Power Corrupts: Moving up (ch.36) (Patreon)

I don’t know what happened to this chapter. I was hoping to get to Helgen, but no such luck. The scenes just wrote themselves until there wasn’t room for it. The next chapter it is then. 

...

"So… there are Ten Divines now? Heh. The Thalmor aren't going to be happy about that," Kodlak said after a lengthy silence. He seemed to be the one that was handling this the best out of the three of us. Jarl Balgruuf sat in his chair, his hands clasped before him as a deep furrow marred his forehead as he thought about the next move. All the while I was worried sick about Hestia. I was gone for three days and she gave away her arcanum and joined the Aedra pantheon?

"And the newest Divine is your lover," Koldak continued, turning his attention to me. "And you said you didn't have a story worth telling." 

"It's complicated," I deflected with a shake of my head, tempted to run straight back to Helgen. I think I might have if it wasn't for Hestia's message to finish whatever I had to do before I went back. 

"I would imagine," Koldak mused, sounding amused. 

"What did he mean that Skyrim is where the question would be answered?" Jarl Balgruuf suddenly spoke, looking at me. "What question will be answered?" 

It would be a lie to say that I wasn't somehow tempted to shrug my shoulders, shuffle my feet, and keep the knowledge of Alduin's return underneath my hat. If only because I would somehow be special if I was the only one to know, thus the only one to prepare, and so when I defeated Alduin, the victory would be mine alone. And, in part, because my experience with the whimsical help of the Guild left me leery of trusting others to help me. 

But that was a really, really, really stupid fucking idea. Absolutely awful. I would have to be an absolute mouth breathing moron to keep something like this under my hat. Much less after I've learned that things portrayed in the game didn't match how they were in reality. Keeping this a secret was beyond idiotic. Not to mention selfish because I would be risking the entire world due to my desire to feel speshul.

"Way back in the Mythic Era, Alduin the World-Eater was not defeated. He was banished," I started and I watched as blood drained from both men's faces, Koldak’s amusement fading away to nothing. "He was cast into the timeline, sent forward in time to an unknown era. This era. In about six months, Alduin will return. He will raise the dragon corpses scattered across Tamriel and he will destroy the world if he's not stopped." 

"That… is much worse than I feared," Jarl Balgruuf stated, his lips thinning in grim determination. "But how do you know of such things? Did the gods tell you?" 

The easiest way to go forward was to say yes… but I didn't want this leading to Hestia. I didn't want to force her into a position that she would have to lie for me to cover my ass. 

"No. I saw it in an Elder Scroll," I lied. The Elder Scrolls were such bullshit hax that something like seeing the future where Alduin returned would be downright normal for them. Their eyes widened and I quickly continued before they could ask too many questions about my excuse. "It's why I came to Skyrim in the first place." 

"And you intended to take him down yourself?" Jarl Balgruuf asked, sounding torn between admiration and exasperation. To that, I could only give a shrug. 

"It's not like anyone would have believed me. If Talos himself hadn't just walked out the room, would you have thought me anything other than a mad man if I came here claiming that Alduin was going to return?" I questioned and judging by the chided expression the Jarl wore, I knew my point found its mark. 

Jarl Balgruuf nodded, "aye, you make a fine point."

Kodlak picked up the point, "what can you tell us about Alduin's return? Any detail could be important. We have six months -- I want to know how to best use them." The Harbinger of the Companions was well composed despite the topic. His eyes were sharp and alert, enough so that they seemed to take a decade off of him.

"Do you have a map?" I asked and with the request, Jarl Balgruuf took us to a different room. A large room located up the stairs behind the throne room. A large detailed map of Skyrim was displayed on the table with piles of a small pile of pieces of carved wood rested in a messy pile on the outskirts. A glance at Irileth, who stood in the corner of the room, a hand on her sword as her blood-red eyes sized me up, told me that she had cleared the map. 

“First, I know that the first place that Alduin attacks is Helgen,” I started, earning an odd look from Kodlak. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw that Irileth looked alarmed at the topic. 

“You built your home where you knew Alduin would attack?” He said, his tone questioning the wisdom of the decision. 

“When Alduin comes back, it’ll be just after he had his ass kicked by Hakon One-Eye, Gormlaith Golden-Hilt, Felldir the Old. He won’t be at full strength. And with six months or so, I’m hoping that I’ll find something that could tip the odds in our favor. Like joining the Companions,” I said, even though I had absolutely no intention of joining the Companions at the start. “Or getting the Collge on board. Or the Greybeards.”

Kodlak seemed faintly impressed with the reasoning as he nodded. “I prefer a straight-up fight, but there’s more at stake than honor in this fight. Six months is plenty of time to lay a trap for the World-Eater.” 

“Knowing the Greybeards, they’ll let the world end before they lift a finger,” Jarl Bagruuf pointed out. It didn’t sound like he was judging them for it, but he did seem annoyed by it since they were undoubtedly the best people to deal with Alduin. 

