Traveling to Skyrim

Chapter 3: Dragons

I took my bow off my back and pulled one from the quiver and loaded it. Pointing it towards where I heard the dragons cries came from, I sat and waited. Evening out my breath, my shaking hands steadied themselves, and I was finally prepared to fight him. When his head shone above the mountain, I shot my arrow. It stayed true to its path, hitting him square in the scaly forehead. My friends cheered, but I knew that that was not enough to take down a dragon. The dragon swooped down the mountain, gaining speed as he went, until he spread his wings out slowly, allowing him to slow down until he hovered above us. Squinting, as he was right in front of the sun, I could barely make out the features of a friendly dragon, Paarthurnax.

"Good morning, old one! Sorry I shot you!" Paarthurnax gave what I could only assume was dragon-like smirk, before landing on the ground with a loud boom.

"Dovakiin. It is nice to see you. I'm assuming you are wondering why you are here? Yes, I know about you being taken from your realm. I will explain after we have arrived at High Hrothgar. Unfortunately, it is too dangerous for you and your friends to journey anywhere, as there are many people who seek to harm you. Hrothgar is currently the only place you can seek haven, until you fulfill your destiny. Once you have, and a few side quests as well, you will be able to return home using the Elder Scroll."

I finally looked at my friends, and saw them completely confused at what was going on. I wondered why, and then I realized I was speaking in dragon-tounge with him, and they could not understand anything he was saying. There was an ancient shout that I was positive Paarthunax knew, which would allow them to understand dragon-tounge, even if for a short while.

"So, he said we'll be going to a place called High Hrothgar. Its the only safe area."

"Will we be traveling by the usual path, My Thane?" Lydia asked.

Paarthurnax shouted at her, the shout I thought he had.

"Hello brave one. No, you will not be going that way. I will not tell this to those children the Dovakiin has with her, as I know it would frighten them and make them impossible to cooperate with at the moment. As for the way up there, you'll be riding on my back."

My mouth dropped open, and all my friends wondered what he just said to shock me like this. Paarthurnax turned to me, and spoke one more time.

"Help your friends understand what is going, then help them get situated on my back."

Nodding, I turned to Lindsey, Sam, and Travis.

"Guess what!" I clapped my hands together, then continued," We're going to be riding a dragon up to High Hrothgar. I hope none of you are afraid of heights, as Hrothgar is the 'Throat of the World', otherwise known as the tallest mountain in all of Skyrim."

Lindsey's mouth dropped open, as mine had done not too long ago. Travis jumped in the air while yelling "YES!!" as loud as he could. Sam just stood by the side, a little worried about riding a dragon, but still excited nontheless. I helped each person clamber up the dragon's side, then helped them sit comfortably, but to the extent where they'd still be safe. Once everyone was settled, Paarthurnax told me to ride on his neck, like I had done with previous dragons, that way I could fight if I needed to. Once we were up in the sky, I decided to use nightvision, as it was getting dark. It helped tremendously! I was able to see imperials taking some prisoners, and I scowled at the thought of Stormcloaks being tortured.

"Paarthurnax?"

"Hm?"

"Can you please set me down? There's some comrades I need to help." I gritted my teeth, hoping he would comply.

"I suppose I could come for you after you've taken care of this... business. I wouldn't want the children seeing this part of you, so keep it hidden."

With that, he landed. I told Lydia to watch my friends, before hopping off. Paarthurnax took off once again, and my friends looked at me with fear, wondering what was going on. I gave them what I hoped was a reassuring smile, before I headed towards the imperials. I didn't even give them a chance to see me, before I pulled out my bow and shot all six of them. The arrows never missed their mark, hitting some in the head, others in the heart. The two Stormcloaks who were prisoner waited for their savior to step out, and I complied.

"Hello. You may not know me, but I am someone you can trust. Loot the guards of their swords and armor, and make for the camp that's near Riverwood. Oh, and here." I cut the ropes holding their wrists, and started to run back to where Paarthurnax dropped me off.