U.O.T.W. Chapter 170 The Will of One

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    Kodlak and Eorlund looked at each other; they both sat there stunned at Sotek’s proposal. Sotek himself wasn’t overly sure about his suggestion; he lifted his foot up and rested it on the anvil as he watched their faces.

     

    Eorlund was the first to put his thoughts into words and he did so strongly.

    “What? Have you lost your mind? Taking them to strike at a bandit camp is one thing but a dragon!!!  All their lives would be at risk? No, this is ridiculous. Harbinger you cannot allow this!”

     

    As if the discussion was already over, Kodlak got up then started to head towards the ramp. He stopped and quietly spoke to Sotek but his voice carried with it the wisdom of an old warrior.

    “I’ve seen many men and women fight for causes and die. Sometimes it’s inevitable but sometimes it’s plain bravado and recklessness. This subject is closed. Now, I hear you are to be congratulated on your successful attack of a small bandit camp. Well done Sotek, you’ve proved to be a strong capable Harbinger. But, I am now fit and ready to take charge once again. Thank you for stepping in my place, you have done me so proud”.

     

    Sotek smiled but his eyes stayed fixed on the forge.

    “Harbinger, it was an honour and I thank you for trusting me with such a prestigious title. I can only hope you will feel just as proud when the Whelps are running around scattered; when the streets are paved with blood; when Jorrvaskr and Dragonsreach are nothing but burning husks. One day there will be a dragon attack here. Aela and I killed a dragon outside Winterhold; it died next to their very stables. They were lucky that day. One day they won’t be; one day we won’t be”.

     

    The Harbinger turned around and angrily walked towards him. He raised a single finger up and pointed it at Sotek’s face.

     

    “Sotek, you are cunning and wise but don’t try to scare me into submission. Don’t you dare! I am aware of the possibility of a dragon attack but this is pointless. Now, this matter is closed and I suggest we all forget this conversation took place. Don’t taint what you’ve done here with this ludicrous idea!”

     

    Sotek sat on the anvil then sadly looked at them both. With as heavy sigh he pulled out his map of Skyrim and laid it out in front of him.

    “I’ve been given some information from Farengar. He has been looking into the dragon situation. This information I am going to share with you both. For the sake of all that is good and holy I ask that you keep this to yourselves. This could tear Whiterun apart as easily as the dragons themselves. Traders would stay away and farmers flee. Whiterun would become a ghost town. Harbinger, you have not got the faintest Idea on how real a dragon attack against Whiterun is. Not many people do! Did you both know there are apparently ten points scattered around Skyrim which are infested with dragons? Ten mountains the dragons are dominating for some reason which so far only they seem to know. Four of these surround Whiterun’s territory; two to the north, one to the south west and one to the west. The threat to Whiterun is real and it is growing. We must strike first and lower their number; and if we can, claim back the mountains”.

     

    Scarcely being able to believe what he had just heard, Eorlund interrupted him with a rather unusual high pitch tone in his voice.

    “Ten peaks? There are ten dragons out there?”

     

    Sotek shook his head and solemnly answered.

    “No, there are more than that I’m afraid. Eorlund, the ten peaks are the resting points for the strongest ones. Such as the one I want to take everyone to so they can see what it means to face a dragon. Harbinger, how many times had a dragon attacked someone on the plains? What will we do when the Whelps panic and run? What chance will they have if they get attacked while they are out there in a small group hunting deer? What I ask is that you let us take them with us four so they can see one for themselves. Let us give them a chance so they can get over their fear and be better prepared for what is to come”.

     

    Kodlak looked hard at him and questioned his motives. He knew Sotek wanted more dragon bones and scales and he had concerns Sotek was putting his own needs first rather than the safety of the pack.

    “Why? Tell me why? Is this from genuine concern or is this your ego?”

     

    Sotek shrugged back at him. It was obvious to both Kodlak and Eorlund that Sotek himself was struggling with the idea.

    “I don’t know! Is it ego? I feel the need to do this; I feel it’s the right path. No it’s not the wisest and I don’t know if it’s the dragon in me pushing for dominance. Apparently, according to the Greybeards, that’s the driving force of a Dragonborn, to dominate. We are drawn to power and we bend it to our will. Is that what this is about? I don’t know”.

