Destiny

All the travel back and forth across Skyrim, annoying though it was, finally proved worthwhile. The Scroll wrapped around my body by a flimsy piece of string may be the one thing that will help me defeat Alduin. I tried to appear confident, that whatever Paarthurnax had planned would work. But in the back of my mind was a kernel of thought… 'What if it doesn't work? What do we do then?'

Our trip from Winterhold to High Hrothgar took at least two days, the Gods not making my job easy, snowstorms affecting our journey south from Winterhold while our climb up the mountain took far longer than normal, another snowstorm slowing us to a near crawl, leaving both of Lydia and I frozen to the bone. By the time we entered High Hrothgar, we were both exhausted and grateful the Greybeards offered us the same rooms as usual. Arngeir enquired as to if we had yet learned Dragonrend, replying I had not learned it yet but the Scroll may have the answers I seek.

Paarthurnax appeared not to have moved since we left what felt like eons ago. I showed him the Scroll, and while his tone barely changed, he appeared interested, even a little excited that I held such a power relic in my hands.

"You have it. The Kel - the Elder Scroll. Tiid kreh... qalos. Time shudders at its touch."

"You have no idea how hard this was to get."

"Hmmm. There is no question. You are doom-driven. Kogaan Akatosh. The very bones of the earth are at your disposal. Go then. Fulfil your destiny. Take the Scroll to the Time-Wound. Do not delay. Alduin will be coming. He cannot miss the signs."

The Time-Wound was near invisible but it appeared to be a ripple of some sort. When looking directly at it, you could see a distortion in the air. Not knowing what was going to happen, I dropped my pack to the ground with my sword and shield and unwrapped the Scroll. Remembering Aela's words about sending people who read them blind, I looked at Lydia, knowing my face would state one word. Fear.

"You'll be fine, my thane," she stated reassuringly.

I took a deep breath, calmed my nerves to ensure my hands didn't shake. And then I opened the Scroll. A pattern appeared to imprint itself on my eyeballs before everything turned a bright white…

My sight slowly returned and I knew I was no longer in my own time. I blinked rapidly, urging my vision to fix itself and finally I could see clearly. A large man, clearly a Nord warrior, appeared in front of me, wearing ancient armour, intricate in its design and dripping red with what I assumed was blood, wielding an enormous battle axe. Surprisingly, I could understand everything he said.

Then a dragon appeared and the two were joined in battle. The man, large though he was, appeared incredibly graceful in battle, swinging his axe in tandem with his footwork, ensuring each bite of the dragon met only thin air as he started to draw blood, lots of blood, from the dragon. A second Nord warrior, this a female armed with an enormous sword, joined battle and the two Nords lay waste to the dragon. When the dragon died, it simply fell to the ground and neither of the Nords absorbed its soul, so neither of them was Dragonborn.

With the dragon dead, the two warriors conversed between themselves. I couldn't move but I was able to look around and could see numerous dragons flying in the distance, while the mountain itself had bodies of even more dragons, so it appeared the two warriors I was watching had been busy this day. Even though we were up on the Throat of the World, I could hear the battle taking place far below. From what the two humans were discussing, the battle against the dragons was taking place across Skyrim.

A third Nord appeared. This one was dressed in robes, not armour, and I thought for a moment he may have been a Greybeard. But he carried a great-sword on his back so any thoughts that he may have been a mage were quickly dismissed. The three started to discuss the situation and were worried about drawing Alduin near. And it was during their discussion that the third Nord mentioned Dragonrend.

Not just Dragonrend too. Apparently Alduin could not be slain like any other dragon, confirming what Paarthurnax had told me before. 'So I may be able to fight Alduin in my own time but not kill him. What do I do then? How do I kill him? Or do I have to send him even further into the future? Or banish him… somewhere else?'

My own thoughts were broken by the appearance of Alduin. He looked no different than when I saw him near Kynesgrove, nor, when I thought about it, when I ran with terror through Helgen. I watched, along with the ancient warriors, as he circled above a couple of times before he finally landed on the still intact word wall. The dragon then spoke in their own language before he attempted to take off as the sky turned a crimson red and some sort of storm appeared overhead. 'Is that a… storm? Are those rocks from the sky?'

And then the warriors Shouted. Dragonrend!

I had what I wanted. But the Scroll would not release me, though I realised I had no idea how to leave. 'Maybe it has more to show me?' It was then that I saw how the Shout worked. I'm not exactly sure what Alduin was enveloped in but he was immediately forced to the ground and was susceptible to attack. And did those warriors of old attack! Drawing blood from Alduin and I thought, just for a moment, that they would be victorious. Then I remembered what I was actually seeing this for, so simply watched what would happen.

