Skyrim's Sovereign

Chapter 5

          Having traveled back to Windhelm and summoned Ulfric to High Hrothgar, Aela and I reached the mountaintop temple a week later to prepare for both leaders' arrival.

The Greybeards greet their former student with warmth and admiration. Though they are appalled at my having enlisted them to deliberate on this council for uncovering the plot against the opposing leaders' lives, they know it is for the best.

The next morning, Aela and I take our seats at the great table in the council room.

I am taken down nostalgia valley when I accept my seat. This brings back memories of the Season Unending sessions between the Imperialists and the Stormcloaks.

Ulfric and Elisif seem to be in a staring contest, neither relenting long enough to speak.

It's mostly their second-hands who voice the concerns and accusations.

Falk Firebeard is pointing at Galmar Stone-Fist across the table and Galmar blasts back. Their voices rise over each other, they're both growing red in the face.

"Children," Arngeir stands up, his grey robe billowing out while he raises both hands. "We cannot go on this way."

I can't help but smile at my old teacher. The name he called them was perfect. Grown men were great at acting like children when they wanted their way.

"Can we continue this in a neutral tone?" Arngeir demands, his voice even and firm. He eyes the two second-hands.

Falk and Galmar refuse to meet the Greybeard's gaze.

"Should we postpone until tomorrow?" Arngeir is addressing me now.

I scratch my beard. Turning to Ulfric and then Elisif, I notice their stares have changed ever so slightly. The lines of weariness have already crept over their cheeks.

Aela clears her throat next to me.

I know what this means.

"Let's convene tomorrow, Teacher," I recommend to Arngeir—though it's been ages since he was my teacher, I still call him this title with affection.

Arngeir nods, his long beard bouncing on his barrel chest.

While the others leave the room, I turn to Aela. "I think I may have an idea." I motion for her to lean closer.

_____

Later that night, my wife and I step out of our assigned quarters into the cold temple hall. I shiver, my human flesh sending my hair standing on end.

"If they both consent to the plan tonight, we'll convene the deliberations early," I whisper to Aela. Kissing her on the forehead, I turn in the opposite direction.

She's heading to Elisif's quarters while I'm reaching Ulfric's bedchambers.

"Stormblade," I greet Galmar who answers the door. Then I see Ulfric standing near the fireplace behind Galmar. "My Lord."

"Come in, Dragonborn," Ulfric's tone is steeled and edged.

I nod to Galmar who closes the door behind me. My gaze sweeping the room, I take note of the two Stormcloak guards stationed in two corners.

"What is it?" Ulfric grabs my attention back.

"I have a plan to settle this High King issue once and for all and it just might give you a stronger force against the plot on your lives."

"As in mine and her Majesty's?" Ulfric's reference to Elisif is not given with respect, more sarcasm.

I wonder if my plan is such a good idea.

Galmar takes a step toward me. "Well? Speak up."

I look at him. It's as if he's forgotten who brought victory to his faction.

"A marriage," I blurt out.

One of the guards turns his head, his helmet sounding like a shriek in the quiet night.

Ulfric raises an eyebrow at me.

Galmar snorts, attempting to hold back a laugh. It's impossible. He guffaws, bending over to slap his knees.

I smirk. I don't move.

Snorting again, Galmar rubs his eyes which are tearing up from the chortling. "A marriage?" He repeats. "I'm assuming you're speaking of a union between his Majesty, High King Ulfric Stormcloak, and her Lady, Elisif the Fair?"

"That's the one," I wink at him.

Galmar coughs. He covers his mouth with his right fist. Shaking his head, he points at me, but seems unable to express what he thinks of my idea.

Ulfric turns to the burning fire behind the hearth, stroking his beard with his left hand.

Galmar turns to his commander. His dark eyes flash, mouth gaping. "My Lord, you are not—"

Ulfric raises his right hand, but does not face us.

I smile, my old commander has seen straight through my plan. He sees the benefits, yes there are issues, but the benefits to our newly independent kingdom outweigh those from this vantage point. I wonder how my wife is handling Elisif.