Sacrifice

Frea was still arguing with her father as we broke our fast the next morning. She looked at me from time to time to intervene but I wasn't going to involve myself. Storn had made up his mind to help me, no matter the consequences. That didn't sit easily when he told me, had caused me to worry nearly all evening, and I was still worried now. But I'd learned time and again that sometimes hard, tough decisions were required. This would be a test of the Skaal and of the Dragonborn.

Storn led us out of the hall, Frea trailing in his footsteps, still arguing away.

"Father, you must not do this. That book is...wrong. Evil. Against everything that you have taught me my whole life."

'She's absolutely right. I don't trust those books either. I don't trust the daedra at all. But… when needs must… And Storn believes it is a worthy cause.'

"I must, Frea. It is the only way to free Solstheim forever from Miraak's shadow. There comes a time when everything must change. Nothing that lives remains the same forever. Do not fear for me, my daughter. This is the destiny that the All-Maker has laid out for me."

Storn sat on the ground, the deep snow having been cleared, a large fire nearby providing warmth and light as the sun was still rising over the mountains in the distance. Frea looked towards me, near desperation on her face. I simply met her eyes, keeping my face blank and simply nodded, hoping she would understand. She grimaced before noticeably gulping, closing her eyes for a few seconds, taking a deep breath, then another, before meeting my eyes and nodding herself. She walked towards her father and lay a hand on his shoulder as he continued to prepare himself.

"I stand beside you, father, as always."

I stood to the side, my companions joining the rest of the villagers, as we watched Storn sit in silence before he started to whisper to himself. I assumed it was a prayer to whatever god or gods he believed in. I heard Frea whisper beside me and could only assume she was saying the same words. No doubt asking for courage in whatever was to come next.

"I am ready for whatever the foul master of this book has in store for me."

He opened the Black Book and I should have known it would go disastrously wrong almost immediately. Large tentacles flew from the pages, a pair of them going straight for his eyes, others through his body. Surprisingly there was no blood, suggesting that the tentacles were real but also… not. Storn yelled as the tentacles of Hermaeus Mora probed his mind.

"Father!" Frea yelled. I grabbed her by the shoulder to stop her running forward, unsure of how the tentacles would react to her presence. "Let go of me!" she yelled, trying to shrug me off.

"He knew what he was doing! Trust him!"

"But he's going to die!"

'Then that may be the price necessary to defeat Miraak.' But I didn't want to say that. I'm not that much of a bastard. "Believe in him! That's what he needs!"

The old man fought Hermaeus Mora for as long as possible, no doubt trying to protect and close his mind. But he was fighting a daedra, a powerful one at that. It went on for a while. Too long, in all honesty. "Dragonborn, do something. Please," Frea pleaded.

I unsheathed my sword and stepped forward carefully. "I think you've done enough. Let him go." A tentacle whipped towards my sword and I almost cut it down, then remembered what the manifestation actually was, so was careful not to strike. "Let him go," I demanded, before adding, "Please," hoping that would help.

The tentacles were removed from the eyes of Storn, the old man managing to turn his head towards me. The life was almost extinguished. "Dragon… Help…"

Then there was a voice from deep within the book. "Dragonborn, you have delivered me the gift I requested. In return, I keep my promise, as befits a Prince of Oblivion: I give you the Word of Power that you need to challenge Miraak. You will be either a worthy opponent or his successor, as the tides of fate decree."

The tentacles immediately withdrew, the book falling down to the snow, the cover closing, as Storn collapsed to the ground. I was by his side immediately, Frea to his other side, checking for signs of life. "Father! What have you done?" Her eyes then turned to me. "Was this… Was his life worth the price?"

"I don't know. But I now have what I need to defeat Miraak."

"Then go, Dragonborn. My father sacrificed himself so that you could destroy Miraak and lift his master's shadow from the land. Find Miraak. Kill him. Make this all worthwhile."

I got to my feet. "I'll leave immediately."

"Do not fail, Dragonborn."

The villagers gathered around the body of Storn before he was raised up by the group and carried inside the hall, Frea closing the doors behind them, leaving me alone with my colleagues. I could see concern on nearly all their faces. I walked towards the Black Book, picking it up out of the snow, wiping the snowflakes from its cover. I took a deep breath and met my wife's eyes.

