Robin Smith: a Skyrim Story

Quest Start: Before the Storm

"It's probably best if we split up," Hadvar suggested. "Good luck. I wouldn't have made it without your help today."

He started off, and I ran after him. "Wait!" I called.

He stopped and turned to me.

"I'd like to accompany you," I said. "This is my first time coming to Skyrim, and I'd rather be around someone who actually knows where they're going than to wander aimlessly into the woods."

Hadvar laughed heartily. "Well, that is the sensible thing to think. Come along, then. I'd like to reach Riverwood before nightfall."

"Riverwood?" I asked as we jogged down the beaten path.

"It's a small hamlet just around the mountain," Hadvar explained. "My uncle, Alvor lives there. I plan on seeking refuge in his home for a night or two, if that is to your liking. And we need to warn the village of the dragon. I don't know whether they'd believe me if it was just me alone, but with you, we might be able to convince them."

"Right." I liked the idea of a warm bed.

Somewhere along the way, I took in the scenery. Skyrim really was a beautiful place, although it was a bit cold to my liking. The crisp winter air made the air fresh and pleasant, especially compared to that dank and smelly cave.

I stopped a moment to pick some flowers. I fancied myself an alchemist by hobby, and I couldn't help but grab a couple of samples foreign to me. The possibilities are endless when it comes to alchemy. There are countless ingredients, countless combinations to try, and thousands of effects on the body and soul, both harmful and beneficial.

"If you're looking for work," Hadvar spoke up after a moment, "you should consider joining the Imperial Legion. If the rebels have themselves a dragon, then General Tullius is the only one who can stop them."

"I don't think the Stormcloaks are responsible for that... thing," I argued. "It certainly took no notice of who it was killing."

"I suppose you're right," he sighed. "But when it comes to Ulfric, I wouldn't be surprised. You heard what Tullius said about that traitor. He Shouted the High King to bits and rode off without a hint of remorse!"

"Shouted?" I thought about it. According to legend, there was a powerful magic called Shouting. It originated from the ancient dragon language; and it was what they used to both speak and fight. A battle between two dragons would actually be a deadly verbal debate.

As much as the myth intrigued me, I never fully believed it until today. That black dragon was definitely speaking something. I heard it as it blasted people away like rag dolls and scorched the village with flames.

I stopped in my tracks as I realized that I understood it. Fire, Force. It wasn't just common sense. There was a gut feeling that I knew.

"Something wrong?" Hadvar asked, glancing back.

"N-no, nothing..." I answered, continuing on. That was a question for another day. Right now, my mind and body were telling me to find a safe place, eat a warm meal, and get some rest.

Hadvar paused for a moment and pointed up at a gigantic structure built into the mountains. "See that ruin up there? Bleak Falls Barrow. When I was a boy, that place used to give me nightmares. Draugr climbing down the mountain and creeping into my window at night, things like that. To be honest, the place still gives me the creeps."

I laughed. "Don't blame you."

"Yeah," Hadvar chuckled. We continued in silence until we descended the hill and came upon an altar-looking structure with three stones the size of a person on each corner. They had markings on them and strange holes near the top.

"These are the Guardian Stones, three of the thirteen Standing Stones dotting Skyrim's landscape," Hadvar explained. "Praying to one of the stones grants you a special power. Go ahead, see for yourself."

I stepped onto the platform. An otherworldly presence engulfed me, as if the gods themselves were watching me at that very moment. It was quite unlikely that they were, as I was just another person. But I approached the stone that depicted a mighty soldier. The Warrior Stone.

It was as good a choice as any. No harm came out of being handy with a dagger and bow, after all. I approached the stone and knelt down in front of it, as if greeting a king. I wasn't sure how else it worked, but prayers were usually respectful, right?

Apparently, it worked. The hole in the stone suddenly lit up and shot a beam of light into the sky. Several dots on the warrior began to glow and formed a constellation-looking shape. I felt a power surge through me as the stone flashed, and then the light faded away. I stood back up.

"Ah, the warrior!" Hadvar approved. "I knew you were a good man the moment I laid eyes on you."

I shrugged bashfully and got back on the path. As we continued on, I took one last glance back at the Guardian Stones. The only reason I hadn't chosen the Thief Stone was because my first and only ally in this cold country had been watching.

As if he read my thoughts, Hadvar said, "Look, as far as I'm concerned, you've already earned your pardon. But until we get that confirmed with General Tullius, try to steer clear of Imperial soldiers and avoid any complications, alright?"

I nodded.

After a run-in with some hungry wolves, we made it to Riverwood. "Thank the gods," I sighed in relief. "Civilization."

"Yes," Hadvar agreed. "I'm glad you decided to come with me. Things look quiet enough here. Come, there's my uncle."

I followed him to a forge connected to a big hut. "Uncle Alvor!" Hadvar called out. "Hello!"

"Hadvar?" The blond man sitting at the grindstone stood and came to greet us. "What are you doing here? Are you on leave from... Shor's bones, what happened to you, boy? Are you in some kind of trouble?"

I looked over at Hadvar. He did look quite exhausted, as I certainly was.

"Please, quiet, uncle!" Hadvar insisted. "I'm fine, don't worry. But we should go inside to talk."

"What's going on?" Alvor asked suspiciously, glancing over at me. "And who is this?"

"He's a friend," Hadvar replied. "Saved my life, in fact. Come on, I'll explain everything, but we need to go inside."

"Okay, okay, come inside then," Alvor gave in. "I'll have Sigrid make you something to eat, and you can tell me all about it."