Chapter Three: The Presence of Kings

 

If there was one thing I didn’t like about Skyrim, it was how cold the blasted country was. Even in the warmer areas there always seemed to be a blast of frigid air every now and again. Reading about the country’s harsh climate didn’t do justice to actually being there. It was no wonder to me anymore why the Nords thrived so well there. Their thick bodies and hearty spirits could conquer the fiercest of environments; they were built for the cold. A testament to this was my carriage driver. He donned only a short-sleeved tunic, the same one he wore when we first departed Solitude, and drank down another flagon of mead. While I shivered under a fur blanket in the back of his wagon, the man didn’t even flinch at the snow-filled air. His resilience was astounding.

The Nord, Thaer, noticed my shivering and chuckled to himself. “You get used to the cold. You have to here.”

I responded through chattering teeth. “I hope you’re right, sir.”

You know what makes the cold bearable?” He didn’t wait for my response and he raised his cup once more. “Warm mead, and there’s plenty of it in Windhelm. Candlehearth Hall is a fine place to get you a drink.”

I smiled weakly. “I don’t drink often, but I appreciate your concern.”

The driver nodded but kept his gaze ahead. He clucked to the horse that pulled our carriage, urging the animal to quicken its pace. “You can always try the second-best thing then: the comfort of a lover.” I laughed weakly, shaking my head. He glanced at me in amusement. “Do you think I’m lying?”

No,” I responded with a giggle. “It’s just funny you would suggest an Imperial could find love in a city of Stormcloaks.” He hummed in response as I continued, “Besides, it is a rare thing to find love in my line of work.”

It’s rare to find genuine love in any line of work. No one here has time for courtship anymore. Love in a Nord’s eyes are found through deeds.”

Interesting,” I muttered, tugging the blanket over my shoulders more. While I wanted to believe Faida and Gaius’ love was genuine, if anything the coachman said had truth behind it perhaps Faida just liked my cousin for what he did for her. Then again, who was I to take love advice from a carriage driver?

As the carriage bumped along the road, my eyes focused on the setting of Magnus ahead of us. With its disappearance, it would be much colder in the snow-covered mountains in which we trekked. We had taken the route north of Whiterun, as Thaer said we were less likely to encounter oppositions that way. At that moment however, I would much rather have been fighting a bear than freezing my hindquarters off.

It appeared we were getting close as I could see the outline of a large city ahead of us once we started down one of the mountain paths. My suspicions were confirmed as my driver called out, “It won’t be much longer now. Windhelm is in sight.”

Great,” I chattered, hugging myself tightly a moment before digging through my bag. I felt a thin letter inside and pulled it out. The sealed letter was to be delivered to our Imperial contact stationed in Riften. They would ensure the contents were delivered to the right people in each of the Holds. At least that is what Gaius and I told Uncle Oritius. While we were delivering the missive to a contact, I would hand it over to the operative in Windhelm. The extra travel time would be spent in my investigation. I kept my exact location and plan a mystery for Gaius. The less he knew, the less likely he would be to get into trouble. If anything went wrong, I didn’t want to drag him down with me. My cousin was risking enough for me as it was.

As I ran my finger over the seal, I glanced over at Thaer. “Don’t wait for me at the stables. I might be a while. I’ll take another carriage to Solitude.”

The man nodded as we started to cross a bridge. “I’ll be spending the night here. It looks like we might be having a storm blow through.” He looked up at the sky and the swift moving clouds. I nodded in agreement. The setting sun was disappearing quickly behind the dark puffs. I would most likely be staying the night in Windhelm as well, considering all went well. If not, I would have to battle the elements until I made it back into Whiterun.

The roaring waterfall beside and below the bridge caught my attention. It was quite the sight. I leaned out of the wagon slightly to try and see how far down it fell. The bridge was high enough to avoid the water below, and still, the waterfall towered above it as well. I could feel the freezing water on my face as we passed and did my best to hide in the blanket. I glanced at Thaer, calling out over the noise, “You aren’t cold?”

He laughed. “Of course I am.”

Why don’t you bundle up, then? Are you Nords so proud you can’t use blankets?”