“Maybe not,” I agreed. “But like you said, we have six months to convince them or find someone else.” Like Ulfric Stormcloak if I couldn’t find the Dragonborn. The plan was to find them During Ulfric’s execution, speak up for them to avoid them getting their head cut off, and make a comment or six that Ulfirc should go first. If they learned the Dragonrend shout by looking at it, then that was all the better. 

I moved the topic on, “Around… here is something called Alduin’s Wall,” I said, pointing at a general area of islands near Falkreath . I couldn’t point it out exactly because the map wasn’t a one to one ratio of what I saw in the game. All I could do was give them a general direction at most and some details to help them find their way. “It’s inside an ancient abandoned Blades temple or something.” 

Which meant that I needed to find the Blades. Jerks or not, their order was based around killing dragons. The dragon that I had killed might as well be a gecko compared to the ones of Skyrim. I would be able to find Einar in Riften. 

“It has details about the prophecy. I don’t know it all. Another thing we need is the Dragonstone, located around here,” I pointed at a mountain near Riverwood. “It shows dragon burial sites. We need to find those bodies and get rid of them somehow. Just in case we can’t stop him at Helgen,” I added, earning grim nods from both men. I was surprised that they were letting me dictate what we should do. I figured that they would give more resistance to obeying orders, good reason to or not. 

Though, it could just be because I was sleeping with a god and knew the details of what was to come. I didn’t have any promises that they would follow through. 

“Aye, that would be prudent. The lowest district… a dragon would just have to look at it for it to go up in flames,” Jarl Balgruuf said. Then I recalled what Falkas had said. 

“While I was out hunting down bandits, I found places that had good ore for mining-” I started but Jarl Balgruuf realized what I was going for. 

“Mining towns! That would disperse the population. The issue is with dangers, but… if we can make it enticing enough… very well. I will back you on that venture,” he agreed with a nod. And it struck me just how simple that was. I don’t know if it was a Nord thing or what, but he just attacked the problem decisively. I rather liked that. “We can discuss that matter later. For now, is there anything else?” 

I looked down at the map for a moment, trying to think of something. “If there’s anything left of the Blades, they would be a help,” I said with the hopes that this conversation would somehow get back to Delphine. “But, beyond that… in the Elder Scroll, there is meant to be a Dragonborn-” I quickly continued when both men started, “I don’t know what they look like or where they are. I just know that there’s one somewhere in the world.”

“That’s heartening news, but we can’t pin our hopes on an unknown Dragonborn,” Jarl Balgruuf spoke. Despite his words, he seemed rather heartened by the news. 

“So… we have our goals. What’s the first step to achieving them?” Kodlak asked, looking down at the map. “What will we do with the time that we have?” 

“We’ll have to move slowly,” Jarl Balgruuf said, planting his hands on the table as he looked over at the map. “If we move too quickly then it’ll look like preparations for war with either the Stormcloaks or the Empire. As the only neutral party left in this realm, that will tip the balance for someone and we’ll be at war when Alduin returns.” I saw what he meant. 

Mining towns could be a cover for forwarding bases filled with soldiers instead of miners. Seeking out alliances under the guise of ‘to prevent the apocalypse’ would sound pretty fishy and most would assume he was finding alliances for when the Stormcloaks rebelled.

“Hm. Could you speak with the king about this?” Kodlak asked and that actually caught me off guard. I was used to the king being dead in Skyrim. Actually, that was a really good question. This would be a whole lot easier if we had the undisputed king backing us. 

Jarl Balgruuf frowned for a moment before he nodded. “Aye, I can. This matter… I don’t trust to send a letter about it so the Thalmor can read it. And a messenger is too risky. Once winter ends, there will be a moot where we can discuss the realm. That will be where I will speak to him.”

I started to argue, but I caught myself when Kodlak simply nodded. Waiting for winter to end would cost us months. Then I realized that this wasn't going to be the kind of winter I've been through. Skyrim as a whole was going to be snowed in. Any progress that could be made would be minimal. 

Instead of arguing, I nodded. "I was planning on wintering in the College of Winterhold," I informed, and got some surprised looks, which prompted me to shrug. "We're going to need magic to take down Alduin, like it or not." However, Jarl Balgruuf's gaze lingered on me.

"You said you intended to turn Helgen into a trap?" He questioned, waiting for me to nod before he continued. "Then Helgen needs to change. You won't have the authority to make those changes now and I can't give it to you," he informed.

That didn't make any-

"Helgen is a gateway for southern Skyrim, it's located by the least dangerous pass through the mountains. The only faster way would be by sea, or traveling the Imperial road that runs through Hammerfell and ends by Falkreath. Only that road is more dangerous by half due to the forsworn," Jarl Balgruuf explained, sensing my confusion. "Because of this, the tariffs it brings were coveted enough that blood was nearly drawn between the Holds of Falkreath, Riften, and Whiterun many centuries ago. To prevent it, despite the territory belonging to Whiterun, a compromise was struck. Tariffs on the city are split between the three Holds -- fifty percent for Whiterun and twenty-five between Falkreath and Riften." 

