Birth of a Dragon: A Skyrim Tale

Walking the Path

It was the morning after the bandit attack. The party had settled into the Vilemyr inn in Ivarstead. Kinetrius was still fast asleep in a room by himself. Meanwhile Minevi patched up Eradros's wounds in the next room over. She seemed to have something on her mind, although she concealed it well. Eradros sat still as she washed his wounds and bandaged them up. They did this quietly until Eradros could stand the silence no longer.
Eradros: Minevi? Is something the matter? It's so quiet I can hear the boy's dreams in the next room.
She continued working silently for a while longer, hesitant to respond.
Minevi: Why did you say those things last night? To Kin.
Eradros: What "things"?
Minevi: Why would you tell him you're a bad person? Why create that image of you in his mind?
Eradros: I simply wished he know the truth. You think me cruel in my delivery?
Minevi: I think you were lying to him.
Eradros: The boy saw me take a man's life. It would be deceitful to paint any other image for him.
Minevi: Did you forget the part when they attacked us first or what? I don't get you,...You're the best thing he's got, and you want to be a villain?
Eradros: Before all of this I was a career criminal,..a thief. And a damn good one. Tell me, what kind of person does your Empire think I am?
Minevi: The Empire does not decide what a good person is. And you're deflecting.
Eradros: You think I like feeling this way about myself? That I enjoy having people see me as a monster?
Minevi: Monsters don't take lost children in under their wing, or save the world. They just destroy things, and that's not who or what you are. Why choose this life if it makes you feel the way you do?
Eradros: Who said anything about choice? You,...may have had options as far as the eye can see. For me,...an orphan. There were three. Thief, Bandit, Murderer. If I was lucky, I could bypass all of those and just become a skooma addict. I am not one to sing my sorrows,...but there was no "choosing" of any kind.
Minevi: I,...I was not aware you grew up an orphan.
Eradros: Thought I ran away from home with money from my parents did you? That's it isn't it? I was safe enough compared to the other trash right?
She got quiet for a moment, even stopped what she was doing. She stepped around to his front to look him in the eyes.
Minevi: ...And what is that supposed to mean?
Eradros: You know what it means.
Minevi: You can't seriously still be upset about that. That wasn't because I thought you were a bad person. You know that.
Eradros: Do I? Tell me then, why did you leave? When the Empire came looking for you that day, why didn't you stay?
Minevi: I already told you. I joined the Empire because I wanted to do some actual good for Skyrim. Not run off with some pirate and his crew.
Eradros: Because I was surely going to do evil, right?
Minevi: That's not what I,...You're very cruel when your feelings are hurt you know that?
Minevi quickly packed up her first aid kit, and made her way toward the door. Eradros stared at the floor as she walked past him. She stopped for a moment before exiting the room.
Minevi: I'm trying to make a difference. What good would that do me if I had ties to pirates and thugs. I know you aren't like the rest,...obsessed with greed and rotten to the core. I thought the time I spent with you was enough to show you as much. I also thought you'd appreciate what I'm trying to do now, but all you've done is give me shit about it. I never judged you,...
She storms out of the room, leaving him with the words he had just spoken. He did not react to her words. He simply grabbed his garbs and put them on. Afterwards he left the room to check on Kinetrius who was still fast asleep. On the way out of the room he spotted Gavhelus returning to the Inn. It seemed he did not get much rest. He had just watched Minevi storm past him and out of the door. He then looked to Eradros with a grin on his face.
Gavhelus: Whew,...What on Tamriel did you say mate?
Eradros: Don't want to talk about it. It's time to go.
Gavhelus: Sure thing Cap'n.
Eradros woke Kinetrius up and had him gather his things. Once they were all outside, Eradros informed them that it would be a walk from here on. A local villager happened by when he heard them discussing the trip.
Villager: You lot headed up the mountain for prayer?
Eradros: Something like that. How bad is it? The climb.
Villager: Its actually not at all. Plenty of rest spots along the way. So many people walk it that the animals there started to guide them up and down the mountain. Be sure to give em a treat if they help you.
Kinetrius: Wow really? Thats pretty cool.
Villager: I'd be careful though,...
Eradros: What do you mean?
Villager: Recently some of the people who make the trip haven't returned. We're not sure why. Some think its ghosts or angry gods,...I think it could be anything. Just keep your eyes peeled. You guys look like the types that can take care of yourselves, but you can never be too careful.
Eradros: We'll keep that in mind. Thanks.
And with that, they set off to the mountain. The day was bright and the trees all glistened while blowing in the wind. They encountered other travelers who don't ever go too high up. Most of them pray at the shrines toward the lower end. Kinetrius did not want to disturb anyone so he made sure to keep quiet when passing someone praying.
