Reunion

After battling our way back through the Ratway, leaving plenty of dead Thalmor in our wake, we finally escaped back up into Riften itself, checking behind to make sure no-one was following us before making our way to the gates as quickly as possible, where Mjoll was waiting for us.

"You found him," she stated rather obviously.

"We did. Thanks for your help. But have you seen any Thalmor heading this way?"

"No. Why?"

"Because they were definitely looking for him," I replied, pointing at the old man, "While I have no doubt they know who I am now too. If we've managed to kill them all, then that's good."

"Aye. I have no love for them myself. And the Thieves Guild?"

"We met them."

"What do you think?"

I looked at Lydia. "They may be a problem here, but if anything we overheard is correct, they are not particularly strong at the moment," she stated, "I think they are beset by problems."

"But my promise to come back and deal with them remains. I have one or two ideas how we can approach it but that is for later."

"Are you heading off now?" she asked.

I nodded. "We'd better leave as soon as possible. I doubt anyone will care about finding Thalmor bodies down there but I have no doubt there are patrols between here and Riverwood."

"You know; I'd like to join you but…"

"You feel you should stay here." She nodded. "Then stay here for now. Help the people of Riften. You never know, perhaps you could, one day, slay the beast yourself."

She smiled. "I hope so. If not, then I look forward to the day we can work together."

We grasped each other as fellow warriors before three of us wandered out towards the stables. Esbern didn't have a horse so I put him behind me before we departed. Once mounted and ready, we waved goodbye to Mjoll, shouts of good luck and promises to return, before making haste back to Riverwood, blowing through the next village of Shor's Stone without a backwards glance. There was no stopping, checking with Esbern every so often that he was okay. He simply told me to keep going as he wanted to meet with Delphine as soon as possible. We did watch the sun eventually disappear over the horizon, but it was a cloudless night, the large moon appearing to hover right above us in the sky, providing at least some light for us to keep going.

The sun was already up by the time we reached the crossroads, the city of Whiterun in the distance, smoke rising from chimneys as the braziers still glowed. It was a cool morning, all of us having stopped to at least put on our warm coats as we turned onto the road leading to Riverwood. We slowed as we approached the village though the guards certainly noticed and recognised me on horseback, shouts of my name or 'Dragonborn' yelled with arms raised as we rode along the main road.

"They know who you are?" Esbern asked as we dismounted outside the inn.

I nodded. "He's killed at least a few dragons since finding out who he was," Lydia added.

"And you take their souls?" he asked.

"That's what people say," I replied.

Esbern stopped and gave me a curious look. "You don't believe them?"

"What? No, of course I do. The evidence is all there. I've met with the Greybeards. It's just… well, the whole prophecy, saving the world thing. It's a lot to rest of one's shoulders."

The old man nodded. "Understandable. But, unfortunately, that will be the reality going forward. It rests on you, Uhtred. Only you can defeat Alduin and save us."

We entered the inn, only Orgnar behind the bar as the place was otherwise deserted. We didn't even have to ask as he jerked his head towards the door leading towards the secret room. I led the way downstairs, Delphine looking up from the book she was reading as I entered, followed by Lydia and finally Esbern. She put her book down, walking around the table, laying a hand on my forearm and smiling at me as she passed, I guessed as thanks, before she approached Esbern.

The two then embraced. I'll admit, it was a nice moment.

"It's good to see you," Esbern stated, "It's been far too long."

"You too, Esbern, you too. It's been a long time, old friend."

The two then broke apart, looked at each other, grinning like a pair of fools before they both turned towards me. "Glad to see you both made it out in one piece, too."

"Not through lack of trying on part of the Thalmor," Lydia stated.

"But we handled them. Not a single one of those bastards lived," I added.

"Good. That's something at least."

We each took a seat around the table. I stayed silent, as did Lydia, as I figured Esbern and Delphine had plenty to talk about. And they did, sharing what they had been up to since they had gone into hiding. Esbern described how he'd been on the run for years, finally escaping to Riften years before. Delphine admitted that she had no idea he was there.

"Are there any other Blades alive?" she asked.

"I don't know. After the temple in Cyrodil was sacked, anyone not there when it happened simply did all they could to remain incognito, disappearing into the mists... I see no way of being able to contact them. The Thalmor eventually showed up in Riften. I'm surprised they haven't appeared on your doorstep yet."

"If they managed to find you, they'll end up here soon enough."

"Then I suggest we should leave this place behind."