Realization dawned on me. "And they're going to want a say in any changes," I realized. While it was hardly an insurmountable obstacle, it was one that was going to eat up time." 

"Aye, exactly so. Not only that… but the kind of changes to the layout, defenses, and to make the people listen to you…" Jarl Balgruuf gave me an intense gaze as if he was trying to see my soul. Apparently he found what he was looking for because he nodded to himself. "The only person who would have that kind of authority would be a Jarl." 

Oh. Oh. Oh shit.

Kodlak's eyebrows shot up as my jaw dropped. "Not to question your wisdom, but there are only nine Holds in Skyrim." 

"And a few days ago, there were only nine Divines," Jarl Balgruuf rebuked before he turned his attention back to me. "I haven't known you long, but it must be Fate that you're standing here before me. The contracts you took -- have they been completed?" He asked, earning a hesitant nod from me. 

"They have been," I confirmed. 

"In three days, you've made my Hold safer by half. Both Riverwood and Helgen have sent me letters singing your praises. I don't know you well, but you're building a fine reputation for yourself. More than that -- when you learned of Alduin, you didn't turn tail and run. You didn't leave the fate of the world to prophesy. You came here to challenge the World-Eater yourself. That speaks of so much courage you're likely a mad man," Jarl Balrguuf continued, making me shift in place. I really wasn't used to people dumping praise on me like this. "The gods themselves have chosen you. And for this, I hold faith that you can be trusted to lead a Hold."

Holy shit, I didn't see this coming but… maybe I should have. I wasn't looking at this from their perspective at all. To them… I was an utterly massive Nord that went around solving problems wherever I found them. I was a great warrior by their standards in a marital society. I was the lover of a god. And now I brought them news of the incoming apocalypse while planning to stop it to save the day. 

It was weird to think, but I might as well have stepped out of a storybook to them. 

"It can't be that easy to make me Jarl," I pointed out, coming to grips with the sudden elevation. This place was so different than Danmachi. In Danmachi, I was darting between the feet of giant's hoping not to be crushed. Here, they just dumped praise on me for doing less fighting than I did in a day in the Dungeon. To the point, they wanted to give me a noble position. It was just utterly wild how differently I was being treated because I was strong.

"It won't be," Jarl Balgruuf said before he turned to Irileth and gave her a nod. Irileth stepped forward, carrying an axe on a slip of velvet that she had gotten somewhere. She gave a theatrical bow as she presented the axe to Jarl Balgruuf, only for the Nord to grab the axe and love it at me. I caught it easily enough and inspected the axe. 

It looked decent enough, nothing special but the detail work was- 

"That is to be your badge of office. You are now the Thane of Whiterun,” he informed almost casually. Kodlak let out a huff of laughter while Irileth looked like if she rolled her eyes any harder then they would fall right out of her skull. I looked at the axe with new eyes while Jarl Balgruuf continued. “It comes from my personal armory. As the Thane of Whiterun, you’re entitled to some privileges, but the most important part is that it gives your name weight.”

He must have prepared this already, I realized. I already became Thane without even trying too. 

“Go to Falkreath and Riften to gain favor with the Jarls. Do whatever they want you to do without question. If you become the Thane of their Holds, all the better. But ensure that you have their support before the Moot at Solitude. If they support you becoming Jarl of Helgen, then it carries more weight than any other of the Jarl’s possible complaints because we’re the ones directly affected by the decision.” 

My grip tightened on the axe as I nodded, “consider it done.” I told him with a firm nod. I already had some plans for Riften, but I would take care of Falkreath as well. The only issue was that I only had a month to do so. Riften was the obvious first choice since I knew a relevant questline that would put me in the Jarl’s eye. With Falkreath, that was a different story. 

“Hm. A Loyalist and a Stormcloak. If you can get both of them to agree to support you, then none of the others would so much as say a word,” Kodlak remarked. Jarl Balgruuf let out a huff as he nodded. 

“True words,” he said as he looked back down at the map for a moment. He let out a small breath, he shook his head in disbelief. “And I thought the worst I would see was Nords shedding each other’s blood for a pointless war. Now the gods and Daedra walk the world and Alduin the World-Eater will return.”

“I don’t suppose you have any other news worth sharing?” Kodlak remarked, apparently exhausted. I looked at him for a moment, and my expression must have betrayed me because his expression grew grim. 

“Spit it out lad,” he ordered with some gruffness, expecting the worst. And I know I should wait for Aela and Farkas to be here, but the opportunity was too good to pass up. 

“While we were hunting bandits, we entered a tomb not far from here. We found the last pieces of Wuuthrad located inside,” I said, making Kodlak sputter. It was actually kind of refreshing considering he had been so reserved throughout the meeting. “It was guarded by a Deathlord. I killed it in single combat.”

