do not want the Dragonborn as your enemy."

"We will see, Dragonborn. By the end of this, one of us will be in Sovngarde."

I let him have the last word. I'd heard everything I needed to hear, turning and walking out the hall, noticing the two lines of Stormcloak soldiers to either side. I sensed their eyes watch my progress. They looked confident, at the very least, though I knew better than most that appearances can be deceiving.

We wasted no time getting out of Windhelm, heading straight for and out the city gates. Once mounted on our horses, we didn't even bother looking back as we kicked our horses on. I wasn't worried about anything happening to us but I knew Ulfric would have had troops ready to attack as soon as possible.

"What will we do?" Serana asked once we'd slowed down, eventually realising that nothing was going to start just yet.

"You mean after I tell the Jarl that Ulfric means to make war on us?" She nodded. I shrugged. "I'm not sure. All I know is that I will fight."

"Our swords are yours, Dragonborn," Aela stated.

"I thought I was the Harbinger?"

"In this, you are Dragonborn. The people will follow you," Farkas replied.

"Some might."

"More than you think, Ragnar," Serana added.

"How about we worry about the possibilities once we know the score. I wonder what the Jarl will think?"

"He would have expected nothing less. I can only assume he sent you because, eventually, you will be sent to face him," Lydia stated.

"I'm not that important!"

"But you will be," Serana said, "I remember your description of 'armies being led by the Dragonborn'. This may be the time for it."

"I meant against the Thalmor!"

"Start with the Stormcloaks and work your way up from there," Vilkas stated with a chuckle.

Night had descended upon Skyrim by the time we'd stabled our horses and walked through the gates of Whiterun. The Companions trio headed to Jorrvaskr, asking if I could send word after my meeting with the Jarl, while Serana and Lydia accompanied me up to Dragonsreach. We found the Jarl at the map as usual and I could see it had been updated in the time I had departed and returned. It was clear he was preparing for the worst. He looked up from the map when I cleared my throat and my face must have been easy to read, as he simply shook his head. Feeling a pang of regret, I handed back the axe.

"I'm sorry, my Jarl."

"You have nothing to apologise for, Dragonborn. You have done more for this city than anyone could have ever asked." He sat back in the chair behind him and sighed. "What did he say?"

"The long and the short of it is, my Jarl, is that he intends to attack."

"I don't suppose he was kind enough to let us now when?" He held up a hand as I probably looked confused. "Of course he wouldn't."

"What do you suggest, sir?" Lydia asked.

"Give me one moment," he stated, getting to his feet and disappearing into his quarters. He returned a couple of minutes later with Irileth and Proventus in tow. His steward disappeared downstairs, stating he was heading out to collect Commander Caius. Once he and the Commander had returned, we all gathered around the table. Once he'd greeted everyone once again, the Jarl started issuing orders. His first one was a doozie.

"The Dragonborn has proven his skill and courage by first ending the dragon menace before near leading the Dawnguard in the defeat of the vampire clan at Volkihar Castle. Therefore, it is my decision that the Dragonborn will lead the defences of Whiterun. Commander Caius, you will maintain command of your men but you will report to the Dragonborn."

"Of course, my Jarl. Myself and my men will be at his disposal to use as he sees fit."

"You have my thanks, Commander."

"No thanks are necessary, Dragonborn. If reality matches the myth, then our safety is assured with you in command."

"Irileth, I assume you will make yourself available."

"My place is at your side, my Jarl."

He smirked. "But?"

"I wouldn't miss this fight for the world, my Jarl."

"Lydia?"

"I won't leave the Dragonborn's side."

He looked at me. "And your position as Harbinger?"

"The Companions, all of them, stand ready to defend Whiterun," I replied.

He gestured towards the map, all of us gathering closer. "This is the latest situation. We know two Stormcloak armies are currently on the border of the Hold, one to the north, the other to the east. There have been significant movements in reinforcing these armies in the past week, ever since the receipt of the letter."

"Do we know their numbers?" I asked.