"What do you think?" I asked her.

"You must go, Ragnar. This must end. Storn's sacrifice must be made worthwhile. And Miraak must die."

"And Hermaeus Mora?" I wondered.

"No doubt he will try and bargain with you once Miraak is defeated. But we both know where your soul is going once you die, many decades from now."

"What should the rest of us do?" Mjoll asked.

"I don't think you can follow me so just keep an eye out for any of Miraak's disciples," I replied.

This could be a very bad idea. I probably shouldn't have negative thoughts holding the Black Book, ready to open it. I knew dealing with daedra was always going to be tricky. And a bad idea. But I also had no choice. Miraak lay waiting for me, somewhere behind that cover. I needed to do what I needed to do. Just like I'd done with Alduin. Just like I'd done with Lord Volkihar.

I shared a last kiss with Serana, wishing me good luck as she embraced me, sharing a last glance with the rest of my colleagues before I opened the book and soon found myself in Apocrypha once again.

*****

It had been another long slog through the strangeness that was Apocrypha. Dealing with the monsters was no real surprise. As before, I just had to be careful considering I was once again by myself, stumbling through a realm I still didn't and would probably never understand. 'Here's hoping I'll never have to come back here either.'

One thing did take my breath away as I wandered forward, occasionally striking down any enemy that approached. The libraries. The books. The scripts and paper floating around. There was no possibility of counting all of them. 'That's what he was talking about. This must be the 'knowledge' he craved.' I browsed some of the covers and titles, not recognising many of them all, left wondering how old they were, where they were from, who had written them thought I knew why they were there. Hermaeus Mora had told me why he wanted the books and why he wanted Storn's mind.

I passed through at least two or three areas, dealing with the numerous enemies while taking a moment to read one or two of the more interestingly titled books. If I carried a large backpack, I probably would have carried quite a few with me, wondering if I'd be able to take them home. Of course, whenever I'm by myself, I always end up having to solve some sort of puzzle. Proof the Gods still want to test my mind and not just my arm.

Surprising myself more than anyone, I managed to figure it out without too much delay. I mean, I probably didn't take more than… an hour. Maybe a little more or less but no-one was timing and I figured it out eventually. There was a final click as something feel into place and a book appeared, as if by magic, like usual, glowing brightly. 'This is probably the way out to… Miraak?'

It wasn't Miraak that appeared in front of me. There was the usual roar of a dragon approaching, unsheathing my sword and automatically looking up, waiting for the winged beast to appear. I wandered around the small platform I was standing on, noticing I was far above the black waters below. Numerous other towers stretched high above and it was around one the dragon appeared, closing in on my position fast.

I Shouted the new words I had learned. The dragon was shocked by it and, after a moment's hesitation, the dragon landed on the platform in front of me. I kept my sword in hand, just in case. But the dragon dipped his head in deference.

"Hail, thuri. Your thu'um has the mastery. Climb aboard and I will carry you to Miraak."

"What is your name?"

"Why do you wish to know?"

"I always like to know the names of my allies. Or my enemies."

"I am Sahrotaar."

"I am Ragnar. A pleasure."

I climbed on board the dragon and soon we were flying through the air once again, reminding me of my time aboard Odahviing. I still envied the freedom that dragons had in regards to being able to fly. I wasn't aware of any magic spells that even allowed some form of levitation. Man and mer were firmly stuck on the ground unless something miraculous happened. Or technology finally allowed it. 'Maybe if the Dwemer were still around, they'd figure it out.'

We didn't get to Miraak without a fight, many of the towers choc-full of enemies firing anything and everything at us. I was ready to tell Sahrotaar to ignore it but he dove towards the enemy before I could utter a word. Figuring I wouldn't mind a fight anyway, I roared along with him as he bathed the enemy in fire before I jumped down onto the platform and bloodied my sword. We did that twice more, never in any real danger but ensuring we would be left alone to face Miraak without anyone else intervening.

Clambering on board Sahrotaar after clearing the third platform, he stated we would now fly to meet Miraak and end him, once and for all. He offered only one warning.

"Beware. Miraak is strong. He knew you would come here."

"I know. But you're aware I defeated Alduin?"

"Yes. Word even reach us here of your defeat of the World-Eater."