“You what?” Irileth blurted as if that was the most impossible thing that she had heard so far. 

Glad that the tension had been broken, I explained. And, in the end, there was a great amount that needed to be discussed and it was hours before I left. 

…

It was nearing night when I finally left the keep. It was a productive day for me. I was now Thane of Whiterun, over a dozen mines were going to opened up in my name -- it would take some time to get everything set up, of course, but money was going to be pouring into my pockets. I went ahead and promised to hand over the bounties and whatever sales from the items I brought in to expedite the process. 

Even still, the day wasn't over yet. Kodlak sent me to find Farkas and Aela to bring them back to Jorrvaskr. However, as I was leaving the keep, someone stood at the doorway. A woman wearing steel plate armor with a sword at her belt and a helmet tucked underneath her arm. I expected her to be there, but seeing was believing. 

Skyrim looked dated when it came out ten years ago, so everyone suffered from potato face. Naturally, that made beautification mods a go to. Most people I’ve seen so far looked normal-- no potato face, but not pretty with the exception of Aela. I could barely recognize that the person that stood at the door waiting for me was Lydia, my new Housecarl. 

Long raven black hair, dark blue eyes, high cheekbones -- Lydia was a nine out of ten any day of the week. And she looked damn good in her armor. Her dark blue eyes drank me in, sizing me up just like I did her. Her lips curled into a slight smile as she turned to face me completely, apparently liking what she saw. 

“My Thane, I am Lydia, your housecarl and sworn-shield. In whatever battle you face, I shall stand by your side,” Lydia introduced herself, her voice stern as if trying to will me to believe that she was more than just a pretty face. I'm guessing that there was a story there. 

I came to a stop in front of her -- Lydia was taller than most, almost as tall as Aela, but I still towered over her. 

"I'm Jericho. Good to have you on board," I introduced myself in a more casual way. I wasn't quite used to speaking how Nords spoke in a more formal manner. I felt like I was faking it too much and it was really obvious. "We have some time before we hit the road. Is there anything you would need for a long journey?" I asked, still trying to plot out how I was going to hit everything that I needed to do in such a short amount of time. 

"No my Thane. I am ready to leave whenever you wish," she denied with a shake of her head- 

"You, wait there a moment!" A voice shouted from across the hall. Looking over my shoulder, I saw it was Farengar. He moved with a sense of urgency, B-lining straight to me. "You're going to Bleak Falls Barrows, yes? Excellent," he continued before I could say anything. He reached into a pouch and handed me a stack of papers. 

I took them as well as a piece of charcoal. "If you come across a Wall of Power, please run down a copy. Or generally, anything else you would think would be of interest. Though, I must warn you -- Barrows as grand as the ones in Bleak Falls are reserved for high standing warriors or dragon priests. It's a very real possibility that you will find a Dragon Priest within." Farengar continued, making Lydia take in a sharp breath. 

"I figured as much. I was going to go down to the Alchemist and buy out their stock of magic resist potions," I said, earning an approving nod from the elderly man dressed in a dark robe. 

"That would be prudent," he commended before he held out a hand and dropped a ring into my palm. I blinked down at it -- it was mostly gold with a silver line that twisted around a deep green emerald. More shockingly, it looked like it would actually fit a finger of my size. "That is a little something I worked on in my free time. It a ring of Resist Magic. Don't think you can go on taking a powerful spell directly, but this will deflect the worst of the damage from weaker spells." 

I was oddly touched by the gift, weirdly enough. "Thank you," I told him, shrugging off my gauntlet and sliding the ring on. It was a near-perfect fit. And, even better, because I knew what it was, I could see the effects. 

Ring of Lesser Resist Magic: Grants the wearer 15% magic resistance. 

Given how my last encounter with magic went, that 15% could end up saving my life. Especially considering that magic was the one thing I had no resistances to. 

"And since you're going to be stuck wandering around this kingdom, take this as well," Farengar said before he handed me a book. Emblazoned on the front was… Enchanting on the road for beginners. Not exactly the grandure type of name I was expecting from a magic book. "Enchanting requires years of dedicated study, but for you adventurous types there is a shortcut. Once you understand the basics, you can break down enchanted items that you find in your travels.”

I blinked at that, surprised. I figured that was just a game mechanic, honestly. But… I saw the logic in it. It was like breaking down a machine to learn what each part did, then applying that knowledge to something else. 

“However, I would recommend against using this method on powerful enchantments, whatever they might be. If you fail to understand anything of the intricate nature of powerful enchantments, you’ll do nothing but destroy it, costing yourself a valuable learning opportunity and a great deal of money should you want to sell it,” Farengar advised. 

“Thank you for this,” I told him, holding onto the book. It was hard to put into words but… I wasn’t used to people helping me. That’s why the few that did back in Danmachi were going to be repaid in full for their help, and then some. “I’m surprised you remembered I wanted to learn enchanting,” I remarked with a small smile, adding Farengar to that list of people. 