"I take it you have an idea, Esbern?" I asked.

"I do," he stated, opening the pack he'd brought with him, retrieving a lone book. Huh, that's what he was searching for up and down. Wonder what's so important about it? He opened the book, flicking through the pages as he searched the map already on the table. "Ah-ha! There it is!"

"What's that, Esbern?" Delphine asked.

"Sky Haven Temple." I shared a glance with Lydia, who shrugged her shoulders. I didn't know either. Esbern looked across our dumbfounded faces. "It's an ancient fortress constructed by the Akaviri military during their conquest of Skyrim."

"And where is it?" I asked.

"Here," Esbern replied, pointing at the map, "In an area of Skyrim called The Reach."

I stood up and glanced at the map. "That's Riverwood there, and the temple is west of that. Correct?" Esbern nodded. I looked at Lydia. "Forsworn country. Great." Turning my attention back to Esbern, I asked "Okay, what's so important about this temple?"

"This is where they built Alduin's Wall. That is where all their accumulated dragon lore was set in stone."

"Why did they do that?"

"Because they knew we would forget. I think what is happening right now is proof of that. No-one in this room has any idea how to defeat Alduin. But the wall should tell us."

"Smart people," Delphine stated.

"They were. At the time it was built, it was considered a wonder of the ancient world, it's fame spreading across Tamriel. But with the retreat of the Akaviri, the rise of the Empire and all of our petty squabbles since the days of the dragons, the location of the wall has been lost."

"I'll admit, I've never heard of it," I stated.

"Me too," Lydia added.

"Listen, even I'll admit to that, Esbern. But you're clearly excited about something to do with this wall. So, let's cut to the chase and explain it simply. What is this wall, exactly, and what does it have to do with stopping dragons?" Delphine asked.

Esbern finally sat down again. "The wall is where the ancient Blades recorded all they knew of Alduin and his return. Part history, part prophecy. But this book," he thumbed it lying next to the map, "Is something I have been putting together for decades. Every whisper of its location, I've added to this book until I have an idea of where it was. The wall and temple was never lost, just forgotten. Like the dragon war itself."

"Did you save anything from the archives?" Delphine wondered.

Esbern shook his head sadly. "Barely anything survived. The Thalmor burned it all. So much history gone in an instant." He sighed. "Doubt I'll live to see us get our revenge too."

"I wouldn't be so sure of that," I stated. He looked at me, blinking in surprise. "Let's just say I've done enough to certainly gain their attention. The fact I'm Dragonborn as well? I'll bet all my coin they're already hatching plans."

"We shouldn't push them too far for now," Delphine stated.

"Don't get me wrong, I actually agree. At least they are not involved in anything to do with the dragons, so as long as they leave us alone, I'll forget about them for the time being."

"So where are we going?" Lydia asked.

Delphine checked the map. "We're heading somewhere called Karthspire, near the Karth River canyon. I know the area well enough. There's a Forsworn camp nearby so we'll have to be careful." She then looked me up and down. "I'll be honest, Uhtred. I'd consider gearing up for this. The Forsworn are not easy combatants and who knows what we'll find at the temple."

"What do you mean?"

"I'd look into getting some new armour. You're the Harbinger now, right? Surely Eorlund can make you something."

"Do you know anything about enchantments?" Esbern asked. I shook my head. "They can't help regarding physical attacks, but they can help against magic. The Forsworn are practitioners of the dark arts. I'd suggest enchanting your armour at the same time."

"That may take a couple of days at least," I stated.

"We don't have to leave straight away. Do what you need to do and we'll wait for you here. Just… Well, try not to get involved in anything else."

"Of course we won't," I said, Delphine giving me a look that she didn't believe me as Lydia and I left immediately, mounted our horses and rode directly back to Whiterun. She headed straight to Breezehome, desperate to change out of her armour, as I headed up to the Skyforge. Thankfully Eorlund was still busy at work and I almost felt guilty interrupting him.

"Greetings, Harbinger."

"Eorlund, I have a favour to ask."

He looked up from the grindstone he was working at. "Oh, what sort of favour?"

"You know how I'm Dragonborn?" He nodded, smirking as it was obviously a stupid question. "I'm about to head off on another expedition and it's been suggested I should get some new armour. I was wondering if you could do something for me?"

He stood up and wandered over to where he kept a stack of weapons and some armour. "You don't wear heavy, do you?"

"I prefer light. Always have. I'm used to it."

