Funeral

The gates opened as I walked towards them. I recognised Ulfric's second in command, flanked by numerous Stormcloak soldiers, while behind was a sea of civilians and even more soldiers. My sword was still lying on the ground next to his body, but I wasn't concerned. None of the men were armed or appeared ready to attack me.

"Jarl Ulfric is dead," I announced solemnly. I did not take joy in announcing the news after what we had just shared. I did not regret it. It had to be done. But I empathised with his viewpoint, and why he had gone to war. And I would not forget those last few moments we had shared as warriors.

"What happens now?" asked his second in command.

"Your name?" I asked, as I didn't remember it. So much had happened since I last saw the man.

"My name is Galmar Stone-First, Dragonborn."

"Jarl Ulfric will be afforded the respect in death his position as a Jarl deserves, in addition to his standing as a fellow warrior. I am not sure what all of you have heard about me, but I am a proud Nord and respect our traditions. He fought bravely in battle and it brought me no pleasure to end his life. All I know is that in his final moments, he spoke of his love for his country, for Skyrim, and of his joy at joining your brothers and sisters in Sovngarde."

"Respectful words, Dragonborn."

"Who will help me carry his body?"

Galmar turned and issued instructions, a pair of soldiers returning a few minutes later with a stretcher. Eight of us returned to his body. I laid a hand on Hilde's shoulder. She stood up, turning to see what we were doing.

"I thought the Empire…"

"I asked that he be treated with the respect due a fallen Jarl, Lady Hilde."

"I should hate you for killing my husband, but I know a warrior when I see one. My husband was a born warrior, and died as one. And he died for a just cause. But I can thank you for ensuring he is treated with respect in death."

"As you say, he is a fallen warrior, my lady. And he deserves the honour bestowed upon him in death. Just know he will be on his way to Sovngarde."

She smiled. A small smile, but a smile nonetheless. "It heartens me to know that he is."

Once we had Ulfric on the stretcher, the eight of us lifted his body and slowly carried it on our shoulders into Windhelm. I glanced behind and gestured with my head for my wife to follow us in. The crowd parted as we carried his body towards the Palace of the Kings. The doors opened as we approached, guards and stewards standing to the side as we carried his body towards the throne, finally lying it down on the ground just before it.

"I will fetch the priestess," Hilde stated.

As she disappeared, I had to state, "I was expecting someone to try and kill to me, Galmar. I have been unarmed the entire time I've been in your city."

The man laughed for a moment. "He told us that, if you were to win, you were to be treated with the respect that befits the man who defeated Jarl Ulfric in single combat. Every man gave his word that you would remain unharmed within these walls. We know the war is now over."

"You will not continue to fight?"

"No. Ulfric said the war began and will end with him." Galmar sighed. "Many of us are tired of war. We have been losing for a long time now. It is over, Dragonborn. Many of us are realistic. Most men simply want to go home to their families."

"What will the Empire do with us now?" Yrsarald wondered.

"Honestly, I'm not entirely sure. I have warned the General not to make an example of Windhelm and its people, nor of the Stormcloaks. Jarl Ulfric had to die to extinguish the war, but I am hopeful that cooler heads will now prevail and that, eventually, peace will be restored to Skyrim."

"I will have to send orders to the camps and forts that remain in our hands, instructing them to lower their shields and banners."

"That would be wise, Galmar. To lose one's life now would be unfortunate."

Hilde returned with the priestess as Galmar, myself and the rest turned and headed back outside. The crowds still thronged the central square, obviously waiting for news of what was to happen next. I should have felt rather uncomfortable, but I felt no hostility from soldiers or civilians. If anything, they were respectful though were mourning their lost leader. "He respected you, Dragonborn," Galmar finally said, "As soon as you offered to fight him, his mind was already made up. He just didn't want to appear eager. He said Skyrim will be in good hands if he were to fall."

"He fought bravely, Galmar. A true warrior. Skilled with sword and shield. It was one of the toughest fights I've ever had. I didn't even notice I was bleeding from a couple of wounds until it was all over, such was the adrenaline flowing through me."

