The Bears Shortcoming

Chapter 9 - Betrayal

(4E 201 25th of Sun's Dusk)

I woke up in my familiar bed in the palace of the kings, kicking myself for the events that had occurred the night before.

Now the secret was out, and everyone in Windhelm knew who I really was. Including the Jarl.

There was a light knocking on my door and I sat up in my bed. A pretty girl wearing servants' attire walked into my room.

"Pardon me milady" she said timidly "a letter for you came this morning from the rift"

The pretty girl handed me the letter, her hands were trembling. She was terrified of me. I figured I'd get that reception in Windhelm a lot from now on, as everyone was now talking about the girl in the palace who eats the souls of dragons. I felt like a monster.

I gave the girl the kindest smile I was capable of and dismissed her. I turned the letter over to see the thieves' guild shadowmark and my heart leapt. I tore open the letter.

Aiden,

You've been gone for some time now; Vex and I were worried sick about you.

There's been talk in the guild that the Dragonborn has appeared in Windhelm, I don't know why you've had to stay so long but I trust it's important. Our pockets are getting lighter with every passing day you're absent, and Vex is driving me insane with her moaning.

Stay safe and come back soon.

Brynjolf

I couldn't stop myself from crying as I re-read the letter over and over. I missed the guild with all my heart but I needed to keep my word to Ulfric, especially after the events that occurred last night . All I could do was pray to the gods that one day my friends would forgive me for abandoning them.

I got myself dressed and made my way into the great hall. I found Ulfric in his usual spot, sitting on his throne. He looked at me when I walked in and looked away almost immediately.

"Ulfric..." I began, standing at the foot of the throne.

"It is Jarl Ulfric to you" he replied sternly, not bothering to even look in my direction "And just because you are the Dragonborn of legend, that does not mean you don't kneel before your king"

His cold words sent a shiver down my spine, it was as if he had forgotten everything that had happened between us so far. I knew he was doing this to me on purpose because i had hidden things from him, but i couldn't hide the hurt from spreading across my face.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner, I just-"

"Enough" the Jarl said lowly, "If we're done chatting, then I'd like to get down to business. Me and Galmar have a war to plan"

I felt defeated. I genuinely cared about the Jarl and I thought he felt the same way, but I had no idea he could be this cold. Ulfric stood up and began to walk across the hall into the next room, not so much as glancing in my direction as he barged past. Galmar was sharpening a sword. I followed cautiously, and then Ulfric turned to me.

"Whiterun is vulnerable, we are ready to strike"

I scanned the words through my mind over and over, unable to process what I was being asked to do. I must have stood silently for a few minutes before I finally spoke up.

"You're attacking Whiterun?" I could hear fear in my own voice and I could see that the Jarl detected it too. He looked into my eyes coldly.

"No. We are attacking Whiterun. We leave for the City tomorrow" Ulfric's voice was quiet but it sent fear shooting through my entire body.

"I can't-"I was struggling to speak "The Jarl has been nothing but kind to me! I can't betray Whiterun and its people"

Ulfric raised his voice slightly "You won't be betraying anyone. I am to be the High King. That city is mine by right"

"But you're not high king yet" I snarled.

"Be careful Dragonborn" Ulfric shot me a piercing glare which sent a shiver down my back "You leave for Whiterun in the morning, be prepared to fight".