A couple of hours had past. They were nearing the upper half of the mountain. This half looked totally different from the first. Everything was covered in snow. It was much colder and the air was thinner. Sometimes the wind would kick up and visibility would be difficult, but they managed to acquire a guide. A goat that Kinetrius had given a berry was leading them. He enjoyed this. It was exactly like the man said, but Suddenly the goat slowed down. It turned and looked at them. It bah'ed at them for a second and then walked back the other way.
Kinetrius: I believe it said it's job here is finished.
Eradros: Well that can't be right. We're not nearly there yet.
Kinetrius: I Know,...I've only counted 789 steps.
Gavhelus: You've been counting this whole time?
Kinetrius: If I didn't find something to do I'd be bored to bones. No one's talked the whole way up here. Is something wrong with you guys?
Eradros & Minevi: We're fine.
Kinetrius: ...O,...k?
Gavhelus put a hand on the boys shoulder and shook his head for him to leave it alone. The group continued on. The further they went up, the more everything became more white and less distinct. It almost looked like they were in a snow storm. The wind howled as it cut through the crevices of the mountain. Eradros stopped suddenly and looked down at the ground.
Kinetrius: Whats wrong? Why'd you stop?
Eradros: Blood,...
Gavhelus: I can smell it.
Minevi: Maybe it's just the wolves. We did see some on the way up.
Gavhelus: (sniffs),...Definitely something more primal.
Minevi: Aren't your dead friends telling you anything?
Gavhelus: None around. The dead don't like tumultuous places. They spend most of their time in reflection. Need calm quiet places for that.
Eradros: Whatever it is, just be sure to keep your wits about you. Keep moving.
They all walked along a tight path until they came to a clearing. It was hard to make anything out in the relentless snow flurry. One could barely make out their hand in front of their face. They walked slowly until they heard an unsettling noise come from the opposite side of the opening. A very low and ominous growl echoed off of the nearby walls. They all stopped for a moment, nerves now shaken. Kinetrius panned his vision around the area in hopes of spotting the source of it. Then, in the center of the snowy mist he saw a pair of black eyes watching them.
Kinetrius: There!
They all looked to where the boy pointed, but before anyone could react a large bone came hurtling out of the mist. The bone struck Minevi in the head. Her body instantly went limp as she fell into the snow, now bleeding from the head.
Eradros: Minevi!!!
Eradros rushed to her throwing himself at the ground to pick her up. Before he could get his hands around her body to lift her, he was rushed by a large humanoid creature with snow white fur. The creature rammed its shoulder into Eradros, sending him flying over the nearby ledge.
Kinetrius: NOOO!
Kinetrius began running toward the ledge but the creature took a wide swing at him. This sent him flying back into Gavhelus, knocking them both to the ground. The creature let out a deafening roar right before picking up Minevi and running off into the snowy mist. Kinetrius crawled over to the ledge, hoping to see that Eradros was unharmed. He could see nothing but the snow falling into a white abyss. Eradros was nowhere in site.
Kinetrius: Eradros,...I can't see him! Is he gone?!
Gavhelus: Don't know lad. But we've got a bigger problem. That thing just ran off with our princess.
Kinetrius: What was that?
Gavhelus: From the looks of it, had to be a snow troll. I think we just found out what's been happening to the missing travelers.
Kinetrius: Are they normally this aggressive?
Gavhelus: Only when they feel challenged. But it's a different story when they set eyes on a woman. They go absolutely berserk.
Kinetrius: We,... we have to go get her.
Gavhelus: Agreed. But in this storm, we might as well be feeding ourselves to it. Get up,...let's get this over with.
Kinetrius stood and dusted himself off. He gazed back over the cliff once more but still no sign of Eradros. Gavhelus placed a hand on his shoulder as he walked past.
Gavhelus: C'mon kid. One problem at a time.
He threw the hood of his cloak over his head and followed behind Gavhelus now racked with grief. The snow only continued to get more dense as they walked further into the beast's lair. Kinetrius tried his best to keep up with Gavhelus, but due to their height difference it was much harder for him to navigate the 2 feet of snow. Every now and then he would stumble and slip until he finally fell face first into the snow.
Kinetrius: Rraaaaggh!!! I bloody hate this place! Why did my dad even bring me here?!
He sits himself up and wipes his face. In a fit of anger he swipes at the snow violently. He was becoming overwhelmed from stress and losing his nerve. He finally stood up and realized he could not see Gavhelus anymore.
