Birth of a Dragon: A Skyrim Tale

Whiterun

A few days had passed since the events at Helgen. Kinetrius woke this morning to find he had been bandaged up and being looked over by a young girl.
Girl: Papa papa... he's awake!
Kinetrius sat up to get a look at his surroundings as the girl ran outside. He appeared to be in someone's home. He went to rub his face and felt great pain. It was the injury he suffered while escaping the dragon. His face and ribs were bandaged up and his clothes sat by the bed. He began rolling out of it when a man walked into the house.
Man: Whoa there...not too fast lad. You've got some pretty bad injuries...let's try and take it slow shall we.
Kinetrius sat up slowly as the man prepared him a glass of water. The boy had shaken his fear of speaking, but his throat hurt from being silent all this time.
Kinetrius: wha- (cough) where am I?
Man: You're in a little town called Riverwood...just a few miles from where you were attacked.
Kinetrius: Attacked....WE WERE...BY A DRAG- (cough cough)
Kinetrius found himself in a fit of coughing and panic as all of the events poured back into his head. He looked at the man with fear in his eyes.
Kinetrius: There's a dragon out there, we're not (cough) safe here!
Man: Calm yourself child. I heard all about it from my nephew and the elven gentleman that brought you here. But the beast is gone... flew away they said. Sure it's still out there somewhere but at least it's gone for now. You...should worry about recovering your strength.
Kinetrius: You spoke of an elven man, Eradros...is he still here?
Man: Sure is, said he had to grab some things in town but wanted us to alert him the moment you woke. Just sent my daughter to go fetch him. Drink this....he'll be back soon.
Kinetrius was a bit shaken up but the man's words had calmed him. He took sips of his water and gazed out of the window. He saw the towns people going about their day as if death from the skies was not on the horizon. Moments after another man walked through the front door. It was the imperial soldier from before. The man who checked off the names of the prisoners.
Man: Ah Hadvar you're back...
Hadvar: Greetings uncle. Any word on our guest at all?
Uncle: He sprung up just a few moments ago. Go talk to 'em..I've got work to do outside.
Hadvar: Perfect...and thank you again uncle.
The man approached Kinetrius and took a seat on the stool next to the bed.
Hadvar: How are you feeling lad?
Kinetrius: Like I was attacked by a dragon...
Hadvar: haha yeah that sounds about right. But you're alive huh?...more than most of the people that were there can say. That entire town is now rubble and ash.
Kinetrius: what do you all intend to do...the imperials I mean?
Hadvar: Not sure yet...the first step would be to warn all the near by towns. Maybe start a campaign to rid ourselves of the beast. To be honest...we haven't seen dragons in Skyrim in hundreds of years. Not sure we're equipped to handle a thing such as this.
Kinetrius: No I meant...I meant about me...I was scheduled to be executed remember?
The man paused for a moment almost having forgotten that the boy was once a prisoner. He turned to his bag and pulled out the list of prisoner names. He looked at it for a moment and then tossed it into the fireplace.
Hadvar: As far as I'm concerned...all records of such things went up in flames with Helgen.
Kinetrius: But I did kill those people...
Hadvar: I know... The guards there didn't have much info at the time but after questioning the locals we discovered that you were attacked first. Some even said they saw you being stalked. They only held you to figure out what you used to cause all that destruction. They never found an answer...so they thought it best to just get rid of you. You weren't from Skyrim....therefore no one would bat an eye.
Kinetrius: So....Ulfric was right then.
Hadvar: Wait, you talked to that maniac?
Kinetrius: On the way to Helgen. He said he and I were alike....and that the empire wished to be rid of people like us.
Hadvar: Look, lad....I'll be the first to admit this wasn't the Empires best example of justice. But that man is a psychopath. He murdered High King Torygg and stole his throne from under him. All of this just to throw Skyrim into yet another war. It's like Tulius said...some actually see him as a hero...or something. But they haven't seen the battlefields...the valleys of dead bodies that lay there in the name of the Stormcloaks.
Hadvar took a breathe. It was clear he was passionate about stopping the war. It seemed that Ulfric had many who felt this way about him in the imperial army as well.
Kinetrius: Sorry I....I still don't know what happened that day...but it seemed like Ulfric did...like he was sure of it almost.
Hadvar: If what Eradros tells me is true...then there is power within you. But a man like Ulfric would have you use it only to burn the world to the ground.
Kinetrius: Where is Eradros anyways?
Hadvar: Ah...he's around town somewhere. And...you seem to be ok as well. Why don't you get dressed, I'll take you to find him.
Kinetrius got up slowly and painfully. His injuries were many and all starting to tally up as he stood. Getting dressed was another matter, but slowly he got that done as well. Hadvar stood outside waiting for him. He watched his uncle work the smithy as he did every morning. Finally, Kinetrius was ready to go. He stepped out almost unable to open his eyes in the blaring sunlight.
Kinetrius: Is it always this bright in Riverwood?