"Exactly. Therefore, while I am wary, I do not fear Miraak. He should fear me and the power of my Voice."

"I am interested to see the outcome of your battle."

Ahead was a tower that, if back in Tamriel, would have reach towards the stars. Sahrotaar circled around it a couple of times before we rose up above the platform. There was no missing the lone figure of Miraak in the centre, waiting for our arrival. Sahrotaar continued to circle, eyes only for Miraak, before he finally descended and we landed a few paces away.

"Sahrotaar, are you so easily swayed?"

"His Voice is strong. Now I know why others follow him."

Miraak scoffed and turned to me. I could see little of his face behind the mask. Only his eyes, and they were dark. Otherwise, he appeared only dressed in robes though I'd learned appearances could be deceiving. He was tall but not as tall as me. I was left wondering what race he may have been. Was he a fellow Nord? With a name like Miraak, I assumed not. But I couldn't pick who or what he may have once been.

"And so the First Dragonborn meets the Last Dragonborn at the summit of Apocrypha."

Now that threw me immediately. "First Dragonborn? But even I know the first Dragonborn was St. Alessia. How can you possibly be the first?"

"Foolish lies of men. I came a long time before."

"Just how old are you?" I wondered.

"Age means nothing here. But obviously you have been sent to deal with me, no doubt just as Hermaeus Mora intended. He is a fickle master, you know. But now I will be free of him. My time in Apocrypha is over."

"And just where do you think you're going?" I asked, unable to hold back my mirth at his self-confidence.

"Solstheim, of course. Yes, you may have caused me one or two problems, but once I'm done with you, nothing can stop my return. You are here in your full power, and thus subject to my full power. You will die. And with the power of your soul, I will return to Solstheim and be master of my own fate once again."

I sighed. "You know you're going to die now, don't you?"

I figured he probably smiled behind his mask. That's what I'd have done if told the same thing. "Kruziikrel! Relonikiv! Now!"

Roars in the distance suggested a pair of dragons were now on route to hassle me as I fought Miraak. So I simply shouted for Sahrotaar to deal with them. As he took off, I unsheathed my sword and readied myself to deal with Miraak. I didn't know he was a warrior or a mage. I'd find out in about five seconds…

I raised my shield as magic was fired towards me, not wasting any time in rushing forward to close the gap. He then took a short staff from his back and fired an enormous fireball in my direction, causing me to swerve and roll out of the way, as he swept his staff in a semi-circle, leaving a ring of fire on the ground. Gritting my teeth, I simply ran forward and leapt through the flames, surprising Miraak as I started swinging, not wildly as you would expect. I'd been trained and had fought often enough to always make each swing count and I had Miraak on the back foot immediately, the First Dragonborn having to use his staff to block my swings. I have no idea what the staff was made from but it managed to take a few whacks from my sword without breaking in half, which was slightly disappointing.

He then Shouted at me, catching me unaware, and while I didn't go tumbling end over end, it did knock me back a few paces, allowing him enough time to cast another spell in my direction. I lifted my shield just in time to block the worst of it but I still felt some shock, leaving strange tingling sensations travelling up and down my body.

"Fate decreed that you had to die so that I could win my freedom."

I'm not sure if he was mocking me or not. I simply rapped my sword against my shield. "Well come and win your freedom, Miraak."

He leapt through the flames, this time armed with a sword and he proved in the next few minutes to be an expert swordsman. I was left thinking he could even read my mind as he met every cut and thrust of my sword with an excellent parry. Whenever he went on the front foot, his sword craft was near perfect. He came very close to disarming me at least one or twice.

I needed to get on the front foot myself again so Force Shouted, this time forcing him back though disappointed to see he did not tumble arse over head. I took a moment to catch my breath and strode forward with intent, hoping to finally strike the killing blow. As he was still gathering himself, I doubled my attacks and finally started to draw blood. I didn't hit anything major, certainly didn't land a killing blow, but I knew he was starting to weaken as he started to hesitate and was continuously retreating.

"You are strong. Stronger than I believed possible," he stated.

"Those who disbelieved my power and skill now lie dead. Those who were smart chose to lower their weapon, therefore I let them live."

"I can't do that, Dragonborn. But you also forget one thing."

