Rise of the Dark Lords - an Elder Scrolls and Middle-earth tale

Chapter 13 - The Fallen Dovahkiin

ULFRIC RAGED AT THE LOSS OF THE NILFGAARDIAN MAGES AND SHOUTED THE EASTERLING MESSENGER TO PIECES.  Sauron was displeased that such a small number of Blades had managed to kill such a high number of his forces.  Over three hundred dead not including the battlemages.  Talion was indifferent about the defeat and mentioned that they didn't need NIlfgaard and its mages.  He suggested that raise the great dragon Ancalagon, but Ulfric was against the idea.  As powerful as Ancalagon the Black was, he was nowhere near as strong as Alduin.  And Ulfric reminded Talion that the Dragonborn defeated the World-Eater in Sovngarde where Alduin fed on the souls of the dead.  Sauron raised his hand for them for silence and stared at the army of Easterlings, Haradrim and Southrons camped below his newly built fortress in Morrowind.  Mor Shakamub he named it or translated 'Black Rock.' Its walls were stronger than Barad-dur and magic more powerful than Dol Goldur.  Mor Shakamub was built to withstand any assault.

"The Dragonborn may be able to defeat any dragon, but Ulfric how would he fare against a Balrog?"

Talion shuddered at the thought of the Dark Lord raising a Balrog from the First Age.  Although Talion assisted Sauron and Ulfric in his sack of Alinor, his true allegiance lay with Gondor.  Fortunately Talion had learned how to mask his loyalties with the pain of his family's death.  

"Master" Talion said "You know where a Balrog could be found?"

"I do.  There is one left still alive in Angband."

"I would rather have my future kingdom left unruined my Lord" Ulfric told Sauron.

"As you wish."

"But there is one foe that the Dragonborn himself fears" Ulfric said with a smile.

"Whom do you speak of?"

"I speak of the first Dragonborn . . . Miraak.  He and the last Dragonborn have a troubled history."

"How" Sauron questioned.

"Miraak was a dragon priest who turned against his Masters and then betrayed the last Dragonborn.  When they fought, Miraak nearly killed him and the Dragonborn barely escaped with his own life."

"Would he join us?"

"To consume the soul of the last Dragonborn?  Miraak would gladly ally himself with you Lord Sauron" Ulfric answered.

A smile crept across the Dark Lord's face at the thought of the Dragonborn being forced to face his deadliest opponent.  An opponent that was a fallen Master of the Way of the Voice.  But Sauron had concerns about the fallen Dovahkiin for Ulfric had said that Miraak had betrayed his dragon Masters.  It was a possibilty that Miraak would abandon them for his own agenda once he had slain the Dragonborn.  He had an idea on how to counter that scenario.

"Ulfric, find Miraak and bring him before me.  Talion, I want you to accompany Ulfric and ensure that Miraak behaves.  If he misbahaves . . . persuade him to join our cause."

"It will be done Lord Sauron" Talion said bowing understanding Sauron's meaning in his words.

Talion and Ulfric found the fallen Dragonborn in the ruins of his temple in Solstheim three days after Sauron dispatched them.  Miraak was absolutely huge and nearly as tall as Sauron and both Talion and Ulfric could sense the hatred and rage in him.  He reeked of dark magic and bloodlust.  His face and body still bore the scars from his battle with the last Dragonborn.  Talion could only guess how he survived the battle.  Ulfric had told him stories of the Dragonborn's abilities with the Thu'um and how they were used.  It was both frightening and impressive.

"I heard what you did Ulfric Stormcloak and I should kill you where you stand" Miraak said his eyes full of fury.

"These days I'm not that easily struck down since I apprenticed myself to Sauron" Ulfric replied coldly gripping his sword.

"What do you want and why did you bring the wraith?  Did you not think I wouldn't recognize the fallen Ranger of Gondor?"

"We come with a proposal from Lord Sauron" Talion spoke.

"And what does the Maia want?"

"In exchange for pledging yourself to him, how would you like to given the power to kill the last Dragonborn" Ulfric tempted MIraak.

A smile crossed the hideously scarred face of Miraak who gestured with his arm opening his armory revealing his armor and weapons.  Looking at Ulfric he simply asked

"When does the war begin?"

LATER THAT NIGHT DAENERYS BENT OVER THE GRINDSTONE SHARPENING HER SWORD.  Months of training had dulled it slightly and she wanted it sharp and deadly.  The Dragonborn had been giving her lessons in smithing and she enjoyed working with metal.  It was relaxing and took her mind off the coming fight.  Daenerys was having difficulty speaking to Brianna about her feelings toward her father.  Although Daenerys suspected that Brianna knew, she wanted permission from his children first before she started anything with him.  As she continued sharpening the blade she sensed a disturbance around her.  A portal opened and Talion stepped through shocking her.  Daenerys readied herself for combat unsure if the fallen Ranger was there to kill her or the Dragonborn.

"Peace Daenerys.  I do not have much time.  Please tell the king that my true loyalties lay with Gondor and warn the Dragonborn that Miraak has pleged himself to Sauron" Talion then disappeared through the portal.

Daenerys was confused at Talion's message and she sprinted and relayed Talion's words to Aragorn, the Dragonborn and Geralt.  Daenerys and Aragorn both had no clue who Miraak was, but the reaction from the Dragonborn and Geralt was clear.  The Dovahkiin threw his wine glass clear across Sky Haven in anger.  Brianna gasped and Kellian's head dropped.

"Brianna, who is this Miraak and why is the Dragonborn so angry" Daenerys asked.

"Miraak was the first of the Dragonborn and he betrayed my father and the two fought.  My father was nearly killed by him" she said with disgust in her voice.  Brianna was angry that Miraak had chosen to join Sauron.

"But isn't it good that Talion is with us?"

"Daenerys, Miraak is nearly as strong Sauron.  Before he was a Dragonborn, Miraak was a dragon priest who betrayed his Masters.  His only interest is killing my father.  If he manages to do that, not even Sauron would be able to stop him."

"How would is that possible?  Sauron is a Maia, Morgoth deadliest and chief lieutenant?"

"Because my father is a Dragonborn.  He is in the body of a mortal, but has the blood and soul of a dragon which gives him unnatural long life.  On top of that, he killed over twenty dragons and consumed their souls including Alduin's.  Can you imagine how powerful Miraak would be if he consumed my father's?"

Daenerys was shocked that a Dragonborn could be seduced to serve evil.  Throughout history, the Dragonborn had served on the side of good.  Daenerys figured that the tale of Miraak would be one that Nord's wouldn't want to tell.

"How did your father defeat him?"

"He destroyed his temple with the both of them still in it burying them both alive.  It took me and my brother two days to dig my father out."

"But your father is this greatest swordsman in Tamriel . . ."

"Even with Geralt's training, Miraak has a good chance of defeating my father."  Brianna took a drink of ale. and put her hand on Daenerys's shoulder.  "I know you love my father Daenerys.  I see the way you look at him.  I suggest that you tell him before we ride to war in the morning."  Scared for the first time, Daenerys found the Dragonborn looking out at Skyrim under the moon and told him of her feelings and fell into his arms.  Hoping they would have a future, shes prayed silently that they would survive the war.