“Hmph. Do you know how few Nords care to learn anything about the mysteries of this world? As far as I know, I’m the only one in all of Whiterun. As in the entire Hold,” he clarified. “That book will give you a start, but if you want to learn, and then master the art, you’ll have to put in the work yourself. I’m no teacher.”

“Still, thank you. I’ll put these gifts to use. I promise,” I told him and a sense of tension eased out of the old Nord. I’m also guessing that there was a story there beyond I was a Nord willing to learn. But this wasn’t the time to ask about his life story. 

“See that you do. Until the next time we meet. Do try to bring back the Dragonstone before you get yourself killed at least,” he said in an attempt to sound dismissive as he walked away, but his tone betrayed him. 

“Until then,” I returned, walking out of the keep. Once the massive door to the keep shut behind us, I looked over the city. The sky was darkening, telling me that I only had a couple of hours left of sunlight. And I didn’t want to spend the night in the city unnecessarily when I could start making my way home. 

“My Thane, should you wish it, I can fetch the potions from Arcadia's Cauldron for you,” she offered. And it felt a bit weird to immediately send her on a fetch quest after just meeting her, but I couldn’t say that wouldn’t be convenient. I also knew that she was trying to put her best foot forward. 

“Yeah, that would actually be great,” I said, pulling out a pouch of gold and handed it over to her. However, Lydia didn’t take it for a moment. 

“As the Thane, it’s within your right to take what you believe is needed to ensure the protection of the Hold. Potions would fall under that right,” she informed me. That was surprising but less so than everything else I’ve dealt with today. Though, it did explain why the guards would be so okay with you looting everything in a city down to the pocket lint and let you get away with it once you become Thane. 

Even still, I passed her the money. “It’s fine. I can afford it, and I’d rather the potion maker not think of me as an asshole that takes his merchandise just because I can. Though, if you could grab some basic books about the trade, I would appreciate it. And if you find anything else you think would be useful, go ahead and snag it as well,” I added as Lydia tucked the money away as she nodded seriously. 

“It will be done, my Thane,” Lydia swore before she walked towards her given task. I watched her go and wondered if she knew that this was a test if I could trust her or not. The amount I gave her was enough to buy everything that I wanted ten times over. Naturally, I wasn’t going to trust her if she stole from me, but if she bought stupid shit then… well, I wasn’t going to trust her with Hestia’s life.

Especially now things were so… I don’t even know. How badly had Hestia weakened herself to restore the Aedra? Her Arcanum was a major safety net that was gone now. It needed to be replaced. I wasn’t going to be able to go out for weeks or months at a time without knowing that Hestia was safe. If it came right down to it… either me or Lili would have to stay in Helgen during the winter. And considering that I was going to end up the Jarl of the place, it would probably be better if it was me. 

Shaking my head of the thoughts, and hoping that this Lydia proved to be as stalwart loyal as the games portrayed her to be, I wandered back to the front gates. And, to my surprise, hours later, Farkas and Aela were still standing near the wagon. I honestly figured they would have wandered off at some point. Maybe they would have if Ri’saad wasn’t still going through the contents of the wagon, only now he was inspecting individual fruits 

Farkas noticed me first. “I was wondering if you managed to get yourself imprisoned somehow. What took you so long?” He questioned, looking bored out of his mind as he sat down on a large stone that was half-buried in the ground. Then he noticed that the axe in the band of the tabard that hung around my waist. “I know that axe…”

Aela blinked at it, and I guess it was more distinctive than I thought it was. “That’s the Axe of Whiterun,” she observed, looking at me as if she was seeing me for the first time. I really shouldn’t mention to anyone that I thought it was a generic-looking axe. “Why do you have the Axe of Whiterun?”

“Do you want the short version or long version?”

“”Short,”” Aela and Farkas agreed at the same time. 

“In the few days we were gone, the Aedra and Daedra descended to the world in mortal form. Talos is in the keep. I had a conversation with him. Oh, also, there’s a Tenth Divine. Her name is Hestia. She’s waiting for me back in Helgen. Also, Alduin is going to try to destroy the world in about half a year, so Jarl Balgruuf made me Thane of Whiterun to cut through legal bullshit that would get in my way to prepare to kill the bastard for good.” I tldr’d the entire situation, earning dumbfounded looks. 

Even Ri’saad slowly lowered an apple he was inspecting for bruising as all of them processed what they just heard. 

“Heh. The Thalmor kicked up a stink about there only being eight Divines and now there’s ten,” Farkas was the first to speak. And I think it said a lot that all he got out of that was that the Thalmor got some egg on their face

“Talos… is here? You spoke to him?”  Aela questioned, her eyebrows drawing together. "What… what did he say?" And I knew Talos was a big deal and all, but it was a little concerning how both of them kinda just skipped over the upcoming apocalypse. 