One of the warriors died, Alduin grabbing her in his jaws and you could hear her cry in pain as his teeth bit in. Then he shook her for a few moments before flinging her away, leaving a trail of blood in the air as she landed heavily. And dead. That is when the warrior dressed in robes pulled out the Scroll and read a series of words. As suddenly as he appeared, he disappeared in some sort of cloud.

My vision turned white again and I know I passed out.

I felt myself being shaken, feeling rather cold at the same time, opening my right eye to see Lydia looking at me, rather pale herself. "Are you okay?"

"I have one hell of a headache," I stated, opening both eyes, smiling at the fact I could see, "And at least I'm not blind."

"Good. Because Paarthurnax thinks Alduin will be here any minute."

She helped me to my feet and I checked my armour was all in place. I grabbed my sword and shield, looking towards Paarthurnax, who return my glance. "Alduin approaches, Dovahkiin. Prepare yourself."

We heard the roar of a dragon, louder than any other I'd heard. If anything, it was the same roar I'd heard at Helgen and at Kynesgrove, so I knew it was Alduin who approached, turning to see him fly above us, circling once then twice before he hovered near the word wall. I readied myself as he looked straight at me. I thought I should have felt afraid. Instead, I felt… calm. I knew what I had to do.

"Bahloki nahkip sillesejoor. My belly is full of the souls of your fellow mortals, Dovahkiin. Die now and await your fate in Sovngarde!"

Serious or sarcastic? I didn't get a chance to reply as Paarthurnax interfered. He immediately leapt from where he had been perched on a nearby rock, flying straight towards the other dragon and doused Alduin in fire. The two then lifted off, high into the sky, trading Shouts as I watched on, feeling rather left out, to be honest.

"Lost funt. You are too late, Alduin! Dovahkiin! Use Dragonrend, if you know it!" Paarthurnax called from high above.

So I did. And, like I'd seen happen in the Time-Wound, Alduin came crashing down to the ground. I immediately doused him in fire from a second Shout before he had the opportunity to attack me. Then I let roar a war cry and charged forward, Lydia roaring beside me as we fell upon Alduin. As each stroke of our sword found purchase, Alduin tried to taunt me with various comments though I let them wash over me. I knew I would not be able to kill him now. I knew I wouldn't be able to banish him either. But I was going to prove that I was better. After that, I was all out of ideas.

He snapped at Lydia and I numerous times and surprised me when he used a Force Shout. I could withstand even the greatest Shout, though it did make me stagger and a little dizzy. Lydia wasn't as fortunate, tumbling end over end though she landed gently enough in a bank of snow.

"Are you okay?" I yelled, thrusting my sword through the scales of Alduin once again, my sword thick with blood.

"I'm fine… Okay, a little dizzy."

I returned my attention completely to Alduin. "You'll pay for that."

And then he took off, circling above my head again, watching as Paarthurnax descended through the clouds and bathed Alduin in flame again.

"You are weak, Paarthurnax. And you are disloyal. You will soon die, just like this pathetic human below."

Alduin then Shouted and the sky turned a sinister dark red. I knew those rocks from the sky would start falling again. I turned to Lydia. "Get clear!"

"What about you?"

"I'll be fine. Just get back!"

I know she wouldn't want to but that was as clear an order as I could give. I returned my attention to the dragon battle above and I could see Paarthurnax was wilting. Only slightly but it was clear Alduin was the stronger.

I used Dragonrend again, forcing Alduin to the ground, and I knew the Greybeards were right about the Shout. I could feel all the anger and hatred of the creators. But, probably unlike them, I didn't hate all dragons. I hated Alduin. I wanted to kill him more than anything. And knew I would do anything to ensure his death.

He covered me in frost as soon as he landed, crouching down behind my large shield to avoid the worst of it. With his attention only on me, he didn't see Paarthurnax land on the word wall and Shout himself again. I just went in for the attack, ignoring Paarthurnax, ignoring the rocks falling from the sky, ignoring if Lydia was still obeying my command. I only had eyes for Alduin. I wanted his blood. I wanted his soul. I wanted to take his skull and mount it on a wall in Breezehome.

He continued to taunt me as his jaws snapped, lifting my shield in time to prevent losing my head. "I have feasted on many greater than you."

"You won't be given the opportunity to feast on me, though."

He snorted. "Dovahkiin, you call yourself? Arrogant mortal."

"Not arrogant. Just confident that you will be defeated. That is my destiny."

And I believed it completely. He snapped again and I smashed his head with my shield, forcing it away and I attempted to do what I'd done before, sliding under his neck and attempting to stab him there. But Alduin wasn't called the World-Eater because he was stupid. He knew what I wanted to do and stepped back, Force Shouting again and this one did cause me to take a couple of steps back. I steadied myself and met his eyes, banging my sword against my shield.

