Birth of a Dragon: A Skyrim Tale

Remorse

Eradros was surprised at Kinetrius's response. This whole time they had been trying to stay safe for his sake. Was the boy really meaning to confront them head on? He looked at him for a moment while considering his words. It was deadly silent all throughout the hall of Dragonsreach as everyone was beginning to see the situation. Minevi looked at the two, wondering why anyone would be after them. For Eradros it could be a number of things, but for the boy; it seemed to evade her why anyone would do these things.
Minevi: Eradros,...what's going on? Are you two in trouble or something?
Eradros stood with his back facing her. He wouldn't dare get her mixed up in his affairs for obvious reasons, but it seemed to bother him a bit more than that. He turned to her with guilt in his eyes.
Eradros: Yes,...it would seem so. I knew not if they were still hunting him at first, but,...I guess i do now. I didn't think they would involve civilians either but...
Kinetrius: So what are we waiting around for?
Eradros: You can't be serious lad. You mean to fight them?
Kinetrius: It was different,...when they were just attacking me. But now they're attacking other people in search of me. I can't live with that. With people getting hurt whilst I hide behind others. I have to do something. Im not afraid of those men anymore,...in fact, I would have words.
Eradros: Have you even thought about what you're saying? What do you intend to fight them with might I ask?
Jarl: The boy means to be about his issue. This is admirable. Plus,...You've both done us a great service by informing us of the dragon's appearance. Take this...
The Jarl had his steward present Kinetrius with a gift. It was a wooden shield painted yellow, with the emblem of a horse on the face.
Eradros: And your blade?
Kinetrius: I've actually been working on that. Check this out...
Kinetrius held out his hand and began to concentrate. Suddenly, a purple aura began to appear around it. He struggled for a moment to charge the spell, but was finally able to release it. At first there was nothing there. Seconds after he raised his arm as if reaching for something. He then pulled a sword out of thin air. It was a demonic looking weapon that was completely made up of magic energy. You could even see through it as the purple aura danced about the blade. Eradros and the others looked on with astonishment.
Eradros: Wait a minute,...Those conjuration tomes I had. Did you read an entire spell tome on the trip here?
Kinetrius: Actually,...I red a few of them. But I remembered you saying that i would need a blade, and a bit of knowledge in the arcane in order to protect myself properly. I thought this solved both of those problems.
Eradros: This is all well and good but what about your injuries? Hell, you can't even see out of both eyes at the moment lad.
Kinetrius: They're here for me...I don't really see another way around this.
Minevi was charmed by Kinetrius's accountability and efforts. Eradros however, just seemed to look more worried for the boy. He had seen all types of danger in his life but never had he been the protector of a youngling. He would probably trade any of those situations for this particular scenario in a heartbeat. But the Jarl was right, and so was Kinetrius. They had to do something about this before anyone else got hurt.
Eradros: Fine, but understand this. If we go this route I am no longer your protector, got it? You won't be able to hide from your enemies if we choose to fight now.
Kinetrius threw the shield on his back and then turned to walk toward the entrance.
Kinetrius: Don't worry,...I don't intend on running from anyone anymore.
Eradros looked around at everyone as Kinetrius made his exit. He was almost in disbelief at how calm everyone was about his decision.
Eradros: Are we really ok with this?
Minevi: I wouldn't be too worried about him. After all, he's got you there. That was a tough speech you gave him and all, but I know you'll make sure he's fine no matter what.
Eradros: You know no such thing,...I barely even know what we're up against.
Jarl: Then it sounds like you should stop doubting yourself and get after him. Time is short. And I won't continue to suffer anymore of my people being in harms way because of a pair of strangers, honorable though they may be. Take Minevi with you. I hope to hear good news from you all.
Minevi: But Jarl Balgruuf, my mission was to-
Jarl: And how would you expect me to focus on things like diplomacy with the list of problems currently on my plate? Go. Help your friends. If all goes well, we will continue those talks in the morn.
Minevi was hesitant at first, but she rather liked the idea of being able to help Eradros instead of her normal obligation to capture him. She turned to him and placed her hand on his shoulder.