"Mostly how he won't become Emporer again. Then he kinda wandered off to go do something else," I admitted, earning a dismayed expression from Aela. 

"This isn’t good," Aela spoke, and it was Ri'saad that backed her up. 

"Alduin the World-Eater…" he muttered, latching onto the most important thing of note. 

"This will embolden Ulfric Stormcloak," Aela continued grimly. That caught my attention, which prompted her to explain. "Talos proving that he is Divine doesn't just mean that the Thalmor were wrong. It also means that he was right." She stressed the final word and just like that, I understood what she was getting at. After all, there was nothing as irritation as someone that was proven right and was in the position to rub people's faces in it. 

"People are going to flock to the Stormcloaks," Farkas said with certainty. 

That could be a real problem. No, it already was a real problem. The entire civil war kicked off when Ulfric killed the king at the Moot that took place at the end of winter -- so about four months from now. If the Stormcloaks drummed up more support this go around then it might not even be a civil war if most of Skyrim revolts with them. It'll be a full-on rebellion for the Empire. 

Fuck. Was Ulfric even going to be in Helgen to be executed? If he wasn't then the easiest way to find the Dragonborn was lost. And that was assuming that they still decided to come to Skyrim at all because of the Aedra and Daedra. 

Fuck. Unless I happened to kill a dragon in front of them… then I had no way of finding the Dragonborn. Fuck!

"Well, there's nothing we can do about it now," Farkas dismissed the issue with a shrug of his shoulders. He stood up, stretching and letting out a yawn that infected Aela, who yawned as well despite her efforts not to. "We should get back to Kodlak and give him the news. And to officially make you a member of the Companions," he said, nodding at me. 

"It seems that you have climbed very high in the short time I've known you, my friend," Ri'saad interjected himself back into the conversation as he stepped forward. "My congratulations! I have inspected the wares I would like to purchase from you if you would like to settle on a price," he said, gesturing to the wagon. 

I nodded, stepping forward and seeing that he had neatly separated what he wanted and didn't want. Naturally, he wanted most of the jewelry, some of the nicer armor and weapons, along with most of the dried foods. For winter, I'm guessing. "It would shame Ri'saad to haggle for a better price on such a joyous day! Five thousand septems seems a fair price." 

By nature, I wasn't a haggler, but I saw what he just did there. Now if I haggler for a better price, I would come across as an asshole. I looked at the goods, feeling no real sense of attachment to them. And it wasn't like I was short on money. However, as I looked to Ri'saad to agree, my eyes landed on his wagon in the distance. 

Now, I knew exactly nothing about wagons, but his looked much better than mine. The wood was smoothed and polished, there was an outline for a canvas, and it was roughly the same size as my current one. What's more, between the giant wheels, I saw springs. Meaning that the next time I drove over a bump in the road, I wouldn't break an axel. 

"That wagon," I said, pointing at it. Ri'saad's eyes lit up, experienced enough to know where this was going. 

"Ah, yes! Crafted in my homeland, Elsweyr, by the finest carpenters. The metal springs make the ride incredibly smooth -- as if you're floating on a cloud. Even on… roads such as these," Ri'saad said, sounding like he was using the words loosely. And, to be fair, he wasn't wrong to. Disrepair was the kindest thing I could say about Skyrim's ancient roads.

"Hm. I'll trade you my wagon for yours, and take a thousand off the total price. For the inconvenience," I said, and judging by the gleam of greed that entered his eyes, it was clear that I was a bit too generous. But that was fine with me.

"I would gladly accept! The bargain is struck!" Ri’saad declared with a happy tone in his voice. I had no doubt that I was cheated some, but in the end, this was a major net gain for me. Simply because now whoever my travel companion was at the time, they wouldn’t slow me down because I could just pull them through the night. Only this time I wouldn’t be stuck walking. 

After that, it was remarkably simple to make the exchange. I loaded up what was left of the goods onto my new wagon and tucked away an additional four thousand coins. And it seemed after that exchange, Ri’saad decided it was time to hit the road because his trade caravan, which was much larger than just three Khajiits, started to pack up. 

“You said you hail from Helgen, yes?” Ri’saad said before he departed while I loaded up the wagon. I nodded, making him give me another toothy smile. “Most excellent! May our paths cross again, Jericho, Thane of Whiterun.”

“Same to you, Ri’saad,” I returned, and wasn’t there a Khajiit farewell…? “May your road lead you to warm sands?” His eyes widened, clearly not expecting that kind of farewell, but it wasn’t unwelcomed judging by the warm laugh that escaped him. 

“Not likely given this place, but I thank you for the thought! And may your roads lead you to warm sands,” he said. With that, his caravan packed up and left. Instead of watching them go, I turned my attention back to the city and the perks of being Thane quickly made themselves known. There was a guarded warehouse where I could park my new wagon. 

By that time, Lydia was making her way back, her arms full of supplies. Enough so that both me and Aela rushed over before she dropped anything. 

