Birth of a Dragon: A Skyrim Tale

Finally Awake

5 years later...
It was early Sundas morning in the town of Helgen. Normally, around this time in this small town you would hear birds and other creatures starting their day. Instead this morning, the town was alive with the chattering of people. All that could be heard besides were the crackling wheels of horse drawn carriages coming down the road. Almost everyone in town had emerged from their homes, for this particular commotion meant soldiers were coming. Skyrim had been thrust into a war between the Empire and the rebel faction known as the StormCloaks earlier that year. This had the citizens on edge and ultimately stuck in the middle of it all. The citizens of Helgen knew what today was about. This happened every so often considering an Empire stronghold stood in the middle of town.
Kinetrius was stirred from his slumber by this racket. Rightfully so considering he was among the prisoners being transported in the carriages. He had just begun to open his eyes when he heard a man call out to him.
Prisoner 1: Hey, you. You're finally awake.
It was the man sitting across from him in the carriage. He opened his eyes wider to see he was riding with 2 other men as well. A storm cloak solder, a thief, and a mysterious man wearing a bear skin coat; all of them in chains and on the way to what would be their executions. Kinetrius did not respond. He had become almost mute from fear of what might literally spill out of his mouth. He hadn't had many people to speak to over the course of his incarceration either, outside of the soldiers who would interrogate him periodically. Even they were unable to get him to speak, let alone give any clue to what actually happened that day. Despite years of attempts, they were unable to get much out of him given his new found disposition.
Stormcloak soldier: You're the one that set fire to the Riften stables and burned all those people to death. I have to know...did you really murder your own father?
Kinetrius was offended by the question but could not bring himself to respond. His face simply displayed a Look of insult and outrage.
The prisoner to the right of him spoke out against the question for him. With a very low but deep and boomy voice.
Mysterious man: It matters not what the boy has done. Today...we are all sinners who will suffer the same fate. Besides, you should not believe everything you hear rattling through prison bars.
The man turned to look at Kinetrius, almost in admiration of his silence.
Mysterious man: It is to my knowledge that the guards still can't make heads or tails of what actually happened five years ago. The only thing they can be sure of is that it couldn't have been a mere fire spell. And thus... they deemed it necessary to have you executed along with the rest of us. The empire's morality... has withered much in these trying times I see.
Thief: EXECUTED??? And what makes you so damned sure huh?
Stormcloak soldier: You watch you're tongue, horse thief! You're speaking to the true high king of Skyrim, Ulfric Stormcloak himself.
Thief: Ulfric Stormcloak ....but...if you're here then that means...by the gods they really are going to kill us!
By this point the Imperial soldiers driving the carriage had become annoyed with their voices. One of them even turned and yelled at the prisoners to quiet down. But Ulfric did not pay him or the horse thief any mind. He was fixated on Kinetrius for some reason. He leans in toward him with a peaceful but ominous glare in his eyes.
Ulfric: The guards may not have figured it out, but I know exactly what happened that day. I also know it was not you who killed your father...
Kinetrius's eyes lit up as he starred at the floor. FINALLY someone who did not view him as one would a Deadra (Demonic race of people). Still he did not speak, only kept his head down to hear what Ulfric would say next.
Ulfric: They don't know what you are, or how to keep you in check. This...frightens them deeply. They would have you die as a monster...a freak. A cowardly stone to cast at the things we don't understand is it not?
Kinetrius looked up nervously at Ulfric who was now staring daggers at him. He had no idea what this man was going on about. He was just as lost as the guards on what actually happened that day. In fact, he would even wager that they may just know more. He knew even less of the events four years ago which led to the war being started. Could this man actually know the truth? It was unlikely sure, but if one could be convinced of something with only a glance; Kinetrius was sold. He looked Ulfric up and down noticing the chains over his shoulders and back, bolted to the seat and floor of the carriage.
Ulfric: Ah This....it is the fate of people like you and I. The fate of people who can take power into their own hands. Not like these weakling who would do nothing but let it corrupt them. I too am labeled a monster. My only crime;...doing what I must for my people.
The horse thief began mumbling on about not belonging there. Kinetrius paid it no mind. He was hanging onto every word that Ulfric dropped.
Ulfric: But things like this...these shackles, and these guards, armed to the teeth. Are mere temporary fixes for the power you and I possess. Never will it be enough to completely snuff us out. Hmph...It's funny really...We are both facing our deaths at this very moment...and yet, I do not believe we will see Soverngard today. Not by the hands of imperial dogs like these.
Imperial Guard: You want to say that again MURDERER?
