Stones

I opened my eyes, blinking rapidly, noticing numerous concerned pairs of eyes looking down at me in return. I could only smile back at them, noticing some of them did the same in return. So that meant I was still alive, which was a good thing.

"Ragnar?"

"Yes, gorgeous?"

I heard the laughter from the rest of them. "You really have to stop doing this to me. I know you're not dead, but still…."

"I'm not in Sovngrade, so I know I'm not dead. What happened?"

Serana grabbed my hand, helping me to my feet. "It's hard to explain and not really important. You're alive. That's the important thing."

"What happened to you exactly?" Frea asked.

I couldn't help the shrug. "I'm not sure. All I know is that I met Miraak. It was definitely him as he had the power of the Thu'um. And he seems to have control over dragons. Or, at least, a dragon."

"So what do we do next?" Lydia asked.

I didn't know. Neither did anyone else. Except Frea, who suggested we should get out of the ruin and follow her to the nearest Skaal village. With few other options available, we agreed to follow her, making sure we grabbed the Black Book before we left.

'I'm sure the answers I need are within. Then again, I'm still not exactly sure what just happened. '

As usual, there was a shortcut out of the ruin and we soon found ourselves out in fresh air again. Well, as fresh as it could be considering we were surrounded by ash. I was just thankful it wasn't falling from the sky. It was bitterly cold and I wondered if snow would soon start falling.

Nearby was another standing stone. I know that's not what they were but it's what I was going to call them. Frea raised a hand, bringing us to a halt before she pointed ahead. "That's the Wind Stone."

"We saw another one like it near Raven Rock. The Earth Stone, it was called."

"And do people there work against their will?" she asked.

"Aye. I guess they do."

Frea nodded. "My people too work against their will." She turned to look at me. "They must be freed soon otherwise I fear they may lose their minds completely."

I turned to my colleagues. "Once we're done here, we'd better head back to Raven Rock and do whatever is necessary for the Earth Stone."

"Do you want some of us to head back now assess the situation?" Mjoll offered.

"Take the twins and see if you can do anything to help them. If they get aggressive, back off and wait for us to return. But hopefully we may learn a way to help them."

The rest of us follow Frea across a rickety wooden bridge, the wind starting to whip up and snow started to fall. We crested a rise, a small village appearing below. I noticed a magical shimmer around it, pointing out that fact to my colleagues. Of course, they made fun of me, stating they could see it too.

"Aye. Storn has used his magic to raise a barrier around it, protecting the few of us left. That the barrier is still there is a good sign."

I wondered who Storn was but figured I'd find out shortly so Frea just urged us to move on. The village wasn't that large, possibly a couple of dozen buildings at most, but it was nearly deserted. We weaved our way through the building, exiting out into the centre of the village. There was little around. Snow blanketed the ground. One or two empty market stalls. A well. A large building ahead was, I assumed, the village hall, or perhaps the place of worship.

Sat in the middle of the village were three people who appeared to be meditating. I still didn't know much about magic but I could sense the magic flowing from the three of them. Seeing the deep concentration on their faces, I stood back with my colleagues as Frea walked towards one of the men meditating and started talking to them. It was difficult to hear what was said over the noise but stepped forward once Frea beckoned me to join them.

"Ragnar, tell Storn what just happened back in the temple."

So I sat down next to the old man and told him in great detail, pretty much explaining everything that happened since the attack back in Whiterun, our journey to Solstheim, what we had seen at the Earth Stone back near Raven Rock, meeting Frea and our descent into the Temple of Miraak, and finally meeting with Miraak himself through the Black Book.

"The legends speak of that place. Terrible battles fought at the temple. The dragons burning it to the ground in rage. They speak also of something worse than dragons buried within. Difficult to imagine, but if true... It means what I feared has come to pass. Miraak was never truly gone, and now has returned. If you could go to this place and see him..."

"I'd do it if it helps everyone here."