No, not at all,” he chuckled again. He lowered his voice as we put some distance between us and the waterfall. “It’s just that you have the only blanket.”

I frowned at him and began to take it off. “You could have said something sooner.”

He shook his head. “Keep it. It would have been rude of me to ask for it back.” I started to respond, but he held up a hand to silence me. He pulled the wagon to a stop and waited a moment before asking in a near whisper, “Did you hear that?”

I leaned up to him, shaking my head. “No. What was it?” He frowned, refusing to answer and listening very intently to the silence. I sat back down in my seat, listening to the creaking of the boards beneath me. My eyes shifted around to locate any nearby animal that may have made a noise but was only greeted by an eerie silence. I sighed and mumbled, “I’ve been hearing things the entire trip. Maybe it’s just the wi- “I cut myself short as a reverberating roar echoed off the trees and surrounding mountains. I felt my eyes widen as I desperately looked for the source of such a sound. “What in Oblivion…?” I started to ask, unaware of the fear in my voice. Thaer slapped the reins, urging the horse forward. I asked quickly, “Was it, maybe, a bear? It could have even been a troll.”

Thaer shook his head. “I’ve never heard any creature make that noise. I’ve heard rumors and I’m not wanting to wait around and find out if all those rumors are true.” He slapped the reins again, encouraging the steed to pick up speed. “Come on, old boy! Get going!”

I looked away from Thaer and scanned the darkening sky. I couldn’t see anything to be alarmed about, but I could feel a change in the air. For a moment, it seemed time slowed. The snow seemed to freeze in the air, drifting in slow motion. The air was an un-Nirnly cold. In an instant, it warmed like a flame. I looked behind us quickly to see a flaming ball flying for our carriage. “Thaer!” I called out in a warning and grabbed onto the side of the wagon to brace for the hit. The fire blast narrowly missed the speeding coach, but the resulting explosion knocked us off balance. As we rocked back and forth, a shadowy figure flew over our heads, the gusts from his wings kicking up snow and adding to the chaos.

The coachman pulled his horse to a stop as the wagon stopped its rocking. As he did, the beast landed ahead of us in an area of the road big enough for its massive body. I leaned forward next to Thaer to get a better look. The sleek black scales of the creature shimmered in faint light of Magnus. The scales covered the entirety of its body, save for the membranes of its wings and its soft underbelly. The most stunning, if not frightening, features of the animal were the claws and teeth that were easily the length of my hand. As the beast released another bellow from its gaping mouth, Thaer and I whispered in unison, “Dragon.”

The dragon crawled towards us on its wings. It grumbled in an unfamiliar tongue, “Vahk niraat.” At its approach, Thaer started to turn the wagon. I immediately drew my bow, nocking back an arrow. I released it a tad too late and the beast slammed into the carriage, flipping it and its contents into the snow. I slid out, pulling my legs to my chest to avoid being crushed beneath the rolling wagon. I shook my head dizzily as I took up my bow again and turned to the beast. Its attentions were off me for the moment and instead rested on Thaer. The Nord backed away from the approaching monster, drawing the only weapon he had: a dagger.

Thinking quickly, I nocked another arrow and fired it into the dragon’s large hazel eye. It made a shrieking noise as crimson liquid flowed from the socket and dripped onto the snow. Its head turned completely to look at me, the good eye focusing in on me. It growled, “Hi los dilon, joor.” I quickly aimed for the other eye, but the blast from its unfurling wings knocked me off balance. As he took off into the sky, I rushed to Thaer for his protection.

The Nord nodded to me in thanks. “If we can make it to the city gate, the guard can help us fight him off.”

I kept my eyes on the sky, searching for the monster that blended in so well with the night. “Go ahead. Hide as much as you can. I’ll be right behind you.” The man didn’t argue and sprinted down the road, sticking close to the bushes and stones that could serve as hiding place.