"We will definitely be allowed a funeral?"

I nodded. "That was one of the agreements I have with General Tullius."

"Very well. We will hold it tomorrow night, once the Priestess has cleaned the body and performed the rites. Will you join us?"

"I would be honoured. I'm sure one or two friends would also like to attend."

"Though we would prefer not to have Imperial soldiers in our walls, we are aware of friends that remained in their colours. We will allow them to attend."

I walked through the crowds, everyone parting as I did. I received a few respectful nods, while others performed the salute I received from everyone else. Arm across the chest, bow of the head. More and more did that the closer I got to the city gates. I thought they should have hated me. Then again, they were all Nords, aware of our traditions. And I had treated the fallen with respect. I guess it was just respect being returned.

General Tullius was waiting at the far end of the bridge, flanked by Rikke and the Generals of my army. Serana walked towards me and I hugged her tightly as a loud roar descended from the nearby hills, glancing up to see them covered in men. To my left and right, even more soldiers were saluting my victory.

I hugged my wife, closed my eyes, and savoured the moment.

I guess Tullius gave me at least a couple of minutes with my wife before he cleared his throat. Receiving a kiss on the cheek from my wife, Serana moved to my side as I stepped forward and shook his hand.

"Well done, Dragonborn. Well done. The city is open?"

"It will be, sir. They will hold the funeral tomorrow night. But they accept the war is over. Most of them just want to go home. Galmar Stone-Fist, Ulfric's second in command, will start issuing orders to any remaining regiments that they are to lower their weapons. No negotiations will be necessary, though a new government will be required."

"May I attend the funeral?" Rikke asked.

I nodded. "The only suggestion is to not wear your uniform, at least tomorrow night. I'll speak to Galmar again tonight and organise when the Legion can enter the city, sir."

"I'm doing them a big favour, considering they're defeated."

"This will only help the Empire in the end, sir. We will look respectful of traditions that the people of this land hold close to their heart, but also respectful of a defeated enemy. Think of how I have treated dragons since I defeated Alduin. I have allowed them to live in peace as long as they leave us in peace. It should be the same with these people. Defeat the leader but allow the rest to just get on with their lives." I paused, before adding, "Some of his last words were interesting, sir."

"Oh, and what did he say?"

"Beware the Thalmor."

Tullius said nothing for a moment. Then he nodded before replying quietly.

"He was one hundred percent right."

*****

Flames illuminated the night sky as we entered Windhelm. At my side was my wife, Serana. To my other side was Legate Rikke, although she now insisted I just call her Sigrid. Behind me were the Companions, all of them proud Nords, who understood and respected our traditions, and wanted to pay their respects to an honourable, noble warrior. The Nightingales were also with me, though Karliah would not be attending, as she would slip away to check on the local Dunmer population. She understood why I was attending the funeral, though she couldn't help but be happy about the fact Ulfric was dead. Behind all of us were at least three dozen soldiers, most of them older men and women who had fought alongside Ulfric before the rebellion. A few were younger, simply with us to pay their respects to a fallen warrior.

All of were dressed in armour or our finest clothes. No-one wore Legion armour, as requested. The crowds were thick though I was immediately recognised, parting as I led the way towards the palace. Galmar and Yrsarald stepped forward to greet me, escorting us past the pyre, upon which Ulfric now lay, with his sword and shield. Ranks of his soldiers, now in full dress clothing, waited for the start of proceedings.

First to speak was the Priestess. It was a simple prayer, and unsurprisingly, it was to Talos. Rikke looked slightly uncomfortable, at least as it started, before I started to speak quietly along with the Priestess, and she relaxed, along with everyone else. If the Thalmor are listening, then let them listen.

"We are Nords, Sigrid, and Talos is our god," I whispered.

She glanced at me and smiled. "Truer words were never spoken, Ragnar."

Once the Priestess finished, I was surprised when Hilde stepped forward and spoke in glowing terms of her husband. I was unsurprised to hear they were childless, as they had spent many years apart, but there was no missing the love and affection she had for him as she talked of their life, together and apart. She then echoed her husband's sentiments, that the war was now over, and that the men and women of the Stormcloaks should now lower their weapons and return home to their loved ones'. A free Skyrim was still an ideal they could hold in their hearts but, for the moment, there was another enemy to worry about. I don't think a single person missed the insinuation.

