Aedric the Hunter - Chapter 19: Hope for Nirn

  • 5th of Hearth Fire 4E201

    I awoke in the guest rooms of Dragonsreach, Jarl Balgruuf’s hall, with still aching joints and muscles from the previous day’s events. The Priestess of Kynareth had done an excellent job of healing me after I travelled from Windhelm to Whiterun, being assaulted my many of Skyrim’s dangers along the way. The siege hadn’t done wonders for my body either – although I wasn’t wounded, it had still taken its toll. Rising from the luxurious bed, a servant lead me to a hot bath which managed to alleviate most of the pains. I returned to my room afterwards, donned my armor and packed my weapons and belongings for a journey. Jarl Balgruuf entered and asked me where I was going. “I have business in Riften that I shouldn’t delay. I’ve got information to deliver for an associate, a group of assassins after me to investigate, and a friend to save from the Thalmor. Balgruuf shook his head and sighed. “You lead a non-stop life, Dragonborn,” he replied in his thick Skyrim accent. “Best of luck in your travels anyhow. I’ll have Lydia set up your new home in the city. And remember; you’re always welcome in my hall.” With a nod I slung my pack over my shoulder and walked from the hall as Balgruuf muttered “What I’d give to live like that again...”

    As I made my way to the front gate I was approached by the owner of the stables, Skulvar. “Morning, Skulvar!” I said. “What do you need?” “I heard you lost your horse in Eastmarch yesterday,” he replied. I’d bought the horse from him, but I wasn’t sure what he was getting at. “Well, after the siege last night I was cleaning up around the stables when she decides to trot over.” That certainly raised my eyebrows.  “She’s got a few small wounds, but nothing a warhorse like her can’t handle.” A large grin grew across my face. “That’s great! But what of the saddlebags?” “Oh, they’re stashed with all manner of concoctions and satchels. I assume those are yours?” “Indeed they are. Thank you, friend, I’m in your debt!”

    Led by Skulvar back to my steed, I was ready to set off on my journey to Riften once more. I decided to follow the Eastmarch route, since I would more than likely be bringing Delphine’s friend Esbern out through the pass near Helgen, which would emerge closer to Riverwood. The journey was rather uneventful, which I was rather thankful for. I reached Riften around midday and headed straight for the orphanage. I’d found out the previous day that a boy was attempting to hire the Dark Brotherhood to kill the headmistress, so she might prove a potential lead in tracking down the shadowy group of assassins. Entering the orphanage, I could hear her old voice immediately. “Those who shirk in their beatings will get an extra beating! Do I make myself clear?” she said. “Yes, Grelod,” a chorus of children’s voices replied. I walked over to the room where I heard the voices to see the children exiting out into the yard and Grelod looking quizzically at me. “What are you staring at, you piece of gutter trash! Looks like I need to start locking doors again!” “Ma’am, I’m here to help you. A group of assassins called the Dark Brotherhood have a contract out for you, and I’m trying to track them down.” Some of the children’s faces lit up at the words of ‘Dark Brotherhood’. “What do you want, you thug?” She asked. “Is it money? You don’t scare me!” “Wait, you don’t understand-” The hinges on the door swung open again to reveal a hooded figure clad in a familiar black and maroon leather. All the children were peeking through the back door; it was like they knew this was going to happen. Grelod grimaced as she saw this new stranger. “And who exactly are you-” Before she could finish her sentence a dagger was already out of the assassin’s sheath and between her eyes. The assassin bared a pair of Khajiit fangs at me before fleeing out of the door, invisibility potion in hand. I gave chase, not wanting to miss out on my only opportunity to track them down.

    I dashed out the back gate of the city after the assassin, after she revealed herself by pushing open the gate. She appeared to be a female Khajiit. She was quite a bit quicker than me, and I was too far from the stables to chase her on horseback. How could I catch up to her? I thought to myself. Just as we were out of sight of the guards I got an idea.
    “WUL!”
    The air at my back blasted me up alongside her, and in one fluid motion I tripped her over, pinned her to the ground and had my sword at her throat. “Who hired the Brotherhood to kill me!” I shouted, rather angrily. “How much were they paying?” The Khajiit squirmed under my grip. “Tell me!” I said, inching the blade closer to her throat. “I-I don’t know!” she said, hoarsely. “Perhaps a little blood will loosen your lips?” I asked, pricking her chest with my blade. The wound wasn’t severe but it was enough to draw a noticeable amount of blood. “I’ll n-never b-betray the Brotherhood!” “If you don’t answer my questions, I will kill you,” I replied, drawing a little more blood. “Argh...Kill me if you wish, but know this. You were the only one seen exiting the orphanage – by all accounts I was never seen. This was a Dark Brotherhood contract – and the Brotherhood does not forgive stolen kills!” There was a certain zeal in her eyes; I knew I wouldn’t be getting any more information from her. I pulled her to her feet and thrust my blade through her back, leaving her body by the lake before returning to the city.