Kinetrius: Gavhelus? Where are you?! Gavhelus!!!
All he heard in response were the whistling winds. He stood up slowly to check his surroundings. He struggled just to make out shapes in the distance. He heard growls bouncing off of the walls near by. He was scared and alone. Eradros was indisposed and possibly dead, Minevi was currently in the hands of that monster and now, he had even lost Gavhelus.
He continued on into the clearing. The winds bullied him as he made his way through the snow. Then he started to hear the sound of someone running. The noise was accompanied by the heavy breathing of a beast, but then it stopped. Kinetrius looked up to see the troll lunging at him from up high. He quickly moved out of the way but the troll was relentless in its attack. It swung at him violently as he stumbled and rolled away whenever he could. Mobility in the snow was still difficult for him. Eventually he fell as the monster charged him again. It stood over him and raised its arms to slam down on him. Kinetrius rolled as fast as he could from right to left dodging each fist as they slammed into the snow one after the other.
He then used both legs to kick the troll in the jaw as he rolled backwards on to his feet. This enraged the troll. Kinetrius was unable to summon his blades due the his hands being nearly frozen. He grabbed his shield as the troll rushed him once again. The troll swung at him with great force. Kinetrius raised the shield to protect himself but it was useless. The shield was instantly shattered into wooden shards on impact and Kinetrius was sent flying into the nearest rock. He hit the rock so hard he nearly bounced off of it. The impact had knocked the wind out of him, and now the creature was standing over him to attack once more. The boy opened his eyes for a moment, struggling to get up. He saw the troll over him. It roared and beat on its chest almost as if celebrating victory in combat. The boy was unable to move and could barely stay awake. Slowly his eyes closed as the creature reached down to grab him.
There was a loud howling noise off in the distance. The sound caused Kinetrius to wake up. He realized he was still alive and the troll had not killed him yet. He heard fighting nearby. It sounded as if two beasts were fighting to the death. Visibility was still very low, but when he looked over he saw the troll struggling with another large creature. It had the body of a man but looked more wolf than anything. Could it have been a werewolf? Kinetrius rose to his feet barely able to stand. He leaned against the rock he hit to better get his bearings.
Kinetrius: Gavhelus? ...Is that you?
Immediately the wolf grabbed the troll by the throat and slammed it into the snow. It then looked up at the boy while holding it down and nodded its head to the right, signaling Kinetrius to go that way. The boy could barely stand, so he placed his hand against the rocks and slowly moved in that direction. The troll got up quickly, pushing the werewolf back and roaring as loud as it could. They both charged each other, clashing with claw and fang. Kinetrius continued on as far as he could to get away from the fighting. Hitting the rock had made his vision hazy. He struggled to see straight, losing his step every now and then. He could finally go no more. He was on the verge of collapse from exhaustion and taking that hit. Slowly, he let go of the wall, and began to fall to the ground. Before he hit the snow he was caught by someone. It was Eradros, covered in scars from the fall, but fine.
Eradros: Easy lad I gotcha.
Kinetrius: Eradros,...
Eradros: Yeah lad it's me.
Kinetrius: Ga,...Gavhelus.
Eradros: What about him? Where is he?
Kinetrius: He's,...He's in,...danger. You have,...to help him.
Eradros laid Kinetrius down in a small crevice that was out of the way and out of site.
Eradros: You'll be fine lad. Just stay here until I get back you hear me?
He then stoop up and ran toward the sound of the fighting. When he arrived he saw the werewolf and the troll going at it still.
Eradros: By the twelve,...Is that you Gavhelus?
In this form Gavhelus was strong, and faster than the troll, but the cold winds blurred his senses. The troll was adapted to this environment, much stronger than the regular trolls with brown fur. Its skin hardened by the harsh nature of its habitat, and its senses unhindered by the weather conditions. Eradros was unsure on how to best help Gavhelus. Getting in the way of that fight might be a death sentence for him, but the troll was slowly overcoming his comrade. In the midst of the brawl the troll stepped on the werewolf's foot, preventing him from moving and causing him great pain. He then seized the opportunity and sunk its large fangs into his right shoulder. The werewolf let out a deafening roar in pain. The beast now had Gavhelus locked down and unable to get away.
Eradros: Dammit!
He ran toward them hoping to free Gavhelus from the trolls clutches. Right as he got close he heard the howling of wolves in the distance. He stopped in his tracks and pulled out his sword.
Eradros: This just gets better every minute doesn't it?