     

    “Either of you, tell me it’s just ego. Tell me it’s the ‘Dragonborn’ in me and I’ll drop it but tell me it’s that because that is what you genuinely believe. If however it isn’t, if there is a part of you that thinks I’m right no matter how much the thought scares you, then let me take them. Give me the Whelps so I can prepare them for what will one day fill the sky above Whiterun”. As Sotek spoke, he looked up at the sky. Nightmarish visions of dragons circling above, breathing fire upon the town filled him with dread. Inside he knew... that vision would one day come true.

     

    The Harbinger looked at Eorlund who gave him a nod then he put forward one single question.

    “Can you guarantee their safety?”

     

    Sotek shook his head solemnly.

    “I can’t guarantee one god damn thing except there is a dragon and it’s a dominant one. That’s it... but I’ll not order them, I’ll ask for volunteers”.

     

    “How do you intend to carry out this attack?”

     

    Sotek turned to Eorlund and answered his question as best as he could.

    “Simple; all the Whelps stay with Aela. They attack just using their bows while Farkas, Vilkas and I engage it when it lands on the ground. Everyone else stays back. Only we three will actually engage it directly”.

     

    Eorlund then spoke to the Harbinger and gave him one piece of wisdom.

    “It is better they found out under the Companions guidance than without it”.

     

    Kodlak nodded, accepting the situation for what it was; a bad one.

    “Yes it is but I can’t give this the go ahead. Then again Sotek you don’t need it anyway. I don’t lead the Companions but I try to guide them. Put your proposal to them, all of them and we’ll see who will stand by your blade... axe”.

     

    Sotek nodded then headed off to Jorrvaskr.

    “I’ll call them all together but wait until you get back to the hall before I ask them”.

     

    “Yes, I would appreciate that. Oh, Sotek! Thank you for putting it to us, you could have so easily just took them off and done it behind our backs”.

     

    “I know there are times when I am far from honest with you but it’s always with good intent. Harbinger, there would be no honour in that path”. With those words hanging in the air Sotek went off to the hall.

     

    When Sotek entered Jorrvaskr, he found Aela was sitting on the step waiting for him. She immediately got up and approached her mate hardly bothering to hide the signs of worry which covered her face.

    “What’s going on? Where is Kodlak? Will you talk to me and tell me what’s wrong before I beat it out of you?”

     

    Ignoring Aela’s threats, Sotek stopped in front of her and held her by the shoulder. He looked straight at her and spoke.

    “Aela, could you gather everyone in the hall please? Thank you. You will get your answer soon enough, that I promise you”. Then Sotek simply sat on the top step and waited for everyone to enter the hall.

     

    Aela headed out to the training area and called out to the few Whelps who were out there sitting at the table drinking then she glanced up to the Skyforge and saw Kodlak and Eorlund standing there. She studied them both for a few moments before walking inside then she headed below to get the rest of the Companions. When she came back upstairs she sat on a chair watching Sotek. He felt her gaze on him and as he looked up she gave him a slight smile but he just sat there watching her face. 

     

    Farkas sat next to her and asked about their strange summoning.

    “What’s going on?”

     

    She just shrugged back at him and told him of all that she knew which wasn’t much.

    “I don’t know, Sotek isn’t saying and Kodlak’s talking to Eorlund at the Skyforge”.

     

    Vilkas sat the other side of her and asked the same question.

    “Hey, what’s happening?”

     

    She sighed at the second brother in defeat.

    “I don’t know, but I wish I bloody did”.

     

    Kodlak watched Sotek enter the hall before speaking to Eorlund, asking him for his opinion.

    “What do you think? Talk to me old friend”.

     

    Eorlund stood next to him and looked across Whiterun. He thought back to Sotek helping Adrianne at the Warmaiden’s and Arcadia’s alchemy shop.

    “He does what he thinks is necessary at the time; but that doesn’t make him right. The vexed question is, does it make him wrong?”

     

    Kodlak gave a small laugh and turned towards the blacksmith.

    “That don’t help one little bit”.

     

    “Oh you want help? Well the best I can offer is this; like you said he could have taken them off but he didn’t. He asked you here, away from everyone else so you could make up your mind”.

     

    “Is he out for himself in this? Is this to further his goals?” Kodlak asked. He wasn’t sure if there was some underlying reason for Sotek’s plan. What really troubled Kodlak was the fact that there usually was an ulterior motive.