"But are you like Miraak? Are you Dragonborn?"

"I am Dragonborn but nothing like Miraak. Of that I can assure you."

"But perhaps you are connected with him because of your blood? The old tales say that he, too, was Dragonborn."

"There is no doubt he at least has the power of the Thu'um and does appear to have influence over dragons. That's enough evidence to suggest that dragon blood may flow through his veins."

We continued to converse as I subtly gestured for the rest to move on, hoping they would talk to others. I noticed Serana immediately start speaking with Frea, so hoped she would gather as much information she could, if not about Miraak and what was going on, but about who the Skaal actually were. I was left thinking there was more than met the eye regarding them.

The most interesting thing Storn mentioned was the belief that Miraak was likely Dragonborn – I was already convinced he was – but that he once served the dragons as a priest. But somewhere in the mists of time, he had turned against the dragons. It was believed that he had been defeated thousands of years before but never truly defeated. 'Sounds like Alduin, though it doesn't sound like he was simply sent forward in time.'

"How can I help?" I finally asked.

"You must go to Saering's Watch. Learn there the Word Miraak learned long ago, and use that knowledge on the Wind Stone."

I pulled out the map and asked for directions. Once we had them, I gathered the colleagues who remained with me, near regretting sending Mjoll and the twins away, and we headed towards Saering's Watch. Thankfully it wasn't too arduous a walk, though typical for a dragon lair, it was near the top of a mountain. Unusually, it had the appearance of an ancient Nordic fort, though I could see the word wall at the summit of the fort.

Numerous draugr also inhabited the ruin as did a dragon. I didn't particularly want to fight draugr and the dragon at the same time, I didn't particularly want to fight the dragon at all to be honest, but as soon as we crested a rise and the draugr and dragon noticed us, I was left thinking I'd have no choice. The dragon took off straight away while draugr started to head towards us, unsheathing their weapons. I unsheathed my sword, Lydia doing the same while Aela had bow to hand. Serana remained unarmed, so I knew she'd just use magic.

My sword was bloodied soon afterwards but I was again left surprised by the strength of these draugr. I had no idea why but the draugr we'd found on Solstheim were the toughest we'd faced so far. The swing of their sword hitting my shield must have echoed across the island, and they also had the power of the Thu'um. I, of course, responded in kind, forcing draugr to the cliff edge before Shouting them off and far to the ground below.

Slowly we worked our way through the ruins, surprised that the dragon simply circled over our heads. I ordered Aela and Serana not to attack the dragon yet, not knowing its intentions and, as they were aware, I didn't want to kill a dragon if it didn't want to kill me. So we focused on the draugr, leaving a trail of their bodies behind us the closer we ascended towards the word wall. Despite how tough they were, the four of us had fought them so often that we fought in silence, knowing what the other was going to go. It was always a strange feeling when I felt an arrow whizz by my ear, I could only assume millimetres away.

With the last draugr dead, we made our way towards the word wall and that is when the dragon decided to descend. I raised a hand, bringing us to a halt, as the dragon landed and perched himself on top of the word wall. He met my eyes but gave no indication he was going to attack.

"Dovahkiin."

"You know who I am?"

"Of course. I sense the blood that flows through your veins. Plus, all dovah know of the slayer of Alduin. We now speak of the Dovahkiin in hushed tones. The power of your Thu'um exceeds all others and we respect its power. But I am left wondering… What brings you to my home?"

I pointed ahead. "I just want to read the word wall."

"For what purpose?"

"Miraak has…"

The dragon snorted and I stayed silent. "Miraak! Traitor! Usurper! What do you know of this Miraak?"

"I know he holds many of the people on this island in his thrall. This word wall will help me free them from his control. After that, I intend to deal with him personally."

"And your intentions with me, Dovahkiin?"

"You are free to live in peace. On that, you have my word. I have no quarrel with you. Neither do the people of this island. Leave them in peace and I will ensure they reciprocate."