He grunted, staying silent as he obviously thought. "Would you like some wolf armour? I can build a lightened version of it. I don't have any here. Give me two or so days and I should have something for you."

"That quickly?"

"I have everything I need here." He looked me up and down, probably taking my measurements simply by eye. "Sure. Two days at the most. Give me your weapon too and I'll see if I can make any improvements."

"Can you send word once it's all done?"

"Of course. I'll send one of the whelps."

With two days to wait, I had to keep myself occupied, or so I thought anyway. So I popped into Jorrvaskr to see what the Circle were up to. They were surprised to see me, suggesting they thought I would have been gone for longer. All I wanted to know from them was what they knew about the Reach and the area around Karthspire, thinking they would have worked the area before. We gathered around the map as they explained the area, the location of Forsworn camps and what we would find at Karthspire, though they were all surprised to hear of a temple being located there. They were polite enough to enquire if I needed any assistance but I assured them I had help from others, trusting them to share the fact that I was working with a group that had once served the Septim Emperors.

Next stop was Dragonsreach. The Jarl was sat on his throne, listening to one of his citizens though as soon as he saw me crest the set of steps, he gestured for me to approach immediately.

"Dragonborn. Or should I say Harbinger. Maybe Thane?"

I knew he was ribbing me. "Uhtred will be just fine, sir," I replied after a quick chuckle.

He laughed at my slight discomfort. "Still getting used to the titles?"

I shrugged. "I have at least three I know of now."

"What brings you to Dragonsreach? I thought you would be off fighting dragons."

"Soon enough, sir. I was actually hoping to have a moment of Farengar's time. I could probably do with his help."

"I'm sure my court wizard can spare a moment of his time to assist the Dragonborn. He should be somewhere in his quarters."

"Thank you, my Jarl."

I found Farengar hovering above a dusty old tome, barely glancing my way when I entered his room. Since he didn't give me any attention, I rather rudely cleared my throat to gain it. He sighed as he looked up, giving me a look of, I'd have to say, displeasure. I simply glared back at him, the same look I returned to my enemies. Careful, Uhtred. He's a powerful wizard. And you also need his help, idiot. He finally stopped reading and folded his arms defensively.

"Help you with something?"

"Yes. I need help with enchanting. I was hoping you could help me?"

He actually blinked in surprise. "You want help with magic?" His tone matched the look on his face. Considering he thought I was little more than a relatively dumb Nord brute, I shocked him further by casting a healing spell, bright light illuminating all four corners of the room for a few seconds before I extinguished it. "You've learned magic?" I nodded. "You surprise me again, Dragonborn."

"I need every advantage I can get to fight dragons, which is why I need your help."

Any negativity from him ended as he was now as helpful as he could be, asking what I'd like enchanted, how it all actually worked and suggesting which enchantments I should use on each piece of armour. I explained that I wouldn't have the amour for at least two days but he stated all I had to do was bring it in and he could do it immediately as it wouldn't take long. He also offered to teach me more magic if I was interested, so the end to our meeting was far friendlier than the beginning.

Three days later and I was preparing to depart back to Riverwood. My new armour, designed and built by Eorland, gleamed in the candlelight, polished until I could almost see my reflection in the thin steel. Farengar has also enchanted it for me, guiding me through the process and explaining which enchantments would be best. He basically said anything that would prevent magic attacks and also environment effects would be best. As for physical effects, he actually joked that using my shield or simply ducking would be the best solution. I'd also taken Lydia to Dragonsreach to have her armour enchanted as well. Any suggestion that she would be staying was dampened due to her near insistence that she would be joining myself and the others in finding the temple. I'll be honest, the more of us, the better, as far as I was concerned.

Delphine and Esbern were ready for us and, after one or two comments on my new armour, we mounted horses and prepared to leave, Delphine and I sharing a map as we discussed tactics.

"Do you have a route?" I asked.

Delphine nodded. "I do. Once we get on the main road heading west, we should be okay regarding route. But when we hit the border of the Reach, we'll have to keep an eye out for Forsworn patrols."

"Forsworn patrols? What about the Legion?" Lydia asked.

"They hit the Forsworn where they can but they consider it a matter that should be handled by the local militia. They underestimate the Forsworn. But that is understandable as they're more worried about the Stormcloaks."

"Are the Forsworn really that much of a problem?" I asked.

"As long as we're sensible, we should be okay until we arrive at Karthspire itself. But we'll have to deal with whatever Forsworn force is currently residing there."

