Voyage

The sea was rough, though our vessel riding the waves better than I would have expected. I know I'd never travelled the open sea before. Neither had any of my companions, which is why two of them were currently leaning over the side, violently ill. The wind was whipping up a near storm, chilling all of us to the bone. At least it was dry for the moment, though the skies above were ominous, low and grey, much like our moods.

Serana was huddled under a bundle of furs on one of the benches, looking up at me rather miserably as I sat beside her. "I wasn't made for the sea," she mumbled, "Why did I even agree to this?"

"Because I asked if you'd like to come. And being the darling wife that you are, you chose to join me."

"What about those two?" she asked, pointing at Lydia and Mjoll at the side.

"I guess they weren't cut out for the sea either."

"I don't know what you're all complaining about," Farkas yelled from behind, "This is great! Nothing like a big helping of fresh air."

"Aye. And at least it isn't raining," his twin added.

"I just hope we're not attacked by pirates," Aela muttered, taking a seat next to me, wrapped in her own furs, "That'll be the last thing we need."

I took the note from my pocket and read it again. It said little, but the fact this Miraak knew my name and where I lived was a concern. Lydia did have to jog my memory, stating these same people had attacked us, though a long time ago, so she could forgive the fact I'd forgotten after everything that had happened. But a second attack, this time within the city walls, which injured a number of my friends and colleagues, could not be ignored.

Boarding the boat at Windhelm was always going to be tricky considering the civil war was in full swing. We eventually agreed to send the twins in as Companions and find the Captain of the vessel we needed. The rest of us would wait down the coast and would row to the ship once it was underway. We could have tried entering Windhelm, but I figured my face was well known by now by Stormcloak forces. Being that close to Windhelm caused enough nerves as it was. But it all went down without too much of a hitch, throwing the Captain a few more coins than the usual fare for the bizarre fact of most of the passengers joining once the ship had embarked.

The sea died down enough to allow us at least a few hours' somewhat broke sleep, woken just after sunrise by calls of 'Land ahoy!' Most of us rushed to the front of the ship as the isle of Solstheim came into view. None of us had ever seen it before and to call it… desolate would be an understatement. I failed to see even a rugged beauty to the land. It was bleak, and that was putting it kindly.

The vessel docked a couple of hours later as the Captain had to weave around and through a reef before he could slowly venture into the harbour of the capital I'd learned was called Raven Rock. I saw no other ships at the dockyard, the Captain of the Northern Maiden upon which we were travelling stating that few ships were making the perilous journey due to problems with pirates. When I asked why he decided to take us, he said he wasn't going to knock back the opportunity of transporting over a half-dozen heavily armed people.

With ropes tied to the pier and the ship settled, we bade farewell to Captain and crew of the Northern Maiden and stepped foot onto dry land for the first time in a couple of days. I think a couple of us are far more relieved than others. We were discussing options between ourselves when we were approached by a Dunmer, flanked by a pair of heavily armoured guards. "I don't recognize you, so I'll assume this is your first visit to Raven Rock, outlander. State your intentions."

I shared a couple of glances before returning my attention to the Dunmer. "Do you greet all visitors to Solstheim in such a manner?"

His eyes narrowed. "Just those we have never seen before. We don't get many visitors and we are naturally wary of any new arrivals, particularly those who are not of our blood. So, I'll ask again, who are you?"

"I'm the Dragonborn, otherwise known as Ragnar. I go by many titles so I won't list them all," I replied, before gesturing, "This is my wife, Serana. My Housecarl, Lydia. My… er, friend, Mjoll. And then you have three members of the Companions of Whiterun. Who are you?"

I returned my attention to the Dunmer, who was rather taken aback by the names. "My name is Adril Arano, Second Councillor of Raven Rock."

"Pleasure," I stated, returning a slight bow.

"Dragonborn? We've heard the stories about what has happened in Skyrim and the dragon crisis. Though I understand it's been resolved?"

"Correct."

"So what brings you and your companions here?"

"Have you heard of someone by the name of Miraak?"

He appeared confused by the question. "Miraak... I... I'm not sure that I do."

I shared a glace with Serana. "What do you mean you're not sure? Either you do or you don't know of Miraak. Which is it?"

"I... I'm unsure. I swear I know the name, but cannot place it."