I started to follow him, but a blast from the wings above me caused me to slip on the icy cobblestone road. I pushed myself to my knees in time to hear the dragon shout, “Dir ko dii yolos!” As I felt the air heat up again, I rolled to my left to avoid the direct blast of his flames. The pain on the right side of my body told me I had been hit, but I had no chance to examine my wound fully. As I rolled, I slipped off the path and slid down a small hill landing in the freezing water that flowed around Windhelm. I cried out in pain from the mixture of ice and fire that consumed my body. Soaking wet, I crawled from the stream and tried to hide myself in a nearby bush.

I panted heavily as I looked at my blistering arm where the armor did not protect it. I looked over my shoulder at the dragon that hovered above the road. He stared my direction with his mouth slightly ajar. He growled another powerful shout and I had to roll out of the way again. This time, I pulled myself to my feet and tried to nock an arrow as I ran. I felt a cool rush of wind over me as the dragon passed by in his flight, roaring into the night. I kept my eyes on his flight pattern and fired my shot right ahead of him. It made a noise of pain but continued in its glide. As it circled back to me, I looked desperately for Thaer. With no sight of the Nord, I slid behind a rock beside the path to hide just as the dragon lighted down.

Hi nis illis, mey,” the dragon snarled. I heard its approach in the rumbling earth and by the sound of the dripping blood on the stone. I silently drew another arrow from my quiver and waited for the creature to find me. I held my breath to prolong my discovery, but it didn’t do much. From the corner of my eye I saw its dark snout peek around the rock and felt the hot breath leave his nostrils.

It started to growl before picking up its head, seemingly startled by a sudden war cry. I too looked the direction of the noise, sighing in relief to see several guards coming to help put down the creature. With a snarl, the beast turned towards the warriors and shouted at them. Welcoming the distraction, I bolted from the rock and fully nocked my next arrow. I heard the dragon take off again, but didn’t look back to see where he was going. I kept running until I reached the side of the stable. After all, the soldiers would keep an eye on him well enough.

I tried to slow my breathing as it wasn’t helping with the pain much. I hesitantly looked back down at my arm and leg. Several spots were starting to bleed as well. I would need Magicka for healing properly, but I knew I didn’t have time for it. The dragon would be drawn to the warm glow of my Restoration in the dark. Instead, I wondered whether I should try to make it to the city gate and away from the danger entirely. Surely the guards could handle the beast without me. They had numbers on their side. While I debated getting to safety, I watched the soldiers assault the beast when he landed again.

Several of the Nords used ranged weapons, refusing to get anywhere near the creature. I didn’t blame them. I didn’t dare attack a beast so large at such close range. Still, a courageous few dared approach the monster from various sides, hacking and slicing at the tough hide. For a moment, it seemed as though the dragon could be downed easily. With each blow of a war hammer and cut of a sword, the animal groaned and struggled to push its advancers back. In relief, I put away my bow and started jogging towards the city gate. I stopped only when I heard an antagonized scream leave the lips of one of the female warriors.

I turned quickly to see the beast holding the lower half of the woman between its tightly shut jaws. A steady flow of blood dripped from each puncture in the distressed warrior’s torso. The dragon had no interest in killing her for a meal, for it simply dropped her to the white and crimson snow after she had expired. The kill was bad for the soldiers’ morale. Immediately after confirming their comrade had been slaughtered, they seemed more timid and lost in their attacks. As the dragon lifted from the ground again, the guards began to scatter. Several began a retreat towards the gate, passing me in their panic. The few that remained were so unorganized that any attack they planned would result in the loss of their own lives. Convicted, I jogged to meet them where they gathered around their lost comrade.

We can kill it!” I shouted at my approach. They turned to me, startled by my encouragement. “Next time it lands, don’t let it lift off again. It has soft spots underneath it. If you can get under it, try! We have to kill this thing!”

The darkness and my commands must have had them mistaking me for one of their commanding officers. They replied with, “Yes, ma’am!” and readied themselves for the dragon’s next landing. I didn’t dare correct them, as we didn’t really have time for correct formalities. Instead, my eyes searched the snow-filled sky for the outline of the black beast that sought to kill for sport.

