This Means War

"When will you call them in?"

I gazed into the darkness, knowing they – being the Stormcloaks - were preparing for their assault. As Ulfric had said, we were surrounded. But while we were outnumbered, we had more than enough men to protect the city. Or, we did have enough to probably hold back a couple of assaults. It would depend on how many of his men we could kill versus our own losses.

"I'd rather do it without them, in all honesty."

The Jarl nodded. "I understand your hesitancy, Dragonborn. Even I will admit concerns…"

"It's not concerns, my Jarl. I simply do not want to abuse the understanding I have with them."

"But would they help?"

"They will if I call for them."

The Stormcloaks were not trying to hide what they were doing as fires littered the small camps they had built while scouts completed reconnaissance of our walls. That's not to say we let them come too close, anyone within range soon found arrows and magic fired towards them. I know the men were eager to unload everything at our disposal but they were under orders not to provoke the Stormcloaks. Their time to fight would come and probably quicker than they thought.

"Will you sleep tonight?"

"Probably not. I will keep watch with the men."

"Don't tire yourself out before the actual fight, Ragnar."

I grinned in the darkness. "Don't worry about me, sir. I'll have a nap when I feel the need. But there is still work to do."

"When do you think they'll attack?"

"They'll feint one or twice during the day. If it was up to me, I'd attack at night as that does nothing but cause confusion."

"You think they'll attempt to climb the walls?" I nodded. "And what then?"

I now looked at the Jarl and grinned. "We open the gates and let them meet our other wall."

The Jarl eventually bade me goodnight. I left Dragonsreach, the city virtually silent and feeling rather empty. A few town guard still patrolled but most of the men now ringed the walls. I joined them on the wall, clasping one man by the shoulder as I passed, standing next to another as we gazed out across the growing camp. I knew most of the men no doubt had a mounting fear of what was to come. But I also knew they were confident that we would keep the Stormcloaks at bay. They would be fighting for their very homes. And I knew many of them were going to die to keep Whiterun safe. I would ensure their sacrifice would be worthwhile.

I found Aela as I walked the walls, perched in one of watchtowers, hidden in the darkness. Being the last Companion with the beast-blood, I thought it wise to keep an eye on Stormcloak movements during the evening without attracting too much attention. I stood alongside in silence for a few minutes. We could hear sounds from the large Stormcloak contingent ahead of us. There was little light, the moon hidden by the clouds. Fires illuminated figures in the distance though I couldn't see their faces, their eyes. Were they like the men along the wall? Full of hope and fear in one look? I hoped they would only feel fear.

"What do you think?"

"They have many siege weapons, Ragnar. Are we truly prepared for the onslaught?"

"As prepared as we can be without asking for outside assistance. Why?"

She shrugged. "I'm just wondering if we shouldn't have asked the Legion for help. Finally ending the city's neutrality."

"The Jarl wants to do this on his own terms. Once we throw the Stormcloaks back, then he'll approach the Legion from a position of strength."

"If that happens…"

"When, Aela. I have one or tricks up my sleeve."

She turned to look at me and I saw the smile. "Still that unshakable confidence, Ragnar?"

I shrugged. "Everyone in this city, even the Jarl, is relying on me to get this right. This city must not and cannot fall."

"Then you should get some rest, Ragnar. The city will need you at your fighting best."

"You sound like my wife."

"I'll go and get her if you want to test me. Or perhaps I should just suggest that you go home to her and do what married people do."

I held up my hands in mock surrender. "Fine, fine. I'll at least try and have a nap."

"I'm sure someone will wake you up if the worst happens."

I wandered along the wall again, ensuring to speak to more of those keeping watch during the night. I tried to inspire courage. Most simply returned a grin and said they were confident as long as I was in the fight. That sort of comment was always nice to hear, though I knew the myth surrounding me could not possibly be matched by reality. Could it?

Serana was waiting for me at home, handing me a hot bowl of food as soon as I closed the door behind me. We sat in silence by the fire as I devoured the meal, realising I hadn't really eaten much all day. I ate another bowl, sating the hunger I hadn't realised until I smelled the food cooking at the spit, before she enquired as to the plans.

"Quite simple, really. Archers and mages, with soldiers armed with spears, sprinkled around at the walls to keep them at bay. I want them filtered around to the gates."

"Where they'll meet your shield wall?"

"Exactly. That's where I want the Stormcloaks to meet their end."

"And dragons?"

"I may have to call them in regarding the siege weapons. They could destroy the city despite our best efforts."