Minevi: Whats the matter with you? I've never seen you like this before. I've literally seen you smiling with a noose around your neck. But protecting this kid,...Its kicking you in the arse.
Eradros did not respond. He might have been irritated by what she said but Minevi liked to tease him. He simply started toward the door after Kinetrius. Minevi grabbed her things to meet them outside on the steps.
Kinetrius stood at the top of the steps, watching the sun in it's final moments before setting. The wind blew hard enough to hear whistling as it past, almost ominously. Eradros stood beside him looking down at the city. Nothing out of the ordinary could be spotted at that moment. He wondered where the men had been hiding and what they planned to do next. Shortly after, Minevi stepped out to join them. She had with her a mace, and a large imperial shield that looked very heavy despite how she carried it with ease. She stopped after noticing the two both brooding over the city so seriously.
Minevi: So,...Where to first? What's the plan on luring them out?
She then noticed that it wasn't brooding at all. They both were deep in thought, attempting to come up with a plan.
Minevi: Or is there one at all?
Kinetrius: There isn't. I kind of thought they would just show up if I came outside. But it doesn't look like it'll be that easy.
Minevi sighed. She wasn't sure what they would do but this wasn't a surprise. She looked down into the courtyard and spotted a few of the companions about the city. One of which was Aela the huntress. This was a surprise to her as mostly everyone in town had retreated to their homes after the attack on the blacksmith's shop. But the companions were not ones to hide from trouble. In fact, it may very well be the reason they were out here at all.
Minevi: Oy! Aela love, its me, Minevi!
Aela looked up to see the three of them at the top of the stairs leading up to dragonsreach. She and Farkas seemed to be out looking for something.
Aela: Greetings! And I see the young master is out with you as well.
Kinetrius began to blush, as this was the nickname she gave him during their tour into the city. And the dashing adventurer was the name given to Eradros. The names were satirical of course, but Aela does not take a liking to just anyone. It could be said that she wished for them to one day live up to those names.
Farkas: Speak with your friends,...I'm gonna go check out up ahead.
Aela: Moonlight guide you friend.
Farkas walked on away from Aela as the three came down the stairs to meet her.
Minevi: Are you lot looking for someone?
Aela: Surely you heard of the attack on the blacksmith's shop?
Minevi: Of course,...The young master, as you called him wishes to face this problem head on.
Aela: So the redguard they were searching for was he?
Minevi: Unfortunately so...But Jarl Balgruuf bid us be rid of the men post haste.
Aela: We heard about the attack and decided to come out and have a look for ourselves. Those men prey on the weak. We wished to see how they would fair against the strong. The guards all seemed to be stretched thin, so we thought we might help in the efforts to find them. But they do not seem to be around anymore.
Kinetrius: This is frustrating,...I have to find them before they possibly attack someone else.
Aela: Oh young master? Might I make a suggestion?
Kinetrius turned to Aela looking a bit down in the dumps and worried. She noticed his new shield. She smiled at him. Causing him to blush a bit even though he didn't really know why.
Aela: The attackers know that you're in the city. They have no need to attack anyone else. All that is left is for them to show themselves. Might we forestall this eventuality for while longer?
Kinetrius: What did you have in mind?
Aela: I wish for you to meet someone. Or rather, I wish for someone to meet you.
Kinetrius: Me? What for?
Aela: I'll explain on the way back to Jorrvaskr.
Kinetrius looked back at Eradros and Minevi who both then shrugged and began walking with her. He shortly followed after turning to glance over the city once more. Once he caught up, Aela turned to them.
Aela: Have you all heard about the massacre of the winterhold college dorm?
Minevi: You mean the one that happened about fifteen years ago?
Aela: Aye. Four students murdered. One missing, presumed dead also.
Eradros: What about it?
Aela: Well they could only surmise that some wild beast got into the school somehow and ran off with the student after viciously killing the four others. But that isn't exactly what happened. We still don't know exactly what happened ourselves,...and neither does the missing student.
Eradros: You mean you know the missing student?