The dragon circled above us, knowing better than to get close enough for a melee attack. Our archers tried knocking the monster out of the sky with their arrows, but they had little effect on him. I too drew my bow but waited for the animal to get close enough to get a good shot. As it dove towards us, I aimed just ahead of it. I released the arrow when it came into range, drilling the head into its remaining eyeball. The dragon shrieked in pain, forgetting to pull up from its dive. It slammed into the earth below it, skidding a long way. The soldiers cheered for a moment as they charged the blind beast. I followed close behind, putting the bow away and unsheathing my sword.

The blind dragon rose back to its feet, shaking its bloody head and spreading gore to anyone close by. Its bloody tears and dripping teeth made its head appear a total mess. It was hard to tell what blood belonged to it and what blood was of its prey. Despite its state, the dragon was just as ferocious as ever. It snapped his jaws at anyone who got too close to it and swatted at the weapons that cut into its dark scales. As I approached, I noticed its striking pattern. The monster reared its head before striking the guard that attacked its snout. Taking advantage of this flaw, I sprinted at the beast as it prepared to strike and slid under the scaly neck.

I quickly dug the blade into the chest cavity of the dragon above me. The monster flinched and shrieked once more before growing stiff. As blood dribbled down the blade from my hand, I bolted from underneath the creature. I panted heavily at my exertion, but as I stared at the creature collapsing before me, I felt a sense of pride. I dug my blade point into the snow in front of me and sat down as I heard the cheers from the men and women around me. I couldn’t believe we had killed a dragon.

The cheers attracted the attention of the guards that had fled back into the city. They hurried to their triumphant comrades, carrying torches to better see the beast. I stayed seated to catch my breath, but my eyes followed the soldiers. Their exclaims of admiration were amusing to hear. Once the dragon was dead, it seemed their fear of the monster had vanished. In fact, they almost sounded too confident. One soldier, one that had not helped down the beast, caught my attention. He boasted, “I could have killed it myself had I gotten here in time. It would have been an easy kill.”

I frowned, replying out of turn, “You say that but you were too busy cowering in the walls to help.” His attention turned to me as the Stormcloaks finally took notice of me. “The glory belongs to your comrades You've lost friends tonight. Don’t belittle their success by calling this kill 'easy'.”

The man replied in a harsh tone, “You don’t have room to talk, Imperial. You’re probably the one that brought the monster here!”

I scoffed slightly, “You think I have the ability to control a dragon? Why would I have helped you kill it, then?”

His comrade nudged him. “She’s right. Imperial or not, she helped us kill the dragon. She guided us in fact.”

The boastful man growled at his fellow guard, “You’re siding with that scum? I never thought I would see the day my brothers would fight with an Imperial dog!” He looked back at me, his hand reaching for his blade. “Get out of here before there is trouble.”

I sighed, getting to my feet. I glared at him as I felt my chest warm in anger. It was the combination of fatigue and pain that caused my annoyed reply. Still, I tried to keep my composure as I didn’t want to upset the lot of them. “I’m here to see Ulfric. I’ve ridden a carriage across a snow-covered wasteland and fought an extinct beast to get here. I don’t plan on leaving Windhelm until I speak to the Jarl.”

The man started to reply before a woman cut him off. “Don’t argue with her. If she wants to see Jarl Ulfric, let her. Galmar will make sure she doesn’t try anything. Besides, we owe her something for her help.”

The guard scowled at me, drawing his blade. “I’ll take her to Ulfric all right. I’m not going to let her walk around freely though. I’m not blind to her motives like the rest of you.” He pointed the sharp steel blade at me. “Someone strip her of her weapons.”

I frowned at him, hesitantly showing my hands in a sign of surrender. The woman who spoke up in my defense approached me, being gentle to remove my bow and quiver of arrows from my back after noticing my injuries. She took my blood coated sword as well, cleaning the blood off with the snow. She nodded to her comrade, muttering in annoyance, “She’s disarmed.”

He approached me, sword still drawn. “Move. The Palace of Kings is straight ahead.” He motioned with his head to the woman. “Lead the way, and I’ll follow behind.”

The woman nodded, nodding sympathetically to me. “This way.” I followed after her, stealing a glance back at the man who insisted escorting me like a prisoner. I huffed softly, and slowly lowered my hands back to my side. I heard the woman say, “There’s an apothecary in town. They can treat your burns.”