"You've given this a lot of thought, Ragnar."

"I've been thinking about it since Jarl Ulfric since that first letter. Balgruuf knew this was coming the day that letter arrived."

She grabbed my hand. "How confident are you?"

I felt the smile form. "We'll win. It'll be bloody, but we'll win."

*****

For once, I was wrong.

They came at dawn, just as the sun crested the mountains in the distance, the mist spreading across the plains of the Hold. They came quietly at a time when the men and women along the wall were tired or tiring, perhaps an hour or two before the change of guard. That time in the morning when, even when completely trained and prepared, the mind may be starting to wander, thoughts of a warm meal and bed before sleep later on.

They attempted to come quietly, which was another surprise. But once they were at the wall, the alarm was sounded. I was at Dragonsreach, about to have the morning meeting with the Jarl, when I heard the alarm sound. I bounded down the stairs, dodging past soldiers and the Gildergreen, to see archers and mages firing at the incoming Stormcloaks. Our side of the wall was packed with bodies, arrows and flames already laying waste to numerous enemy as they attempted to climb makeshift ladders to our walls. I called encouragement as I made my way to the gates, the men already getting into position. I knew this would be their main breach.

"Your orders, Dragonborn?" Irileth asked as I started issuing instructions.

"Keep them off our side of the wall. Do not let them get a foothold otherwise it's over before it begins. That is all I ask. Call if you need reinforcements."

"Not one Stormcloak will touch city soil."

I smiled grimly. "That's what I want to hear." I looked up as I saw something fly overhead. "What's the damage so far?"

"Are you going to call them? We could use their help with the siege weapons at least."

I knew we would need to stop the barrage, otherwise the city would be destroyed anyway. "I'd better call them. Tell the men what I'm about to do and not be concerned when they appeared."

She grimaced. "I'll spread the word but their appearance will be a shock."

"I've asked others to spread the word too. I expect one or two to perhaps fire an arrow or spell. I hope they'll be understanding."

She rushed off towards the wall as I hoped the men would hear of what I was about to do. Considering it had been quite some time since the Dragon Crisis had finished, I knew the reappearance of a dragon or two would cause concern if not fear in the ranks. Though I hoped such an appearance would cause fear in the Stormcloak ranks at the same time. There was little open space for me to make the call, but the marketplace had been cleared in the event of a siege so that was the best place I could think of.

I Shouted for allies to help protect Whiterun. I would not consider themselves friends of Whiterun. Men. Or even myself. But we were brothers, or that is how I looked at it. Brothers of blood.

I Shouted for Odahviing. And Durnehviir.

I listened and thought the sounds of battle diminished at the sound of my Voice. I wondered if the Stormcloaks were aware that the Dragonborn was on the other side of these walls and if it would give them pause. Perhaps Jarl Ulfric had been honest in his statement that his men would be prepared to face me and that many would be honoured to face me in battle and attempt to take my life. They were welcome to try. But, still, I listened, watched the skies and waited to see if my call would be answer.

I did not have to wait long as I heard a sound not heard in Skyrim for at least a matter of weeks if not months. I thought it may take some time for both to appear but, in the distance, I could see two dragons approaching. I heard cries from outside our walls, no doubt the Stormcloaks already beginning to wonder what was happening. I noticed some of our men gaze to the sky and then look back at me, returning a curt nod before they resumed their defence.

Odahviing was first to land and I thought he gave me a respectful nod. "Dovahkiin."

"Thank you for answering my call, Odahviing. I would not have called unless I needed your help."

He snorted. "You would only call if it was urgent. I am aware of the power at your command."

Durnehviir landed to my right. "Ah, freedom again. I thank you, Qahnaarin."

"Thank you as well, Durnehviir." I glanced between the pair of them. "I need your help."

"What do you need?"

I gestured towards the walls. "My home is under attack. I need you to take care of something for me." Another projectile flew over our heads. "I need you to take out the siege weapons. Burn them for me. Please."

"And the men?"

I shook my head. "No. Try not to kill them. Well, at least not too many. Leave the men for us. But if you can attack their siege weapons, their camp and perhaps just put fear into them, particularly those who are attacking our walls, that will help me and my city."

"Consider it done, Dovahkiin."

The two dragons ascended into the air and it wasn't long until I heard the first cries and destruction in the distance. I hurried towards the entrance as I heard the first crash of something into the gates, the thick log holding it in place holding easily, though I knew it may not last. I looked up at Aela in her watchtower, who was firing down on further Stormcloaks. "How many are there?" I called.