A bard then stepped forward, and I knew what song was coming. Strumming her lute, she announced it would be the final time the song would be performed in Windhelm or anywhere in Skyrim.

"We drink to our youth, and to days come and gone. For the age of oppression is now nearly done.

We'll drive out the Empire from this land that we own. With our blood and our steel, we will take back our home.

All hail to Ulfric! You are the High King! In your great honour, we drink and we sing.

We're the children of Skyrim, and we fight all our lives. And when Sovngarde beckons, every one of us dies!

But this land is ours and we'll see it wiped clean. Of the scourge that has sullied our hopes and our dreams.

All hail to Ulfric! You were the High King! In your great honour, we drink and we sing."

Galmar, as his second in command, stepped forward and spoke to the troops, praising them for their efforts and asking for forgiveness for the fact they had lost the war. A loud roar flowed up from the troops, chants of 'Ulfric!' or 'Stormcloaks!' before everyone broke out into applause. It lasted for a few minutes before dying down. I glanced at Galmar, unsurprised to see his cheeks were wet with tears. The rows of troops came to attention and saluted, Galmar doing the same, before he told them to stand easy, and once the funeral was completed, they should return to their homes, that the war was now over.

Hilde walked towards a nearby fire by which a number of torches lay on the ground. Grabbing one, she lit the it before she walked towards the pyre. Galmar grabbed a torch as well, joining Hilde. He then looked at me. "Will you do Ulfric the honour, Dragonborn?"

I was surprised by the request, and could not turn it down, grabbing a torch, lighting it, standing alongside Hilde, opposite Galmar, with Yrsarald standing alongside him. We held the four torches towards the heavens, praised Talos, before holding the torches to the pyre. The flames caught rather quickly and it was only a matter of seconds behind a small fire was burning, the four of us stepping back as, despite the cold, it was very hot in seconds.

Galmar and Yrsarald joined Hilde and I as we stood in a line, watching the fire increase in intensity, the body of Ulfric, his sword and shield soon disappearing behind the flames. "I am sorry, Lady Hilde," I finally said.

"Do not apologise, Dragonborn. I am a warrior's wife. I knew this day might someday come. Besides, if my husband had to fall to anyone, I will admit and say I am… I am glad it was yourself."

"You honour me in a way I do not deserve, Lady Hilde."

"My husband spoke to me often. I was no advisor to him. But I was his wife and confidant, and I would happily listen to his ideas. Or just when he wanted to get something off his chest. He knew, once you fought with the Empire, that you would one day meet in battle."

"What will you do now?"

"Ulfric made sure I would be cared for after his death. His men will remain loyal to me. Though I would not worry about continued insurrection. I am no leader, and I will follow his wishes. So will everyone else. They will heed his words. Trust me, Dragonborn, the war is over. We will wake up tomorrow morning and wait for the Empire to enter our city."

We continued to watch the flames in silence until they started to dissipate, and the body, sword and shield were more ashes than anything. I had no idea what they were going to do with them, but that was a decision for his wife and subordinates. I guess there may have been concerns about building a shrine to the man, but I think Hilde was going to keep them for herself. She was a widow now and I sensed was devastated, though was putting on a brave face. As the crowds began to filter away, I gathered everyone that had come with me and informed Hilde and Galmar that we would return the next morning, with General Tullius and a company of soldiers to start the handover of power.

The General was waiting for our report upon arriving back at camp. I explained the funeral took place without incident, the city was in order and those in charge were simply waiting for the arrival of the Legion. I added I was confident that, while there would be some residual hostility and it would be unlikely the inhabitants would be particularly friendly, the city should at least remain peaceful.

The next morning, I rose with the sun and met with Karliah by the fire. I asked what conditions were like for the Dunmer.

"There were deaths, Ragnar. Many deaths that could have been prevented…"

"That was then. What about now?"