Imperial Guard 2: Calm yourself, we're here. And after today is over he'll be dead and gone...and this blasted war with'em. Why waste the breath?
The guards pulled the wagons to a stop; there were two in total. They then hopped off and began to load the prisoners off. One guard came around to let Ulfric out out his custom made shackles, but he was abruptly stopped by another.
Guard 1: HOLD IT! You gotta cover his mouth before letting him stand. As of right now the chains prevent him from fully expandin' his diaphragm, which keeps him from using that shout of his.
Guard 2: My apologies...I'll be more careful.
Guard 1: That would be best while dealing with a man like Ulfric the king butcher. Now gag him and let's get on with this.
They placed a gag around Ulfric's mouth; making sure it was tight enough that he couldn't get a word out. Once that was done the guard began unlocking the chains and preparing the his regular shackles. The prisoners were all now unloaded and found themselves outside a tall stone building with a chopping block in front. Next to it stood a heavy set man holding an axe. The Captain had a soldier take role of all the prisoners that were present. Once the horse thief saw that this was all actually happening he went into a frenzy.
Horse thief? No...i..I shouldn't be here. I'm nothing like these murderers....I DONT WANT TO DIE!!!
He then takes off from the group, arms still in cuffs. He ran as fast as he could but to no avail.
Squad Captain: Guards!!!
The soldiers immediately raised their bows and began loosing arrows into the sky. The horse thief had made it almost out of town, but the soldiers were precise. Soon after the arrows flew into the air, you could see his body fall to the ground in the distance. The captain looked back at the soldier taking names, unfazed by what just took place.
Squad Captain: Carry on...
The soldier finished taking the names of the prisoners and making sure they were accounted for. A man clad in Emperial armor stepped out of the building. It was general Tulius of the Imperial Legion. He was an older man of Imperial descent with a face that practically told his war stories for him. He walks out into the yard and stands before Ulfric and the rest of the prisoners.
General Tulius: Ulfric Stormcloak....some here in Helgen might call you a hero. But a hero wouldn't use a power like the voice to murder his king and usurp his thrown. You started this war...plunged Skyrim into chaos. And now the empire is going to put you down. And restore the peace.
Suddenly, an unfamiliar sound rang out in the distance. From the looks of it, no one could identify what it was. The imperials did not seem to care what it was either, and proceeded on with the executions. First, a stormcloak soldier who road in a seperate carriage from Kinetrius and Ulfric was sent to the block. A priestess stood by to say an ancient nord prayer but was cut short by an impatient imperial soldier. It was clear the empire did not care much for nord tradition; one of the many causes of friction between them and the stormcloaks no doubt.
The stormcloak soldier walked up to the block and got down on his knees. He place his head on it as the executioner got into position.
Stormcloak Soldier: My ancestors are smiling at me right now. Can you say the same, Imperials?
His words went unanswered as the man raised his axe. He then drove it down into the block, severing the soldiers head instantly. The head falls into a box laying behind the block and the body was kicked to the side for the next execution. The people of Helgen clearly had mixed emotions on what was happening. Some screamed justice. Others screamed slurs at the imperials. It was now Kinetrius's turn to go up. He was not afraid though. In fact, the only thing on his mind were the words of Ulfric. The soldier that took the names of the prisoners looked over at him realizing it was his turn. He appeared to not be too thrilled about this given Kinetrius's age. The boy was too young to be considered a man, yet too old to be handled like a child. Even still, The soldier reluctantly called out to him.
Soldier: Come on up lad...nice and easy.
Kinetrius began walking to the block without even thinking about it. His mind was still roped in questions. What did all those things Ulfric said about power actually mean? How was he so sure he would not die today? What is it that makes him and I so alike? The questions were many, the answers few, and the time figure it all out even less. Once his head lay on the block, all he could see was the imperial building and the sky above. All he could do now was wait for it all to be over. The boy had experienced much pain and suffering over the last five years. A part of him even wanted to be at peace with this, but the words of Ulfric Stormcloak would not let his soul rest.
As the executioner stepped forward to raise his axe, the sound from before rang out again, only this time more clearly. It sounded like the roar of a beast, but no ordinary creature could make such a noise without being somewhere near by. This roar was loud and yet, it sounded like it was far off and getting closer. Kinetrius laid there with his eyes closed awaiting his end. The sound rang out again even louder and closer than before, followed by a crashing thud and panicking of the towns people. He opened his eyes once more. This time he saw the imperial building with a large winged creature draped over the top of it. It was a real, live dragon.
