As I headed back toward the Whiterun gates, I ran into Delphine going the other way. I nodded to her in greeting, and she replied with a curt, “We’ve got nothing to talk about.” Fine. I didn’t want to talk to you anyway. Glad I wasn’t her employer. Though really, was a dragon sighting ‘nothing to talk about’?
I opened up the wooden gates once more, even as I was having second thoughts about my decision to help. After all, I was just a thief, what could I possibly do against a dragon? Perhaps I could provide some pointers, since I was one of the few who’d encountered it and lived to tell the tale. I noticed a group of guards just standing around, so I said hello. One of them said, “With Irileth, you either come back covered in glory, or not at all.” That sounded foreboding.
I re-entered Dragonsreach, which was still eerily quiet. Too quiet. I made my over to the stairwell I’d seen Irileth and Ferengar go up, and it was at this point that I noticed for the first time the dragon skull above the throne I had previously sat upon. So they could be killed. Unless that one died of old age. However old dragons age to.
I passed a guard who said, “Trouble?” No thanks, I already had some. Another one said, “What is it, Khajiit?” I guess they figured sometimes they better take care, when a cat-man is creepin’ round their backstairs. As I went up the tall stone staircase, on the far wall I saw some really long, fancy decorative towels hanging from the wall. So they apparently still worship towels here. Their secret was safe with me.
As soon as I reached the top, the Jarl casually strolled up to me, saying, “There’s no time to stand on ceremony, my friend. I need your help again.”
A few days ago, this statement would have surprised, confused, and annoyed me. But I was becoming immune to it at this point.
He then told me, “I want you to go with Irileth and help her fight this dragon.” If by ‘help her fight’ you mean, cheer her on from a distance and warn her when it’s about to breathe fire, then sure I suppose I can do that from the shadows. I may have decided to stay and help, but I still wasn’t eager to present myself as a tasty treat to a dragon.
“You survived Helgen.” Yes, by running away from the dragon. “So you have more experience with dragons than anyone else here.” Well, what about Hadvar? He survived, too, but I don’t see him here. In fact, I would argue that he saved me from the dragon. Also, why did they let Delphine leave? As I thought this to myself, he continued, “But I haven’t forgotten the service you did for me in retrieving the Dragonstone for Farengar.” Oh yeah, that. I’d almost forgotten about the reward. I suddenly couldn’t wait to see what riches he would bestow upon me. “As a token of my esteem, I have instructed Avenicci that you are now permitted to purchase property in the city.”
Yes, I couldn’t believe it, I– wait. Back up. My ‘reward’… or rather, the ‘token of his esteem’… was that he’d “permit me” to purchase property? So, basically he was willing to not treat me like a Khajiit. Awesome. That’s so noble of him, I can barely stand it. Because what better reward is there than to be in debt, and financially obligated to stay in the city that moments ago I had planned to leave and never revisit? Also, I can’t imagine the property market is looking too good on the cusp of a dragon attack. Might as well offer me the right to plant crops right as a drought hits.
But he wasn’t done, as he said, “And please, accept this gift from my personal armory.” Okay, now we were talking. He handed me a hide helmet. Seriously? This thing is… I looked at it more closely, and saw some symbols indicating it would help me with archery. Okay, that would be useful after all. Then the Jarl suddenly ran away from me.
Farengar said to Irileth, “I should come along. I would very much like to see this dragon.” Why not? The more the merrier. We might as well die together, right? I was starting to feel a bit nihilistic about the whole thing.
The Jarl turned to him and said, “No. I can’t afford to risk both of you.” Oh, so just me then? “I need you here working on ways to defend the city against these dragons.” These dragons? Could someone PLEASE explain to me why everyone thinks it’s a dragon outbreak? There’s only been ONE dragon seen. One. Not two, not fifty, just one. I was growing annoyed with people blowing things out of proportion. “One last thing, Irileth,” he said, “this isn’t a death or glory mission. I need to know what we’re dealing with.” A dragon. You’re dealing with a dragon.
“Don’t worry, my Lord,” she said, “I am the very soul of caution.” Really, because that’s not what the guards outside were saying.
I went up to thank the Jarl, and he turned and all but yelled at me, “Help Irileth kill this dragon before it can attack Whiterun! There’s no time to lose.”
So, to Irileth, it’s be cautious, find out what you’re dealing with, not death or glory. But for me, it’s hurry up and kill it? I’m getting a mixed message here.