"Very well. Approach the wall, Dovahkiin. If there is one thing all dovah want, it is the end of Miraak."

Upon learning the word, I thanked the dragon for his assistance and we made to depart the ruin. As we were walking down the stairs, Serana asked, "What were you and the dragon talking about?"

I know I gave her a funny look. "What do you mean?"

"We didn't understand what either of you were saying. You were speaking in another language."

"I was?"

She laughed. "You didn't realise?"

I shrugged. "Well, no. Speaking their tongue is second nature nowadays."

"So what did you speak about?" Aela wondered.

"He wanted to know why I was there. Once I told him I only wanted to read the word wall, he was happy to help. Even happier once I told him I was there to deal with Miraak. He called Miraak a traitor, so I guess the old tales about him turning against the dragons may be true."

"And that he is definitely Dragonborn?" Serana asked.

I nodded. "I think there is little doubt he is now. We're talking thousands of years of history and we're only aware of the Septim Emperors and Reman Cyrodil having the gift. Who knows who may have had it bestowed upon them before."

We arrived back at the Wind Stone, the Skaal continuing to chant as one, ignoring our presence and our questions. Unsure as to what was going to happen once I Shouted, I instructed everyone to have a weapon in hand. I didn't think the Skaal would attack us. I hoped once I Shouted, they'd simply be free. But I figured Miraak may have a surprise in stall for us.

"Ready?" I asked, receiving a series of affirmative replies.

Upon Shouting, the structure the Skaal had been building disintegrated into bits, the shrine falling apart, leaving the Stone as the single thing still standing. We gazed upon the sea of Skaal faces and it was obvious that whatever was controlling them had disappeared, eyes blinking in surprise, hands running down faces as they looked around confused. Many looked at Frea alongside me and inundated her with questions.

"Get them back to the village immediately!" I ordered.

"Of course," Frea replied, "Come on! Come on! Quickly!"

Still confused, the Skaal started to move. Then there was a growl and a creature appeared through the waters surrounding the Stone. A creature unlike I'd ever seen before. And I've seen some weird things in my time. The creature roared at us then spat something. I know I leapt out of the way, hearing whatever the creature spat sizzle on the ground nearby. Acid? Or some sort of poison?

I heard a thwack, looking up to see Aela already with bow in hand, arrows flying at the creature, which moved with incredible speed. Getting back to my feet quickly, I closed on the creature as it took a swipe, raising my shield to block it. The creature was powerful, hearing the clang against my shield.

"Move, Ragnar!" Serana demanded.

I stepped back and watched the creature receive a powerful shock, eventually forcing the creature to its knees as Serana didn't let up with the attack. Aela then put an arrow straight between the creatures' eyes as it finally collapsed back into the water, disappearing into the murky darkness.

"What in Oblivion was that thing?" I wondered, not expecting an answer from either of my colleagues. I looked at them and noticed shrugged shoulders. "Come on, we'd better catch up with Frea."

We wandered back into the village to see numerous reunions between family members. Many others approached us with words of thanks, handshakes or a kiss on the cheek. Some enquired as to who and my colleagues were, though Frea soon grabbed and escorted us towards Storn. The barrier once enveloping the village had since disappeared and Storn approached us, hand outstretched.

"The air is different. We are safe, which means you have succeeded," he stated as we shook hands.

"Aye. It was successful, to a point. But at least your people are now free from his influence."

"So we are. So we are. Dragonborn, you have proven yourself an ally to the Skaal, and so the Skaal shall be allies to you. Whatever help we can offer you going forward in dealing with Miraak, we will assist where possible."

"And the grand Dragonborn army continues to grow," Lydia muttered under her breath, loud enough to draw chuckles from Serana and Aela at least.

"I know of the Earth Stone near Raven Rock. Do you know where the other Stones are?" I enquired.