    Grabbing a bite to eat from the market, I headed down into the Cistern to speak with Mercer. “Ah, you’re finally back,” he said. “So what did you get out of Gulum-Ei?” “Well, Mercer, he was quite cooperative and told me everything we need to know. He said a woman called Karliah is the one we’re looking for, and she was hiding at ‘where it all began’.” “Excellent work, Aedric! This is great news.” He began pacing back and forth. “Karliah is the one who murdered the old Guildmaster. Now, where it all began...” he said, trailing off. “A-ha! Snow Veil Sanctum, in Winterhold! It’s where Gallus was murdered!” “And how about my payment?” I asked. “Of course, here you go,” he said, handing me a hefty bag of septims. “Now I’ve got another favour to ask. Meet my back here in a few days; you’re coming with me to Snow Veil Sanctum and I need to make some preparations.” All of a sudden another Guild member ran over, from the direction of the Flagon. “Mercer! Mercer, there were some elves in the Flagon, fancy gold armor and black robes, looking for that old guy in the Warrens. Want us to do anything about it?” Old man in the Warrens... that had to be Esbern! And the Thalmor were already here! “See you then!” I said to Mercer, sprinting back to the Flagon.

    All eyes were on me as I burst into the Flagon. “The Thalmor!” I shouted. “Where did they go?” Brynjolf was the first to answer. “In a bit of a hurry there lad? They’re after Esbern, the old Nord who lives right down the bottom of the Warrens. Should be able to pass them if you hurry.” With that I darted down into the Warrens. I could see the glint of Thalmor armor thoroughly searching the area, so I leapt straight down to the bottom and into the next part of the Warrens. I spotted a heavily reinforced door up above me, and ran up a flight of stairs and knocked on the door. Nobody answered. I knocked again. “Esbern, I’m a friend of Delphine’s; open the door.” “Go away-wait. Delphine? Let me get the door open.” There was a chorus of chains and cogs and clicking or locks and finally the door opened. “Inside, quickly!” Esbern said. Before me was an old balding Nord man with a sword much like Delphine’s strapped to his waist – definitely the man I was looking for. Stepping inside, he locked the door behind us.“What’s this about Delphine?” He inquired. “Delphine and I need your help to stop the dragons.” His eyes seemed to glaze over. “We should have acted. They’re already here! The Elder Scrolls told of their return. Their defeat – was merely a delay. For when the time after Oblivion opened; When the sons of Skyrim would spill their own blood. But no-one wanted to believe. Believe they could exist; but when the truth finally dawned – it dawned in FIRE!” “Esbern? What are you talking about?” he seemed to ignore me and continue. “But! There’s one they fear. In their tongue – he is Dovahkiin. The Dragonborn! But no Dragonborn has been seen in centuries – and they are the only ones that can stop the world from ending. Alduin will swallow us all; he cannot be defeated by a mere man.” “Esbern! Calm down. I’m the Dragonborn.” A spark of hope entered his eye. “Then there is a chance for this world yet. Let me gather some things.” He rummaged around some bookshelves and grabbed some food, before throwing it into a rucksack. “We need to go to Delphine immediately – I have something that can help us. Lead the way, friend.”

    We exited the small hall Esbern’s room was in, out into the next hall just outside the Flagon. It was composed of 3 tiers, with the Flagon right at the top. But as we emerged, we were surrounded by Thalmor soldiers, being watched my a mage standing on the second tier. “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” the mage said curtly, as his underlings surrounded us with their weapons drawn. “I think I’ll be rewarded quite handsomely – it’s not every day you have a Blade as well as a murderer and spy within your grasp.” The soldiers would kill us as soon as we reached for our weapons... but what if they didn’t see us? I shouted “Tiid!” to slow the passage of time around me, before pulling 2 invisibility potions from my pack, forcing one down Esbern’s throat and drinking one myself. The Thalmor looked confused as we both vanished, but I could see a vague outline of where Esbern was. As they began to search for us I nodded to him. A scorching fireball exploded amidst the five soldiers, setting them alight and causing them to panic. Blades already drawn, I moved in to strike down the unaware soldiers. A sneer grew across the mage’s face as I drew bow and Esbern prepared a spell to battle him. We moved to opposite sides of the room and began the battle. Esbern flung two firebolts at him, which passed harmlessly over his ward, which rather unfortunately for him couldn’t protect against my arrow piercing his side. Casting a protective barrier in one hand, he sent a bolt of lightning at me with unerring accuracy. My next arrow went wide as my arm jolted, but he was struck by Esbern’s next firebolt. He grimaced, moving into the tunnels as he tore the arrow from his robe and cast a healing spell. “We can’t let him get away!” Esbern said as we rushed after him.