I pulled the letter from my pocket and handed it to him. "This letter is written by someone of that name. He sent people to kill me. He is here on Solstheim. Do you know of anyone who has definitely heard of him?"

He still looked utterly confused, scratching his head, obviously thinking hard. Unbelievable. It's a simple question. Surely? "I don't think so. I'm not... The name has something to do with the Earth Stone, I think. But I'm not sure what."

"Earth Stone? What's that, some sort of standing stone?" He just shrugged. "Very well. Anything else?"

"Yes. Just remember, Raven Rock is sovereign territory of House Redoran. This is Morrowind, not Skyrim. While you're here you will be expected to abide by our laws."

"Of course. One last question. We need a place to stay. Where do you recommend?"

"There are no properties for sale, especially to outlanders. However, the Retching Netch always has plenty of beds available. I'm sure Geldis can possibly provide you with a couple of rooms if your intention is to remain on Solstheim for some time."

Raven Rock wasn't a particularly large settlement, I certainly wouldn't have called it a city, and we were eventually pointed in the direction of the inn. After paying for a trio of rooms, I left my companions to settle in and figured there'd be no better time about asking after Miraak. I received the same strange responses as I had from the Councillor. People seemed to be aware of the name but couldn't tell me if he was on Solstheim, if he was still alive or anything else about him. That simply set my mind to thinking that everyone was, somehow, under a form of mind control and left me wondering if we would soon be affected.

I reported my thoughts back to my companions and we agreed we would have to work fast. Serana suggested that we should try and find the Earth Stone, and that was a possible link. Another couple of simple questions had us heading in the right direction.

"I can't believe the amount of ash," Mjoll stated.

"Remnants of the Red Mountain eruption. I've read you can still see it erupting if you look from the right place," Serana replied.

"It's still erupting?" Mjoll stated with a gasp.

"No-one can explain how or why. Some believe it is magic gone wrong."

"I can't believe people still manage to make a living here. These are hardy people… for Dunmer," I stated, "What's their status regarding the Empire?"

"Er, not good, Ragnar" Aela replied.

Lydia chuckled. "That's putting it kindly. I'm just thankful they think even less of the Thalmor, otherwise we would truly be surrounded."

"What's happened to the Dunmer?" Farkas wondered.

"I'm not entirely sure, it's just from what I've read." Lydia looked at me and I gestured for her to continue. "Put simply, they've suffered numerous invasions since the Oblivion Crisis. Nords, Orcs and Argonians have all put the Dunmer to the sword. The Argonian invasion was the worst, which is why you find so many Dunmer in Windhelm and across Skyrim in general."

"Okay, so say war with the Thalmor breaks out sooner or later. Who would they side with?" I wondered.

"I think they'd do their best to stay neutral. But I think it may depend on the status of the Argonians, as I have no doubt the Dunmer are itching for revenge. But they won't join the Thalmor," Lydia explained.

"Would they ever ally with the Empire again?" I asked.

"Doubtful. The Dunmer are very much alone in the world nowadays. And, in the end, I think they just want to be left alone as well. I don't think anyone should count on their support, but they will do anything to protect their homeland."

"Good information, Lydia. Something to definitely keep in mind," I stated.

"You getting more ideas, my Thane?"

I laughed. "No. I just want to understand the world as it is."

"For the Grand Dragonborn Army?" Aela wondered with a chuckle of her own.

"I just have people who are willing to help me. Nothing wrong with having plenty of friends."

"And knowing that we're getting paid at the same time!" Farkas exclaimed. Vilkas just clapped on the back of the head and called him an idiot.

We came upon what appeared to be a standing stone but what the locals called the Earth Stone. The stone itself wasn't that remarkable. What was going on around it certainly was. It was surrounded by locals, who appeared to be building some sort of… shrine. Well, I thought it was and most of my colleagues agreed upon mentioning it. Add to that, everyone working on the shrine appeared to be in some sort of trance, either singing or talking to themselves.

We tried speaking to those working on the shrine, but while they didn't exactly ignore our presence, we certainly couldn't get any answers out of them, simply continuing to utter the same verses, again and again. It was rather unnerving. At least they're not trying to attack us. But there is no doubt they are under some sort of mind control.

We gathered away from the stone and I was ready to discuss options when we were approached by another Dunmer. He wasn't armed but was certainly inquisitive as to our presence near the stone.

"You don't seem to be in quite the same state as the others here. Very interesting."