"A lot. Too many, in all honesty."

"How long to do we have?"

"We're killing as many as we can but we only have so many arrows... They'll break through eventually."

I left Aela and the rest to deal with the Stormcloaks as best they can from their elevated position, noticing they were also under fire from archers below. I walked along the men and women who would form the shield wall, the last line of defence before they would break through into the city and bring untold misery to the people, currently in hiding up at Dragonsreach, Jorrvaskr, in the temple and even down in the Hall of the Dead. I unsheathed my sword and gestured. "First line!" I called, watching the first row get on their knees and resting their shields on the ground, tightening up together to ensure there were no gaps. Once happy with what I could see, I nodded.

"Second line!" These men positioned themselves in the spaces between the first, their shields covering the men on their knees and their bodies. These men would leave small gaps where they could thrust forward with swords, spears or daggers. The men had trained and practiced this time and again, and were in position quickly. I nodded again. "Very good. Men, step forward two paces as a line." They all took one step forward together as a unit then another before the wall settled again. There was no way they could be flanked by soldiers through the gate. The only concern was if the walls were breached behind us. If that happened...

"Third line, you will form once we see them. What do we do when they break through?"

"Kill them!" they cried.

"Will the Stormcloaks take our city?"

"No!" they answered as one.

"Who do you fight for?"

"Whiterun!" they shouted.

I pointed my sword towards the gates. "Let them meet our wall and taste your steel. Then we'll drive them back. Out of our city. Out of our hold. Then all the way back to Windhelm!" The men cheered before they settled down, waiting in near silence within seconds, all eyes on the gates as the Stormcloaks continued to pound away. Happy the wall would hold, for a while longer at least, I jogged towards the walls where Irileth continued to issue commands. I chanced a glance and could see the destruction caused by the two dragons, many of the siege weapons already lying broken and in flames. They appeared to be enjoying themselves, firing flame at Stormcloak soldiers, and while one or two did find themselves sheathed in flames, mostly they simply cause them to drop weapons and run away. I'm sure Odahviing was laughing as he did it. Or, at least, as much a dragon could laugh.

"How are we looking?" I asked Irileth.

"These mages know their stuff. You say they're only students?"

"Some of them are. Some of them are professors, researchers, academics and the like."

"We've had one or two minor breaches. Any Stormcloak lucky enough to make it over the wall tasted our steel and was immediately thrown back over the wall. How's the gate?"

"Holding for now."

She smirked. "You want it to break, don't you?"

"I wouldn't mind wetting my blade. I know the men in the wall are eager for battle."

"We'll hold this wall, Dragonborn. You ensure your wall doesn't break."

We both glanced left as the Jarl appeared. "My Jarl, you should not be on these walls!" Irileth stated,

"This is my city, Irileth. I will defend it."

She looked at me, already looking hopeless. "I don't suppose you'll talk him out of it?"

I met his eyes and saw the same determination I'd seen in Lydia's, Serana's, those of the man on the wall surrounding the city and in the shield wall. I unhooked the Shield of Ysgramor from my back and handed it the Jarl. "Keep it safe, my Jarl. I'd like it returned, though I will not complain if I have to wipe off some Stormcloak blood." I looked at Irileth. "He trusts you to keep him alive, Irileth. You've been through worse, right?"

She was silent, judging my words, before nodding, albeit with a sigh. "Very well, I guess you're right. My Jarl, stay close to me. Very close."

"Of course, Irileth. Of course."

I walked back towards the shield wall, the men still in position, the sound of the Stormcloaks still smashing against our gates. I could now hear the cracks of the gates, knowing they were slowly but surely stating to give way. I could sense one or two shuffles in the line, the men starting to tense as the time of battle approached. But they had been trained for this, knew what was to come and what was expected of them. But I could understand their fear. I felt it every time I went into battle. All they would turn that fear into courage. And the belief that they would see another sunrise.

"They're nearly through!" Aela called from her watchtower.

I waved her and the others back. "Go and help them on the wall. We'll greet this lot."

The Stormcloaks continued to pound at the gates, the wood starting to splinter. I had no idea what machine they were using to break down the gate but we could all hear the efforts being expended before each crash. I called for my men to calm as they continued to tense up, one or two murmurs of concern. I told them there were only men on the other side. Men who would bleed and die at the shield wall. And that it would be the soldiers of Whiterun who would taste glory in victory.