I shook my head. “I doubt your friend here will let me stay around long enough to buy a salve.” The man replied with a huff. “I’m a healer, anyways. I can take care of it after leaving Windhelm.”

The Stormcloak nodded, pushing open the city gate. She waited for her companion to pass through before shutting it behind us. As she started walking again, my eyes scanned the snowy streets in the city. Directly in front of me laid a large tavern with a sign reading, “Candlehearth Hall”. On either side of the inn, roads headed to the large palace behind it. I reasoned the rest of the city rested to the left or right of the roads respectively, and I was curious to see its entirety. I must have wandered off course because a sharp poke in my back brought my attention back to the man behind me. He glared at me, mumbling, “Catch up.”

I frowned in return, quickening my speed to catch up to the woman ahead of me. We walked up a small set of stairs and towards the looming palace. It lived up to its name. The building did look suited for a great king. Jarl Ulfric must have felt right at home within its walls. A large fire was lit in front of the grand doors leading inside and a few guards warmed themselves by the flames. I shivered, slightly envious of them. I hoped the inside of the palace was as warm and inviting as the outside.

My escort stopped at the entrance, opening the door slightly and peeking inside. She whispered something to the guard on the inside before nodding. She addressed the man behind me. “The Jarl is meeting with Galmar currently. We can hold her in a cell until he finishes up.”

The man shook his head. “She’s eager to meet him. If we upset him, his anger will be on the Imperial, not us.”

I glanced back at him. “I’d rather not upset him. I can wait where ever you’ll have me.”

He grumbled, “I want you out of our city as soon as possible. I’m not wasting resources on you when I could easily kill you. You’ll speak to him now or I can throw you out on the road.”

I groaned at his insufferable attitude. I shut my eyes and pinched the bridge of my nose as I considered my options. “I’ll speak with him now then,” I responded quietly, adding sarcastically, “I am moved by your compassion.”

The man growled slightly, motioning for the door to open. His female companion complied and he pushed me inside. He led me into the main hall towards a large dining table. The steward was seated, enjoying his meal until the Stormcloaks led me past him. He stood quickly. “Excuse me!” he called quickly. “The Jarl is busy! He shouldn’t be disturbed at this time!”

Jorleif, this Imperial insists on seeing Jarl Ulfric,” the man stated, continuing to urge me towards the empty throne at the far end of the hall. “What ever it is she has to ask him must be important.”

I could almost taste the sarcasm in his voice. I scoffed slightly before looking at the steward. “Forgive me,” I started, “but he insists on my behalf. I can wait if necessary.” The steward seemed almost surprised by my gentler tone. He hummed a moment before looking me over. I could tell he had no idea what to think of me. I couldn’t really blame him. A Legionnaire showing respect to a Stormcloak was unheard of. Still, I wanted to make a good impression. It wasn’t as if I saw them as an enemy, though their opinions of me were certain to differ.

Jorleif followed behind us, mumbling under his breath. He finally announced, “I’ll get him, but I can’t guarantee he’ll be willing to listen.”

I appreciate it, Steward,” I replied, smiling gently at him. I watched him disappear down a hallway to my left and knock on a heavy wooden door. I quickly averted my gaze and felt my stomach knot as I heard a response.

What is it, Jorleif?” A raspy Nordic voice asked in a slightly annoyed tone. “We are busy.”

I understand, my lords,” Jorleif apologized. “It’s just that someone is here insisting to speak to Jarl Ulfric.”

One of Balgruff’s men?” the voice asked. “Has he finally agreed to our cause?”

No, Galmar, I’m afraid not.” Jorleif lowered his voice, almost hesitant to continue. “It’s actually a Legionnaire.”

A Legionnaire!” Galmar exclaimed, his voice saturated in hatred. “Who let an Imperial into our halls?” I heard a chair slide in haste and booming footsteps down the hall. Reluctantly, I looked the direction of the approaching Nord. As Galmar stormed over to me, I got a good look at him. The Stormcloak general was slightly larger than I remembered Ulfric to be, and seemed to have a much hotter temper. He was intimidating in every possible way. The scowl that hid behind his untrimmed beard was just as ferocious as the bear head helm he wore. He favored a two-handed weapon, emphasizing his strength. His voice remained as raspy as before only laced with more venom, “Who in Oblivion do you think you are to come into our city and ask to speak to the true High King?! My men should have cut you down the moment you entered our gates!”