"We're not from around here," I stated, "We've just arrived from Skyrim."

"May I ask what it is you're doing here?"

"Who wants to know?" I asked in reply.

"Apologies. My name is Neloth. I am the Master Wizard for House Telvanni. Who are you?"

"I'm the Dragonborn. These are my friends."

"Dragonborn?" he asked in surprise, if not a little suspicion.

"Do you want me to demonstrate my Thu'um as proof?"

"No. No. That won't be necessary. But it does lead back to my original question. What brings the Dragonborn to Raven Rock?"

"I'm looking for someone by the name of Miraak. I don't suppose you've seen him?"

"Oh no. The name sounds familiar, and yet I can't quite place..." He fell into silence, clearly deep in thought. Then he clicked his fingers. "Oh. Wait, now I recall," he added, as his brow furrowed, "But that makes very little sense. Miraak's been dead for thousands of years."

I handed him the letter. "Then how does a dead man issue orders for people to come and kill me?"

He read the letter, handed it back and shrugged. "I'm afraid I can't help you with that. But there is one option you can pursue."

"Which is?"

"There are ruins of an ancient temple of Miraak's toward the centre of the island. If I were you, I'd look there."

"Do you know what all these people are doing?" Lydia wondered.

"Building something, clearly. And yet they don't seem to have much to say about it. I'm very interested to find out what happens when they finish."

Neloth then turned and walked away, muttering to himself about something or other. Not wanting to bother the people working near the stone any longer, not that they gave any indication we were actually bothering them, we turned and wandered back to the inn. Figuring we had an expedition ahead of us, we visited a number of stores to buy provisions, in addition to the equipment we had brought with us. The most important thing to purchase was a map and I sat down with the innkeeper, asking where the important landmarks were and if he knew of Miraak's temple. Despite being confused by the name; he could at least point out where the temple was.

Leaving the next morning, we soon left Raven Rock behind and found ourselves having to trudge through piles of ash. It was almost like walking through snow at times, so therefore it was very exhausting. The centre of the island appeared to be an enormous mountain, so we had to skirt the coast, looking for a decent path that would lead us towards the temple.

We eventually found a decent enough path that we could follow and soon we were climbing through ever deepening ash. Thankfully it wasn't too cold, so coats were not necessary, but I could still feel sweat drip down my back under the armour enclosing my body. Any thoughts that I was a young and fit man were dispelled with every step. Climbing the mountain towards the temple reminded me, albeit only slightly, of climbing the seven thousand steps. And, in some ways, worse because there wasn't even a path to follow. But at least we could see the temple in the distance.

"Are those dragons?" Lydia asked from behind.

"Looks like it. At least they're dead," I replied.

"I haven't seen any dragons here," Serana stated before she wandered over to check, "Some of these look ancient."

"Perhaps this Miraak, whoever he is, killed them a long time ago."

"This is just very strange," my wife concluded.

The temple was ancient. I could only compare it to the ruins back in Skyrim and the ruins were just as old, if not older, the steps leading up to the temple nearly completely covered by the ash. Wooden scaffolding surrounded the area, teams of people working away just like we had seen at the Earth Stone. It was bizarre, particularly as the words and phrases echoed what we'd heard earlier. As we looked for an entrance, we arrived at some sort of arena and noticed another stone similar to the one just outside Raven Rock. Near the stone was a woman. She looked like a Nord, dressed in some sort of Nordic armour. I raised my hand as we watched her walk from person to person, grabbing them and shaking them.

"Oslaf, please! You must fight against what is controlling you!"

She received no response, Oslaf simply shrugging her free and continuing to work. She walked across the arena to someone else. "You must leave this place! It is not safe here! We must go back to the village!"

"What's going on here, Ragnar?" Aela asked quietly.

"I don't know but… It's not good, whatever it is."

The woman looked around and her eyes fell on us, striding towards us with purpose. "You there. What brings you to this place? Why are you here?"

"We were actually looking for this temple. Before you ask, my name is Ragnar. I'm Dragonborn. Do you know what that is?"

"Aye, I've heard of such a thing before, in the old stories."

"So you know who I am. Who are you?"

"I am Frea of the Skaal. I am here to either save my people, or avenge them."

"Skaal? I've never heard of them before."

"We are Nords who have continued to live the traditional lifestyle since men first walked the world. And we chose to remain even when this land was handed to the Dunmer. And the Dunmer have left us to live in peace."