"Is that all you've got?" I taunted.

He set himself to Shout again and I rolled out of the way just in time as a sheet of flame burst past where I had just been standing. He tracked my movements as I jogged in a semi-circle, trying to flank him. Paarthurnax was still attacking from the other side and finally Alduin responded, turning to face the other dragon. I burst forward, leaping onto Alduin's tail, unsheathing my dagger and slamming it down into the back of Alduin. Whether he felt it or not, I'm not sure. I stayed on my hands and knees, continuing to slam my dagger into his back with each move forward. Each time I dug my dagger into his back, I could see the dark blood run away from the wound.

My arms were starting to tire, my legs ready to give way, feeling all the aches and pains of everything I had experienced since that first day, facing down Alduin at Helgen. But I wasn't about to give up. Not yet. I took a deep breath and forced my arms to work, digging into Alduin's back again and again. 'Surely he must know what I'm up to.' Just as I was about to get onto his neck, he shook me free.

I landed with a thud in the snow and watched as he stepped back and I looked directly into his teeth, his jaw ready to grab me, likely tearing my head from my shoulders. Before I even had a chance to lift my shield or sword, I heard the roar of a female voice, even Alduin turning his eyes from me to be greeted by the swing of another sword. 'Lydia!'

I rolled out of the way, getting to my feet as quickly as possible and, with Alduin distracted by my Housecarl, I dropped my shield and, with both hands on the hilt, stepped forward and drove my sword into his neck. And I didn't stop there, but made sure I twisted and turned the sword, driving it in further until the hilt almost disappeared into Alduin, blood flowing down my hands and forearms. That was when Alduin finally roared and tried to back away. He moved his head from side to side, trying to shake me loose. I held on for dear life until I realised the futility of simply holding on, eventually pulling my sword free and I quickly back away, yelling at Lydia to do the same.

Blood flowed from Alduin, down his back and in great pools from the large wound on his neck, the snow around him turning dark red and then pink as his claws mixed the blood and snow. But I knew the day was won. I just wondered what was going to happen next. I glanced to see Paarthurnax was also bloodied, watching Alduin intently. Alduin turned to looked at his fellow dragon.

"Join me now or perish with your mortal friends."

"Never again shall I bow to you, Alduin."

"I like this dragon," Lydia whispered, "What do we do now?"

Before I could reply, Alduin let rip a loud roar, though it was not a Shout. I don't know if he felt pain at all, but he should have been in agony from the blood that flowed. He looked at me again. "Meyz mul, Dovahkiin. You have become strong."

"Strong enough to face you." I banged my sword against shield again. "Do you wish to continue tasting my steel?"

He simply snorted his derision. "I am Al-du-in, Firstborn of Akatosh! Mulaagi zok lot! I cannot be slain here, by you or anyone else!"

"I'm willing to keep trying if you want to keep fighting."

I didn't know dragons could laugh until I said that. It wasn't like a human laugh. It was more of a series of grunts, but it was a laugh. Then his eyes bore into mine. I readied myself for an attack, but he proved the battle had been won, flying off after he added "You cannot prevail against me. I will outlast you... mortal!"

I was tempted to use Dragonrend again but it was clear Alduin was retreating, I knew not where, but I was willing to let him go for now. I looked down to see I was covered in blood and knew some of it was mine. Slowly but surely the pain and exhaustion came, pretty much knocking me out as I dropped my sword and shield and hit the ground with a thud. I sucked in a series of deep breaths as the sky cleared as suddenly as it darkened, sunlight filtering through the clouds and, even this high up the mountain, I could feel the warmth on my face.

A face appeared in my vision again. Lydia, also covered in blood. "Are you okay, my thane?" she asked with a slight grin.

"I didn't sign up for this, Lydia."

"Neither did I. But don't say you don't enjoy it just a little?"

A made a gesture with my fingers. "Maybe just a little."

"What do we do now?"

I looked at Paarthurnax, once again perched on his word wall. "He may have an idea." Lydia helped me to my feet once again and I approached the dragon. "You fight well, dovah. You have my thanks for your assistance."

"No, Dovahkiin. You truly have the Voice of a dovah. Alduin's allies will think twice after this victory."

I removed my helmet and scratched my head before I felt another bout of weariness and sat down on the ground. "I'm not sure if I'd call this a victory. Alduin escaped. Granted, I know we can't kill him but he still escaped."

"While that is true, even the heroes of old were unable defeat him in open battle."

"So what do we do?"

"Alduin was always arrogant in his power. He took domination as his birth-right. But your victory here, as you have defeated him in battle, forcing him to withdraw, should shake the loyalty of the dov who serve him."

"You mean we should approach his allies?"