    Esbern was surprisingly fit for an elder who lived in a small room in the Ratway. We’d devised a plan to deal with the mage, as he would most likely be holed up in a good ambush point in the tunnels. We rushed through – the taller Altmer would be faster than us – before Esbern pulled back my shoulder, whispering to me, “Rune traps. He’ll be hiding here somewhere.” Cautiously moving forward, I threw a small stone, skipping it along the worn rocky floor. I set off at least 2 rune traps, and the Altmer revealed himself. We were stuck in a narrow tunnel, while he stood blocking our advance. He stood blazing with arcs of lightning surrounding his body, his hands blazing with electrical energy. “This ends NOW!” he shouted, charging electrical energy in one hand and a ward in the other. “Now, Esbern!” With a growl Esbern threw two fireballs at the ward, shattering it and sending the mage reeling. The tunnel, however, was also working to our advantage.
    “FUS RO DAH!”
    The blast flew down the tunnel, me charging behind it, knocking the mage against the wall. I was upon him before he could rise to his feet once more – my blade pierced his defensive magic and right through his heart. “You’re not lying,” said Esbern. “You truly wield the Thu’um like a master.”

    I paid the stablehand a rather tidy sum to lead my steed back to Whiterun and purchased a small fishing boat for Esbern and I to make our way across lake Honrich. The Thalmor would be expecting us to use the roads I would imagine; a boat would be the best way to evade them. I filled Esbern in on the events that had occurred since the rise of the dragons. After some time he interrupted me. “I’m sorry, Dragonborn. I don’t believe I caught your name.” “Aedric. Aedric the Hunter as I’m known in the Rift.” “Oh my... is it true what they say? That you slew over 100 Draugr single handed in Bleak Falls Barrow?” My mouth was agape. That’d reached as far as Riften? “It was quite a few, but I can’t claim to that many!” We laughed. I told him of some of my other deeds over the past month or so. That seemed to inspire him a little; it was good to see him given hope. When we reached the western bank of the lake Esbern paused, staring up at the skies.“What is it?” I asked. The aurora was particularly beautiful tonight. “It’s just... I haven’t been outside for quite some time. It’s good to see beauty in the world again... no matter. If we don’t reach Delphine in Riverwood there won’t be any world left.”

    We made good time back to Riverwood, reaching the inn late in the evening. There didn’t seem to be very many patrons tonight, and Delphine was waiting for us. She beckoned us over to her secret room. “Esbern!” she burst out in laughter. “You’re alive”! They embraced briefly. “You too, Delphine, you too.” Esbern replied. I couldn’t help but smile. After that was over with I spoke. “Esbern said he had something for us, Delphine.” “Indeed I do!” he replied pulling a book out of his bag and laying it on the desk.  “I’ve discovered a way to stop Alduin!” “Alduin?” Delphine asked. “Don’t you remember the prophecy? ‘When misrule takes its place at the eight corners of the world, when the Brass Tower walks and Time is reshaped, when the thrice-blessed fail and the Red Tower trembles, when the Dragonborn Ruler loses his throne, and the White Tower falls, when the Snow Tower lies sundered, kingless, bleeding, the World-Eater wakes, and the Wheel turns upon the Last Dragonborn.’ Numidium has walked, the Tribunal have fallen, The Septims have died out, the Imperial City was captured, however briefly, and Skyrim is in turmoil. Now Alduin, the World Eater returns, with an intent to destroy the world as we know it.” “Well?” I asked. “How do we stop him?” “The Akaviri Dragonguard had very extensive libraries of their Dragonlore – an entire temple dedicated to Alduin himself.” “Dragonguard?” I asked. “Predecessors to the Blades,” Delphine replied. “As I was saying, I’ve managed to locate this temple. It’s hidden at Karthspire, in the Reach, and has compiled within it all knowledge about Alduin on a magnificent wall – Alduin’s Wall. This will tell us how the ancient Nords defeated him.” “Amazing!” Delphine exclaimed. “I knew you’d have something for us. We should all get some rest; we have alot of planning to do. Aedric, I’ll send a courier to let you know what’s going on.” I nodded, and returned upstairs to Orgnar to rent a room. “Good to see you again, Aedric. Just the room on the left again?” “You got it Orgnar.” I handed over 10 septims. “By the way,” he said, reaching under the counter. “A courier came by with these letters a day or so ago looking for you. I figured you’d be back here soon enough.” “Many thanks once again,” I said, grabbing the letters and heading off to my room.