"I've already started organising relief efforts. I've spoken to the General about the border nearby. The Stormcloaks had closed it since the beginning of the war. The General will send the army currently to the east of the city towards the border, will re-open it, and hopefully trade can flourish."

"Will you accompany us into the city later this morning?"

"Definitely, Ragnar."

After enjoying a quick breakfast with Serana, I met with General Tullius in the main tent. All commanding officers had gathered, and the last orders were being given. Tullius and myself would lead the small contingent into the town, numbering no more than a couple of hundred soldiers at most. Everyone who had helped me from the very first day I'd set foot in Skyrim was invited to join the procession.

It was a beautiful day once everything was ready. It wasn't warm, it never was this far north, but the sun was shining with barely a ripple of wind. The men had formed up in four lines, their armour, swords and shields polished. They would be entering the city in triumph.

"And the soldiers who remain?" Tullius asked as we were making final preparations.

"Will meet us in uniform, be unarmed, their weapons on the ground in front of them. They assume you will make a speech before Galmar Stone-Fist dismisses them for good."

"I'm still not entirely comfortable about holding no-one to account, Dragonborn."

"I understand, General, but the war is over. The Empire is victorious. Peace will be restored. And we will need everyone on our side when we go to war with the Thalmor again."

"Hmmm… As I said, he was one hundred percent right. And you are still convinced too?"

"I'd invade tomorrow if I could, and I know they are just itching to end what they started. But our strength needs to be restored. I believe many of these men may once again fight for the Legion if we were to go to war with the Thalmor."

He remained silent again before nodding. "It's definitely worth thinking about, Dragonborn. And you? What would you do?"

I thumbed behind me. "Lead this lot again. I'm thinking that, next time, it won't be resolved in single combat."

A row of Stormcloak soldiers lined each side of the bridge as the General and I led the procession. All the men were unarmed, saluting the General, myself and the rest as we passed. I met many of their eyes and returned a respectful nod as I walked by. The city was otherwise silent as we walked through the city gates, more Stormcloaks holding back the crowd. Towards the palace, mass ranks of Stormcloaks were waiting. In front of them were piles of weapons – swords, axes, maces, shields.

Before the entrance to the palace was a small wooden platform. On top of the platform stood Galmar, Yrsarald and Hilde. Tullius continued onto the platform as I turned and order the Legion to halt and stand easy, before I joined Tullius on the platform. It was then that I had to make introductions. Tullius was more magnanimous than I expected, conciliatory in tone. I guess it helped that Ulfric was now nothing more than ashes in an urn. Hilde's face was grim, Galmar didn't look too happy while Yrsarald mumbled a reply. I could understand why as reality was now hitting home. The war was over. The Stormcloaks were utterly defeated.

The speech Tullius made let the Stormcloaks and inhabitants of Windhelm know they had been defeated, but that there would be no vengeance or examples made. As long as the men and women who had once flocked to Ulfric's banner laid their weapons down and would fight no longer, they would be left in peace to return home to their own lives. His final point was to announce the new Jarl, a man I'd only ever met the once, by the name of Brunwulf Free-Winter. He was escorted onto the platform, flanked by a pair of Legionnaires. He was then invited to make a short speech too, announcing plans for all inhabitants of the city, including the Dunmer and Argonians.

Tullius then led a cheer for the Empire, the Stormcloaks remaining quiet and stony faced, but our Legion made plenty of noise about 'Long live the Empire!' The soldiers were then dismissed, as were the Stormcloaks, the crowds not particularly mingling as more Imperial soldiers simply headed to the gate back to camp. I was invited to join Tullius and the rest at the palace, where the city was officially handed over to the Empire. I wasn't sure if there needed to be a negotiation, but apparently paperwork was still required, particularly as a new Jarl was being placed, the long line of Stormcloak rulers now at an end.

"What is to become of us two?" Galmar asked once the paperwork had been signed.

"Personally, I'd like to see both of you in chains, sent to the Imperial City, simply so you can face the list of charges of the crimes you have committed against Skyrim and the Empire. But…" He paused, and looked at me before continuing, "The war is over. Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak is dead, and along with it is his cause. As for those who remain, I figured most were not professional soldiers. Those that are, they are simply warned not to raise their weapons against the Empire again."