I stared up at the larger man, voice timid in comparison to his, “I’m… I’m Talia Maro of the Penitus Oculatus. I need to speak to Jarl Ulfric our-”

Unless you are here to deliver the empire’s terms of surrender, Jarl Ulfric is too busy to speak with a loyalist puppet,” he growled in interruption.

Galmar,” a familiar voice called from the hall. My eyes followed the sound until they rested on the fair-haired king. “Let her speak. She’s not the usual Legionnaire; she’s part of the Emperor’s Guard. She must have good reason for risking her life and coming here.” I watched Ulfric make his way from the hall towards his throne, not daring to speak until he spoke directly to me. Instead, I bowed my head respectfully and gave a salute. I looked up to see his hazel eyes focused in on me, studying me closely. “I know you. You met me at Helgen.”

Yes, sir,” I responded with a small smile. “You let me live after I brought you to your camp. I’m noticing a pattern with your soldiers. They are anxious to put a blade in my back.”

Ulfric hummed in response, glancing at the two Stormcloaks beside me. “I see. Would my soldiers be the cause of your injuries, then?”

I looked down at my arm and leg with a frown. “No, sir. A dragon attacked my carriage outside of your city. I got caught up in its flames.”

A dragon outside our city?” Galmar asked, looking towards Ulfric.

It’s true, Jarl Ulfric,” the woman Stormcloak responded. “She helped us fight the beast off; killed it in fact.”

She defended our city by killing a dragon and you bring her to me like a prisoner?” Ulfric asked, almost sounding repulsed by the idea. As the male Stormcloak stuttered for words, he cut in, “Legionnaire or not, if someone risks their life for my people they at least deserve to be heard out.”

I sighed in relief, letting my bloody hand fall to my side. “Thank you, Jarl Ulfric.”

Jorleif,” Ulfric called, waiting for his steward to approach him. “Fetch Wuunferth. Have him bring a few healing potions and salves.” As the man rushed off, Ulfric addressed the Stormcloak escorts, “Both of you are dismissed. Leave the Imperial’s weapons at the door.”

Yes, Jarl,” they replied in unison, the man more reluctant than his counterpart. I turned back to look at him. He looked confused, almost annoyed by the fact Ulfric was letting me live once again.

I put my attentions back on the king as he addressed me. “You said your name was Talia, right?” I nodded. “Well, Talia, you sure risked a lot coming here. You couldn’t have known I would let you go a second time.”

I shook my head. “No, sir, I didn’t know. It was a risk I needed to take though. You’re the only one I could think to talk to.”

Ulfric cocked a brow. “What could be so important that you would face death a second time?”

I smiled faintly. “You said in Helgen that I fought for the wrong side, but I fight for the side of the people. I want to know exactly what oppression Skyrim faces under my empire. If I dared bring up this question in front of the Legion I would be killed as a traitor. I can only get the truth if I see it for myself. Who better to ask where to start than the leader of a rebellion?”

Galmar answered before Ulfric had a chance. “How are we to believe you are telling the truth? This could all be Imperial trickery.”

I didn’t just risk death by Stormcloak hands. What I’m doing is borderline treason in the Legion. If word reaches any Legionnaire, specifically General Tullius, I’ll be killed. We aren’t on good terms as it is, so he is looking for any reason to have my head.” I took a deep breath. “I swear on each of the Divines my motive is true.”

Galmar looked at the Jarl, frowning some. “What are you thinking, Ulfric?”

I think if more Legionnaires were as freethinking as she is, we wouldn’t have to fight this war.” He leaned back on his throne, sitting leisurely as he peered down at me. “If you want the truth, I won’t spare it from you. Galmar will take you to Mara’s Eye Pond. We have a temporary camp near there for refugees and recovering soldiers. You can get information from them about their struggles.”

I nodded in thanks, addressing Galmar. “When will we be leaving, sir?”

