4E 202, High Hrothgar
Kiera Fendalyn
The courtyard of High Hrothgar was quiet, save for the sigh of the mountain wind. The Jarls and their escorts began arriving one by one, and Kiera stood at the fore with arms folded, eyes watchful. Even in the thin, biting air of the Throat of the World, the weight of this moment was heavy.
Arngeir and Gerron stepped forward to greet each party in turn. She spotted Rikke standing by Elisif, Ulfric surrounded by Galmar Stone-Fist and Brunwulf Free-Winter.
Jarl Igmund of Markarth was the only one of the Jarls wearing full plate armor, which was a bit of an odd choice in her opinion.
Even Emperor Titus Mede II himself was only covered in high-silks and wool cloaks, trailed by General Tullius and Commander Maro.
'All the power of Skyrim,' Kiera thought, 'and perhaps its future, gathered in one place.'
She had been thinking for days about how best to approach the summit. Ulfric would lead the discussions of politics, but when it came to the greater dangers—dragons, vampires, Daedra, the Thalmor—eyes would inevitably turn to her. To Kiera Fendalyn, the Dragonborn.
She already knew her strategy. Before words could sway the Jarls, she needed to challenge their assumptions. Dragons were not all enemies. That truth had to be planted in their minds early, before they decided every scaled wing in the sky deserved only a spear in the chest.
She closed her eyes and reached deep. 'Vermithor, it's time.'
A tremor ran down her bond with Vermithor, and she could feel eager anticipation radiating from him. Shadows fell across the courtyard as two immense shapes circled above before descending. Stone tiles rattled and snow swirled into plumes, as they landed.
The Bronze Fury and the Dragon Sage met the eyes of everyone in attendance.
Gasps, curses, and startled shouts erupted at once. Jarls pressed back. Guards drew weapons instinctively, though none dared advance.
"By Talos…" Balgruuf muttered, eyes widening.
Sybille Stentor hissed under her breath, her red eyes narrowing.
But it was the two cloaked figures near Jarl Laila who gave Kiera pause. Their hands went to their blades instantly, though their reactions couldn't be more different. The Breton woman had eyes akin to suspicion and hatred, while the elder Nord gazed with a calculating look, studying and analyzing the two Dragons he was seeing.
"Those are members of the Blades," Gerron's voice came low at her shoulder.
"Like Fultheim at the Nightgate Inn?" she murmured back.
"Aye." He nodded.
Before fear could harden into aggression, Paarthurnax lowered his head, his deep voice rumbling across the courtyard. "I am Paarthurnax."
The Emperor himself took a step forward, awe flashing across his weathered face. Commander Maro moved with him, a hand on his sword, his every nerve braced.
"A dragon in the flesh. Incredible." Titus Mede II said, not with terror but with fascination.
Paarthurnax gave a nod towards the man. "One of the oldest, and most ancient." His voice rumbled. "Kiera has told me much about you, Emperor. Once, I was Alduin's lieutenant. I led his kin in fire and slaughter, and committed atrocities I can never undo. But I have turned from that path. I will fight beside you against him, against tyranny."
Almost all of the Jarls, barring Elisif, had looks of open surprise. They were told numerous times since the Dragons returned of the atrocities in their actions. Igmund's face hardened, his distrust plain. Laila Law-Giver clutched her cloak tighter, trying and failing to hide her unease. Siddgeir sneered openly, though his young eyes darted between the dragons with more fear than scorn.
Ulfric and Balgruuf simply stood rigid, not letting any emotion be visible.
Though Kiera noted the Blades' woman look of fury. She said a few words to the elderly man beside him, but her voice was low enough that Kiera couldn't hear what she said. The man just shook his head in reply.
The Archmage was the only one gazing at the two dragons with open curiosity. Perhaps it was because he had seen Vermithor before back in Winterhold.
Titus Mede II questioned. "So you will stand with us against your own kin?"
"Yes," Paarthurnax rumbled, and Vermithor gave a solemn nod beside him.