Aela: Indeed. He's one of us. But he himself can't rightly say what happened that night. Only that he fears he might have been the one that killed his classmates. From what he's told us, and it wasn't a lot mind you; He awoke in their room that looked like it'd been clawed to shreds. His classmates also, and he covered in their blood. In his panic, he fled the college and disappeared.
Eradros: What does this have to do with Kin?
Aela: Well this particular person,...has a gift. A gift to commune with the dead.
Minevi: He is a necromancer then?
Aela: And an extraordinary one at that, almost freakishly so. He was top of his class when he attended the college. Even amongst the most talented magical prodigies of Skyrim, he was an oddity. I'm telling you all this because he may be able to use his gifts to help you in your search. But it is very difficult to motivate him you see.
Eradros: If he's not going to help, we don't need him.
Aela stopped walking as they were at the front door of Jorrvaskr. The three of them stopped as well. The building was itself was a massive overturned Viking ship with decorative shields all about the sides. It was obviously a historical piece of this city just by the site of it.
Aela: This maybe true,...but i'm telling you all this not because you need him. I fear it is he who needs you all.
Minevi: What do you mean?
Aela: You can't really tell by looking at him, but he feels great remorse for what happened. Even though he can't say for sure that he was to blame, blame himself he does still. Because of this he's almost given up everything despite being an extremely powerful wizard. I just hate to see all of that potential wasted. This might be just what he needs.
Eradros: And what prey tell, would that be?
Aela: Something bigger than him. Something that might help redeem a soul weighted with guilt.
Kinetrius: You said that it's hard to motivate him. What would make him help us now?
Aela: Because he's in love with me,...and if I ask hard enough he's bound to feel obligated.
Eradros: Wow. I don't know whether to admire or fear you right now huntress.
Aela: Somewhere in the middle is fine by me. Besides,...this is only going to help everyone in the long run.
And with a smirk, she opened the doors to the Companions headquarters. Inside was much like Dragonsreach in its design. Wooden pillars came out the ground and into the ceiling. A fire pit in the floor surrounded by a C-shaped long table. Kinetrius had only seen the few companions who were out in the field. At home they were even more lively than when fighting giant beasts it seemed. Four or five of them sat at the long table drinking and cheering as two of them had a punching match right in the main room. Kinetrius was a bit alarmed at all of the commotion but after a while it became amusing to him. Everyone there seemed to be happy and hearty. They stood in watched the fight for moment before being approached by a man who had been sitting at the table.
Vilkis: Aela,...you're back, and you've brought guests.
Aela: I did, but they won't be here long. They intend to rid Whiterun of the terrorists from earlier. I wanted to assist them in their mission is all.
Vilkis: In what way?
Aela: I was hoping to use Gavhelus's abilities to help find them.
Vilkis: Well have at it then. Keep it short though will you? Don't want Skjorn bearing his teeth about this.
Aela: I wouldn't dare.
They laughed a bit and then parted as she led the rest downstairs to the lower level. Once there, they corridor of hallways and rooms. All decorated with trophies and other trinkets. As they walk down the many hallways there was yet another dining room. In this room was a man sitting at the very end of the long table scarfing down a very large turkey leg. He was a very large and muscular dark elf (or Dunmer) with long dark hair and completely blood red eyes. It almost looked graphic the way he tore at it with his teeth. He suddenly noticed a room full of people watching him eat. He then set the turkey leg down on the table but did not release it.
Gavhelus: Well,...what's all this then? You runnin a boy's club now or som'n?
Kinetrius was in disbelief. This was the brilliant necromancer that he heard about? That man looked like a mountain in steal armor. His glare was like that of a predator with eyes on its prey. Elves normally have a bit of a furrowed brow by nature; especially the full bread ones, but his seemed more self imposed.
Aela: Not at all, i simply wanted to ask a favor of one of my brethren.
He stared for a moment looking all of them in their faces.
Gavhelus: ...No. Begone with them.
Aela: I never said who the favor was for Gavhelus.
Gavhelus: No need. Its written all over their lost faces.
