---
*Boom!*
An explosion ripped through the cavern. A cloud of smoke rose. Three people watched the smoke with anticipation.
"Qahnaharin Vus Dinok!" (Translated: Vanquisher of the Dead.)
John's pupils constricted; he immediately drew his bow, but...
"Fus Ro Dah!!"
A thunderous shout erupted in the space. A blue wave of energy flew towards the Dragonborn.
From such a powerful shout, John was sent flying, crashing into the stone wall. Cracks appeared on the wall. A clot of blood rose to his throat.
"Jooohn!" Uthgerd the Unbroken lunged at the draugr. Jenassa, meanwhile, sent forth ice shards.
Uthgerd struck downwards at the enemy.
*Clang!*
The draugr blocked Uthgerd's strike with a single sword. An ice shard lodged in its shoulder, but it ignored it. A blue light flickered in its empty eye sockets. A stench of decay emanated from its mouth, revealing long-rotted teeth and tongue.
"Bolog Az, Mal Lir!" (Translated: Beg for mercy, little worm.)
"Zun Haal Viik!"
This shout made Uthgerd drop her weapon. The enraged draugr grunted, kicking the Nord woman, causing her to fall onto the steps. Jenassa's staff also fell, as the shout's area affected the Dunmer as well.
Jenassa's face darkened even more at the situation. Uthgerd barely managed to stand.
"Fuuus..."
"Hey, b*tch!"
The draugr's shout was interrupted. Four knives flew towards it. Two embedded themselves in the gaps of its armor. One missed. One blade struck the undead's mouth. That would at least momentarily prevent it from shouting.
This enraged the draugr, and it clumsily ran towards John. The young man prepared a flame spell.
*Burning sound.*
John dodged the draugr's sword, then directed a stream of fire at the enemy's head.
*Thud!*
Jenassa fired her staff from a distance. Uthgerd, meanwhile, tried to find a moment when the enemy would be most vulnerable. The draugr couldn't shout at the distractions, as John could severely wound it.
After half a minute of struggle, John switched from fire to frost and used it on the ancient Nord's head.
*Creaking metal sound.*
Cracks appeared on the helmet, and the helmet began to contract.
*Sound of breaking bone.*
The heating and sudden cold caused the helmet to expand. The helmet broke the draugr's skull. Because of this, the draugr lost its balance and fell.
"Faster!"
John snatched the sword from the draugr's hand and decapitated the enemy with a single strike. Its head flew off the stone platform.
"Phew," John sighed with relief.
"Finally," Jenassa added.
This opponent was strong. It knew two shouts: Unrelenting Force and Disarm. Very formidable shouts.
Sweat beaded on Uthgerd's and Jenassa's faces. They had never encountered such opponents before. They could use shouts. John was also frightened. He hadn't expected this draugr to still be standing after a fireball. It seemed he needed to prepare better. An ace up your sleeve is good, but several are even better.
The two mercenaries sat down, while John rummaged through the chest. Inside were a shield, the Dragonstone, a pair of iron boots, and several rings.
John decided to keep the shield for himself. He would also keep the draugr's sword. Especially since it was enchanted and possessed frost energy {I don't know if it's magic or what}.
Gathering all their belongings and healing themselves with potions, they set off. A few minutes later, John's group emerged outside and reached their horses. After placing their riches on the mounts, John, Uthgerd, and Jenassa headed for Whiterun.
---
### Meanwhile, in Skyrim
In one of the places where the dragon Mirmulnir was buried, a massive black dragon hovered above the ground. Its evil eyes were contemplating mischief.
"Slen Tiid Vo!"
A loud shout surged into Mirmulnir's tomb. A certain energy within the dragon's bones awakened and became active.
*Boom!*
The earth split open, and a dragon's skeleton emerged from the depths of the Earth itself.
"Arise, Mirmulnir! Arise, and bring chaos to this world."
With each word Alduin spoke, muscles, tendons, and organs formed on the dragon's bones. By the end of the phrase, scales already encircled the entire body of the resurrected dragon.
"Excellent. Soon the whole world will be mine. And then..."
---