"Then I welcome you as an ally, great Paarthurnax," the Emperor declared with a smile. His voice carried command, and one by one, the jarls forced themselves to bow their heads in reluctant acknowledgement.
Arngeir seized the moment, gesturing toward the doors of High Hrothgar. "Then come. Let us begin."
The Jarls and their guards filed inside, leaving Kiera and her companions; Gerron, Serana, Isran, Savos Aren, and the Vigilants, standing in the cold courtyard.
Isran gave a low whistle. "Damn. You didn't tell me we had two dragons on our side. I thought it was just the bronze one."
Kiera allowed herself a grin. "Didn't want to ruin the surprise."
Isran chuckled. "True enough." He then looked at Serana. "I hope you're prepared. You and I are about to give a speech to the damn Emperor."
"We'll be fine." Serana smirked at him.
While Kiera was the one to handle the briefing of the Dragon threat, Isran and Serana were the ones responsible in telling everyone about Harkon and his court of vampires.
She cast a look towards the Vampiress. She knew how much Serana liked to keep information regarding the details of her past close to her chest. Hopefully she won't be forced to tell anything she doesn't want to be shared.
'Then again,' She mused. 'It's not like Gerron and I will stay quiet if anyone pressured her.'
Kiera turned to her mother. Keeper Carcette stood among thirty senior Vigilants, who began to enter and spread around High Hrothgar as the main peacekeeping force.
"Mother, how fares you?" Kiera embraced her mother gently, but stiffened at the feel of only one arm around her.
"Is your arm…" Kiera hesitated as Carcette shook her head.
"Until Gerron could brew that miracle potion, I'll be sticking with my right hand for now." Carcette put it on Kiera's shoulder. "Don't worry, I'm still far from helpless in this state."
"I'm nearly there," Gerron said quickly. "Just a few more ingredients and the potion will be ready."
"Don't rush yourself for my sake." Carcette insisted. "The larger danger has passed and the wound is no longer lethal. I can wait."
"Not in these circumstances." Tolan chimed in. "We need you at your best for the coming conflicts, Keeper."
Carcette sighed, conceding.
"If it's any consolation," Savos Aren walked up, having heard of the conversation. "I can have Colette look into it once the summit is done. There is no finer Restorations expert in Skyrim. I'm sure she could help in some way."
Carcette inclined her head with rare gratitude. "Thank you, Archmage."
Before more could be said, Arngeir returned. "Kiera, it is time."
Kiera straightened her back, as did everyone else.
Kiera and Gerron shared a look before nodding to one another, a small smirk on Gerron's lips. "Shall we?"
She returned his smirk with one of his own. "Let's not keep everyone waiting."
Together, they strode toward High Hrothgar's great doors and the waiting summit.
…
4E 202, Jorrvaskr, Whiterun
Aela the Huntress
"But what will we do, Harbinger?" Aela's voice was low, edged with frustration. "Forgive me for saying this but…Dragons, Vampires, Daedra. Compared to all these threats, what urgency is there for us to rebuild Wuuthrad? What danger does the Silver Hand really represent?"
Kodlak sat across from her, calm as the firelight that danced across the longhouse hall. There was a weight behind his eyes, one that betrayed the years that he had weathered. "In the end, this cursed form of ours is a source of strength that will help in the coming conflicts. The battle at the Western Watchtower would have been immensely more difficult had the inner circle not called upon your werewolf forms. Skjor's sacrifice bought us more than victory, it bought us the respect of Skyrim's people. But…"
He exhaled, heavy. "I am a Nord, Aela. In body, heart, and spirit. When I die, I wish to feast with Heroes of Old in Sovngarde, not be doomed to an eternal hunt in the fields of Hircine."
Aela frowned, her hand unconsciously tracing the curve of her bow. "Is that why you sent Njada to collect a Glenmoril Witch's head? She's the newest in the Circle. Why not send me instead?"