Fine, whatever, I thought as I swiped a few coins on my way out. I left Dragonsreach, passing several guards who didn’t appear to be on their way to fight any dragon. I decided to add a minute or two to my walk by ducking briefly into the nearby Temple of Kynareth. I wasn’t often a praying Khajiit, but desperate times and all that. I touched the shrine, and felt my stamina improve, and the Rattles, if I had them, were eliminated. To be honest I don’t know why anyone would go to the alchemist to cure their diseases when they could just rely on the whims of a disembodied and sometimes fickle divine being for free. Though looking around the temple at all of the sickly people, I had to wonder why they didn’t just touch the shrine, or go to the alchemist. Ah well, I had bigger lizards to fry. Which I realize is a rather racist saying, but there were no Argonians around, so it was okay.
I continued on my way, pausing yet again, this time to step into The Drunken Huntsman, for a… different sort of blessing. I had thought it was a tavern, actually, but it turned out to be a place that sold hunting supplies. Fortunately they also sold mead, which I bought, even though money was tight. I wasn’t sure how many arrows it would take to kill a dragon, so I bought a baker’s dozen of those as well. I figured if 13 arrows wouldn’t kill it, it deserved to live, in my opinion. Perhaps not the most sound logic, but there it was.
I stepped back outside, and noticed some of the guards harrassing a man. They said, “Look, you already have been told you’re not allowed here. Turn around and go back the way you came.”
“We’re causing no trouble,” said the man. “All we ask is to look for her.” For who, I wondered.
“I don’t care what you’re doing,” said the guard, “after what happened you’re lucky I don’t toss you in jail. Now get lost.” It was nice to see someone other than myself being treated rudely by the local law enforcement.
A second guy, who I didn’t realize was with the first guy, said, “We will be back. This is not over.”
I went to ask the guard what that was about, but he apparently didn’t want to talk about it, and instead just replied, “The guards in Dragonsreach say you aided the Jarl. On behalf of Whiterun, I thank you.”
Huh. Okay then. I was not used to being acknowledged for being helpful. I nodded my thanks and went my way. Or started to, but the earlier, angry-looking harrassed man started to stare at me and approach me. So I backed up a few steps, in case I was in his way or something. He stopped walking. So I stepped forward again, and he started toward me once more. I backed up, but he continued following me. I backed up so far, I almost fell into the city well. Luckily it had that protective child-proof grate. Eventually I was backed up against the door of the Bannered Mare. I hoped he wasn’t going to kill me.
“You there,” he said, “we’re looking for someone in Whiterun. And will pay good money for information.” This didn’t seem like the right time for this. Did he not know about the dragon?
“Who are you looking for?” I asked.
“A woman,” he said. Well that narrows it down. “A foreigner in these lands. Redguard, like us. She is likely not using her true name.” As if that were helpful information. “We will pay for any information regarding her location. We are not welcome here in Whiterun. So we will be in Rorikstead if you learn anything.” And then he was silent.
What, so that’s it? Just a Redguard woman with a fake name? That could be any number of the dozens upon dozens of people who lived in Whiterun. The mostly male, and largely pale citizens of… Whiterun. Hmm. Suddenly the city’s name had an unfortunate connotation to me. Okay, so maybe it would be easier to find her than I first considered. But still. Why would I do this? “Why are you looking for this person?”
“It’s none of your concern,” he said. Clearly he was wrong, as it was some of my concern. “All you need to know is that we’re paying for information. If that doesn’t interest you, feel free to walk away.”
I sighed. “Who are you looking for again?”
“We’re looking for a fugitive who comes from Hammerfell. A Redguard woman. She may be somewhere in this city.” Yeah, still not enough information. “She cannot hide from us forever.” But that’s the beauty of hiding, you see, as most people do not seek someone forever.
He spun on his heels and strode away, his majestic cloak flapping behind him. I had to admit, he had a cool outfit. But that did not make me trust him. I seemed to recall a Redguard woman arguing with her husband the other day about a sword he wanted to go find. I wondered if that was her? I glanced up at the Bannered Mare sign. Perhaps she was getting a drink? It wouldn’t hurt to check. The dragon wasn’t going anywhere.
I entered the tavern once more, and Hulda announced that she thought she had a clean mug somewhere. I hoped this was tavern humor and not an admission of uncleanliness. As I walked toward the fire, I saw a Redguard woman coming down the stairs in front of me. Rather convenient, that.
As I walked up to her, she said, “What can I do for you?”
I asked her, “Did you know some Alik’r Warriors are looking for a Redguard woman?” Wait, how did I even know what Alik’r Warriors were? Just how much time did I lose from my amnesia? I made a note to check a calendar at the first opportunity.
“Are you sure?” she asked. “Oh no, they’ve found me! I need your help!” I’ll say. “Please, come with me. I need to speak with you privately.” She then walked over to the bar and had a conversation with Hulda about polishing glasses. I followed her through the kitchen, past several sweetrolls that were calling out to me, but I resisted. For now. We went up a flight of stairs and into what I assumed was her room. I peeked inside, and she was standing facing me, her hands at her sides like we were about to duel. That little voice in my head that often warns me about things and which I often ignore, was telling me to leave now. But I did not. Instead I entered her room, because I am an idiot.