"And what is that?"

"I control everything here."

And that was when he summoned Kruziikrel. But not for the reason I expected. We both looked up as we heard the usual roar of an approaching dragon, Kruziikrel landing beside Miraak. I was then startled that, without laying a weapon nor casting a spell, not even laying a hand on the dragon, he started to absorb the soul of the dragon.

"What the…?"

I stood back, perplexed, as there was no doubting Miraak was energised by absorbing the soul. He then laughed. "You fight valiantly against fate, but I am stronger here, Dragonborn."

Raising my shield just in time, I managed to fend off the flames that would have otherwise engulfed me. Figuring I should spring a surprise of my own in return, instead of stepping to the side or retreating, I chose to walk forward, quickly closing the gap between myself and Miraak. The flames quickly ended. As soon as they did, I struck, withdrawing my sword to see blood again.

Miraak staggered backwards again and had little choice but to Shout at me again. It's what I would have done. Once again I was left staggered, taking at least half a dozen steps backward due to the force. He quickly Shouted again, summoning his second dragon.

"I know things the Greybeards will never teach you."

"They taught me enough. And my mastery of the thu'um is far superior to yours." I proved that by Shouting again, this time knocking him over. I closed in on him quickly, forcing him to Shout at me in return, but he was weakening, physically and psychologically. He swung his staff at me, raising my shield to block as he rolled out of the way, leaping to his feet quickly. 'He moves fast for an old man.'

Before he could summon magic from a distance, I quickly strode forward again, forcing him to use his sword. I wasted no time in attacking. This needed to end and I was tired of playing his games. Miraak must have sensed what I trying to do as he fought with renewed desperation but I continued to force him back. I drew even more blood from a cut to his side, following that up with another cut along his arm.

"I'll kill you with a thousand cuts if necessary," I taunted him with.

He then tried to Shout for the third dragon. Before Sahrotaar could land, I used the new Bend Will Shout and simply pointed him away from the fight. It was then that I knew the fight had gone out of Miraak. He tried one last time, a flurry of sword swings mixed with magic. I fended off the swings with ease, no real skill involved, simply powerful swipes in hope rather than expectation, while the magic was easy enough to ignore.

"Beware. Hermaeus Mora will betray you as he has me."

"What makes you think I'm here for him?"

"What do you mean?" he retorted, actually sounding confused.

"My soul isn't his. Never was. Never will be. He may get what he wants regarding knowledge, but I am my own man. And my soul belongs to one person while I live and will belong in one place when I die. It doesn't belong to him now and it won't belong to him after."

"Then why fight me?"

"Because you threaten Solstheim. And, no doubt in the end, you'll eventually threaten my home. I won't stand for that. Therefore, and I'll admit unfortunately, as you are brethren, you must die."

Just when I thought the fight had finally gone out of him and I would finally land the killing blow, he used a new Shout that I did know about but had never used before, my sword going through his body. I lifted my shield and waited for whatever he was going to do next. Instead, there was a large rumbling that brought both of us to halt. Miraak was then enveloped in some sort of field and suspended in the air, unable to move. It was then that Hermaeus Mora decided to make an appearance.

"Did you think you could escape me, Miraak? You can hide nothing from me here," the daedra grumbled.

Then Miraak was slain, a large tentacle ripping through his chest while another was thrust through his mask. The First Dragonborn struggled in vain against the tentacles holding him as blood pooled on the ground, his staff and shield clattering to the ground as his mask slipped from his face.

"No matter. I have found a new Dragonborn to serve me."

'Um, no you haven't!' I didn't say that, of course. After a few more seconds of struggle, Miraak finally lay still, the tentacles withdrawing from his body and he fell to the ground. Before I or the daedra could utter a word, I absorbed a soul from Miraak. Or, at least I thought it was one, though I was left with the feeling I absorbed quite a few more. Show respect to my fallen opponent, I sheathed my sword and took a knee, a silent prayer that he would now be free. 'Wherever he may have gone now can't be any worse than having existed her for eons.'

"Miraak harbored fantasies of rebellion against me. Learn from his example. Serve me faithfully, and you will continue to be richly rewarded."

It was time to tell this daedra what the score was. "Who said anything about serving you?"

"You dare challenge me?"