Hadvar: Ah that's right...been a while since you've been kissed by the sun huh lad?
Kinetrius: Not really...I saw it the other day as you lot were about to chop my head off....right before it was eclipsed by a dragon's head.
Hadvar was startled by this as his uncle was not privy to all the details and may start asking questions. He also felt a bit guilty, but as he noticed the smirk on Kinetrius's face; he realized this feeling was just what he wanted. Kinetrius started walking, leaving Hadvar mentally frozen in place.
Hadvar: Hey kid...wait up! You don't even know where you're going...
As he started after him they both heard a horse coming closer to them. It was Eradros. He had been gone procuring items for travel. Apparently, horse and small carriage was on the list. He drew the horse to a halt and began to hop down. He noticed Kinetrius was up and about, even if just barely.
Eradros: Great you're up...and I see your cloths fit fine too.
Kinetrius looked up at him for a moment and was suddenly ambushed by an army of questions. He didn't know where to start. He just stared at him with his mouth slightly agape as if he'd seen a ghost.
Eradros: Well you know, some people try a "hey" or "good to see you" for starters.
Hadvar: Is this everything you'll be needing for the journey? Are you sure we can't get you to stay a little while longer? The boy doesn't look in good condition to travel.
Eradros: I appreciate everything you've done for us thus far my friend. I wish I could let the boy rest a while longer...but forces move against us as we speak.
Hadvar: I understand...take good care of the lad. Maybe he makes out a different lot in life this time, yeah?
Kinetrius: Wait a minute...journey? Where exactly are we going?
Eradros: Long story lad. Rather just tell you on the ride, but we've got to get moving. Lest we cause trouble for the people of Riverwood.
Kinetrius climbed in the back of the carriage and got comfortable among the bags of supplies. Eradros was a bit shocked at how little convincing was needed.
Eradros: That's it? I thought you'd put up more of a fuss.
Kinetrius: I've literally got nothing better to do...plus this is what my father wanted.
Eradros: I suppose you've got a point. Well...then let us be off.
And with one last wave to Hadvar and his uncle, they were on their way. Kinetrius sat behind Eradros in the carriage watching him. He seemed tense and very anxious. Although, truth be told he was keeping it all together very well. But it seemed like the very same feeling that plagued his father that day they were attacked.
Kinetrius: So...where are we going first?
Eradros: To Whiterun. We go there...give word to the jarl of the attack and request more guards in the towns that have no walls. And being within theirs will give us protection for a while.
Kinetrios: From those cultist men, you mean?
Eradros: I don't know why they're after you...or if they've given up on it or not after all this time. On top of it all is the dragon itself. It seemed threatened by you...sure, it would have killed us either way but something changed when it saw you. Needless to say we've got many questions ahead of us need answerin'.
Kinetrius sat for a while and pondered all of the things Eradros had said. He too had noticed the dragon's temper once it laid eyes on him. After a moment of thought, an even more pressing question arose in his head.
Kinetrius: So what was it exactly?...the deal between you and my father. Is that why you've come for me all these years later?
Eradros seemed reluctant to answer. Perhaps the asking of this very question is what had him so tense this whole time. He let out a sigh, then scratched his head in frustration.
Eradros: To be completely honest...your father didn't give me much of a choice in any of this. Looking back on it now though it seems he didn't have much of one either.
Kinetrius: What was it he asked of you that day? I remember you two talking briefly before we carried on with our trade. His whole mood changed after that conversation...
For the first time in my life i saw him afraid of something.
Eradros: Your father knew you were being followed. But he insisted I do nothing. He only said to get to you should he fall.
Kinetrius: But why?
Eradros: THAT...I do not know lad. In fact; getting that answer is the reason I continued to search for you after the attack. The guards had taken you in by the time I arrived and weren't going to let you go until they got to the bottom of things. It took many a bribe just to find where they were keeping you.
Kinetrius: Every question i have about all this is only answered with more questions... Why is all of this happening to me?
Eradros turned to look upon Kinetrius. He noticed the boy's face was riddled with fear and doubt. He felt responsible for killing the boy's morale even though he answered with honesty. He himself was feeling similar emotions. He didn't understand why Falwon would give his life so easily. Why couldn't they just have dealt with it and gone on with their lives? He knew that both of them feeling down in the dumps simply would not do.
Eradros: Hey kid....listen... Its hard for me to make heads or tails of any this as well. But we finally found each other...as far as i'm concerned it's a start. So don't you go lowerin' your head like some sad pup. Once we get to Whiterun we've got work to do, understand?
Kinetrius raised his head and looked at Eradros. His future a few seconds ago looked very bleak and uncertain, but the elf's words created light for him. He hadn't had anything to look forward to since coming to Skyrim. Most of the important things in his life were now distant memories. But something in him wanted to hold on to what Eradros said rather than wallowing in self pity. He leaned back against the wall of the carriage staring at the moon hiding behind each passing tree.
Kinetrius: Sounds like a plan if I ever heard one...