"You'll be okay, Esbern?" I wondered.

"I'll be fine, pup. Survived far worse skirmishes than what happened in the Ratway."

We headed out, knowing we wouldn't make our destination by sunset, so our horses had been packed with gear for camping. That knowledge that we'd have to camp also meant we took our time and I could truly to get know my two Blades companions, inundating them with questions about their roles in the organisation, but in particular, their role against the Thalmor. Considering they now considered me an ally, if not the figure they now served, they held nothing back, explaining missions they had undertaken deep behind enemy lines during the war, but also of the personal losses both had suffered as the Thalmor marched inexorably across Tamriel.

Esbern also explained what had once been held in the archives. 'The history of Tamriel itself', he described it, speaking wistfully of the hours he had spent researching dragonlore. I sensed the regret he had at losing such a vast resource, and of the bitterness he had towards the Thalmor for burning what had been such a precious resource. The more I spoke with them, I realised that my original idea of joining the civil war would probably never happen. Both were convinced that war with the Thalmor would come again, sooner rather than later. Both believed the Empire should be gearing up for round two and doing whatever was required to ensure the Stormcloak rebellion ended.

"They need to kill Jarl Ulfric," Esbern stated, the sun starting to dip behind the mountains and the climate cooling with each minute. We'll have to camp soon. Wait, what?

"Won't that just cause further insurrection from his supporters?" Lydia asked.

Esbern shook his head. "Cut the head off the snake, the body will die soon afterwards. The war is nothing but a projection of the man's vanity, a mis-held belief that he is destined or deserves to be king. Talos help us if that were to happen. He'd be nothing short of a tyrant. And would do nothing but antagonise the Thalmor, who would then invade Skyrim."

I looked at Lydia, who matched my own look of surprise. "I take it you're a supporter of the Empire?" she asked.

"It's not just about supporting the Empire. Our history is littered with rulers who were little more than madmen. Or madwomen, if they happened to rule. But what the Empire needs is stability. Word that General Tullius has arrived in Skyrim even reached me in Riften. He's a good man and a fantastic leader. He's exactly what was needed to end this stupid war. Then we can put our entire focus on the true enemy."

"The Thalmor need to be put in their place," Delphine added.

"Didn't they almost defeat us?" I enquired.

Delphine nodded. "Aye. They almost did. But we've learned our lessons from the last war. We need to bring everyone back under the banner of the Empire. The Thalmor want to dominate Tamriel, that much is clear. We need to grovel to the people of Hammerfell, asking forgiveness for turning our backs on them. We need to get the people of Black Marsh back on our side, though how we do that, Talos only knows. Valenwood and Elsweyr are completely subjugated and we need them to rise up against the bastards too."

"What are the chances of any or all that really happening, Delphine?" Esbern questions, likely rhetorically. Even I know most of what she just said was fanciful.

"We need a victory. A single victory, proving the Thalmor can be beaten, will surely wake them up. But what I do know is that next time we must be the ones to strike first."

"First we need to defeat the dragons," I stated.

"Of course, of course, Dragonborn. We've gone off-track."

"Like usual," Lydia added, throwing a sarcastic grin my way.

"What do you know of the wall?" I asked.

"Only what was recorded in the archives. No drawings or carvings of it exist. Quite simply, I'm hopeful that it will teach us how to defeat the dragons. You have the Voice, so that is a boon to our side. But there has to be a particular way to defeat Alduin. He was beaten in the past somehow. We will have to do that again."

We made camp as the last bit of light disappeared behind a mountain range on the horizon. I pitched a pair of tents, unrolling our sleeping bags as the others prepared a fire and an evening meal. We had stopped near a lake, allowing us a quick wash while topping our water sacks with fresh water at the same time. Dinner was nothing exciting, as usual, but at least we had full bellies before we cracked open a few bottles of mead, sat by the fire and finally conversed about something other than dragons or war before we all crawled into bed once the fire finally died.

We awoke the next morning to a sunset shrouded by mist and fog, a frost covering the ground around us adding to the chill. After a cold breakfast of hard bread and cheese, we mounted our horses feeling somewhat refreshed, prepared for the rest of the journey, Delphine stating it shouldn't be long until we reached Karthspire.

Conversation was muted as we rode in a line, Delphine leading the way, glancing at her map every so often. It wasn't long until she held up a hand, bringing us to a halt. I stopped beside her as she pointed across a nearby valley, a river running through a canyon. It would have been idyllic… except we could see a large Forsworn camp.