Kinetrius could not believe his eyes. Was this some sort of imperial prank to frighten superstitious nords? No, even the imperial soldiers were dropping their weapons in shock of what they were seeing. Dragons were supposed to be extinct, and for hundreds of years at that. How was this actually happening? The towns people began scurrying for their lives as the creature raised its head and began to glare down at the village. The dragon was large; it's wings covering the entire building in which it sat upon. It was black with red eyes, and spiky scales that made it look as though it was covered in thorns. The creature panned it's head slowly as if searching for something. Kinetrius stood up from the block unable to take his eyes off of it. It continued to survey the area until it's eyes met with Kinetrius's, and then it froze. It was almost like it was searching for him from the start. The dragons eyes widened as its head cocked back, and let out an ear splitting roar. Soldiers began falling to their knees, unable to make their legs work from the sheer fear. After the roar the dragon began unleashing flames directly in Kinetrius's direction. He dives to the ground barely being missed. He turned back to see that the executioner was not so lucky. People and building alike were being set ablaze in an instant. Parents ran to grab their children, only to make targets of themselves and be burned to the skeleton.
Kinetrius could not move. He was plagued by the familiar sight of everything burning to the ground. The sight of fire had been a bit triggering for him since he was arrested, but this was like living the nightmare all over again. Is this the power Ulfric mentioned before? How is any of it connected to him? Kinetrius was not even native to Skyrim. How was he connected to any of this? Suddenly the monster leaped from the building and began circling the village. It left a blazing trail of flame behind on each pass-over. Kinetrius had managed to get himself up after being startled by a near-by collapsing building. He had to shake this off. He ran behind a house that was right up against the wall; with just enough room for a person to fit between. He heard a loud crash as he moved through the space. He paused wondering if it meant the dragon has landed somewhere near by. Then he heard a voice come from the distance.
Voice: AGAINST THE WALL!!!
Kinetrius heeded the warning and pressed himself against wall to his right. The very moment after a serrated wing came swiping violently into the crevice just missing him. He took a moment to look for the origin of the voice. Out of the dust and flame came a dark cloaked figure of a man. The figure ran right up to Kinetrius and tackled him to the ground. He fell backwards into the dirt as the entire midsection of the house was swiped away by the dragon's tail. A large piece of the house that had broken off from the rest was falling in their direction. The man kicked Kinetrius out of the way using the momentum to push himself in the opposite direction.
The rubble quickly came crashing down between them kicking up dust and rocks all around them.
Kinetrius was coughing from the overwhelming debris when he felt a hand grab him by the back of his shirt, tugging him upward off of the ground.
Cloaked man: On you feet lad...we have to move swiftly.
The two began to escape the wreckage only to be right in the dragon's sights the moment the smoke cleared. The cloaked man turned to realize they had done nothing to escape his gaze.
Cloaked man: We're not going to make it like this...
He broke away from Kinetrius and swung around the building. Kinetrius was running for a freshly made hole in the wall when he realized he was alone. He stopped and looked around desperately for the man until he spotted him sprinting directly towards the beast. What exactly was he intending to do? Surely he wasn't going to fight the thing. Kinetrius watched as the cloaked man dashed into the dragon's path. And with a quick tumble the man had brandished a bow. He reached back into his quiver for an arrow and in the same motion his hood was flung back. Kinetrius gazed upon the man's face as he drew his arrow further. His eyelids flew wide open once he realized who he was actually seeing. It was the elven man from five years ago, Eradros. The man his father insisted he seek out. Why was he here? All this time later, how was he here at this very moment? Eradros was aiming at the dragon; a unique looking arrow. It appeared to be imbued with some sort of ice magic. Before he loosed it, he paused from noticing Kinetrius was stopped in his tracks. He yelled out.
Eradros: KEEP MOVING...YOU CANT DIE HERE!
The dragon began to charge up another fiery attack from it's mouth. Eradros trained his eyes back on the creature. He quickly dropped to one knee and closed an eye. Suddenly, small ice shards began swirling around the arrow. The dragon raised its head high nearing the end of it's charge.
Eradros: Just you try it...
The beast then unleashed an enormous fire blast from it's mouth. At the same time Eradros released the fully charged ice arrow back at it. The arrow and fire ball clashed violently causing a massive explosion on impact. Kinetrius at this moment was making his way to the hole in the wall, but the blast from the explosion ended up pushing him through instead. As he flew through the hole, a jutting piece of the wall caught him in the face on the way by. This knocked him unconscious as he then went tumbling down the hill just outside the gates.
He was out cold and bleeding from his face at the base of a tree that broke his fall, but he still yet lived.
Chapter 2 end-