And still they smashed into our gates. Soon there were large splinters and we could see the machine. The men continued to shuffle. I called for them to tighten up, only leaving gaps where they could attack the Stormcloaks. I checked the flanks, ensuring no man could escape the wall. They would be left with only one option. To face their own death at our wall.

"Third line, in position!"

The wall greeting the Stormcloaks must have been terrifying. Or at least that's what I thought. I hoped it would give them pause for thought as the gates gave one last, loud crack, the giant log holding it in place finally snapping in half and the gates were now free to open. The machine that was being used to pummel them open was withdrawn and we heard the cries as the gates were flung open and a sea of Stormcloaks flooded through.

"Hold the line!" I called as I heard men pound into the wall. It was not long until we heard their cries of pain as they found no escape from their deaths. The pressure on the wall rose quickly as the torrent of men increased. "Hold!" I yelled again, hearing my men groan and yell as they resisted the ever increasing force against them while making sure they stabbed through the gaps, drawing blood. I knew bodies would be falling in front of the wall, ensuring the Stormcloaks would be suffering in their attempts to breach.

"Whiterun, step forward!"

As a line, the men roared and stepped forward over the bodies. Those bringing up the rear behind finished off those who still groaned and moaned on the ground. In battles such as these, no quarter was given. The idea of prisoners? Only the Jarl would be kept alive if caught. Perhaps those who chose surrender would be taken in chains, but anyone who fought would meet their fate.

I heard cheers from behind, glancing back to see the fighting along the wall had diminished though had not stopped entirely. Are we winning the walls already? I hadn't even been in the thick of the action but time had passed quicker than I realised, the sun already having passed overhead, and a thirst for water suddenly hit me. "Prepare the horses," I ordered to a nearby aide, watching him rush off to where we had kept the horses for safety. I looked up and could see the dragons were now circling above, watching events unfold. I waved them down closer, warning the men I was doing so.

"How is the situation on the other side of the wall?"

"The siege weapons are no more, Dovahkiin," Odahviing replied.

"And many men have fled the field at the sight of our flames," Durnehviir added.

"You appear to be winning the day, Dovahkiin."

"Do you require any more assistance?"

"Not on this day. But perhaps, one day in the future, I will call upon you again."

I think they both nodded before they ascended, roaring as they did so, flying away into the distance.

"Whiterun, step forward!" I called. The men stepped forward again, leaving another pile of bodies. They stepped forward again as I cheered them on, eager to finally get involved in the battle. I had wanted to be front and centre of the wall, but the Jarl had asked me to direct events from behind. If I didn't fight this day, I knew I would wet my blade in the future. We knew this was only the beginning.

"They're retreating!" I heard someone call from behind.

Once the men heard that, it was difficult to keep the wall intact as I knew they all wanted to fight and kill the enemy before they escaped. I heard others state the Stormcloaks at the wall were wilting as they stepped forward again, this time nearly stopping at the very gates of the city. With nowhere else to go, I was sure the Stormcloaks would have to realise this day belong to Whiterun and that they would flee the field, as it was.

My next order insured that. "Soldiers of Whiterun, prove our victory and win this day. Kill them all!"

The wall broke as men flooded forward, the exhausted enemy providing little opposition. One couldn't help but look behind at the bodies pile up where our wall had formed and moved forward, the blood spilled flowing towards a nearby gutter, mixing with the water. I grabbed a couple of the men to finish off those not yet dead as I followed the flood, hearing the cries and shouts as the men charged forward, their swords, axes and maces already bloodied. I let them go for a moment, hoping we would not be running into a trap, following the path down towards the Stormcloak camp.

They had retreated. Bodies lined the length of the wall where their invasion had been stopped. The camp itself was on fire, the siege weaponry that had been hurling stones and debris into the city now lying in ruins, no doubt the fire crackling as it devoured the wood. The dead lined the road towards the crossroads, many of the men slowing their charge as they started to think about taking a trophy of our victory or perhaps pilfering the bodies of any coin they may hold. I would not stop them, at least for the moment. I simply came to a stop and gazed around, disbelieving that we had actually won the day. Of Jarl Ulfric and his advisors, there was no sign. I had not expected him to meet him in battle, at least not yet. I had no idea how many men he'd actually brought to our gates. All I knew is that he'd lost many of them.

"Soldiers of Whiterun!" I called, waiting for all of them to turn towards me. Once I had their attention, I held my sword high and roared, watching and hearing them all do the same thing as me.