I gestured at the nearby stone and everyone working. "So what's going on here? What are you trying to save them from?"

"I'll be honest; I really don't know. But something has taken control of most of the people of Solstheim. It makes them forget themselves, and work on these horrible creations that corrupt the Stones, the very land itself. My father Storn, our shaman, says Miraak has returned to Solstheim, but that is impossible."

I took the letter from my pocket and handed it to her. "Miraak tried to have me killed. Only one person has been able to identify who Miraak might be, and he said that Miraak has been dead for thousands of years. So how is a dead man able to order people to kill me?"

She handed the letter back with a nod. "Then you and I both have reason to see what lies beneath us. Let us go. There is nothing more I can do here. The Tree Stone and my friends are beyond my help for now. We need to find a way into the temple below."

I wanted to ask more questions, such as who she was, despite knowing her name, and what she was doing here, but she turned and jogged towards the entrance of the temple. I simply shrugged as I received one or two questions from my colleagues and jogged after her, hearing everyone follow me, so that was a good sign, though one or two raised more questions. I simply said the answers may lie within and another person to help won't hurt.

Thankfully, the Temple of Miraak had all the appearances of the usual ancient Nordic ruin I'd passed through time and again back in Skyrim. Full of skeletons and draugr ready to catch out the unwary. But considering there were so many of us, the skeletons and draugr didn't stand a chance, despite the ruin being choc-full to the brim of them.

Then we came across more of the people who wore the masks, those who had attempted to kill me back in Skyrim. After we'd killed at least half a dozen of them, Frea crouched over one of the bodies.

"Who or what are they?" I asked.

She removed one of the masks to reveal a human face. They looked Nordic by all appearances. Perhaps they were once part of the local population? "They're just like you and me. Bu we've taken to calling then cultists, though they've never attacked anyone here."

"Frea, level with me here. Who is Miraak?"

"I'm not entirely sure. But I think he may have been a dragon priest."

"But they all died thousands of years ago. How is he still alive?"

She shrugged. "I really don't know… Ragnar, you said your name was?"

"Yes. So no-one has ever seen this Miraak?"

Frea shook her head. "No. But there is no doubt his influence has spread across this island and no doubt further afield."

Frea adapted quickly to how the rest of us worked and we almost had a small shield-wall at times, particularly when unending numbers of draugr descended upon us. Swords ran red with blood, armour ending up coated in the red stuff as we cut our way forward. I was sure Aela and Serana felt left out at time, though that didn't stop arrows and magic flying over our heads into the ranks heading towards us. But these draugr we faced were tougher than those I usually met with only one or two colleagues to my side. They were dressed in the strongest armour, in their hands were near unbreakable weapons. We had to cut, thrust and swipe our way forward, slowly but surely, making sure we never made a mistake. One mistake would end a life.

As usual, but still surprising, was finding those draugr who had the ability of the Thu'um. Most only knew the Force Shout, but that still led to some of my colleagues being blown from their feet. I could withstand even the strongest of Shouts and simply replied in kind. I couldn't resist the chuckle as I watched draugr roll along the ground, leaving them as easy pickings for the rest of us. There were one or two concerning moments when colleagues were blown and crashed heavily into walls, but although some blood was drawn, no bones were broken. It just made everyone more determined to reach the end, wherever that happened to be.

We ploughed on, the number of draugr waiting to meet us never decreasing. I swear, with each room we passed through, their numbers only increased, more enemies waking to try and kill us. Futile efforts, of course, considering our numbers. The Dragonborn. His Housecarl. His wife. Mjoll, known as the Lioness, a fearsome warrior. The three members of the Inner Circle of the Companions. And Frea, a member of the Skaal, whoever they were. But I'd watched her fight and she was good. Very good. I was left wondering who these Skaal actually were. Not that appearances were deceiving, but she had proven to be one hell of a warrior already.

I have no idea for how long we fought and how far we descended. It was the usual ruin, the enemies continuous, each door simply leading to another room and even more enemies. It never let up. But we were all used to it by now. I still refrained from using the power of my Voice. Everyone understood why I didn't use my gift. I was skilled enough with sword and shield, and with the support I had, it was never necessary to use it anyway. It would probably have made our lives easier, but no-one ever requested or complained. We fought bravely and we fought with honour.

