{"id":1671,"date":"2022-03-25T14:22:02","date_gmt":"2022-03-25T20:22:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/baakay.com\/Snow\/?page_id=1671"},"modified":"2022-04-10T10:46:45","modified_gmt":"2022-04-10T16:46:45","slug":"chapter-20","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/baakay.com\/Snow\/volume-ii\/part-i-past-and-present\/chapter-20\/","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 20"},"content":{"rendered":"
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 <\/p>\n

Qaralana had no idea how long they\u2019d been running along the road cut deep into the mountains. The steep rock walls on either side of the cobbles had narrow bands of grass at their base, but not much more. They, and the canopy of ancient trees whose roots had found any crevice in the rocks, left the roadway in near-complete darkness. It might have been minutes since they\u2019d left the keep \u2013 it might have been hours. Between the dark, the driving rain, and the lightning and thunder, it might just as well have been another nightmare.<\/p>\n

To make matters worse, she was still in shock about what she\u2019d done to Yngvarr\u2019s elite guard. She\u2019d never been one to shy away from using her blades when necessary; but what she\u2019d done to that guard had been completely unnecessary. She couldn\u2019t stop picturing the gory mess she\u2019d created; and every time the memory of it intruded on her consciousness she gritted her teeth.<\/p>\n

If that\u2019s what having the dragon blood does to you, I don\u2019t want it. I don\u2019t want it!<\/em><\/p>\n

If that\u2019s what having the dragon blood does to you, it\u2019s no wonder Uncle Dar was ready to give it up. No wonder Uncle Roggi almost always looked tense and worried about him. They never knew when that blood would take over.<\/em><\/p>\n

And Uncle Dar knew so much more, and was so much stronger than I am. How am I supposed to know how to use this properly? I can toss people aside, sure. I can slow them down with cold. But that\u2019s not the problem\u2026 <\/em><\/p>\n

Why has this happened to me? HE was supposed to be the Last Dragonborn!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The others making the trek through the darkness with Qara were silent, as well \u2013 Brunulvr, Chip, Agnar, the Hjorgunnars and Brother Thorlough \u2013 each preparing in his own way for what was ahead and yet none of them knowing what, exactly, that would be. \u00a0She shivered as she ran forward to take point, chilled from within in spite of the effort of running. She was concerned about what was ahead, of course: there would be more of Yngvarr\u2019s personal guards to face down, to say nothing of Yngvarr himself. She had no idea what sort of warrior he might be, or whether he might also be a mage. They\u2019d not seen him fight; he\u2019d withdrawn from every confrontation before it had come to that. It was hard to prepare with such a gaping void in knowledge. But the closer they came to their goal the more Qara felt an even greater sense of foreboding, the pressure of power building. There was something ahead that surpassed all of them, and she couldn\u2019t tell whether it was friend or foe.<\/p>\n

I should have listened to Daddy. I should have just stayed home. <\/em><\/p>\n

But then, I would never have met Granddaddy or Grandmama. And Jarl Agnar would just have been overrun by Yngvarr\u2019s thugs.<\/em><\/p>\n

Unless\u2026 unless I really was the one who started this, by stepping through the portal. To think that if I had stayed home, Jarl Valfred might still live.<\/em><\/p>\n

Her eyes stung, thinking of the brave, honorable man she\u2019d known only for the last hours of his life. Yngvarr needed to die, if for no other reason than to avenge that death.<\/p>\n

She felt the power building once more. She couldn\u2019t suppress a shudder.<\/p>\n

Please let it not be Yngvarr with the Heart of the Gods that I feel. If that\u2019s what I\u2019m sensing\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n

Her headlong rush toward a crevasse of anxiety suddenly came to an abrupt halt as Thorlough shouted.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve got trouble!\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Two Staalgarde soldiers had been hiding just behind one of the massive trees alongside the road, left behind as lookouts and ambushers. Someone \u2013 she assumed it was Chip, since he had the sharpest ears \u2013 had spotted them and alerted the others. They darted ahead of her on the right to engage, and she fumed. If they\u2019d just stayed behind her, she might have used a Shout on the enemy. As it was, though, it didn\u2019t matter much in the end. With as many blades flashing as there were, it took no time at all to defeat the soldiers.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Chip, Brunulvr, and the Hjorgunnars sprinted down the road, leaving Agnar, Qara and Brother Thorlough in the rear. She wanted to be offended that she was relegated to the back, but then realized that she was actually in the best possible position to defend the king from a surprise attack. She could Shout to either side without risking any of her own party. So she stayed with them, adjusting her speed as needed to keep Jarl Agnar within her field of vision.<\/p>\n

The road took a slow, broad turn to the left, running just beneath the peaks of the northern mountains, as best Qara could reckon. The group ran on, passing beneath a series of looming stone arches.\u00a0 Qara had just turned to look back at them when a sudden flash of lightning revealed just how huge they really were.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cWe must be getting closer,\u201d Chip said, coming to stand beside her.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy do you say that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause when I went to the Hunting Grounds, these big arches were near the end of the canyons. They mark the entrance to something important. We must be getting near.\u201d<\/p>\n

Qara nodded. She was intrigued, and wanted to know more; but this wasn\u2019t the time, and in the midst of a deluge in the darkest portion of the night it wasn\u2019t the place, either.<\/p>\n

They ran for a few moments longer with no further interruptions by soldiers. Then Chip pointed.<\/p>\n

