The Bears Shortcoming

Chapter 22 - A Courier From Solitude

           

(((ULFRICS POV)))

(4E 202 25th First Seed)

I was residing in the palace of the kings, trying to organise the Stormcloak army, and at the same time trying to find Aiden. She could be dead for all I knew, but I refused to believe it. She was a stubborn woman, she always was.

I knew I looked terrible, I was struggling to sleep, struggling to eat; I was struggling to function without her by my side.

She was like a drug to me. A terrible, beautiful drug. And I had become insatiably addicted.

I heard the brass doors of my palace open and my eyes flickered upwards to the entrance, I would have paid any sum of gold to see her slender figure standing in the doorway of my home.

But of course it wasn't her.

A skinny, tired looking courier boy made his way to my throne and bowed his head before handing a bulky package to my steward and scurrying away.

"What is it Jorleif?" I said gruffly.

"A package, my lord" my steward answered "It dosent say who from"

"Hand it over then"

Jorleif did what I asked without question, climbing the steps to my throne to hand me the package before assuming his previous position at my right hand side.

I looked at the package curiously, dirty and worn, it looks to have come a long way. There is no seal, meaning it isn't from a Jarl or from any of the Stormcloak generals.

I tear it open and find myself holding a small leather book and a thin letter. I open the letter and recognize the handwriting instantly. I feel like my heart is being crushed mercilessly as I scan over the words from my lover, and my eyes grow wet as I reach the end.

My Dearest Ulfric,

No doubt you are worried about me. I want you to know that I am perfectly fine and safe.

Although all that I want is to return to Windhelm and be by your side once more, you must know that I cannot return and I will not be a part of the rebellion from this day onward.

During my expedition to the Thalmor Embassy, I found out about your involvement with the dominion. I wish you'd have told me to start with, and then we wouldn't be in this mess.

If you truly love me, you will stop this madness and stop this war. Tell your people the truth.

Aiden

I read it again and again and start to notice tears staining the ink on the parchment. My tears.

My steward tries to find his voice and he mumbles "What is it my Jarl? Are you...alright?"

I suddenly remember that Jorleif is standing there and struggle to find my words. "You're dismissed Jorleif, leave me." I say to him quietly, my own voice startles me, I sound so weak.

"But my lord-" Jorleif goes on.

"LEAVE ME!" I bellow, my aggressive voice echoes through my palace and my steward whimpers before running out of the room, leaving me alone with my grief.

I open the leather book and read the thalmor dossier. It's all true, but it pains me to read it.

She has left me.

I let out a roar of anguish and knock over the food and wine on the banquet table, red liquid staining the rugs and green glass littering the floor with a loud crash.

Aiden has left me.

I look through teary eyes, up at the Stormcloak banner at the top of the hall.

My pride and joy. My army. My rebellion.

My father would be proud.

I belong on the throne, I am the rightful high king of Skyrim and I am sworn to save her from the empire and its injustice! I will stop at nothing until I cut the head of the empire itself, with or without the disloyal Dragonborn at my side.

"GALMAR!" I bark.

A few seconds pass before the old bear appears in the hall. He ignores the mess and my grief-stricken appearance.

"What do you need my lord?"

I look upon my loyal friend and ball my hands into fists, scrunching up the letter Aiden had sent.

"Come, old friend. We have a war to win"