"Give me a map and I'll show you. There are five in total," Storn explained, "You have already cleansed the Wind Stone. You know of the Earth Stone already. There are three more Stones – Beast, Sun and Water. Once you have cleansed all the Stones, return to me and we'll discuss what step to take next."

"Would the Black Book have the answers we need?" I asked, handing him the book from my pack.

"Perhaps… perhaps… Leave it with me for now. Cleanse the Stones first. That is vital. The people must be freed from the influence of Miraak. I believe that will diminish his power, at least for a time."

I was tempted to leave my colleagues there as protection, but after speaking with Frea, she said there were now enough Skaal warriors available to ensure the village was protected, not that I thought Miraak would send anyone to bother them, and she was confident they could handle any creature that may decide to attack. I figured, in the end, he would go after me if anyone.

It was rather late by the time we arrived back in Raven Rock, finding Mjoll and the twins waiting for us outside the inn. They reported no change in the locals and, once informing them of what had happened, we headed straight to the Earth Stone. Once again, those working around the Stone gave us next to no attention. Once everyone had unsheathed their weapon, I Shouted again, the shrine the locals had been disappearing collapsing into pieces. We then hurried them away as a trio of the creatures surfaced through the murky water, wasting no time getting on the front foot and attacking, remembering their ability to spit acid.

I managed to cut down one of the creatures without too much hassle, with assistance from Mjoll and Lydia, turning towards another as the twins near cut it into thirds with great swings of their swords. The third was used as a pincushion as Aela filled it with arrows as Serana this time summoned flames, burning the creature to a crisp before it too collapsed into the water with a splash.

"By Ysmir, what are those things?" Mjoll asked.

"No idea, but they appeared at the first stone we cleansed."

"So we're going to find even more of them at the other three?" Lydia groaned.

"Probably. And more will probably surface with each that we cleanse. Whatever those creatures are, Miraak must send them somehow." I pulled the map from my pack. "Luckily I know where the other three Stones are, so that is going to be our job first thing tomorrow. Cleanse the stones, then we'll return to the Skaal and decide on our next step."

*****

Here in his shrine

That they have forgotten

Here do we toil

That we might remember

Here we reclaim

What faithless minds have stolen

Far from ourselves

He grows ever near to us

Our eyes once were blinded

Now through him do we see

Our hands once were idle

Now through them does he speak

And when the world shall listen

And when the world shall see

And when the world remembers

That world will cease to be.

Sounds ominous, right? Before cleansing the third Stone, we had stood back and listened to the chant in full, spoken in a monotone by all those under influence of Miraak. I still had no idea the intention of Miraak and his influence over the people and what he intended with the Stones, but I was just happy to release the people from his grip. With each Stone cleansed, we were greeted with confused faces and questions before having to deal with even more of those ugly creatures. The last Stone cleansed resulted in at least ten of them surfacing. That was a tough battle and even my armour was left scarred by acid burns, thankful it didn't go all the way through.

I thought after cleansing the last Stone that it would force Miraak to appear. But we were all left disappointed upon its cleansing to find the people no longer under his influence but no sign of Miraak or his cultists. Unsure of what do next, we headed back to the Skaal village and Storn, hoping he may have an idea of what to do next.

Everyone joined me on the walk back towards the Skaal the day after completing the cleansing of the final Stone, Mjoll and the twins eager to join me as they were interested in meeting a group of Nords who were a proper link to the past. Life had returned to the village, noticing a number of warriors on patrol while the few stalls were freshly stocked with food to purchase. I found Frea and Storn outside the village hall, deep in conversation, both turning their attention towards me as I approached them. After greetings were exchanged, I asked after the Black Book.

Storn shook his head. "It was not look like something of the Dragon cult, Dragonborn. No, it is a dark thing. Unnatural, as if not of this world. I would have nothing to do with it."

"What do you mean 'not of this world'?"

