Skryim III: The Dawnguard Wars.

Part Two: The Dawnguard.

It didn't take Lydia and I long to ride Queen Alsfigir into Whiterun. The guards opened the gates when they saw us gallop through. We rode Allie up the steps of Dragonsreach when we both hopped off. The guards didn't say anything and they took Allie's reins as Lydia opens the door to the great hall. As we walk in, we can hear an unrecognizable voice speaking the Jarl. When we walk up the steps, I see, Vilkas and Aela standing to the side. Aela smirks when she sees me. I nod to her. Balgruuf stops what he was saying and stands up. "Ah, Durak. I wanted you to meet our Dragonborn, Taniiaae. She is responsible for the disappearance of our 'most recent threats.'" Durak turned around to face me. He was a tall orc with long hair. His armor was made of leather and chain mail, and he had a crossbow on his back. He gave me a toothy grin and clasped my hand tight. "Durak, recruiter for Fort Dawnguard." 
"Taniiaae, as our beloved Jarl said, I'm the Dragonborn." I squeezed his hand with the same amount of firmness. I wanted him to know that I wasn't some scared little girl. 
Releasing his grip, I looked over at the Jarl, who gestured for the court to take a seat. I took my seat besides Vilkas and Aela. Lydia stood behind me, guarding me. Durak didn't sit and instead stood in the center of the room. "I have come here to recruit members for the Dawnguard, and the growing Vampire problem." he said in a deep voice. I look at Aela in confusion. What vampire problem? The only vampire I knew was Fennorian, and his secret was only known to us.  "I was sent here by my lieutenant, Isran. There is a growing vampire coven in the northwest of Solitude. They are breeding in a castle called Volkihar." Durak say. He looks at Balgruuf, "Any willing man or woman can follow me there to meet Isran. If you have men to spare, my lord." 
Durak bows his head towards Balgruuf. The Jarl turns to me. "I have many willing men who would be interested. Dragonborn, do you have any questions?"
I look at Vilkas and Aela before I speak. Vilkas gives me a brief nod. So I turn. "Where are these vampires targeting? I haven't seen any." 
 Durak looks at me incredulously, before he could remark, Aela spoke up. "The Dragonborn has been off fighting dragons and overseas fighting a threat. She hasn't had the time to notice vampires lurking around."
Durak's jaw snapped closed with an audible snap. He bows his head. "Apologies. These vampires have been seen skulking around Morthal, Dawnstar and Falkreath. Rumors of some being seen as far as the borders into Cyrrodiil and the Rift. It's getting worse. The House of the Vigilantes of Stendarr has been burned down."
"Good." I hear Aela mutter under her breath. I elbow her in the arm. The Vigilantes hated any breed of Daedra. Aela was the only one of our Circle who was still a werewolf, I doubt that would change.  "That is very unfortunate." I say, my voice lacking emotion.   "If I was to join your Dawnguard, where do you keep your fortress?" 
Durak smirks. "We are in the Rift, anyone in Ivarstead and Riften can find us. We stay inconspicuous for most of the time. Our fort is through Dayspring Canyon." 
I nod, familiar with the area, thanks to a small little adventure with Aela and Skjor when I was still in training.  "I know where that is." I say. 
Durak laughs. "Good, then you know where Fort Dawnguard is." 
Balgruuf stands up. "If you have no more answers for our guest, I will lead him down to the barracks to find our willing recruits." Irileth takes a step forward. "Should we end our session with the Thane and the Companions?" 
Balgruuf waves a hand. "This meeting is adjourned." I stand up faster than Aela and Vilkas can. I motion towards Lydia to follow and head out the doors. I can ear Aela and Vilkas on my heels. "Why are you leaving so far, this isn't that big of a deal?" Aela says once we leave the hall. Allie was no longer in sight, so I assumed that she was taken back down to the stable.
I could see Jonnri down by the shops and I knew that Sinding must of taken Lucia down to see her friends and ride. I smile a little, but then I feel uneasy thinking about the meeting with Durak.  I shake my head. "If a member of the Dawnguard is here in Whiterun, I don't think I would call this 'no big deal', Aela." I say. Vilkas nods. "The Dawnguard has been out of sight and mind for years. But, we have had little to no incidents with vampires." 
"People could say the same about werewolves." I say, raising my eye brows.
"Other than a few incidents in our history, you don't see us bringing the Dawnguard on our heels." Aela says. 
"No, we had the Silverhand on ours." I say, remembering all who we have lost in the last few months
Aela is silent after that.  We headed down to the middle of the town. I see Lucia talking to her friends and showing them her new mare. Sinding is nearby, talking and laughing with 
Anoriath, the Bosmer who sold his game.  
  He turns to see me and smiles. I smile back. 
"He is still so head over heels for you." Vilkas says, shaking his head. I eye him. "Is that a problem?" 
"No, it's a good thing." 
I smile, but it fades as I think of the meeting we had with Durak and the talk of vampires. "Aela." I say. 
She turns towards me. "Yes?" 
"Fennorian is a vampire, and while he has been staying with us for month, we have never had any issues with him. I think I need to talk to him to see if he knows who these...others are." 
Aela nods. "It's a fitting idea. But we need to make sure he stays put until this Dawnguard fellow heads back to the Rift." 
I nod and look at Sinding, and then Lucia who is chatting excitedly with Mila and Lars. I wished for once that Skyrim wouldn't be in danger. 
"For his safety, and all of ours, yes, that is right." I say quietly.