Suddenly, two wolves came leaping in to attack the troll. They both bit it repeatedly until the troll let go of the werewolf. It tried desperately to fend them off, swinging in each direction but the wolves were too fast. Gavhelus had managed to get loose and backed away as the wolves continued their assault. He was tired, but he was not done with the troll just yet it seemed. The werewolf waited, breathing heavily with a sinister look in his eye. Soon the wolves had both grabbed the troll by each ankle using their mouths. The troll was unable to move a step. Then the werewolf lowered himself to the ground, digging his claws as far into it as possible. The troll eventually tired of struggling and had fallen from its legs being held. The werewolf suddenly took off towards it, running full speed. He then threw his back into the troll as hard as he could. This sent the troll flying over the ledge with great velocity. It had fallen, kicking and screaming into to the white abyss to its death. The fight was now over. Gavhelus and the two wolves walked to the edge and looked over it. Then the three of them let out loud howl together at the edge of the cliff.
Eradros had a hard time processing what he had just witnessed. He stood in amazement as Gavhelus slowly changed back to his normal state. Once the transformation was finished, he turned to see Eradros in a shocked state.
Gavhelus: What? Never seen a werewolf in action before?
Eradros: Can't say that I have. Never thought I'd see you naked either. I prefer the werewolf form.
Gavhelus: Oh piss off,...my armor's around here somewhere. Anyways where's the kid?
Eradros: Safe for now.
Gavhelus: And the woman?
Eradros: Wait,... She's not here?
Gavhelus: Afraid not. After you went over the ledge, the creature attacked us and made off with the girl. It was all i could do to keep the boy alive. We hadn't been able to find her just yet.
Eradros's face immediately flooded with worry. I was hard enough to see someone standing in front of you, let alone finding a missing person.
Gavhelus: But all is not lost mate. I picked this up from where she fell. Must have her scent on it I reckon.
He pulled out a small necklace with a ring on it. Eradros saw this and immediately recognized it.
Eradros: I gave her that necklace.
Gavhelus: Did you now? Well, hopefully my buddies here can pick up a trail from it.
Gavhelus kneeled down in front of the two wolves and let them sniff the necklace. They took their time with this, sniffing it several different times to be sure. Suddenly they took off in one direction, barking along the way.
Gavhelus: Well don't just stand there mate. You're gonna lose em. I'll go find the boy,...and my armor.
Eradros: I,...I don't know what we'd do without you Gavhelus.
Gavhelus: Yeah yeah. Sing me all the praises later. Now get goin'.
And with that, Eradros took off into the mist after the wolves. When he found them they were standing outside of an open-front cave still barking. There were blood stains all over inside of it, with the bones of animals and humans alike strewn about. The beast had obviously been claiming victims for some time. Eradros became extremely worried. He was almost certain he would find Minevi dead inside, probably gutted or something worse. He approached the cave slowly. The wolves walked in ahead of him to sniff around. Then, one of them stopped and began to whimper as its head went down. Eradros walked over to see what it had spotted, and it was a pile of corpses.
Eradros: Dear gods no,...How many lives has that beast claimed?
He dropped to his knees at the site of it. There were at least ten bodies laying there, all of women. The men that were killed must have been dismembered and eaten. The women were killed and kept as trophies. Then he saw her. Minevi's body lay off to the side of the pile. Eradros crawled over to her with tears beginning to form in his eyes. He took her up in his arms, barely able to speak from the lump now in his throat. Her skin was ice cold to the touch. Her pulse was very low, but she appeared to be alive still if only just barely.
Eradros: Come on love,...we gotta get you outta here.
He picked her up slowly in both arms, and began to make his way out of the cave. He walked through the snow with Minevi still unconscious. The winds had calmed a bit, and things were more visible now.
Eradros: I thought about what you said you know? And you were right. As always. I have been unkind to you,...for reasons that are more about me. I really do admire what you do. Even though most Nords would turn their noses up at the thought of working for the Empire, I understand what it is you wish to achieve. I'm sorry,...for not telling you sooner how proud I am of what you've done. For,...not making you feel welcomed when you joined us. I really am glad to have you with us honestly.
He continued walking behind the wolves that were leading him back to Gavhelus and Kinetrius. The sun had begun shining, gleaming off of the snowy walls and illuminating everything around them.