Aela: Gavhelus,...we talked about this. You are a companion, and-
Gavhelus: Serving the people is our duty and all'at.
He did not seem to be enthused about this at all. He could not deny her rightness nor could he deny her.
Aela: We've let you soak in your sins for long enough,...its time you actually start making amends.
He paused for a moment. He looked up at Aela with an inquisitive expression.
Gavhelus: Tell me Aela,...How much of my past did you dredge up for these strangers?
Aela: Only the relevant parts.
Gavhelus: Relevant, right. So did you tell them what we are then? Because that is very,...relevant.
Aela: I don't think what you're about to do is worth this. Secrets are meant to be kept Gavhelus.
Gavhelus: All but mine then?
Aela: I wasn't being malicious I just...
Gavhelus: Its alright love. I'm not either. But since you've involved them this much its only fair.
He looks at the three of them for a moment. He then hones in on Kinetrius and dawns a devilish grin.
Gavhelus: I'm a werewolf you see. We all are, the companions. I'm sure she told you all about me mates at the college then?
Eradros: We're aware...
Gavhelus: Great. Still got doubts on whether I did it or not?
Aela: You don't know that. You had no intention on killing them when you were awake.
Gavhelus: Come now Aela. You know how insatiable the hunger of that beast is. You know very well that which drives it does not discriminate. It kills, it eats,...end of story. I know you have this notion of me being redeemable, but even if that were so,...I do not want it. My mates were great sorcerers and healers. Though they struggled to understand me at times,...they deserved better. Had they lived, Skyrim may just be a better place for it.
Aela: I struggle to understand your logic Gavhelus. One gruesomely bad deed means no more good ones ever again?
Gavhelus: It's deeper n'nat and you know it.
Aela: Apparently I know nothing. I've tried to understand your grief, but you don't talk or open up. So now I'm asking you to help someone who is willing to do good deeds. Is that too much to ask?
Gavhelus paused. He did not like to upset Aela. If he never cared for anything else, he definitely did for her. He lowered his head to ponder for a moment.
Gavhelus: Fine,...What would you have of me love?
Aela: I was hoping you would ask your friends in the afterlife about the men from earlier.
Gavhelus: You mean the masked wankers what blew up the Iron Maiden?
Aela: Um,...yes. Were you aware of them already?
Gavhelus: Its the only thing the dead in this city are talkin about since it happened. Haven't bloody shut up about it.
Eradros: Have they said anything about where they are?
Gavhelus: Sure'ave,...Right outside of town. Got an order from someone important, and apparently their plan's changed a bit. Not sure how exactly.
Eradros: And they,... told you all that?
Gavhelus: The dead see everything mate,...and lets just say they're dyin' for an ear to bend. And let me guess,...you lot are the ones they're lookin' for?
Kinetrius: Specifically me.
Gavhelus: Ha! Gone and pissed off a cult of crazies did ya?
Kinetrius: I actually don't know why they're after me. They killed my father when i was twelve, and have been hunting me ever since. But I'm not running from them anymore. This cat and mouse game ends tonight even if I die in the process.
Gavhelus: Oh-ho-hooo! Would you look at the pair on you lad. I like that about ya. So tell me,...how do ya intend to deal with'm?
Kinetrius: Well,...I got a shield,...and this sword.
Kinetrius summons the bound blade once more. Once it formed, he held it out to show Gavhelus that he was deadly serious. Gavhelus's face lit up at the site of it. Suddenly he was excited for some reason.
Gavhelus: Well I'll be. Lad fancies m'self a necromancer aye?
Aela was shocked. She remembered their trip into the city earlier. The boy looked so tired and worn, barely able to take more that 20 steps at a time without needing a moment. What was even more shocking was Gavhelus was actually interested in the lad. He hadn't much been interested in anything for years. Gavhelus sat back in his chair, still gripping the oversized turkey leg.
Gavhelus: Thats a grand theory ya got there. How about we give it a good testing, whadduya say?
Kinetrius: How,...how do you mean?