"They would number in the thousands. We would already be significantly outnumbered. Tomorrow morning, I will issue a series of proclamations. One, we will conscript any fighting man and woman of age to help in the defence of our city. Two, those with known Stormcloak sympathies will be rounded up."

"Are you sure that's wise, sir?" Irileth asked.

"I'm aware of the evidence the Dragonborn found at Northwatch Keep. But we cannot afford to have anyone, and I mean anyone, interfering in our defence and possibly assisting a Stormcloak incursion."

"Very well. Do you have a list of names?" I asked, feeling uncomfortable at the decision but also understanding the reason why. The Jarl nodded and I turned to the Commander. He nodded.

"We'll do it first thing in the morning. I just hope they co-operate."

"Dragonborn, my city is in your hands. These people trust you. The people out there trust you. I trust you. Please, don't let these walls fall to that madman."

"They will taste our steel and I will make sure they are stopped at the gates, sir."

All of them, even the Jarl, saluted me. Arm across the chest. A bow of the head. I returned the gesture. "Irileth. Commander. Lydia. With me." I grabbed Serana by the hand and we walked out into the darkness. We wandered down and stood under the Gildergreen. Braziers helped light their faces so I could read what they were thinking and feeling. "Tomorrow morning, we get to work. We must assess defences of the city and also defences further away. We must ensure we have enough food and water to ensure we can survive a siege. Civilians currently living on farms outside the city gates will need convincing that they must come in for their own safety."

"The men at the fort?" Irileth asked.

"I don't see the Stormcloaks bothering with it. Their objective is the city, though they may attack it to prevent any sort of counter-attack or attack in the rear."

"Should we abandon it?"

I thought for a moment then nodded. "Yes. We needed every able-bodied person available to defend this city. Commander, start conscripting tomorrow. Anyone who can handle a sword or an axe and a shield, give them some basic training."

"We can raise the bridge if necessary, Dragonborn."

"We'll do that as a last resort. What do you know of shield walls?"

"Fought in a few myself."

"Those of your men and the conscripts who don't them are going to need training. We're going to need scouts to check on Stormcloak positions. I don't think they'll be moving just yet but it won't be long until Ulfric makes his move. He's been waiting for too long and we know he's been preparing for this day. We need to know how many men? What sort of units? Are their heavy weapons? Siege equipment, such as catapults? Cavalry? Mages? We need a better idea of what we could possibly be facing."

"And what about us?"

"I have an idea or two. Trust me on that one. For now, return to your homes and try and get a good night's sleep. We meet at the gates at sunrise."

We all shook hands, wishing each other good luck for the future, before I wandered home, hand in hand with the wife. I shut the door behind me and leaned against it, running a hand down my face. It had been quite the momentous evening and my mind was still trying to comprehend what was going on.

"So, should I call you General Dragonborn?" Serana asked, wrapping her arms around me, a cheeky grin on her face.

"Ragnar. Just Ragnar, Mrs. Dragonborn." I couldn't help the sigh. "I'll admit something, though…"

"What?"

I unhooked her hands and sat down by the fire. "The fate of the world resting on my shoulders was bad enough regarding the whole dragon crisis. How come the fate of Whiterun feels a whole lot worse?"

"Because it's personal this time. Ulfric threatens your home, not just an abstract idea, but real things. This house. You. Me. Your friends. Even strangers in this town who you don't really know but make their lives within these walls that should keep them safe."

"I just don't want to let anyone down."

"You won't," she stated adamantly, grabbing my hand. That put a smile on my face. She leaned over to kiss me, which always made the smile grow larger. "Did the Jarl putting you in charge come as a surprise?"

"Honestly, no. I've never actually led a large group of people. But I guess being the Dragonborn and having defeated the dragons means something in the grand scheme of things."

"It means something to these people, husband. That's what really matters."

"I like it when you call me that."

She returned that smile that I knew oh so well. I was expecting some sort of corny line, as she had just as many bad ones as myself. Instead, she simply grabbed me by the hand and said, "I think someone needs an early night before they start the defence of our home in the morning," before she led me upstairs to bed.