"Your warning will be heeded, General," Galmar stated.

"Then you and your friend are free to leave. Another warning; let it be known that any moves to disturb the peace of Windhelm will be met with overwhelming force. Your men and women out there, still dressed as Stormcloaks, may also return home. But if we hear even the smallest of rumours about possible insurrection, it will be dealt with swiftly and harshly. We have been respectful up to now. But our patience is limited."

"Messages have already been sent out to the forts, General. It may take a few days for all of them to lower their weapons, but no-one wants to die now," Yrsarald stated.

"Very well. Our men will remain in the field for the time being, simply to keep the peace. I ask they remain undisturbed." Both men nodded. "Good. Then you may take your leave. Brunwulf and I have much to discuss."

"Am I required, General?" I asked.

"Eager to leave, Dragonborn?"

"I wouldn't mind returning home soon. I know the Companions would also like to return to Whiterun as soon as possible."

"Return to camp for now if you wish. I should have orders for you tomorrow morning, though to be honest, I don't see any reason why you cannot return home. As for all your colleagues, I see no reason why they cannot return home today if they wish. Give them my thanks for their assistance, and if the worst were to happen with the Thalmor, then the Empire would gladly accept their assistance once again."

"I'll pass on your message, General."

Back at camp, the Companions had all gathered around a fire, looking my way as I approached them. I explained the situation, told them the General thanked the Companions for their assistance, and that if they wanted to leave for Whiterun, they were free to do so. Farkas immediately asked what I would be doing, further explaining that I'd be staying put for the time being, but I'd probably be heading home shortly. Unsurprisingly, the lot of them packed up their things and started their journey home within the hour. I didn't blame them.

The Nightingales said they would stay put until Karliah wanted to leave, but that once she was happy with the situation on the ground within Windhelm, they would return to Whiterun and wait for further orders. I had no real idea what they could do now, but figured they could perhaps cause the Thalmor some trouble.

Lydia and Mjoll would only leave when I did. I figured as much. Serana doesn't need any explanation. We hated being apart for just one night, remembering the time when I was in the Thieves Guild, and I would disappear for days at a time. We agreed I'd never do anything like that again.

It was lunchtime the next day before I had a one on one meeting with General Tullius. We sat down at the long table, much of the paperwork now no longer necessary the war was over. He looked weary.

"Looks like you need a break too, General."

He barked a short laugh. "I'm not a young man like yourself, Dragonborn. It's been a long, tiring war. Before that, it was the Thalmor. I'll be honest, I could do with a break."

"What are your plans now?"

"Honestly, I'm not really sure. I'm still the military governor, but without an Emperor to give the orders, it will fall to the Council, but they don't exactly have a lot of teeth. But I'll admit, I like Skyrim and appreciate its rugged beauty. I won't mind staying around for the foreseeable future." He looked at me. "What about you? The Dragon Crisis has been over for a long time. Same with the vampires. The civil war is now over. What will keep you occupied?"

"I'm still the Harbinger, so I'll keep myself fit and ready. Other than that, I'll wait until the Thalmor decide they're sick of waiting."

"If war does resume, I'll definitely send a man your way. I assume all your colleagues will be up for the fight?"

"I think all of Skyrim is itching for round two, General."

We made small-talk for a few minutes before rising to our feet and shaking hands. "Thank you, Dragonborn," he stated, and I could hear the sincerity in his tone, "I know you arrived in Skyrim long ago with different intentions, but I can only thank the gods you joined our cause."

"It was the right thing to do, sir."

"Good luck in the future, and give my best to your wife. I'm sure you'll hear from me in the near future."

"Not too soon, I hope."

The General laughed. "Me too, Dragonborn. I think we all deserve a little peace for now."

Lydia, Mjoll and Serana were waiting for me, all the belongings we'd brought with us already placed on our horses. Mounting our horses, we took one last look back at Windhelm in the distance before we turned our horses and began the slow ride back to Whiterun.