Though the air was clear, the trip up the mountainside proved difficult. In a few places, the snow had shifted into mountains of their own. Gaeolin fought against the ice, sliding down the slope when the soft flakes gave beneath his feet. He shivered as his clothes grew ever more soaked.
A hawk flew overhead. It cocked its head at the elf, obviously judging his progress. The bird called out to him. Gaeolin looked skyward, a reluctant smile on his face.
“I know. Not the best place for a hike. I’ll be okay.” He held his hand in front of him. A blaze of golden light burst in his palm. The lashing of the elements lessened at the spell. He mustered his strength, pulling himself back up.
The sun scorched his eyes on the white landscape. The only solace was in the fact that dusk was approaching, and that thought did more to raise concern than assuage it. He had made it up two thirds of the climb. The only company he had on the trek was wildlife.
He wished now that he had taken Frea’s offer. The quiet was too much. He found his mind creeping into despair when he didn’t stay focused. Worry was threatening to overwhelm him. Storn seemed to think that a shout would be the key to fighting the hold Miraak had over the island, over its people… Over Faendal…
Was he alright? Did the rigorous control allow for eating? Resting? Not for the first time, Gaeolin wondered if this could have been avoided. If only he had responded to this threat earlier, maybe no one would have suffered like this. ‘I have caused so much hardship, both as a vampire and out of hesitation…’
He climbed higher, the air itself feeling more solid as the winds grew colder. He felt all the more victorious when the slope leveled. He took in frigid breaths. He stared out at the horizon in awe. He could see the ocean, stretching on forever until the sky met it. He saw nordic stonework peeking through the snow down the slope ahead. Saering’s Watch.
The snow slid silent beneath his feet. He glided down through the drifts, drawing his bow as he reached the bottom. Despite the silence, he felt his skin crawl. He closed his eyes, reaching out with his mind. From his chest rose the warmth of his thu’um. “Laas.”
When Gaeolin opened his eyes, his fears were confirmed. Through his power, he could the aura of several creatures. Their shambling steps left little doubt that they were Draugr.
He nocked an arrow, hiding inside a small hut as one of the undead creaked toward him. The glowing eyes searched, falling upon his footprints. It spoke, ancient voice menacing. “Wo wundun ko daar golt?” [1] Gaeolin stayed still. He could sense the creature getting nearer. With a final intake of breath, he rolled from his hiding place and loosed his shot.
Unfortunately, the draugr did not fall in silence. Its ghastly call echoed off the stones. From above came the reinforcements. Gaeolin counted seven in all; two archers, three with war axes, and two wielding ebony longswords and magic. He strafed across to another area of cover. He sent arrows as quickly as he could. Despite his efforts, few made their marks, and even they did not bring down their targets. He was preparing to nock his next shot when one of them let loose a thu’um. “Zul krah viik!”
His bow was ripped from him, sailing away on a gust of wind to the east. Gaeolin drew his sword and blocked the first blow from his nearest opponent. For that split second, he could see why these monsters terrorized Inigo so. The flesh had long since dried out, though the ice that crusted the features gave the impression of decay that was still happening. It had no nose. Only the remains of a stub of cartilage that time had not yet claimed. The Bosmer pushed with all his might to unsettle his enemy’s footing. Once he was free, he scrambled away to face the rest. He managed to find cover, the bowmen raining an unyielding barrage upon him as their brethren moved in. He gripped his sword uinsure what to do.
It was no good. There was no way he could get out of this spot on his own. Gaeolin looked around for a solution with his heart pounding. If only Inigo were here. He had failed to summon him in the temple… Did he dare try again? If he did, it might just be the last thing he ever did. He settled into a crouch, drawing his hand to his lips as he reached for the magic. “Inigo, my friend. If ever you could be here, now is the time.” He leapt from behind the wall, the blue flames flaring in his hand as he let them free.
The spell landed amid the draugr, spawning a pillar of azure fire. A sword swung forth, removing the head of the nearest with minimal effort. Inigo marched out of the inferno, his ears back and his eyes bright. “So, you want to dance?”
Gaeolin rushed out while the dead were distracted. He slashed one across the back with one hand, knocking it out of the way to impale its comrade through the chest. Inigo rolled out of a strike from one of the wights with a mad giggle. He rose to his feet and kicked the zombie to its knees. Gaeolin cleft the monster’s arm, leaving the finishing blow for his companion. They whitled the group down until all that remained was one of the spellswords. It kept them on their toes with its blade, and warded off most of their attacks with a magical defense that few mages they had fought before could have managed. Inigo saw an opening, lunging forward to plant his sword into their adversary’s leg. Gaeolin took the chance, plunging his sword into its skull.
“Dovah thurri, Zu’u funt…” [2]
The words cut through the falling snow with a power that Gaeolin knew could bear no good. They heard the sound from above. A low, rumbling snarl. The pair turned to see movement atop the word wall. Snow slid off the drake’s wings. It must have been resting there for quite some time. “Wo yah fin dur rot?” [3] The dragon caught sight of them. “Joor, my master Alduin will not stand for another of your stature to claim the word you seek. Turn back now,” he tilted his head, “and I may let you live.”