Galmar huffed gruffly. “First thing tomorrow morning. I will be at the stables at dawn. If you’re not there, I’ll assume you decided to run home to your Imperial buddies.” He glanced towards Jorleif and a tall, elderly man that entered the throne room. He called out, “Wuunferth, this Imperial got herself burned by a dragon.”

The elder grumbled to himself as he walked over to me, “Are we healing our enemies now?”

Ulfric responded in a low tone, “Only those that wish to change their ways.”

As you say, Jarl Ulfric,” the elder grumbled, handing Jorleif a few bottles of potion and a jar of salve. “Remove your bracers so I can assess the damage.” I did as instructed, holding my arm out for him to examine me. The exposed skin was blistered and charred in several spots, some even underneath where the bracer laid. The areas that weren’t fried dripped blood. The same could be said for my leg and parts of my neck. Wuunferth hummed as he opened the jar of salve and not-to-gently rubbed it into the worst areas of the wounds. I cringed, biting my tongue to stay silent. The man glanced over at me with a small chuckle, “You’re holding up better than the usual milk-drinkers I treat.”

Y-yeah?” I asked in a strained tone. “ I can’t imagine why…”

The elder laughed weakly, glancing at Ulfric. “I like this one.” He turned back to me as he put the lid back on the salve. “That should help with the scarring. I’ll give you some potions anyway. You’ll be in top form by tomorrow.”

He took the bottles from Jorleif and handed them to me. I bowed my head to him and put them into my pouch. “Thank you, Wuunferth.” He nodded in return, taking the rest of his ingredients from the steward and heading back to his room. I looked back at Ulfric. “I appreciate your kindness and consideration, Jarl Ulfric.”

I am not this generous for just anyone. I see something in you but I’m not sure what it is yet. I just hope my efforts don’t come back void,” Ulfric replied. “If you don’t have any more questions for me, Galmar and I have to get back to our meeting.”

I shook my head. “No, sir. They can all wait until my return. I have wasted plenty of your time as it is.”

You’re dismissed, then.” At his words, he rose to his feet, nodding to Galmar. I bowed slightly in respect before turning towards the doors at the far end of the hall. I didn’t turn around, but I could feel the strong gaze of the Jarl at my back. The faint whispers of the two men echoed around the room, but I was too far away to make out what was being said. I didn’t plan on asking either. I considered myself lucky to have made it out of the room as well off as I did. I didn’t need to be rude and extend my welcome. When I reached the door, I took back my weapons from the display by the wall. The guards inside looked leery of me, but I did nothing out of the ordinary to further arouse their suspicions. I quickly exited through the grand doors that led outside and sighed in relief.

The moment I was in the safety of the outdoors, I realized how bad off I actually was. I felt like a wagon hit me. Physically, I was in incredible pain. My vision was blurry from the loss of blood and I shivered from the cold that I hadn't grown accustom to. Mentally, I wasn't much better. I had done some outlandish things before, but never had I carried out a plan this defiant. I was on the verge of discovering horrible secrets of the empire and I wasn’t sure I could handle it. The combination of everything left me drained and I had to force myself to sit beside one of the pillars in order to keep myself from falling.

I told myself I needed to rest only a few moments. I had to shut my eyes and clear my head so I could think clearly again. It was a pitiful lie. Within minutes, I felt myself nodding off. I would jerk awake just as I fell asleep, looking around to make sure no one had seen me. I remember telling myself to get up and make it to Candlehearth Hall so I wouldn’t freeze to death in the oncoming storm, but I don’t actually remember getting there.

~ ~ ~

Miss Talia,” I heard an elderly woman call my name. “Miss Talia, dear? It’s nearly sunrise.” I peeked my tired eyes open, looking up at the kind old woman that sat on the end of my bed. For only a second or two, the sight comforted me. After the initial feeling however, I was alarmed. As I sat up in the bed, she whispered, “Don’t be scared, my dear. I was just asked to wake you so you can leave with Galmar Stonefist.”

Where am I?” I asked quietly, pulling myself out of the blankets.

The Palace of Kings,” she responded cheerfully. “It’s much nicer than the blizzard outside.”

