Chapter 13

{There was a mistake. Mirmulnir never died. This dragon simply lived until the 4th Era. Alduin found Mirmulnir and learned what had happened in Tamriel during his absence.}

The dragon's soul swirled around and transferred to John. The young man's eyes narrowed. He hadn't imagined how immense this dragon's life force was. It felt as if a warm blanket enveloped his body.

"Hah."

The soul completely merged with John. He accepted this gift as if he were a soul gem. The pain that should have come never did. Perhaps the dragon's soul negated the effects of the special potion.

One of the guards, with an open helmet, exclaimed:

"No... It can't be. You're the Dovahkiin (Dragonborn)!"

"What's a Dovahkiin?" another guard asked.

"Don't you know? He's the hero from the prophecy."

Thump

John knelt. His body began to shrink back to its original height. Steam rose around John.

"Phew, phew. What's a Dovahkiin?"

"He's the hero destined to defeat the evil Dragon, Alduin. You are the Dragonborn and can use the shout, just like the Greybeards. Try to shout." The guard was still amazed that John had defeated the dragon. Moreover, he had even absorbed the creature's soul.

"Alright."

John focused. He felt the soul he had absorbed. But...

"Damn it!" The Dragonborn clutched his head.

The dragon's memories flooded John's mind with incredible force. It seemed his brain could barely handle the strain. His head was splitting. The dragon's soul dissolved into the Dovahkiin, but it didn't want to give up so easily. It thrashed from side to side. Attempts to break free were unsuccessful. After some time, it all passed. The mighty dragon's soul also granted the Dovahkiin a portion of its power.

"Now." All turmoil instantly vanished.

He focused on the first word of the shout. The first word John learned. He closed his eyes. In the darkness, the first syllable of the shout became clear.

"The first word, Fus, translates to Force. Unrelenting power that sweeps everything away. For me, the voice is the focal point of power. I just need to shout."

Taking a deep breath, John shouted.

"Fus!" Blue energy burst from the Dovahkiin's mouth. The grass bent from such force, and many stones in its path flew several tens of meters away. The echo of the shout reverberated for many kilometers.

The people around him opened their mouths in astonishment and covered their ears. The loud shout temporarily deafened them.

"So it's true. You really are the Dragonborn."

"But, no. Let's not talk about who's from the prophecy and other information taken from tales. We should return to the Jarl and report this now," Irileth said with a certain sternness in her voice.

The soldiers and the Dragonborn's group obeyed Irileth. But before that, John pulled several bones from the dragon. The flesh and blood had vanished from the dragon's body, leaving only the scales and bones of the majestic dragon.

Having collected enough material, they set off. They weren't far from Whiterun. The Western Watchtower was located a few kilometers from Whiterun. It would take about 3-4 hours {not sure how to calculate the time}.

Mounting his horse, John leisurely guided the living transport. His companions also joined John. Uthgerd watched John with interest. She couldn't understand how he had used the shout and defeated the dragon almost single-handedly. Jenassa was just as curious as Uthgerd, if not more so.

"Alright, ask your questions. I can see your eyes practically sparkling with curiosity," John said with a slight smile.

"How did you survive after the dragon crushed you?" the dark elf in her leather armor asked first. Her red eyes were so captivating in their unusualness. John liked Jenassa's red eyes.

"Well, I used a certain potion, you could say. Quite useful for surviving something like that."

"How did you defeat the dragon!?" the scarred Nord woman exclaimed, barely restraining herself.

"Well, how should I put it..." He put a finger to his chin. "With the help of a potion and something else. I just felt a certain energy dormant in my body during the battle. And so, I managed to defeat the dragon."

"That was awesome! You're our employer and comrade for a reason!" Uthgerd said. "Oh, right. Teach me how to shout too."

"Perhaps in the future." John gave a half-smile.

They rode calmly. A very peaceful atmosphere had settled, and then...

"Dovahkiin!" The Greybeards' call resonated. They were summoning the Dragonborn to their temple.

Everyone was startled by it. It seemed the very earth trembled from the power of the Greybeards' voices.

