The Stormcloak King - A Rise of the Dark Lords Tale

Chapter 17 - Return of Sauron

ULFRIC LOOKED UPON SAURON IN DISBELIEF AND SHOCK AND COULDN'T FIGURE OUT HOW THE DARK LORD ESCAPED THE VOID. Ulfric rose from the throne and bent his knee to his Master and the fallen Maiar gave him a disapproving look. His yellow eyes betrayed his mood as Sauron was consumed with anger at his chosen servant's behavior. And one of the most sought-after relics from Arda was destroyed and he was responsible for its loss. Ulfric couldn't bring himself to look at the Maiar for he was afraid that the Dark Lord would unleash his terrible wrath upon him.

"So, one of the lost stones of Feanor was found and then lost. You cannot not fathom the displeasure that Melkor feels at this moment Ulfric" Sauron told his former war captain. "Perhaps I was wrong to choose you Dark Lord" the Maiar mocked him.

"It was the girl my Lord. The blood of Melian flows in her" Ulfric explained.

"Ah yes. The Dragonborn's eldest is a descendant of the Queen of Doriath. I remember meeting her daughter Luthien. Quite powerful she was" Sauron answered. "Yet she is no Istari."

"The Psijic's trained her and gave her every tome and scroll that the Istari wrote. She learned the power of the Eldar" Ulfric explained.

"Still doesn't excuse the loss of a Silmaril" Sauron hissed.

"I believe an Elder Scroll can restore the lost stone my Lord. Yours that is. But it is being held at Sky Haven. That is why I attempted to take the Akaviri fortress" Ulfric responded.

"Using the Night King as your captain was not wise. He may be capable, but he is no Witch-King. He was struck down by a child" Sauron insulted Arya. "And he will betray you."

"That child is one of the deadliest assassins in Westeros and now married to the Dragonborn's son. It is rumored that his daughter is betrothed to Jon Snow and both are in Skyrim" Ulfric told Sauron.

"And you fear that could bring her brother into the conflict" Sauron asked.

"I fear that if they have any offspring, they'll have the same powers as Brianna" Ulfric answered ruefully.

"Perhaps that can be turned to an advantage" Sauron's eyes flared with a darker shade.

"How" Ulfric asked his interest piqued.

"Simple. Like Saruman betrayed Mithrandir, how would Tamriel feel if one of the Dragonborn's blood joined us" the Dark Lord asked.

"It would be like Miraak had returned my Lord" Ulfric answered a smile loving the suggestion. Finally having the courage to look at his Master, Ulfric looked at Sauron. "May I ask, how did you escape the Void?"

"My connection to the Ring allows me small windows where I can leave and enter the mind of the bearer. But it is not whole. Until the stones of Feanor are found, my physical body cannot leave the Void" Sauron explained.

"Damn" Ulfric swore. "I dispatched the Night King with orders to capture the Witcher Cirilla for I believe her blood is strong enough to release the Witch-King. I need a weapon powerful enough to counter Brianna. Perhaps her blood can release you."

"Only the restoration of the Silmarils can release Melkor and I. Only then can we take this world from men and the Valar" Sauron answered his servant. "And acquire the Elder Scroll. It'll be easier once the blood of the Dragonborn is by our side. Lastly the remaining Noldor must be destroyed" Sauron answered disappearing leaving Ulfric alone before Dagon's throne. Ulfric agreed with Sauron on destroying the Elves for he was once their prisoner and agent. They had used him into starting a failed civil war and Ulfric wanted nothing more than revenge. He was no longer their thrall and minion. The Elves were about to pay a heavy price for standing against Melkor and Sauron. But Ulfric had a darker plan for the Elves of Tamriel. Instead of striking them down, he decided when the Night King returned, he would have him turn them into White Walkers and use them against the Akaviri.

CIRI SLEPT FITFULLY AFTER A NIGHT OF CELEBRATION AND HEAVY DRINKING. She was in the midst of a terrible dream where the rivers of Tamriel had turned to blood and carrion birds feasted on rotting flesh. She woke up screaming and found herself staring into the faces of Brianna and Daenerys. Daenerys was flung backward against the wall as a tidal wave of magical energy struck her. Ciri jumped up and rushed to her friend's side worried that she may have been injured. Daenerys got up and raised her hand indicating that was fine.

"I'm sorry Daenerys. I can't control the visions when they come" Ciri cried tears streaming down her face.

"Do not be troubled Ciri. Brianna and I came because of your screams in your sleep. Are you okay" Daenerys answered concerned for the welfare of the young Witcher of the Northern Kingdoms.

"I saw the rivers of Tamriel turn to blood and carrion birds feasting on dead flesh. I fear something terrible is coming to the realm" Ciri answered splashing water on her face.

"Does this mean Ulfric plans to launch another attack" Brianna said more as a statement than a question.

"I don't know" Daenerys responded. "Ulfric knows that the real power in Tamriel isn't the Empire, but the Aldmeri Dominion. Your Elder blood is connected to that of the Elves and perhaps you received a warning Ciri."

"I don't follow Daenerys" Ciri said not understanding.

"If I was Ulfric, I would attack the Thalmor" Daenerys told the Witcher. "Ulfric was once their agent and has been lusting for revenge ever since. If he had successfully became High King of Skyrim, he would have fought the Thalmor. Now with the Night King by his side and legions of White Walkers, the High Elves don't stand a chance.  Maius must be warned."

"The Thalmor have it coming" Brianna countered. "Do you not remember what they did to the Blades during The Great War! They hunted down and destroyed the Akaviri" she protested. "We're still recovering."

"I understand your reluctance Brianna, but the Altmer and Bosmer are the last of Noldor and Maius believes their minds can be freed" Daenerys responded to Brianna's outburst.

"Maius is a credit to his race. But do you really think the Aldmeri Dominion will give up on their designs on the Empire overnight" Brianna told her stepmom. "They forced Hamerfell out and caused Skyrim to fight a terrible civil war that took the life of my mother!"

"No, it will take time, but the Noldor would be a powerful ally in the fight against Ulfric.  And when your brother assumes the throne, he would be lucky to have such a friend" Daenerys told her stepdaughter.

"She's right cousin. I know you detest the Thalmor for their past sins, but for the greater good can you find room in her heart to forgive them? We can't defeat Ulfric and the Night King alone" Ciri told Brianna.

Brianna sighed and knew Daenerys and Ciri were right. "It'll be hard, but I'll try. Ulfric is the one who will answer for his crimes."

"You truly have the wisdom of Melian" Daenerys replied proud that her stepdaughter was willing to put aside her anger toward the Aldmeri Dominion for the greater good. But inwardly Daenerys feared for her young son. She worried that without proper guidance, Talion would fall prey to the men trying to take advantage of his position. She had hoped that would have a good teacher and friends to lead him when he gained the throne. Her own pursuit for the Iron Throne had led her astray and nearly cost Daenerys her life. She wanted her son to have as many allies and friends as possible when he was ready to lead Tamriel and Westeros. One such friend she had in mind was Brelyna Maryon – the current Arch-Mage of the College of Winterhold.

The Dragonborn had left her in charge of the College after he assumed leadership of the school. He thought her suitable for the role and it was position that she fit well into. And Brelyna rewarded him with her unquestioning loyalty. Daenerys knew that the Dark Elf deeply loved her husband and was biding her time until she passed. But for now, she remained a friend and Daenerys hoped that friendship would extend to her son. For Daenerys knew that the road to any throne was fraught with danger and peril.