I don’t remember falling asleep here,” I mumbled, rubbing my head.

To be honest, I’m not sure how you got here, dear.” She slowly stood up, pointing at the nightstand beside my bed. “I was just told to wake you and make sure you read this letter.” She then walked across the room to fetch a small platter of pastries and hot drinks. “Would you like some breakfast before you leave, Miss Talia?”

I shook my head softly, taking the letter from off the stand. “No, ma’am. I should be fine.” The maid bowed and left the room without another word. Confused, I too rose to my feet and looked out the frosted window. Sure enough, I was in the Palace of Kings; the room overlooked the housing district of the town. I hesitantly opened the letter, reading the contents inside:

 

I find it both disheartening and relieving that an Imperial Legionnaire can’t find shelter during a snow storm. You’re lucky one of the Stormcloaks had compassion on you and informed us you were freezing yourself to death. Galmar insisted on leaving you to the elements, but I had a debt to make up for.

I had one of the maids bring our standard Stormcloak armor to your room. I suggest wearing it to the camp instead of your usual armor, since Legionnaires are the last thing my men want to see arrive at their refuge. If you still choose to wear the filthy red garments no one can stop you, but Galmar won’t stop anyone from attacking you either.

I want to speak with you when you arrive back to the Palace with Galmar. We need to talk privately about your discoveries. I would also like to speak to you about a particular letter I confiscated from your pouch. The contents are safe with me and I will return it to you as long as you fulfill the plans for tomorrow.

Talos Guide You,

Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak

 

At the conclusion of the letter, I felt my heart jump. Nervously, I dug through the pouch searching for the sealed missive I had to deliver. To my fear, the letter was missing. I groaned, sinking back onto the bed. I prayed Ulfric hadn’t broken the delicate seal. Without it, the contact wouldn’t take the letter seriously and I would have to explain to Gaius and my uncle why the mission was a failure. Further, it worried me what Ulfric might do with the information enclosed if he turned out to be the enemy the empire sold him to be. All I had was his word that he wouldn’t disclose the information to anyone and the promise that as long as things went well at the camp, I would be getting the missive back.

Bearing this in mind, I began to strip myself of my native armor, taking special care to store it in the wardrobe of the room. I found the Stormcloak armor in a chair near the door and quickly changed into it, trying to ignore the squeaks and shine of the new pieces. I glanced at myself in the mirror to check the fit.

It clicked that I was finally breaking written Legionnaire codes by aiding the enemy and wearing their attire. Surprisingly, I didn’t feel any remorse. I had to know what was really going on in Skyrim and this was the only way to get any answers. I picked up my sword, bow, and quiver of arrows that laid against the wall by the door as I left. I tied the quiver to my back after sheathing the blade and wondered what Gaius would think if he saw me. He told me he would never see me as a traitor, though I pretty much looked that part then. Of course, I’d never be a traitor. My loyalty was to the people and whoever stood for their protection. If I ever betrayed those in need, I would consider myself worthy of a traitor’s death. Until that day, however, I would continue to fight whoever stood in the way of the people’s freedom, be it Stormcloak or Legionnaire.

<< Chapter TwoChapter Four >>

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Replies

  • I love it. That fight against the dragon was especially well written. 

    • Thank you, Curse! I thought I owed you guys some entertainment since I was gone so long. :)
  • I am still in school right now, but I definitely have to give this a read when I have some time.
    • No worries! Let me know what you think!
  • I never payed much attention to elder scrolls fan fiction until I started reading this. This is an awesome story. I hope you keep going.
    • I appreciate it, Marcus! I plan on finishing this particular story, but I might throw some one-shots out every now and then. I'm glad you like it!
  • It'd be so awesome if the actual games civil war quest line played out like this
    • When I write, I like to imagine I'm playing the game. It helps me describe the scenery and actions. The next few chapters are going to be interesting. ;)
  • I loved it! Definitely had me distracted from work, but I loved how it felt like I "was" Talia. I can't wait to read more!

    • Thank you, Keely! <3 I'm glad I could distract you. Haha. I'll text you when I post the next chapter~ :3

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