"No. I said nothing about a challenge and I offer no rebellion. I was here to end Miraak and his influence over Solstheim and possibly all of Tamriel, if left to his own ideas. As for you, I care nothing for you or your rewards. Release me and I will continue my life as I see fit. But find yourself another servant. I answer to different Gods."

I was expecting an argument. Instead, I was blinded by a bright light and simply heard a voice say 'As you wish, Dragonborn.'

*****

"How long was I out?"

"A couple of days. That's why we moved you inside the hall. Someone was also kind enough to find you a bed at the same time," my wife replied, gently stroking my forehead as she lay beside me.

I nodded. "At least it's over."

"I can't believe the daedra released you so easily."

I chuckled. "Didn't even take much negotiation. Simply told him the facts." I paused a moment. "How's Frea?"

"Impatient. She wants to talk to you. I said wait until tomorrow morning. Let you regather your strength."

"But I feel fine."

She put a finger to my chin and turned my face to hers. "Plus I wanted you to myself for the first time in a while." I must have looked black as she lightly kissed my lips. "Do you understand what I mean, Ragnar?" she asked in a tone I knew oh so well.

"Yep. Sure do now."

The next morning, feeling rather invigorated, I wandered outside, dressed in my armour, sword sheathed to my hip, shield on my back, holding my wife by the hand as I met my colleagues outside. Frea was waiting for me by the large fire they had built. The sun was outside, shining down on the Skaal village. I stopped and took a deep breath and took note of the peace that seemed to have spread across all of Solstheim. Whatever shadow had loomed over the island had disappeared.

The village was full of life, busier than I'd seen before. But I ignored most of it, quickly sharing words with my colleagues before approaching Frea. "Are you well, Ragnar?" she asked, hearing concern in her tone, which I appreciated.

"I'm fine, Frea. Thanks."

"We're finally free, Ragnar. Free of Miraak and Herma-Mora. I can feel it." A large smile broke out across her face. "And the Tree Stone is free again! The Oneness of the land is restored. Thank you for that alone, Ragnar."

"No problem."

"But… Is Miraak truly dead? Is there a chance he could ever return?"

"No. Miraak is dead. Hermaeus Mora killed him, saying he had betrayed him. I then pretty much told the daedra where to stick any idea he had of me serving him."

"Then my father's sacrifice was not in vain. He died to free us. But tell me true, Ragnar. Was it the only way? Did he need to die?" My face must have said everything. I was honest and I shook my head silently. Frea nodded once and sighed. "Such is the way of Herma-Mora, the eternal enemy of the Skaal."

"I'm sorry. If I'd known…"

"You have nothing to apologise for. You have done the Skaal a great service. We will not forget what you've done. Will you stay for one last evening? I would hope you will as we must prepare the farewell for my father. His body will be offered to the All-Maker."

"I think I can say that we'd all be honoured."

A Skaal funeral was much like a Nordic funeral. A body burned by the pyre. A large gathering of friends and family, with many tables of food and numerous barrels of ale or mead available to consume. There was singing of old songs and plenty of stories shared. Laughter, too, as a funeral should be a celebration of a life lived while also mourning their loss at the same time. I spoke with numerous villagers during the evening, learning their stories as I shared my own. My companions enjoyed themselves too, likely knowing it was a last night of peace before we headed back to Skyrim and whatever events had happened since we'd left.

We departed the next morning with promises of possibly visiting Solstheim again. I don't like to think they were empty promises but knew, despite best intentions, the chances of returning were slim. But the goodbyes were heartfelt and actually leaving took far longer than planned. We arrived back into Raven Rock late in the afternoon and booked passage on a departing ship for the next morning, the captain stating that the weather had improved over the past couple of days, suggesting more trade may now flow between the mainland and the island.

Unlike our last journey, the sea was calm though the wind was light, meaning our trip took a little longer than our original voyage. But we didn't mind, enjoying the endless sunshine as even the clouds disappeared. I was left thinking the Gods were happy with what I'd managed to achieve. We convinced and paid the captain to take us all the way to Solitude, avoiding any issues of having to dock in Windhelm, finally disembarking after a couple of days at sea, happy to be home at least.

Little did we know the bombshell that we quickly learned upon returning to Whiterun.