John looked at High Hrothgar. These old men had decided to summon him. The Greybeards themselves weren't immortal; they lived up to 110-150 years. That was the maximum for humans. After that, the title of Greybeard was passed on to their apprentices, and so on.

"After all, Michael Kirkbride (along with Todd Howard and the whole team) is quite a character. He invented a lot of in-game literature and influenced the lore of The Elder Scrolls. He also contributed to Skyrim itself. Daedra take you."

---

### Windhelm

Ulfric Stormcloak watched from his castle as his soldiers trained. Every warrior delivered their blows with clear dedication. After all, his small army was quite well-trained. If they could stand against the Imperial Legion, then they were worth something.

"Sigh." Ulfric looked at his soldiers with some sadness. He doubted whether he could defeat the Imperials.

"DO VA KIIN!"

Loud voices reached Ulfric Stormcloak. He couldn't be mistaken. Could it be!?

"It's the Greybeards. Is it possible they're calling that hero? At a time like this..." Although Ulfric himself wasn't overly surprised anymore. He had seen a dragon. And it was easy to believe that the Greybeards would summon someone.

"Maybe I abandoned the path for nothing..." Doubt was visible in his gaze.

---

### Solitude. In the Palace

Queen Elisif sat on the throne. The same throne where her husband, Torygg, once sat.

"When will that traitor be punished? I still hate him."

DO VA KIIN!

Elisif immediately became nervous. It was the Greybeards. She didn't hate them. It was simply through their help that Ulfric had learned the shout.

But, the Dovahkiin? That was a hero from myths. One way or another, this would lead to major changes throughout Tamriel.

All the inhabitants of Skyrim heard this summons from the Greybeards. They were concerned. After all, for a thousand years, they hadn't summoned anyone.

---

### A Few Hours Later in Whiterun

John's group was in Dragonsreach. Jarl Balgruuf looked at John. Gratitude was visible in his eyes.

"Thank you, my friend. You managed to defeat the dragon along with the others. Without you, we wouldn't have managed."

"Well. It happened by accident."

"Accident or not, it doesn't matter. The main thing is that you freed my hold from an enemy. For that, I thank you separately."

"Ahem, ahem. I wasn't the only one in this battle. My group also helped." John pointed to Jenassa and Uthgerd. They were flattered to be mentioned. "We also recovered the Dragonstone."

"That's simply magnificent. Not only did you retrieve the necessary stone, but you also defeated the dragon. I will reward you." Jarl Balgruuf said softly.

"Excuse me for interrupting, Jarl Balgruuf. But may I choose my own reward, and my companions choose theirs?"

"Ahem. Of course. Furthermore, I bestow upon you the title of Thane and grant you a personal Housecarl." Jarl Balgruuf was a relatively fair ruler. His decisions were proper and well-considered.

John was extremely pleased. And his companions were no less happy.

Tap tap

A young woman approached them. She looked like a Nord of about 20-25. Her dark hair cascaded over her shoulders. Her beautiful face, coupled with a good figure, attracted John's attention. She wore steel armor. Her weapon was a one-handed sword, and a shield was visible on her back. Her gray eyes observed the young man before her with interest.

"My name is Lydia. I have been personally appointed by the Jarl as your Housecarl."

"Oh, what?" John stared at Lydia, he quickly dismissed unnecessary thoughts. "Ah, right. My name is John."

"Pleased to meet you," Lydia replied easily.

"You have no idea how much you annoyed me when playing Skyrim. You often died and acted stupidly. I hope that won't happen in this world. Though she is beautiful, no argument there."

Next, the Jarl and John continued their conversation. John asked to keep the dragon's body for himself. It was a valuable resource. He wanted to make equipment and other things from it. Maybe sell some to merchants or give a few bones to Farengar for study, since he dreamed so much of dragons.

"I wouldn't be surprised if Farengar dreams of dragons at night."

Finishing their conversation, John and his team headed to the Bannered Mare. Feats are feats, but rest is still needed. He rented several rooms.

Uthgerd and Jenassa went to their rooms. Lydia decided to stay with John.

"Give me 2 bottles of wine, 6 bottles of Honningbrew Mead, and some snacks, please," John ordered drinks.