     

    “He’s made no secret he needs to kill more dragons but he doesn’t need the Whelps for that. Do you realise he hasn’t once told the Whelps about his second trial? Not once has he told how he beat those three; he kept it to himself. That in itself rules out him seeking fame and glory. He knows he can never beat the three Companions in a fair fight but he knows he can beat them in a real fight. All this talk about dragons? It’s real to him more so than to the rest of us”. As Eorlund spoke he picked up a sword and toyed with the handle before laying it down besides the forge. It needed rebinding and the blade was dull and lifeless. Just how he was currently feeling.

     

    “Eorlund, you do know that everyone will stand by him on this?” It was rare for Kodlak to want someone else to make the decisions. He never was one to shirk his responsibilities but this was one of those times when he wished someone would.

     

    “Yes, but do you realise you’re Harbinger because he hasn’t told you to step down? You know you will have to someday and you know it’s him who will take your place. He’ll either wait, or force your hand. I wonder just how much the dragon in him is crying out for dominance”.

     

    “One day I’ll stand aside, I just hope when that day comes I’ll have no need to regret it”. Then he headed off towards the hall. Inside he was in turmoil, he knew the Whelps would go and the Companions would willingly follow Sotek; he just hoped they would all return home.

     

    As Kodlak entered the hall, everyone inside turned to face him; all of them except for Two Companions. Sotek, who sat on his step, had his attention firmly fixed on Aela. She herself was intently watched him in the hope of reading his emotions or with small degree of wishful thinking, what was going on in his mind. The trouble was that she had enough problems reading his face let alone anything else. The Argonian’s features were practically unreadable but she knew he was worried.

     

    Kodlak walked past the Whelps and headed straight towards his chair. His stomach was turning and the back of his throat felt dry. After filling a glass with water, he supped from it then addressed everyone in the hall.

    “Can I have everyone’s attention please?” As he spoke everyone including Aela and Sotek looked towards him. “I am now able to resume my role as Harbinger. Sotek, please stand”.

     

    Sotek stood up and faced the two doors to the yard. Kodlak was on his left but he didn’t turn towards the Harbinger at all. His gaze was fixed on the yard even when Kodlak spoke.

    “Sotek, I thank you for carrying this burden on my behalf; you have my thanks and gratitude. Although I take back the title of Harbinger and relieve you of this duty, I see no reason to undo any of the changes you have implemented so they stay in place. The Inner Circle will benefit having days to train themselves and I feel everyone would be better equipped for the world outside with bows as well as their main weapons”.

     

    He paused to give Sotek an opportunity to speak but the Argonian didn’t. Instead he turned his head to face Kodlak while he waited for the Harbinger to finish properly. Guessing Sotek was indeed waiting, Kodlak brought up the issue which had Aela and the others on tender hooks.

    “Now, Sotek has a request to put to each and every one of you. This includes all the Whelps. I myself am against this but although I don’t think this course of action is right, I will allow it. Sotek, you have the floor”.

     

    Aela swung around to face Sotek directly. She waited with bated breath while she wondered what had Kodlak so worried. She had thought it was about Red and Scarface’s behaviour but that wasn’t the case. She studied Sotek as he stood up, examining him for any sign or clue.

     

    He looked at each Companion and Whelp in turn as he slowly gazed around the room. His eyes seemed to dart about, flicking from one person to another, never fixing upon anyone for more than a second; until Aela fell upon his gaze.

    “Farkas, Vilkas, Aela. All of you; don’t feel you’re obliged in any way to do this; none of you should. What I am about to propose is highly dangerous. There could well be casualties and death could quickly follow. Don’t do it because your friend is or because you feel obliged. These are not acceptable reasons. You do this because you feel you want to; no other reason. There is no oath you have taken, no debt you owe; no loyalty you’re bound to. Does everyone understand?”

     

    He stood there watching them as he waited for an answer but the hall fell into silence. One of the Whelps shuffled their foot across the floor just a few inches. The hall was so depraved of sound that everyone heard it.

    Sotek gave it a few seconds longer then asked again; demanding a response.

    “Does everyone understand?”

     

    They all called out ‘yes’, even the three Companions despite Aela not understanding one little bit as to what it was all about. Sotek leaned his back against one of the pillars and took a deep breath before addressing them all a second time.

