Daughter Of Alduin | A Skyrim inspired novel

Chapter 6 | The Dragon King

After Shea's breakdown on the bench, she took a deep breath, wiped away her tears, and resolved to move forward. Standing up, she walked over to Nivan, who was waiting nearby with a concerned expression. Shea gently held Nivan's face, looking into her fierce eyes, and said, "Let's take a rest at Valen's place for tonight. I know what I have to do." Nivan hugged her tightly, whispering words of comfort, "Everything will be alright, Shea. We'll face this together."

The two women made their way to Valen, who was talking with some townsfolk. Shea interrupted, asking if they could stay at his place for the night. Valen agreed without hesitation, his loyalty and concern for Shea evident. "Of course, you can stay. My home is your home," he said with a reassuring smile.

As they walked through the bustling streets of Whiterun towards Valen's house, Shea couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions—nostalgia, fear, and a newfound sense of purpose. They passed familiar landmarks, each one bringing back memories of her past life before all the chaos began.

When they arrived at Valen's home, they were greeted by the savory aroma of venison being cooked. Valen's father, a tough but kind-hearted man, had prepared a hearty meal. Despite his wary glances at Shea, he welcomed them warmly. They sat around the wooden table, the flickering candlelight casting soft shadows on their faces. The meal was delicious, the venison tender and flavorful, providing a temporary comfort amid the turmoil of recent events.

The next morning, Shea rose early, greeted by the gentle chirping of birds. Whiterun, known for its tranquility, was bathed in the soft glow of dawn. Shea relished the peace, feeling a rare moment of calm after the chaos of recent days. She decided to take advantage of the serene environment and headed for a warm bath, washing away the grime and tension from her long adventures.

After her bath, Shea informed Nivan and Valen that she was going to take a short walk outside Whiterun and would return within an hour. They nodded, trusting her judgment, and watched as she headed out.

As Shea strolled through the valley, she marveled at the beauty of the landscape. The morning air was crisp and refreshing, the perfect antidote to her weary spirit. However, her peaceful walk was abruptly interrupted by a distant roar that echoed across the sky. The wind picked up, swirling around her as she looked up, trying to locate the source of the sound.

Another roar pierced the air, louder and more menacing this time. Although she couldn't see anything yet, a familiar, uneasy sensation gripped her. Her heart raced as she recognized the presence—she had felt this entity before. Panic surged through her veins as she realized it was a dragon.

Without wasting another second, Shea turned and ran, her instincts driving her to escape. She sprinted across the valley, but her efforts were in vain. The dragon swooped down from the sky with terrifying speed, its massive claws outstretched. In an instant, Shea was lifted off the ground, the dragon's powerful claws wrapping around her.

"Let me go!" she screamed, struggling against its grip, but the dragon remained silent. The ground grew distant beneath her as they ascended into the sky, the wind howling around them. Shea's mind raced, searching for a way to break free, but the dragon's hold was unyielding.

"Let me go, I said!" Shea shouted again, her voice barely audible over the rushing wind. The dragon glanced down at her, its eyes gleaming with a mysterious intent. Shea wriggled and thrashed, but the dragon's grip was unyielding, its claws like iron around her.

"What do you want from me?" she yelled, desperation tinging her voice. "I barely have any meat on my bones, you fire-spitting reptile! You've got the wrong prey!" She tried to sound defiant, but fear lurked in her words.

The dragon let out a deep, rumbling laugh that resonated through its entire body. "You are not prey, little one," it said, its voice like rolling thunder. "You are far more valuable than that."