“Thank you,” Lydia said, sounding faintly embarrassed as she handed over a box of magic resist potions. They looked similar to how they did in the games -- small teardrop-like blue glass with a thin spout with a cork in it. The crate contained twelve bottles, so there would be a few doses for everyone. And if the effects stacked for me, then I could really boost my magic resistance. She also got several books and what looked like tools for an alchemy set. That was useful. 

"Lydia," Aela greeted with a nod as we shared the load to dump off what Lydia brought. 

"Aela," Lydia returned the greeting and I got the impression that they knew each other. I didn't have enough estrogen to tell at a glance if they liked each other or not. Then she turned her attention to me. "My Thane. Here is the remaining money and a list of the items I bought as well as their cost," Lydia said, handing over both. She really was trying to put her best foot forward. I was glad for it. 

"Thanks. We're heading to Jorrvaskr," I told her after we dumped off the stuff into my wagon. I glanced at Aela, "she can come, right?" 

Aela nodded, "aye, she can. She's your sworn-shield. The Companions value privacy but not enough so to disrespect such a bond." Lydia looked relieved to hear it, even if she tried to hide it. Which was fair. I couldn't imagine that she wanted her time as my housecarl to be spent waiting outside of rooms and running errands. 

"Then let's go," Farkas said, B-lining towards Jorrvaskr, likely eager to be home. I nodded, following him while Aela and Lydia brought up the rear. The air of excitement and disbelief was still in the air, but the crowds parted for us, making it a short trip through the district. Farkas pushed open the large door, revealing the interior. 

Unlike the last time I stepped inside, everyone turned to look at me. The feasting tables were packed, well over a hundred warriors sitting at the tables. More were standing up, clumped together in groups that were sprinkled about the hall. At the high table was the Circle -- Kodlak, Skjor, and Vilkas with seats for Farkas and Aela. 

This was a lot different than it was in the game. In the game, the Dragonborn joining the Companions was an improtue thing. This was more of an actual event. Whatsmore, this entire set up told me that I was already in the Companions, and this was just to make it official. At our entrance, Kodlak stood up, raising his goblet high before he brought it down on the table. Somehow, despite all of the odds, the rowdy bunch of hundreds of warriors went silent. 

“Jericho, Thane of Whiterun, step forward,” he ordered, his voice carrying a sharp authoritative edge to it. I walked forward, and it was as if my armor was the only source of noise in the entire room. I came to a stop in front of the high table, and despite his authoritative voice, I saw a spark of amusement in his eyes. 

Despite the moment, my lips twitched upwards as my gaze swept over the others. Vilkas nodded at me while Skjor looked at me like he was sizing me up for a fight. 

Kodlak continued a moment later, “you have proven your valor, honor and your ability. Aela, Farkas? Do you vouch for this man?” He asked, his voice echoing throughout the oppressively silent hall. 

“I do, Harbinger,” Aela spoke up first. “He has proven himself worthy of being a Companion in deed and word. I would be proud to call him my Shield-Brother.” 

“Same here,” Farkas echoed, though far less formally. “The only reason I wouldn’t want to fight at his side is that he’d make the fights too easy.” At that, there was a good chuckle that echoed throughout the room. 

Kodlak nodded, “Then I name you a Companion. Let the celebration begin!” He called out, and the previously quiet room exploded into loud cheering as they welcomed me into the Companions. Or for the food that was brought out on cue and began being placed on the table. I don’t suppose it really mattered because Kodlak leaned forward. “Follow us. There’s something you need to learn about the Companions.”

Oh. Right. 

I nodded and the Circle got up from the high table and Kodlak led me outside. Lydia looked like she wanted to follow, but I shook my head as I walked out of the room. I knew what they wanted to tell me and it wasn’t something that they would want to get out. Aela and Farkas followed me out of the building -- our sudden departure was noticed by others, but any grumbling or confusion was lost in the rowdy feast and good cheer of others. 

Kodlak walked through the training field and towards the massive straight drop cliff that was the Skyforge. While he walked, he talked. “I’ve informed the others of what we spoke about,” he said, meaning that I didn’t have to have the same conversation again. “And I have an offer that may make your task easier.”

“We have news as well,” Farkas spoke up, clearly excited to tell Kodlak. Vilkas and Skjor looked at him questioningly, but Farkas waited until Kodlak had walked up to the cliffside. He pressed his hand on the stone and it sunk in after a moment. It was actually weird to see since the button to make the large slab of stone push outward before sliding to the side.

I ducked my head to walk down the ancient stone steps until they reached the bottom of a round room with a large stand with a bowl standing on top of it. I could see well enough despite there was no light, which was really weird. It was like the shadows weren’t as dark as they should be, or something.

Aela stepped forward, presenting the pieces of Wuuthrad, “we found these in a ruin not far from here. The last pieces of Wuuthrad. The weapon of Ysgramor and the Companion’s honor is now restored,” Aela said as she gave the pieces to Kodlak. 