As soon as I was within stabbing distance, she assumed a fighting stance, drawing out a dagger and asking me, “So, are you working with them? You think you can take me? You so much as touch me, and you’re going to lose fingers.” Whoa, slow down, lady! Nobody’s taking anyone. “I mean it! I’ll… I’ll cut you in half!”
Were I not keen on survival, I’d almost like to see how she’d manage that with the dagger she held. It would take a long, excruciating amount of time. I tried not to think about it.
Her voice lost some of its edge and turned to slight panic. “So the Alik’r know where I am? What did they offer you? Gold? How many more of them are coming? Tell me!”
“Relax,” I said in my most calming voice, which is all of my voice. “I’m not going to hurt you.”
“Then I need your help, and there isn’t anyone else I can trust here in the city.” Seriously? Because that’s just kinda sad.
“Maybe,” I said, which was a totally inappropriate response to what she just said. “What do you want?”
“I am not the person that the people of Whiterun think I am.” Gasp! Shock! Horror! Yawn! “My real name is Iman. I am a Noble of House Suda in Hammerfell.”
Before my eyes could properly glaze over, she continued, “The men who are looking for me, the Alik’r, they are assassins in the employ of the Aldmeri Dominion.” Oh, I hated those guys. “They wish to exchange my blood for gold.” Ah yes, the Blood for Gold program. I had to do that one summer. Was tired for a week. “I need you to root them out and drive them away before they find me and drag me back to Hammerfell for an execution.”
I squinted at her. “How am I supposed to get rid of them?”
“They’re mercenaries, only in it for the money.” That doesn’t answer my question. “They’re led by a man named Kematu. Get rid of him, and the rest will scatter.” So, you’re asking me to kill a man. On purpose. Not in self defense. “I don’t dare show my face, lest they recognize me. So you’ll have to find out where they are.”
I sighed. This was already way too complicated. I was just giving her a heads-up here. “Any suggestions as to how I find them?”
“I heard one of them was just arrested trying to sneak into the city.” I think you misheard, as there were two, and they were just walking around like they owned the place. “If he’s locked up in the jail, perhaps you can get it out of him.”
Oh boy, so I get to revisit the jail for what, the third time?
“Please,” she said, “I know I’m asking you to do something difficult.” We agree on that, then. “Maybe even dangerous.” Maybe? No maybe about it. “I just don’t know who else I can trust.”
I had a feeling the only reason she “trusted” me is because I knew too much already. And someone helping you is someone not turning you in. But why me? “Why haven’t you gone to the guards for help?”
This ticked her off. “You think I’d be in hiding if this was something I trusted town guards to handle? These men are ruthless. Cunning, deceitful… they’ll pay off whoever they can. I can’t trust anyone here in Whiterun. Guards and Jarls can be bought.” Which still doesn’t explain why she’d trust me, then. “And the Alik’r are close. I’m running out of time. So I’m choosing to trust you.”
Something else about the whole thing was still bothering me. “Why are the Alik’r after you?”
“I don’t know for sure,” she said, possibly lying. “I spoke out against the Aldmeri Dominion publicly.” Okay, I was starting to warm to her. “I suspect that’s why these men were hired to hunt me down.” Finally she sheathed her dagger and said, “Find me the moment the Alik’r are taken care of.”
I made no promises, but quietly left her room. My head was spinning with all the information, and also the mead from earlier. Why had I drunk so much mead and ale tonight? Oh yeah! The dragon! I’d almost forgotten. I ran out of the tavern, through town and out the front gates.
I paused to catch my breath. It was the middle of the night, so it was very dark outside of the city. I looked around for a sign of the dragon, but saw nothing. It occurred to me that nobody had told me where to go, just to help out.
Hoping someone would show up and tell me where to go, I paused to update my journal. It was then that I noticed some unfamiliar scribbling in the back of my journal. It was not my handwriting, but said “Meet Irileth near the Western Watchtower.” When had this gotten there? Who had written it? And how? Did this mean my Journal was magical, much like my map? Did I somehow acquire these goodies during the moments I cannot remember from my amesia period before being arrested? I desperately wanted to make sense of all this, but now was not the time.
I looked at the map, which showed me the Western Watchtower. Fine, I would go there. I almost mounted Skype, but decided he should not have to be dragged into this mess if I could help it, so I let him continue grazing in the grass by the stables. and walked, stealthily and carefully to the watchtower, which fortunately wasn’t that far away.