"Karthspire is there."

"The cave?"

"Correct."

"How many Forsworn do you count?"

"At least a dozen."

"We've handled worse, my Thane."

"Have you fought Forsworn before?" Esbern asked. Lydia shook her head. "They are no ordinary bandits. Poisoned weapons. Dark magic. Daedra worship. They are not to be trifled with."

"But we have no choice," I added.

"You're right, of course, Dragonborn. I merely suggest we approach with caution."

"How are you with a bow?" Delphine asked, scanning the horizon, shielding her eyes with her right hand.

"I think you can say Lydia and I are both adept."

"Hmmm." Delphine pointed. "See that ridge? I see no reason why the three of us can't head there and launch attacks. Esbern has his magic abilities so he can rain fire. We can soften them up a bit before going in on foot."

We tied our horses to a nearby tree and, crouching down, made our way to the ridge line. It gave us a perfect view of the Forsworn camp, tracking the patrols along the perimeter while also noticing one or two other concerns.

"Hargraven," Lydia whispered.

"Any ideas?" I asked. Before anyone could answer, I held my hand up for silence as I heard a noise in the distance, and it wasn't from the camp. "Anyone else hear that?" I looked across to see three nods in agreement. Before we could move, I looked behind us to see a dragon high in the sky, approaching from behind a nearby mountain range yet ready to swoop down on the camp below us. "Get down!" I yelled, feeling the air rush by as the dragon swooped over us.

"By the Gods, what a stroke of luck!" Esbern crowed as the Forsworn's attention was turned towards the dragon, watching on as a slew of arrows and magic attacks were fired towards the dragon. It, in turn, doused the Forsworn in fire and soon their entire camp was in flames. We heard the shouts and screams of the Forsworn below as they were cooked by the flames but, to their credit, they returned plenty of damage.

"Let's move!" I stated, unsheathing my sword and we rushed down into the valley. Distracted as the Forsworn were, we tore through them, hoping they would continue to attack the dragon, leaving it as easy pickings for us though we soon had the attention of the giant beast, swooping in an arc towards us. I stopped and simply used my Thu'um, the force of my voice almost knocking it out of the air as it sailed over us harmlessly. However, my shout simply gained the attention of the remaining Forsworn.

Their numbers had been whittled down enough that, although still incredibly dangerous, we managed to handle the remaining Forsworn without incident, our swords bloodied as I was more concerned about the dragon rather than the few Forsworn that remained. I could hear the roar of the dragon above us, keeping one eye on the sky. The dragon had numerous arrows sticking out of its scales, the beast bleeding heavily and I felt assured that it would land soon.

"Is the Hargraven dead?" I asked.

"Yes, the dragon got it!" Delphine yelled over the roar of the dragon.

I pointed. "Then we need to get that thing on the ground!"

"I'll handle that," Esbern stated, and before I could enquire as to how, he launched a series of firebolts at the dragon, each one hitting where he aimed. After the third blast hit, the dragon was near enough to mortally wounded and it finally landed across the river, near the entrance to Karthspire.

"Perfect. Kill it then we enter the cave," I stated, leading my trio of companions through the raging fires of the Forsworn camp, up a set of steps and raising my shield just in time as a sheet of flame headed our way from the dragon.

I returned a Shout of flame myself, earning a gasp of surprise from Esbern as I simply charged at the dragon, the giant staggering back, taking its eye off me. That allowed me to close the gap, swinging my sword down upon the jaw of the dragon. That did nothing but anger it, biting at me in return, lifting my shield to block that attack.

"Just stab the bloody thing!" I yelled and soon all four of us were drawing rivers of blood, the dragon swinging its tail and flailing with its four legs to prevent our attacks. But it was to no avail. I was unsure who got the killing blow. To be honest, I think it simply lost too much blood, noticing Lydia use both hands to thrust her sword into the side of the beast and, while I don't know dragon anatomy at all, I'm sure it would have come close to its heart.

Whatever we did, it certainly worked as the dragon roared its last before it collapsed to the ground. Once I'd absorbed the dragon soul, Esbern turned to me, a look of amazement on his face.

"Dragonborn," he said quietly, "It's… simply amazing."

"How does it feel?" Delphine asked.

I could only shrug. "Honestly, I don't feel any different. I'm just glad we didn't die." I looked at the cave entrance. "Come on, let's go find this temple."