This was the moment I had been dreaming of. No dragons. No vampires. Leading soldiers, warriors, into battle against the enemy. It is why I had travelled to Skyrim. Little did I know at the time that I would lead men against the very people I had once wished to join. But they had come to our gates to destroy my home. Any man who does that is instantly my enemy and will have a taste of my steel.

Although we were victorious, we had to ensure the enemy continued to retreat. Once the celebrations died down, I immediately sent a small contingent of men to the crossroads or north to watch the remnants of Ulfric's army and report if they wanted to return. The rest of us immediately started to clean up, particularly the numerous bodies. While the men were busy at work, the Jarl approached to talk, both of us watching the number of bodies continue to pile up. Although many Stormcloaks had died, I noticed we had also taken numerous casualties, something I hadn't noticed in the hectic nature of battle.

"What do we do with them all?" he asked, I assumed referring to the bodies.

"Treat them with respect by ascertaining who each man was before burning them to ensure they are sent to Sovngarde, sir."

He nodded. "Good."

"They may be the enemy but they all fought bravely. They will be welcomed at the hall as brothers." I looked at the walls, noticing some smoke. "How bad was the city hit?"

"There were a few fires though most have been put out already. But a few homes were destroyed. Yours is fine though."

I'll admit I breathed a sigh of relief. "Good to know."

We continued to work as night descended, braziers lit so we at least had light to work with, wanting to ensure the bodies were collected as quickly as possible, burned after the rites were given, to prevent the spread of disease. As the men continued to work, I made sure I also visited those who had been injured, finding Serana standing outside the temple.

"How bad is it?" I asked.

"I've seen quite a few people taken in. How many did we lose?"

"No-one is sure of the numbers yet. We'll take a count and start identifying bodies once everything has calmed down."

"I've seen Farkas about, counting Companion numbers. Wounds were taken but I don't think anyone was lost. I've also seen Isran about his losses. Not sure how they coped."

"How bad was the situation on the wall?"

"I won't say it was easy but the Stormcloaks couldn't cope with the magic. Good idea getting the mages in. You could taste the fear they had of magic."

"I have no real love for it myself but can at least see it's practical uses."

She looked at me and smiled. "Ragnar, I married you. Stop worrying about me thinking you're an idiot. You're a brute of a warrior, but you're also smarter than you give yourself credit for."

I couldn't help but kiss her. I never doubted her love for me but it was nice to hear her say other nice things. Even warriors such as myself, who projected unbelievable self-confidence at times, were plagued by moments of self-doubt. Plus, I'll admit, I didn't always trust magic even though I could use it myself. "I'd better go see the Jarl and go over things," I suggested once I let her go.

"I'll continue helping out but I'll be waiting for you at home once I'm done."

Getting to Dragonsreach took some time as I was stopped by numerous guards, many thanking me personally for helping protect Whiterun. While honoured they did so, I said they should thank each other, the soldiers, the Companions, Dawnguard and mages. While I had directed the battle, it was they who had fought it. I finally found the Jarl sat at his large table, upstairs in Dragonsreach, busy writing numerous letters. He stated he was writing correspondence to be sent immediately to all four corners of Skyrim, proclaiming his victory over the Stormcloaks.

"I'm sure word will spread very quickly, my Jarl."

"I know. But I am sending one directly to General Tullius. If he wants Whiterun back in the Empire fold, I want him to approach with our city in a position of strength."

"Our neutrality was at an end as soon as Ulfric attacked."

"Indeed it was. But I want the Empire to know that, although I will remain loyal, I will maintain my autonomy. At least until the civil war is resolved. Once Ulfric is defeated, then normality can be restored."

"What would normal now be considered?"

"Nord brothers not fighting each other to begin with. But the Empire must realise and understand the reasons for the explosion of violence."

"I doubt they're just going to tear up the agreement with the Thalmor, despite how much even I'd like them to."

"There isn't a Nord out there who doesn't want it torn up, but most of them understand the reasoning why." I said nothing as there was little to add. "What are your plans now? I mean, for after we clean up this mess."

"Wait and see, sir. I assume your letter to Solitude will gain their attention quite quickly. And we have no idea what Ulfric will now do in reaction to what's happened."

"Rest and relax for now, Ragnar. And I'll make sure the men and women of Whiterun are rewarded for their bravery. I have no doubt this is only the beginning."

"Hopefully of the end, sir. It would be nice to finally live in peace."

It was a sentiment we both heartily agreed on. But both of us knew the fighting was a long way from finished.