The last room was, of course, filled by innumerable draugr and a 'boss' which proved harder to kill than anything that preceded it. There was nothing we found afterwards to signify who the draugr may have once been. We sometimes found notes or a word wall that would provide evidence of who we had just killed. They were usually dragon priests from eons ago or ancient Nordic warriors awoken as we traversed the ruin, believing we were intruders unworthy of learning the secrets of said ruin. I guess we proved our worthiness in the end by killing them and learning the secret, which was usually a word wall.

But this ruin was different. There was no word wall. After we'd killed all the draugr, and I'd Shouted down the boss draugr and put my sword through its chest, we searched for an exit or at least something to prove our journey had been worthwhile. Frea grew ever anxious as I learned her only concern was for the people back at the entrance and the people she simply referred to as 'those back at the village.'

Lydia found a chain, pulled on it, and it revealed a secret passageway. Should have known. I've seen it often enough. She stepped to the side, gesturing for me to lead the way. She followed behind, holding up a torch to illuminate the way, as I remained holding a bloodied sword in my right hand, waiting to meet anything I may face along the way. But there was nothing as we followed the passage, left wondering where we may end up. Oblivion itself knowing my luck.

Instead we ended up a circular room, decorated rather differently to the rest of the ruin. There was nothing adorning the walls, ceiling or floor. In the middle of the room was a pedestal. On top of the pedestal lay a thick, black book. We gathered around the pedestal in silence, sharing glances as we wondered what it was. I made to open the book when Serana grabbed my wrist.

"Ragnar..."

I met her eyes. "We have to know. There's no word wall. No sign of Miraak. Maybe this book will tell us what we need to know?"

"Be careful, my Thane."

Serana continued to meet my eyes. "You'd better come back to me."

I couldn't help the smirk. "I don't plan on going anywhere," I stated as I opened the black book.

I can't tell you what happened next. Well, I could, but I can only tell you what happened by what my colleagues told me after the event. All I remember is opening the book and a blinding light. I've seen too many blinding lights in my life to be comfortable with. How I'm not blind from seeing them all, I'll never know.

Blinking rapidly, my sight slowly returned and I immediately realised I was… somewhere else. Somewhere very different. Aside from the strange buildings in front of me, the creatures, if not man, in front of me captured my attention. His mask was similar to those of the cultists who had tried to capture me. The creatures next to him I'd never seen before. The most interesting detail was the dragon nearby, who made no effort to attack me or him. In fact, I'd never seen a more docile dragon in more life. Even Paarthurnax and Odahviing had more fire in their bellies.

The man in the mask was deep in conversation when he finally realised I had appeared, I could only assume from this air. He turned slowly, and unable to see his face, I was unable to see if he was surprised or not. But as soon as he saw me, he summoned magic which prevented me from moving a muscle.

"Who are you to dare set foot here?"

In addition to being unable to move, I couldn't say a word. Instead, the masked men walked towards me, circling around me once, twice and three times, before he walked away.

"Ah... You are Dragonborn. I can feel it… Let's see, who or what are you? Hmmm…. So you have slain Alduin... Well done." He actually sounded grateful, or at least pleased, by that fact. "I could have slain him myself, back when I walked the earth, but I chose a different path."

I tried to say something but I was still held by whatever magic it was.

"But, still, you have no idea of the true power a Dragonborn can wield!"

Then he Shouted right at me and that knocked me from my feet. It was the first time such an occurrence had happened in quite a while and I was immediately concerned. Thankfully he didn't Shout again, actually giving me time to regain my feet. I still wasn't able to draw my weapon or respond to his words, but I now had a taste of his power. And I knew who he was.

He walked towards me again, sensing the desire I had to grab my weapon and start swinging. Or Shout, because the desire to do that was overwhelming. But he even controlled that. Which was another concern.

"This realm is beyond you. You have no power here, Ragnar." He smiled. "Oh yes, I know exactly who you are. But it is only a matter of time before Solstheim is also mine. I already control the minds of its people. Soon they will finish building my temple, and I can return home. She can await my arrival with the rest of Tamriel."

Miraak then retreated and the creatures next to him then bombarded me with what I can only assume was magic as I watched Miraak climb on board the nearby dragon and ascend into the clouds. There was then another blinding light and the last thing I remember is losing consciousness.

That had happened far too often for my liking. But at least I was still alive.

I think…