Eradros: That time we spent together,...stuck in the wilderness just us two. I heard you when you told me about your dreams. About how you wanted to bring order and stability to Skyrim,...so that people would not constantly fear death, and be able to live happier lives. And without even giving it thought, they had become my dreams too. I wanted to be the hand that you waved over Skyrim to cleanse the lands. And I almost believed I could. But you're right,... I was just a glorified thief. What good could I actually bring to this place when I'm everything that's wrong with it? I wanted to believe I could do something better,...but when the Empire came looking for you and you left with them without saying goodbye it was a reality check. I felt silly,...for thinking you actually believed in me. For thinking I was anything more than a criminal. Really put me in my place y'know. It hurt,...realizing that I could never be of any use to that end. That you'd rather go to the Empire than believe I could be any better than I was. But that wasn't what you were saying to me,...I know that now. You just couldn't be deterred. Not for me. Not for anyone. I was being selfish. And for that,...I sincerely apologize.
Once they made it back to the beaten path, the sky seemed to open up and let the sun all the way through. The light beamed on Minevi's face, causing her to squint a little. Eradros hadn't seen this. He simply continued marching on.
Eradros: I honestly don't know why you put up with me.
Minevi: I don't either,...
This remark had surprised him. He stopped walking and looked down at her.
Minevi: It's like I enjoy punishment or something.
Eradros immediately let go of her, dropping her into the snow.
Minevi: Ow! You can't do that, I'm injured you know!
Eradros: Not too injured to toy with my emotions I see.
She stood up and dusted herself off. She then turned around to look over the ledge at the view of Skyrim.
Minevi: I don't know,...It was nice being carried the whole way here by you. You know If I were the gullible type, I might get the illusion that you actually care for me.
Eradros slowly stepped closer to her until he was at her back.
Eradros: So what if you were? Illusions can be real, so long as the person never sees otherwise right?
She shook her head and smiled as she looked out over the lands.
Minevi: That mouth of yours I swear. It's the reason I left without saying anything. I was,...afraid of you, but not in the way you suspected. Sometimes you say the most beautiful things you know, and I hung onto every word. I was afraid you'd try and talk me out of going. Even more so, I was afraid that I would listen. But that wasn't fair of me. I didn't give you a chance to live up to your words, cast doubt into your heart. I mistook your sincerity for sweet nothings, while you never questioned my intentions once. You trusted me when I told you who I was. I should've done the same.
Eradros went to respond but they suddenly heard slow clapping coming from just a few feet away. They looked over to see Gavhelus and Kinetrius sitting on a rock next to the path.
Gavhelus: This is just the best. I thought the kid's story was epic, but you two. You got a real lovers tale on your hands.
Minevi looks away while blushing.
Eradros: It's not like that. We just,...got some things off our chests.
Gavhelus: Either way, it seemed like it was healthy for the both of ya. Glad you two kissed and made up finally. I could smell the tension between you from the moment I met you.
Minevi: What,...exactly happened while I was out?
Kinetrius hops down from the rock very excited.
Kinetrius: It was nuts! You got attacked by a snow troll, and it pushed Eradros over the cliff. Then it ran away with you and Gavhelus and I had to look for you. But then I lost Gavhelus in the snow storm and got attacked by the troll. But Gavhelus turned into a werewolf and saved me,...then I blacked out. And now you're here.
Minevi: That's,...quite the list of events. The next thing you'll tell me is a dragon showed up.
Immediately after uttering those words they all heard a noise ripping through the air. Kinetrius and Eradros immediately recognized the sound. They looked in the direction of the sound's origin, and that's when they saw it. A dragon was flying past the mountain, almost eye level to them due the height they were at. This one was different from the first. I was green with what seemed like ice particles coming out of its mouth as it roared. The dragon had not noticed them. It simply continued on it way while occasionally letting out a bone chilling shout. Minevi threw her hand over her mouth as she watched it fly by. She and Gavhelus could not believe what they were seeing.
Eradros: Well that settles it,...There are more than one out there.
Gavhelus: Hearin' about it's one thing. But seein' the bloody thing's another. They're really comin' back huh?
Kinetrius: This can't be a good sign. More people are going to get hurt.
Eradros: Don't fret lad. This is what we came here for. Right now our job is to get you to the greybeards. Set all other worries aside for now.
Kinetrius: You really think I'll be able to take one of those down?
Gavhelus: If prophecy has anything to do with it, you're the only one who can.
Eradros: Let's get moving. High Hrothgar shouldn't be much further.
They continued up the path to High Hrothgar. All now silent from the sight of the dragon. Soon they made it far enough to see the monastery. It had many stairs leading up to the front doors. With a chest and the base of them for offerings left by the travelers. The entire building was made of stone. It was a fortress fit for a warlord. They all paused at the sight of it. Eradros and Kinetrius both looked at each other before going forward up the stairs. Minevi and Gavhelus followed shortly after them. They were now on their way to learning more about what Kinetrius was getting into, and the role he would have to play in it all.
Chapter end -