"He means daedric, Ragnar," Serana stated, "I should have realised."

"What do you mean?"

"Whatever happened to you within the temple, I'm now of little doubt that you were summoned to a plane of Oblivion. Somehow Miraak is there, though I'm not sure which daedric lord he would answer to."

"If I may suggest something, Dragonborn," Storn stated, continuing once I'd nodded, "There is a Dunmer wizard who lives nearby by the name of Neloth."

"We know of him," I added, "We spoke to him in Raven Rock not long after we first arrived."

"He came to us some time ago, asking about the Black Books. I believe he knows a great deal about them. Some would think perhaps too much. Seek him to the south, I believe near a village the Dunmer have named Tel Mithryn."

"You have our thanks."

"Be cautious, Dragonborn. There is something else at work here."

"Would you care to stay this evening?" Frea asked, "It is already late and the people would like to meet the Dragonborn and his friends. We have had planned a great feast in celebration of your cleansing of our Stones."

I looked across my colleagues, everyone returning a nod. "We gratefully accept your invitation. I know many of my colleagues have questions about you and your people."

"And we would be happy to answer." She gestured to the hall. "Come, join us. It should be a great evening."

The weather closed in as the sun slowly dipped behind the mountains, escaping into the warmth of the hall. Long tables surrounded a giant spit and fire where meat where already being roasted. Enormous plates of vegetables had already been cooked and placed while to the far side were large barrels of mead already tapped and waiting to be drunk. Once the entire village was within the doors and closed, the hall started to warm up immediately, the noise of conversation and laughter continuing to grow ever louder as food was eaten and numerous tankards consumed.

We learned much about the Skaal that evening. Though capable of writing, their histories were shared by word of mouth through the village shaman, of which Storn Crag-Strider was currently. He ensured the history of his people was passed on to all inhabitants of the village but in particular the person he chose to follow him as the next shaman when he eventually passed onto the next world.

I spent much of the evening sat with Storn and Frea, discussing what they knew about the history of the Skaal but also the influence of dragons in Solstheim. Understanding that this was once a Nordic island, I thought their history should be linked and therefore similar to life back in Skyrim itself.

"We are descendants of the very Skaal who revered the dragons," Storn explained, "The temples you find around this land were built by our ancestors thousands of years ago."

"But I assume you also participated in the Dragon War?"

"Our histories differ to those of the mainland. We give thanks to the Guardian, who saved the Skaal from the rule of the Traitor."

"You mean Miraak?"

"Yes."

"Who was the Guardian?"

"His name has been lost to the ages of the Skaal simply remember him as the Guardian. We remember his rule as a time of prosperity, of justice and of peace."

Serana then asked "Do you know what happened to Miraak all those years ago?"

"The legends tell a tale of a Dragon Priest seduced by a deity called Herma-Mora. As you may already know, the Dragon Priest was known as Miraak, who wanted to overthrow the rule of dragons and instead rule all of Soltheim alone. It was the Guardian who discovered that plot and instead bested him in battle."

"But did not kill him," I finished.

"No. But we are unsure what happened to Miraak. All we know is that he disappeared and had centuries of peace. But, for some reasons, he has returned."

"Ragnar, the name Herma-Mora. I think I know who that may refer to," Serana stated, almost ominous in her tone.

"Who?"

"Hermaeus Mora, the Daedric Prince of Knowledge and Fate."

"Never heard of him," I admitted.

"I don't know much either, having been a follower of Molag Bol, but those who follow the daedra will generally know of all the princes and the basics of what they have to offer. What I do know is that he lives on a plane of Oblivion called Aprocrypha."

"And what delights would we find there?" I asked.

"To be honest, I'm not entirely sure. But I think that is where you… travelled, for want of a better word, when you read the Black Book in the Temple of Miraak."

"We know little of Herma-Mora, Dragonborn. We can only suggest being careful in any dealings with him."

That was definitely advice to take to heart.