As I crept along, that voice in my head spoke up once more. “Are you really doing this? Creeping toward a dragon sighting? Is this what we do now? Is this who we are? How will this lead to profit? There is a difference between courage and stupidity, you know.” Actually, I didn’t know. They seemed very similar to me, at the moment. At least I had the good sense to be scared. That would give me some edge, perhaps. I occasionally paused to scan the sky for any sign of dragon whatsoever, but saw nothing. I began to suspect it was a hoax or something.
I spotted a group of soldiers hunched down behind a boulder, staring at the tower as though the tower itself was going to attack. I could hear Irileth say, “No sign of any dragon right now.” As I snuck up quietly, she continued, “I know it looks bad, but we’ve got to figure out what happened. And if that dragon is still skulking around somewhere.” I doubted dragons were capable of skulking. I imagined a sign saying “You must be at least this small in order to skulk.”
They drew their weapons as she said, “Spread out and look for survivors. We need to know what we’re dealing with.”
A DRAGON! YOU’RE DEALING WITH A MOTHERBURNING DRAGON! HOW IS THAT SO HARD TO UNDERSTAND! Sorry for shout-writing, but even recalling it now, it aggravates me.
Now that I was this close to the tower, I could see the smoke and fire and debris. It did not look good, the prospect of finding survivors in this mess. Even the surrounding vegetation was scorched. Except for a tuft of tundra cotton, which I plucked just because I could. There were large chunks of stone strewn about, as though the tower had exploded somehow. I didn’t understand how a dragon could cause that.
Nearby a moose stomped obliviously over a small rolling hill, while I cautiously circled the perimeter, looking for clues, or something. Still no sign of the dragon, other than its aftermath. I picked another bit of cotton. I did a full circle of the tower, but the only survivors I saw were the guards who had come with Irileth. At least, I think that they came with her. They all looked alike to me, as I think I mentioned before.
As I did this, a group of men in full armor strode up to me, and said, “We’re here to teach you a lesson.” Um, you guys, now is really not a good time. They looked like hired thugs, but who could be sure? I mean, Ferengar thought I was a brute.
Any other time, I probably would have been ground to a pulp, but what they didn’t seem to know was that I had Irileth and the Whiterun Guards with me, who proceeded to open up a chest of kickass onto their unsuspecting faces. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy it. Soon they were dead, and good riddens. I still wasn’t sure what lesson they’d wanted to teach, so I searched their bodies. I found a contract on one, that red, “Here is the agreed upon amount. I expect you to faithfully carry out my request to teach a lesson to the thief Steve. You need not kill him, but I have no qualms about it if you deem it necessary. - Narri.”
Narri. Why did that name ring a bell? Hang on a sec – she was the lady who wanted to go on adventures with me, right? The one who invaded my room and stared at me while I slept? She wanted to “teach me a lesson”? For thieving? What made her think I was–
Oh. Right. The gold. That whole, “Came out ahead,” thing. So I guess she noticed the room had less in it when I left. Now I wasn’t sure if I felt annoyed or guilty. I supposed they weren’t mutually exclusive. Well, I guess if I ever went back there, things might be awkward. So business as usual, in other words.
Also seemed a bit weird to pay a thug 50 gold to teach me a lesson for stealing maybe 12 gold, if that. Perhaps it was the principle of the thing? Then I checked the other two thugs. They also had 50 gold on them. So wait, she paid 150 gold to possibly kill me over 12 gold? We have a word for that in Elsweyr. It’s called “Overkill.” I supposed they had that word in Skyrim as well. Anyway, if the lesson was supposed to be that crime doesn’t pay, I just found 150 reasons why she was wrong.
Now that that brush with death had passed, it was time to check out our previously scheduled brush. I walked up the ruined walkway of the watchtower, as a man was coming out of it, saying, “No, get back! It’s still here somewhere! Hroki and Tor just got grabbed when they tried to make a run for it!”
From behind me, Irileth said, “Guardsman! What happened? Where’s this dragon? Quickly now!”
“I don’t know,” said the guard. Then looked up and said, “Kynareth save us, here he comes again!” I ran into the tower as I heard the familiar roar overhead. As everyone else ran outside like idiots, I climbed the stairs of the watchtower in order to get a better vantage point from which to shoot it. I looked down from the edge of the top, and saw it raining fire upon the people below. I got out my magic bow, pulled back the string, and let loose a steel arrow at it.
Or rather, I was about to, but then it suddenly swooped over the tower, apparently… talking? I couldn’t understand it, but it was definitely speaking. It looked slightly different than what I’d remembered, and as the sun rose on the distant horizon, it dawned on me that this was a second, separate dragon. So everyone else was right and I was wrong. There were two of them. Great.
To be continued. (Though spoiler alert, I’m not dead.)
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