"Of course," the innkeeper replied.

The Housecarl was not pleased. Drunkenness usually leads to no good. She expected a Dovahkiin who was sober. John could already tell from Lydia's face that she was displeased.

"Listen, Lydia. I don't drink that often. I just need some unwinding after such difficult battles. Meeting the undead in ruins was definitely not to my liking. After those Nordic ruins, I fought a dragon, and that's no easy stroll."

"I understand, of course. But I just can't stand alcohol. My father had a problem with alcohol, and that's why I'm not happy that you're doing this." She recalled those events when she was little, and there was nothing edible at home. Only her father, dead drunk.

Noise

People often gathered in this establishment simply to drink and listen to songs from the bard. Some just drank, some told jokes, some were passed out. Just looking at the warm fireplace could bring a sense of calm and invite memories.

John listened to Lydia. He made a mental note that it was better not to drink in front of her. The girl had had an unpleasant experience with such matters. Though what did it matter to him? He could just spit and keep drinking, but maintaining good relationships with his companions was part of his duties.

"I apologize if I'm reminding you of those bad times. But I need this. You can go upstairs now. I specifically rented rooms for you all. You need to rest. We'll be heading out soon."

"Where?" Her eyes sparkled. John had clearly piqued her curiosity.

"High Hrothgar. To the Greybeards."

"So, they really did summon you there?"

"Of course. You heard them, didn't you?" He raised an eyebrow in confusion. "Didn't the Jarl tell you I was summoned there?"

"No. I was fast asleep," Lydia said sheepishly.

"Seriously!?" John said loudly. Everyone turned to look at John.

"Y-yes."

"You're quite the sleepyhead. {Who got the reference?} Even the Greybeards' shout didn't wake you." John said with a smile.

"I don't sleep during the day. I just had a hard training session!" she protested.

"Hahahaha. Of course, of course."

"I'm serious."

"Alright. Go get some rest. We'll need our strength."

The beautiful Nord woman simply nodded and went to her room. John's gaze lingered on her back.

"No matter how much she annoyed or irritated me. She's still my first companion in Skyrim. It was fun exploring the world with her and laughing at Skyrim's bugs. Sigh."

Tap tap

To his right, a man sat on the bench. Around 30 years old, a Nord with a red nose and a short haircut. He was dressed in a black robe.

"Nice girl. Your girlfriend?" the Nord asked with interest.

"You could say that."

"I overheard part of your conversation. You like to drink, I gather?"

"Not a fan, but I can get so drunk that even Sanguine himself would envy my endurance," the Dragonborn said with a touch of bravado.

"Oh! Those are big words. If that's the case... I bet you can't outdrink me. If I win, I'll give you this staff." Sam pointed to a staff near the entrance.

"Alright. But first, allow me to write a letter to my companion."

John asked for a piece of paper and a quill. He scrawled a few sentences and handed the letter to the dark-skinned waitress, Saadia. He told her to give it to Jenassa in the morning.

"Well then. Let's begin."

"Now that's what I like to hear," Sam said with a smile.

The innkeeper brought a tray full of alcohol. On it were about 12 bottles of wine and 10 small bottles of mead. How did she carry all that? But it didn't matter.

Glug glug

Pouring their iron mugs full, they began to drink. First mug.

"Ah, that went down well," John said.

"Nexxxxt one will be hic. Will be even better." His tongue moved with difficulty.

"Yeah."

Second mug.

John's face was slightly flushed. Sam's nose became even redder.

"Do you know you're red?"

"Me? Let's have a third. Maybe it'll take away the redness."

"Indeed, my friend. That might work."

Third mug.

John's eyes were slightly unfocused. Sam remained the same.

"Pour another?"

"Yessshh."

"Of course. If we run out here, we'll go to Markarth."

"But whyyyyy?"

"We'll drink wine there. I promise you, wine flows like a river there!"

"Wow. Let's goooo nowwww!"

"Let's go. Just grab the wine and the staff."

After some time, John's consciousness became clouded. It felt as if alcohol endlessly poured down his throat. His surroundings grew dark, and Sam's face faded away...