     

    “This is open to everyone. Each and every one of you must make up your own minds. I’m after volunteers. Anyone willing to go with me should check their gear, double up on healing potions... and make their way to the main gate within half an hour. In half an hour from now, that group will be setting off across the plains. Our goal? To kill a dragon. You have half an hour to decide”. He then sat down on the step and watched everyone’s faces.

     

    All the Whelps started talking over each other as they all gathered in a single mass of writhing limbs and voices as they headed downstairs to check their gear.

     

    Dumb founded, Farkas and Vilkas both gawped across the table at him, not even bothering to get out of their chairs. Aela on the other hand moved all too quickly. She threw her chair back and launched herself at the Harbinger as he was walking past her. Such was her speed and ferocity; she made Tilma gasp in shock.

     

    Aela grabbed the Harbinger by the arm and pulled him around, demanding that he faced her rant.

    “Why the hell are you allowing this?”

     

    Kodlak forced her hand off him, freeing himself from her grip. He tried to rationalize the situation with her but she was beyond the point of listening.

    “Aela, let me go! Now, like I said, I’m not happy about it... ”

     

    Before he could say any more she shouted at him while her finger pointed at him accusingly. She openly blamed him and his lack of action by allowing the hunting party to take place.

    “If you’re not happy then stop it. You’re the Harbinger aren’t you? This isn’t a few bandits they are hunting, people die fighting those things. You can stop it so why don’t you?”

     

    “Aela, I’ve already talked to Sotek. He is fully aware of my views. However, I have allowed everyone to make their own choice in this matter. Now let me go”. While he talked he felt the palm of Aela’s hand push against his chest in an attempt to try to prevent him from walking past her. Slowly he lifted up his arm on the inside of Aela’s wrist and, with minimal effort he forced her arm away, clearing his path.

     

    Vilkas and Farkas both got up then started heading downstairs to check their packs. Aela let go of the Harbinger and intercepted them before they even made it to the stairwell. All the while Sotek sat there in silence watching her. She grabbed the two brothers by the arms and tried to pull them back. The result was Aela lurching forwards as they dragged her across the floor by three feet before they even noticed they were pulling her along.

     

    This done nothing to tone down the Huntresses temper which now raged like an inferno. She yelled at the closest one, Farkas and once again began pulling his arm.

    “Where the hell are you two going? Sit the hell down and help me stop this”.

     

    Farkas broke her grip from his arm and tried to distance himself from the whole scenario. Looking towards his brother for guidance, he shrugged his shoulders and left it to Vilkas for a course of action.

     

    Vilkas looked back at Sotek and tapped Farkas in the side with the back of his hand. Grudgingly he buckled to Aela’s will and moved towards Sotek.

    “Let’s go talk to him. Find out what this is really about”.

     

    The three Companions went over to Sotek who stood up to face them. Aela moved to his left as Farkas stepped to his right while Vilkas chose to face him head on. Knowing Aela was emotionally unstable, Vilkas first gave her a warning before he tackled Sotek.

    “Aela, I swear if you say one word I’ll knee you in the crotch. Sotek, why are you doing this?”

     

    Sotek looked over his shoulders and found himself surrounded. The three Companions moved slightly closer, cutting off any escape. This was their favourite subduing tactic as it made anyone caught between them feel intimidated. Many a quarrel had been stopped using this method.

     

    Sotek wasn’t just ‘anyone’ though. He had grown up with three Argonian girls who he regarded as sisters. They were all older than him and they tried to intimidate and apply peer pressure against him from the moment he could walk. They soon found that Sotek’s will was his own and even as a child he refused to buckle.

     

    If the three Companions thought this would work then they were in for a surprise. Sotek smiled at Farkas and beckoned him closer.

    “This would work far better if you leaned in a bit. Make the person feel he has to fight for air and he will cave in far more quickly. Vilkas, I’m doing this because at some point the Whelps are going to come across a dragon. I would much prefer they did under our terms rather than out there where they have no backup. You two encountered a dragon on the plains. What if it was just two Whelps? We can show them what to do. We can prepare them; show them how to face their fears”.

     

    Vilkas rested his hand on Sotek’s shoulder and nodded. He backed away, breaking the circle, allowing Sotek to move away from the others.

    “I feel it’s too early but you’re right. There’s no telling when a dragon will attack. I’m in”.

     

    “And me!” Farkas added. “I’m going as well”.

     

    Aela, in total disbelief, screamed at the pair of them. She felt her siblings had abandoned her along with reason and she said so. Each word was laced in sarcasm in the hope of regaining their favour.