Kodlak chuckled, deep and tired. "Because I know you, Aela. Of us all, you've embraced this gift with open arms. Do you think I do not see your devotion to Hircine, He Who Loves the Hunt?"
Her eyes widened. She swallowed, then sighed, voice quieter. "I should've known I couldn't hide it from you."
Before Kodlak could answer, the bells tolled.
The sound shook through the rafters of Jorrvaskr. Aela shot to her feet. "What—?"
The cry came from outside. "Dragons! Dragons spotted in the distance!"
Her eyes widened. She exchanged one last look with Kodlak.
"Go," he said simply.
Aela sprinted from Jorrvaskr, Ria and Torvar at her heels, joining the flood of steel-clad Companions rushing toward the city's defenses. The air was alive with shouting, with the thunder of boots against cobbles.
On the walls, Commander Caius was already barking orders. "Man the ballistaes! The rest of you, go to the water caches and prepare to douse any fires you see!"
Hrongar and Farengar were already there beside him, surrounded with dozens of Whiterun guards.
"Commander!" she called as she strode up
"Aela." Caius turned and nodded at her. "By the Nine, this is a disaster we prayed would not come while the Jarl is gone. But come it has. Will the Companions stand with us?"
"Of course we will," Aela answered without hesitation. Ria and Torvar flanking her and displaying a united front. Her eyes flicked to Farengar. "How many?"
One of the guards near Caius stammered, his face pale. "That's… what I was about to say. Sentries report at least a dozen dragons. And…" His voice cracked. "…and a horde of undead pouring from the mountain of Shearpoint. Led by an undead mage wearing a mask."
Gasps rippled through the defenders. Even the seasoned guards stiffened.
"D-Dragons? We-we'll be okay, right mother?" One of the children, Mila Valentia, if Aela remembered correctly, cried out, her voice trembling.
"Yes, sweetling. Leave it to the guards and the Companions. We must go to Dragonsreach now," Carlotta urged, ushering her daughter toward safety.
The sight of the civilians, scared but trusting, straightened the spines of every man and woman nearby.
"A dozen dragons." Commander Caius mused. "By Talos…"
Farengar rubbed his chin feverishly. "And an undead mage with a mask? That can be no other than a Dragon Priest. According to the tomes I've read, Shearpoint was the burial site of the one named Krosis."
"What can he do?" Aela questioned.
"Krosis was famed as one of the most powerful mages among the Dragon Priests, only second to Morokei. He was an accomplished Frost mage from what I read." Farengar muttered grimly. "Legends say he could freeze the marrow in your bones before you can blink."
Hrongar's hand gripped the pommel of his blade. "It matters not. Walls will hold a man-sized foe, no matter how twisted his magic. The dragons are another matter entirely."
"Agreed." Farengar nodded. "If I may suggest, perhaps enlisting the help of the Alik'r Warriors might do us some good. They are accomplished and capable warriors. They could serve as infantry to hold back the undead while we deal with the Dragons."
Hrongar didn't hesitate. "Do it. Send one of Proventus' scribes to parley with them. We'll help them with their criminal problem as fair payment. Caius, you'll take command of the west walls while I'll take the north."
"Aye, Hrongar." Caius barked, already moving to direct his men.
"My companions and I shall remain inside the city." Aela announced. "With Dragons, it is folly to believe we'll hold them at the walls. We'll be your reserves. Whatever dragons get past you and lands within the city, we will strike down."
Hrongar looked at her, relief and gratitude flashing behind his battle-fury. He nodded. "You have my thanks, Huntress."
…
AN: Of course not everything will go according to plan. Krosis is awakened while the peace summit is underway and immediately attacks the closest settlement around.
Paarthurnax parleys with Emperor Titus Mede. This was a meeting I thought would be fun to do, though I'm unsure how good it ended up.
Anyways, the Summit officially begins and the attack on Whiterun shall commence next chapter!
As always, more chapters are available on my Pat_reon. Chapter 66 should be available by the time this chapter is posted. Just look up my name and you'll find me.
Hope you guys enjoyed the chapter! Cheers!