    I opened the first letter, which bore the seal of the Empire.


    Quaestor Aedric

    Your expertise is required at the camp in the Pale. Report for duty within the week.
    Legate Adventus at Castle Dour will show you the location.

    Legate Rikke


    The second letter just had “Aedric” written on the envelope, although it looked like Sylgja’s writing.


    Dear Aedric

    I hope this reaches you well. I’m feeling much better and the mine is up and running again after you passed through. Luckily, we haven’t been attacked by any dragons again – the Riften guard is probably too busy looking for Imperial Soldiers to notice it, yet they can’t see the one in front of their own eyes! Mother told me about your daring rescue of Derkeethus from those wretched Falmer, with you and mother tell me all these stories I feel like I want to become an adventurer myself!

    Anyhow, I’m sure you’re very busy with the dragons and Greybeards and the war and all, but I’d really like it if we could see each other again in Shor’s Stone. I understand you’ve got alot of responsibility resting on you but I’d love to hear what you’ve been up to.

    Take care,

    Sylgja


    I laughed as I folded the letters back into my pack. Slygja’s had little scribbles of dragons and swords in some of the corners. I echoed the same sentiments as her – as much as I longed to see her I’d managed to get myself caught up in a whirlpool of responsibilities between the Blades, the Legion and Thieves Guild, not to mention my attempts to track down the Brotherhood.

    Looking over the previous entries in my journal I realised two things. I’d completely forgotten about Saadia’s plight in Whiterun – perhaps the Alik’r had already found her. Plus, I’d found both a Daedra heart and some Troll Fat – I might have to pay the Orcs of Largashbur another visit.

    A somewhat smaller list of tasks this time around. Choose a couple you think are the most important!

    1. Return to Aventus Aretino for the 'payment' (Eastmarch, Personal)
    2. Help out Saadia in Whiterun (Whiterun, side)
    3. Help out the Largashbur Orcs (Rift, side)
    4. Return to Sylgja at Shor's Stone (Rift, Personal)
    5. Report in immediately with the Legion (Haafingar, Imperial Legion)
    6. Other (Let me know in your comment)

    Notes: I opted to leave the music out this time - as much as it does add to the experience, the pace of the tale changes so quickly you would have to keep switching songs. Next chapter will probably introduce mounted combat, as well as some other modded stuff (cloaks anyone?) Anyhow, I'm always looking for constructive criticism, feel free to comment or PM me with any questions!

Comments

17 Comments
  • ScoutMo
    ScoutMo   ·  May 1, 2013
    ah
  • Ponty
    Ponty   ·  April 30, 2013
    I don't really remember, it's been almost a year since I touched that save. I've kind of turned away from this story, since I have to wait for people to respond, then play a game day of Skyrim, and then write it up (and take screenshots). I'm enjoying wri...  more
  • ScoutMo
    ScoutMo   ·  April 30, 2013
    Also are you playing Aedric on hardcore mode just without a couple of rules like 1 potion per our and stuff. You play him very realistically. 
  • ScoutMo
    ScoutMo   ·  April 30, 2013
    Keep these coming ponts! 
    Since our incredibly Athletic, Acrobatic Adventurous Aedric is a potion master mind could i have a list of how to make a one handed potion and a few other tonic useful to a dashing swordsman like aedric. I am starting an ad...  more
  • ScoutMo
    ScoutMo   ·  April 15, 2013
    I think he should join the Dawnguard or go to solstheim.
  • heimskr
    heimskr   ·  November 15, 2012
    I would like to see him settle down and start a family (Hearthfire)
  • heimskr
    heimskr   ·  November 15, 2012
    help skriglay or what ever her name was
  • Ponty
    Ponty   ·  June 19, 2012
    Thanks Bilal!
    I was sort of hoping the encounter with the assassin would show his disdain for the Brotherhood by the way he acted most unkindly towards the assassin... usually when I try to be subtle I'm a bit too subtle.
    Esbern doesn't actual...  more
  • Clement Bilhorn
    Clement Bilhorn   ·  June 17, 2012
    I love your approach to "Elder Strolling" (yes, I totally stole that from the well-known blog). You embellish everything with extra details and story, and do it so well.

    Also, your offering of readers' choice at the end is awesome. Personally, ...  more
  • Ponty
    Ponty   ·  June 17, 2012
    I could probably handle 1, 3 and 4 in one game day... onwards it is!
    I might include a plot synopsis of the events thusfar in the next chapter.