Kodlak took them, his face blank while Vilkas’ eyebrows went high and Skjor looked like someone smacked him. “The final pieces… we found them at quite a time. The gods walk the world, Alduin is coming, the Empire is falling apart and Skyrim will plunge into war sooner than later…”

“An omen, if there ever was one. For thousands of years, Wuuthrad has been lost to us and now the final pieces have been found? Under our noses, no less?” Vilkas voiced, crossing his arms as he shook his head. 

“There’s something else you should know,” Farkas spoke up before he gestured to me. “He knows that we’re werewolves. Had to tell him. The fight to get the shards was a hard one -- two hundred draugr against the three of us with a Deathlord on top of that,” he said, carefully watching Kodlak’s reaction. 

Skjor’s face twisted into a scowl while Vikas looked pensive, prompting me to speak up. “I won’t tell a soul. Farkas revealed the secret because there wasn’t much of a choice. I’ll take this secret to my grave,” I told them. Vikas looked reassured. Skjor less so, but he waited for Kodlak to give the verdict. 

Kodlak stroked his beard for a moment before he gave me a curt nod, “it’s unfortunate that you learned of such a secret, but if Aela and Farkas say that it was unavoidable, then I trust it was unavoidable. And I will trust you when you say that you will tell no one. This secret is of great importance to the Companions. I suspect you would have learned of it one day, but not this quickly.”

“Though, now I suppose this raises a question -- do you wish to become a werewolf?” Kodlak asked, but before I could answer, Skjor shook his head and spoke up. 

“I cannot accept this,” he spoke, turning to me. “I have no doubt about your worthiness as a warrior, and I believe that you will keep this secret, but I cannot accept you joining the Circle the same day that you’ve joined the Companions. Thane or not,” he said. And I guess I understood where he was coming from. I wouldn’t be happy back when I worked in retail if someone got promoted to my level the same day that they started working. 

“Skjor is right. I have only met Jericho twice -- it seems premature to welcome into the Circle already,” Vilkas seconded, giving me a firm nod to convey that it wasn’t anything personal. 

Kodlak nodded before he turned to Aela and Farkas, waiting to hear their thoughts. Aela spoke first. “I believe he should be welcomed as a member of the Circle. It is early, this is true, but there is little doubt in my mind that Jericho will prove himself worthy of the honor.”

Farkas agreed, “I already said my piece back in the hall.” Meaning that the vote for and against was two to two. 

However, I had one major concern about becoming a werewolf. While it could be great for the stats and the health regeneration, there was one issue that could be a deal-breaker. 

“I don’t think I can become a werewolf,” I spoke up. “Hestia, the Tenth Divine, is my lover. I’m the first member of what is called a familia. I don’t know how that translates into what happens when I die, but I know if I became a werewolf, then I would be bound for Hircine’s realm.” Which would Hircine and Hestia into conflict. Given that Hestia was weaker, and I don’t know if Hestia would win that match in the first place, that wasn’t a risk that I can accept. 

There was various reactions to that. Aela and Farkas shared a look -- I guess that tidbit of information was lost in the infodump I gave them earlier. I guess it wasn’t that impressive when compared to the world ending. Or the Thalmor being wrong. 

“I see your reasoning. Very well, I will respect your wish on the matter,” Kodlak said. Though, I think that argument carried a bit of extra weight with him considering he was trying to avoid the same issue. He wanted to go to the Nordic afterlife, Sovengard, rather than the Hunting Grounds. “Still, there is another matter to be discussed -- in six months’ time, Alduin will return.”

He turned his attention to the members of the Circle. “Jericho is on a quest to defeat him, and we would be poor Shield-Brothers and Sisters if we let him undertake this quest alone. There are several tasks that must be completed to prepare for his return. So, I ask you this -- who among you will travel with Jericho on this quest?”

“I will,” Farkas spoke up first. “I’ve been meaning to stretch my legs a bit. And I like this world. I don’t want it to end.”

“As will I,” Aela agreed, taking a step forward. 

“I will as well,” Vilkas spoke up, surprising me. “You might be able to kill a Deathlord, but you’re still shite with a sword. I can’t have you shaming the Companions with such skills.” 

“In that case, I will stay,” Skjor said, looking faintly disappointed. “Someone needs to stay behind to watch over the rest of the Companions. And to prepare them for what’s to come.”

“As Harbinger, I will stay as well. I’m too old to be running around Skyrim and I would only slow you down. I will do as I have and help guide the Companions,” Kodlak spoke, giving a final nod. 

I looked at Aela, Farkas, and Vilkas, a slow grin making its way onto my face. 

“In that case… enjoy the feast while you can. We’ll be traveling through the night to reach Helgen,” I told them, taking a moment to soak it in. 

I was the Thane of Whiterun. I was a Companion. I was going on a grand quest to save the world. 

Honestly? This is where my isekai adventure began.