Gavhelus: I'm gonna attack you,...and you're going to block it, and then counter. Understood?
Eradros: Do we really have time for this?
Gavhelus: Just a quick test mate, nothing too fancy.
Kinetrius: Sure thing,...ready when you are?
Gavhelus: good, good.
This was a little confusing to everyone as he was still sitting down. He and Kinetrius stared at each other for moment. Then Gavhelus raised his arm with the turkey leg and slung it right at Kinetrius. The boy quickly threw up his shield to block it. The turkey leg bounced off of it and fell to the floor. Kinetrius lowered his shield and waited for his reaction.
Gavhelus: Got some pretty smooth reflexes, i'll give you that. But you forgot about the counter,...Where is it?
Kinetrius was confused for a moment. Gavhelus was still sitting down at the table, and did not look ready to guard against an attack.
Kinetrius: But,...you're still seated.
Gavhelus: On with it now lad!
Kinetrius readied his sword and lowered his stance as his father taught him. He then charged at Gavhelus, swinging his blade right at his chest. The blade never made contact. It fazed through Gavhelus's body while he sat still as a rock. He did not even move to guard the attack. After Kinetrius took a swing at him, he examined his sword.
Kinetrius: I,...I don't understand.
Gavhelus: See that's the thing about Necromancy kiddo. You've got to quite literally put your soul into it or it doesn't work. You even know how to do that?
Kinetrius: I just learned the bound sword spell yesterday. I thought that's all i needed to make this work.
Gavhelus: Most kids your age wouldn't get how to make it work given the lack of life experience. But you've experienced a lot haven't you? It takes a certain level of pain,...hatred for something. Thats how you form a proper weapon from the soul.
Kinetrius: I see,...
Gavhelus: It's too bad really. I'd love to give you more pointers but I'm afraid your suiters are on the move again.
Eradros: Wait what? Now?
Gavhelus: Thats what me dead friends just told me. If you wanna keep the casualties to a minimum, I suggest you be on your way, young master.
Gavhelus grinned at Kinetrius. He was amused at his ambitions despite the lack of know-how. He stood up from the table and walked over to them. He was much bigger standing up. He even towered over Eradros. Kinetrius was distraught from the training session. The plan he thought he had was now down the drain and there was no time to come up with another means. He did not wish to rely on Eradros for help. He tired of people fighting for him. Gavhelus saw this and kneeled down in front of him.
Gavhelus: Chin up lad. Your hearts in the right place. I'm sure when the time is right, you'll do what needs to be done. Of that I have no doubt.
He stood up and began walking out of the room, but not before placing a hand on Eradros's shoulder. He leaned in to whisper something to him.
Gavhelus: Take care of the lad would ya. My friends tell me the men lookin' for'm ain't normal. I'd hate to see'm snuffed out before he becomes what we all need him to be.
Eradros: And what exactly do we need him to be?
Gavhelus: Have you not heard the tales of legend mate? Those men are after him because he is Dragonborn. The savior of Skyrim and slayer of dragons. Don't tell me you didn't know at least that.
Eradros: I had my suspicions but,...an actual Dragonborn.
Eradros looked at Kinetrius who was still examining his sword. He was finally starting to see what Falwon's sacrifice was all about. Also the meaning of his strange request that day.
Falwon: I do not wish for you to guard him, only that you guide him. Make him a proper hero.
He thought about his words that day. They all made since now. The reason Kinetrius could use the voice without years of practice, and why the masked men were looking for him. He also thought about his reply to Falwon. Telling him that he was only a pirate and that he knew nothing about being a hero.
Falwon: But I know you better than that my friend. I knew it was in you the first day we met. I'm sure he'll be alright in your care.
Gavhelus left the room, leaving them to their thoughts. It was finally time to go on the offensive. Even though things were starting to click for Eradros, this only made him feel more burdened and frustrated with his current situation, but the boy wanted to do the right thing. This is exactly what Falwon was asking him to do. He took one more moment to get his thoughts in order, then grabbed his bow off of his back.
Eradros: Kin, lets go. We've got work to do.
Chapter end-