Gaeolin called out. “Dragon, do you know me?”
The beast chuckled, rumbling the stones. “Krosis, I am afraid I was not expecting manners. What is your name, brave fahliil?”
“I am Gaeolin of woodhearth. Slayer of Iizyolviing, Mirmulnir, Sahloknir, and Vuljotnaak. I have not come here to challenge you, but I must know the thu’um you protect. Can we not resolve this matter with reason? If battle is the only way, know that my friend and I are more than capable warriors.”
“You are a proud one, aren’t you?” The dragon laughed. “Impressive though your words may be, they are only words. Even if they were dovrot I would not believe them! No lowly joor could kill those you name. All dovah are perennial, and their souls strong enough to recover their flesh from such bold attempts. They will return. I assure you.”
Gaeolin returned the wyvern’s gaze. His eyes burned with dragon fire. “Vahzen mindok naal sil.” [4] He held his arms wide, letting the light spread from his body to wash over the guardian. The dragon’s eyes widened. The familiarity of the souls this elf had consumed striking fear into his burning heart.
“Dovahkiin?”
“Los Zu’u.”
With an ear-splitting roar, the dragon leapt from its perch to attack. Flames cleared the snow from the ruins in a flash. Inigo and Gaeolin barely made it to shelter before the heat passed them by. The Khajiit panted, his back pressed against the wall. “My friend, I feel I should tell you that your negotiation skills have not improved at all since the last time we employed them.”
Gaeolin couldn’t help but laugh. He smiled at the Khajiit. “No, I suppose they haven’t.” He watched as the dragon flew out from the mountain to bank back. “I am glad to have you here to help with the political clean up.”
Inigo began shooting, forcing their enemy to choose between flying higher, or landing. He seemed inclined to land rather than have his wings punctured. Gaeolin rushed forward as his claws met the snow. “Su!” His sword arm felt lighter, the steel flying faster than he ever managed before. He landed several blows on the beast as it turned to face him. It swatted at him in annoyance, snarling with malice. Inigo landed a shot where the wing met the torso. The dragon screamed, a gout of fire bellowing forth. Gaeolin took the chance, wedging his blade between the scales of the chest. Steaming blood rolled down the guard to stain the leatherwork a menacing red. Their foe crashed onto his back, body heaving as the heart failed.
“So… Your words were not empty after all, Feykrokiir…” The dragon slumped in defeat. Gaeolin knelt beside the corpse, preparing himself for the soul. He could feel the air heating. The crackling of the fire that consumed the dragon entered his ears. Soon he would feel the sting…
But there was nothing. He heard the wind rushing away, and the sound of Inigo’s sword ringing free of its sheath. He opened his eyes to see Miraak standing across from him. The mask obscured his face as he examined the skeleton.
“Do you ever wonder if it hurts?” He asked. “To have one’s soul ripped out like that?” The energy wound around him, seeping into his robes. “Thank you for releasing it for me. It has been long since I have tasted the power of a dragon. Only a few more like this and I can return to Tamriel unhindered.” Gaeolin made to attack him, rage flashing over his features. But just as his blade would have struck, Miraak vanished into nothingness. The bosmer let out a cry of frustration.
“You can’t escape me forever, ollpheist[5]!” He collapsed to the ground, a light snow beginning to fall on the scene. Inigo came to stand behind him.
“Forget the things you cannot change, my friend. Let’s get what we came here for.”
Gaeolin nodded. “I just want to know why he pulled Faendal and I into this. We knew nothing about this, nor did we care to.” He sighed, “Is a peaceful life so much to ask for?”
“You would be surprised,” Inigo shrugged. “Though I do think it shouldn’t be as much trouble as it is. I have to ask though, what sort of life would you find peaceful?”
Gaeolin led the way up the steps to the monument. “Honestly, I just want to settle down with my family. I want Ma’isha to have a father that is home as often as she deserves. For the first time in my life, people actually need me. I have a place to call home. If that isn’t a peaceful life, I think I may be looking for something which is at least close to it.” He clambered over a broken step, turning to help his companion . “What life sounds peaceful to you, Inigo?”
Inigo thought for a moment, his face breaking into a wide grin. “I will settle on a spider farm with a beautiful woman, with my bow and sword hanging proudly on my wall! I can see the two of us, sitting on the porch on a rainy day. Two old friends, their families inside while they reminisce of days gone by.” He shrugged with embarrassment. “At least, it sounds like a good future to me.”
Gaeolin took him by the arm. “It sounds perfect, my friend.”
Translated lines:
1 ) Who wanders in this place?
2 ) Dragon master, I have failed…
3 ) Who seeks the cursed word?
4 ) Know the truth by their souls.
5 ) monster.
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