Eradros: Thats the spirit lad...you just relax until we get there. If you get bored I've got some books and magic tomes in the back. Help yourself to'em.
Kinetrius was very fond of books. This was only natural given that he grew up in a city known for it's magical academics. He found some conjuration spell tomes in a bag beside him. He hadn't had any practice with magic. His father would give him quick lessons with the sword on his return from his trips but magic was not to be practiced unless in an appropriate environment. After everything he had been through he had little need for such limitations now.
It was now morning and Kinetrius was fast asleep under a book he had been reading on the ride. Eradros had stayed up the whole night driving and watching out for beasts. They had just cleared the forest and were now coming down into an open field. Off in the center of it was the stone-walled city of Whiterun. It was a vast valley between the mountains farms and wineries along the roads. As they past one, Eradros noticed a commotion off in the distance.
Eradros: Kin...Kinetrius. Hey kid wake up. You're gonna want to see this.
Kinetrius opened his eyes and rose from under the book he fell asleep reading.
Kinetrius: Whats all the fuss about?
Eradros: Why don't you see for yourself lad? Look...over there.
Eradros pointed towards the farm they were passing. It was a battle going on right out front. Five men were facing off against an enormous creature that resembled a very old man in loincloth. The creature appeared very angry as it swung a giant club at the men. Among them was a woman with war paint on her face who seemed to be calling the shots. The creature attacked them ferociously but the men did not falter. In fact, they seemed to almost be enjoying the tussle with the giant. Kinetrius sat up with excitement. He had never seen a giant before let alone someone fighting one. He had only heard about them from his father but never had he heard of one engaging in combat with these fearsome things. The giant roared as it swung it's club at one of the men barely missing him.
Dark Elf Man: Whoa now! That was a little too close Mate!
War Painted woman: KEEP IT UP Athis! We've almost got him.
The woman raises her bow to the giant. She takes aim while the creature is busy swinging its club at the others. She looses an arrow hitting it right in the eye. The creature screams in pain and rage from it's injury. It notices the woman and begins charging toward her fueled with rage.
War Painted woman: FARKAS...NOW!
In the very next moment a burly nord man wielding a great hammer charges in after the giant. He circled around to the side of it and winds his hammer back as far as he could.
Farkas: HERE GOES NOTHIN...!
He then swings the hammer with all his might hitting the giant in the knee and breaking it. The giant lets out an earsplitting roar from the pain of its leg being broken. It falls down to one knee still desperately trying to attack the men closest to it. The woman then pelts the creature with more arrows. It swats most of them away but was unable to do much else about it. As the creature wailed and swung its weapon, the dark elf man leaps into the air and lands on its back. He then drove his sword into the back of the giant. This caused the creature even more pain. Even louder it roared as it raised its arms to defend against the onslaught of arrows. It was now very much weakened. It still made attempts to swing at the men but it was now sluggish and exhausted from the blood loss.
An imperial woman then charges in with shield an axe in hand. She rams the shield right into the giants face, knocking it completely to the ground.
War painted woman: Nice work Ria. Now to end this...
The woman then brandishes a sword and walks up to the giant now unconscious. She takes a second to gaze at the giant, almost feeling pity for it.
War Painted woman: You fought well my friend. And for that...i'll end your suffering here and now.
She then drives her sword into the neck of the beast. It struggled for a moment, and then ceased to move altogether. The creature was now dead, and the men celebrated their victory.
Kinetrius could not believe what he had just witnessed. It was the most amazing display of combat he had ever seen. He then looked to Eradros with stars in his eyes.
Kinetrius: Who are those people?
Eradros: Those lad...are the Companions.
The battle was now over and the warriors had begun making their way back to the city. As Eradros and Kinetrius came up the road, the war painted woman noticed them. She saw the excitement on Kinetrius's face and knew he had seen the battle.
War painted woman: Greetings travelers! I hope the battle didn't startle you any?
Eradros: Not at all love. In fact the boy here seemed to love every bit of it.
Kinetrius gazed upon the woman and her comrades in amazement. They almost seemed like gods the way they handled that giant so competently. They found Kinetrius's silence amusing.
War Painted woman: It is ok to speak lad. My name is Aela The Huntress. And these are my comrades, the companions. And your name?
Kinetrius: My name?...oh MY name... it is Kinetrius.
Aela: Nice to meet you Kinetrius. Tell me...is that your first time seeing a creature of that size taken down?
Eradros: This child has seen scarier things in his lifetime i'm afraid. Its partially why we're here actually.
Aela: Scarier things you say? Well I would certainly love to hear tales of such things. Come...I'm sure you have important business to handle first, but maybe after you would indulge us at our headquarters, Jorrvaskr.
Eradros: I'm,...certainly not going to be able to refuse this request after what he's just seen of you all. Sure...I guess we could stop by.
Aela: That is good news...Well then, let us enter the city together. My friends...On behalf of the Companions, Welcome to Whiterun.
Chapter End -