    “You what? Vilkas! You stupid son of a bitch! You weren’t sure about him taking the Whelps against a small camp! This is a bloody dragon! Four guards died when the dragon attacked that tower! Did you know that? Has he told them that? Well? No he bloody hasn’t. I expect Farkas to follow him; he’s as thick as they come but you?”

     

    Ignoring the multitude of insults, Farkas spoke quietly to her in the vain hope of getting her to see their side of things.

    “Aela, it’s the right thing to do. They need to be prepared. Hell, think of the glory it would bring”.

     

    “Oh excuse me! I didn’t think I was in the ‘look at me I’m butch club’. Save it! I’m drowning in testosterone. And as for you…” She stepped forwards and grabbed Sotek by the collar, pulling him back to the doors.

     

    “What’s the real reason for this? It’s not about them being prepared. I was there when you spoke to the Greybeards remember? I know what they said about you. Damn you, can’t you see this is wrong? You’re on a power trip, that’s what this is about. You had a taste of power taking over, being the Harbinger and you can’t let go so you got to prove yourself. Because of that they might die. That’s what this is about, you seeking power damn you. Fine! Have it your way... these two, me and you; no Whelps. We’ll find this dragon and deal with it then you can come back here and we’ll sing of your glory and honor!”

     

    “Honor? Glory? Aela, since when do I go in search of glory and honor? Glory is a blanket used to mask the cost of the dead. Honor is a falsehood giving a man the right to kill. That’s not what this is about. Aela, you know me; you know me more than they do. This isn’t about me being Dragonborn or about power”.

     

    “You’re a fucking liar! They’re going to suffer because of you”. Without thinking, Aela swung her fist at Sotek as hard as she could. She struck him on the side of the jaw. As soon as her fist made contact, Sotek’s head was thrown violently sideways from the impact. He staggered from the blow and leaned back against the door to support him before looking back at her in shock.

     

    Aela gave Farkas a horrendous shove then stormed off. She threw open the opposite doors and disappeared outside in the training yard leaving Sotek standing there holding his jaw.

     

     

Comments

8 Comments   |   The Sunflower Manual and 6 others like this.
  • Sotek
    Sotek   ·  December 1, 2016
    Fixed the errors and made a line amendment. 
    Sotek explain things? You might as well ask Aela to behave...
  • Ebonslayer
    Ebonslayer   ·  December 1, 2016
    “Aela, could you gather everyone in the hall please? Thank you. You will get your answer in due (time)". Time makes more sense to me than course in this sentence .


    “I don’t know, but I (wish) I bloody did”.


    <...  more
  • The Long-Chapper
    The Long-Chapper   ·  November 6, 2016
    Wow, there's a bit of tension there now. But dragons are not small matters. I understand Sotek's point of view, but he could've explained things better. *sighs* Granted, they could have listened better too. 
  • Aela The Huntress
    Aela The Huntress   ·  October 31, 2016
    Hey there's me!
    Sotek's already read the next chapter to me. Thanks for the suggestion Harrow, I do feel it adds to the chapter.
  • Sotek
    Sotek   ·  October 29, 2016
    I have to admit Harrow that would be a nice way around the situation and it would be easy to have Aela re-enter the hall and suggest it to Sotek. 


    The trouble is to do that I would have to cut out the next chapter as it won't fit...  more
    • The Sunflower Manual
      The Sunflower Manual
      Sotek
      Sotek
      Sotek
      I have to admit Harrow that would be a nice way around the situation and it would be easy to have Aela re-enter the hall and suggest it to Sotek. 


      The trouble is to do that I would have to cut out the next chapter as it won't fit at all. (Currentl...  more
        ·  October 29, 2016
      I understand. It was just a thought.
      • Sotek
        Sotek
        The Sunflower Manual
        The Sunflower Manual
        The Sunflower Manual
        I understand. It was just a thought.
          ·  October 29, 2016
        Oh don't hold back the thoughts. I'm always happy to receive ideas, suggestions and criticisms. 
        I've had a talk with Aela and we've come up with a simple solution which does implement your suggestion without compromising the story. I expect yo...  more
  • The Sunflower Manual
    The Sunflower Manual   ·  October 29, 2016
    What about practicing in mock battles first? At least have the Whelps accustom themselves to attacks with fire and frost.