"Do you really think any other dragon would help us?" Lydia whispered under her breath, now sat next to me on the ground.

"Your friend asks a pertinent question, Dovahkiin. While one of his allies may be able to share his location, it will be another matter entirely convincing them to betray him."

I smirked. "I can be remarkably… convincing when I choose to be."

Lydia covered her mouth as she laughed. Paarthurnax took my words rather literally. "Yes. Perhaps the palace in Whiterun, Dragonsreach, can be used. After all, it was originally built to house a captive dovah. Yes, that would make a fine place to trap one of Alduin's allies, agreed?"

I glanced at Lydia. "I think the jarl may owe me a favour or two…"

"Throwing a coin purse your way is one thing, my thane. Using his palace to trap a dragon is completely different. He'll take some convincing."

"Well, as I just said…"

She smirked. "I do not doubt that you can convince him of the need," Paarthurnax added.

With a groan I got to my feet, this time assisting Lydia to her own. I turned back to the dragon. "Paarthurnax, you have my unreserved thanks for your help. Is there anything I can do for you?"

"I am at peace, Dovahkiin. Though if you wish to journey here and converse, I would be most appreciative."

"Of course. But until next time."

"Remember the words of the Greybeards, Dovahkiin. They will guide your path."

As we made our way down the mountain to High Hrothgar, I started thinking about what we needed to do. 'How do we trap a dragon? How do I even summon a dragon to Dragonsreach? Will Jarl Balgruuf agree to such an insane idea? What do I do once we have it trapped?' It was late by the time we reached the monastery, Arngeir showing in interest as he asked questions about our latest meeting.

"We fought Alduin."

It was the first time I noticed surprise reach his features. "And you were victorious? You must have been, considering you are sitting there in front of me."

"We won the battle but not the war. He cannot be defeated like any other dragon. Paarthurnax has suggested another way we may be able to take the battle to him and eventually end him."

"He is willing to continue his help?" I nodded. "Understandable."

I felt Arngeir probably had more to add but I wasn't about to probe him for more information. I knew little about Paarthurnax, though he had shared plenty about his previous life in other conversations but assumed there was a lot more he could probably share. But still, Arngeir's silence spoke volumes. "Master Arngeir…" I trailed off, not wanting to presume.

"You wish to know, Dragonborn?" I nodded. He sighed. "There is much to tell. But it is not for the Greybeards to share. It is up to Paarthurnax. I hope you understand."

"I do. When the time is right. I will ask. Or he may share."

He nodded, gratified. "One word of caution, Dragonborn." I shared his glance. "Beware the Blades."

I thought of what that simple silence meant, then wondered if he would add. He did not, so I had to ask "What do you mean?"

"We trust you, Dragonborn. And you alone. We only ask that you remember what we have told you and not let yourself be swayed from the path."

"Of course, Master Arngeir."

He was happy with that. Many may wonder why I still called him 'Master Arngeir' or simply 'Master'. It was a matter of respect, something missing from the majority of people today. I knew the Greybeards were a learned folk, who could teach me things I did not know. And I appreciated their viewpoint, of using their power for peaceful means. So different to my life now, but I respected what they hoped to achieve. I only hoped my appearance would not rob them of their tranquil life they had lived so far. But I also knew it would not last…

We left the next morning, knowing we would have to head to Whiterun, knowing I would have to head to Dragonsreach and ask the Jarl for the improbable, if not the impossible. I trusted him as much as he trusted me but I knew I would be asking a lot, if not too much. Whiterun as neutral was caught in a vice between the Empire and Stormcloaks. The pressure would soon tell, and I wondered which way he would turn. But if he was still neutral now then I knew I may have to speak now as the Dragonborn, use the power the name carried and simply hope everyone would follow my word.

Each Whiterun guard was as respectful as I knew as I walked towards the gates. I knew many of them by name by now and, while not friends, I knew I had their respect and I made sure I spent time speaking with them, getting to know their stories. Perhaps it was the wrong thing to do, knowing they may die at a moment's notice, but I felt that it was the right thing to do. No matter what, I would make sure I would remember each of them, no matter what happened. Every man or women who wore that uniform deserved to be remembered. Particularly now, with everything at stake…

The jarl was speaking with Irileth as I approached. The dark elf met my glance and smiled. 'How different our relationship is now. She's almost…' I shook my head of any further thoughts. I had to focus. I knew I was asking the near impossible. I got down on one knee to emphasise what I was about to ask. "My jarl," I stated deferentially.

It's almost like he knew immediately. "Dragonborn."

I took a deep breath. "My jarl… I request a favour." I met his eyes, staring into mine. He simply gestured I continue. "We need to capture a dragon."

Our conversation continued as I expected. Nothing was ever simple.