\u201cUp ahead. Just there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Qara slowed. They were about to pass through a thick gate, much like the one at the keep from which they\u2019d just come.\u00a0 She watched Brunulvr peering up toward the top of the wide wall, and the Hjorgunnars sweeping from side to side, as though they expected people to be hidden in the stonework. There surely were many places to hide. But apparently the two guards who had been stationed down the road were the only two Yngvarr had left on watch.<\/p>\n

The light level rose, just past the gate. Qara was confused for just a moment, but then realized that there was a large gap in the stone wall to their left. Even in the rain-drenched darkness she could see through the trees, out toward the river valley far below. Then she looked back toward the mountains. Set into them so as to command the vista beyond the cliffs was a tomb of ancient design. Qara had seen others like it here and there, in Skyrim; Dardeh and Roggi had suggested that they were built by the Dragon Cult, so long ago that it was hard to pinpoint when, exactly. This one felt somehow larger \u2013 both in size and in the aura of power that surrounded it. The group slowly approached the enormous metal doors and Qara felt exceptionally small; just the door was at least three times her height.\u00a0 They all exchanged glances; then Agnar nodded, and they pushed the great doors open.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

There was a pause \u2013 a combined inhalation that was almost an audible gasp from the entire group \u2013 as they entered a huge hall. Even with some of its space blocked by the rubble of collapsed stone pillars, the sheer size and scope of the place was awe-inspiring. Candles lit the ornate niches on either side of the hall, with brazier light reflecting off a carved inlay just above the circular opening at its far end. The alcoves between intact pillars housed statues. Qara frowned; she couldn\u2019t understand the presence of Dibella, Mara and Talos here in a temple so very ancient. \u00a0Perhaps later generations had brought these icons into the ruins as an acknowledgement that this was a place of power. And it was that, no doubt about it. The energy she had felt building since they\u2019d left Staalgarde was nearly overwhelming, here.<\/p>\n

\u201cSheathe your weapons,\u201d Jarl Agnar said in a hushed tone. \u201cWe walk on sacred ground.\u201d\u00a0 Qara had been gripping her daggers, but immediately sheathed them in response to Agnar\u2019s order.<\/p>\n

The group hurried down the length of the hall, a visibly distressed Thorlough in the lead. Ahead of them, a large, round stone table held a series of smaller, circular items reflecting the light of the nearby braziers.\u00a0 Thorlough slowed for a moment as they neared the table, and then groaned.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe keys are in place,\u201d he called out. \u201cYngvarr must be inside \u2013 we must hurry!\u201d<\/p>\n

Chip ran alongside Qara and spoke in an urgent whisper. \u201cWhat is that? What am I feeling? It\u2019s so powerful\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s like the feeling I got when I took the soul of those dragons, Chip,\u201d Qara said. \u201cAll that power\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

She noticed Brunulvr staring at her with an odd expression. \u201cIt\u2019s the Heart of the Gods, lassie,\u201d he said. \u201cWhat Shor himself used te make this land livable. An\u2019 ye cannae let Yngvarr take it fer himself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight. Whatever it is, Yngvarr can\u2019t have it,\u201d Chip growled. Qara could only nod, struck dumb by the ominous feeling pressing in on her.<\/p>\n

Thorlough led the way past the table, down a short set of stairs, through a wooden door and into a dark hallway.\u00a0 There was another set of doors at the far end; as they bolted toward it Qara\u2019s anxiety grew ever greater. And then, as Thorlough threw the doors open, she saw beyond them the thing that had been generating the sense of power and foreboding she\u2019d felt.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

It was an enormous cavern, large enough to contain fully-grown pines equaling in size any in the forest outside. In the center of the space, a stone platform rose above the cavern floor. And in the center of that was a column of whirling magic. Yngvarr\u2019s mages surrounded the magical barrier, their arms raised. That was clearly where the Heart of the Gods was; there was no other reason Qara could imagine for them to be there. Whatever was happening on that platform had to be stopped. That was obvious. What was of more immediate concern, though, was the row of people stretched across the cavern floor between her and the magic.<\/p>\n

Yngvarr and his men. This is going to be bad. We probably can handle the guards, but I don\u2019t know about Yngvarr himself, or those mages.<\/em><\/p>\n

Qara prepared herself to use Unrelenting Force. If nothing else, it would buy them time by knocking the adversaries off their feet. \u00a0As she felt the energies building inside, though, she felt an answering pull of enormous power, almost a challenge. It threw her completely off-stride; it nearly pulled the breath from her lungs. She slowed to a stop beside Brother Thorlough, a shudder of unease rippling up her back, and scanned the area. She couldn\u2019t tell where the challenge was coming from.<\/p>\n

Please let it not be Yngvarr. I can\u2019t defeat what I\u2019ve just felt. I can\u2019t answer that challenge, whatever it was.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cAh! You\u2019re just in time!\u201d Yngvarr\u2019s ever-sarcastic voice called out a greeting as he stepped toward Agnar\u2019s party. \u201cAfter all, nobody\u2019s been in here for six hundred years; I would hate<\/em> for you to miss this momentous occasion.\u201d\u00a0 He swiveled to look behind him for a moment, tsk\u2019d, and then turned back to face Agnar. \u201cI would already have the Heart, but it appears to have some kind of magical shield around it; something that book forgot to mention.\u201d\u00a0 His voice said that he was well past simple frustration.<\/p>\n

He put on a fake smile then, and let his voice resume its usual facetious tones. \u201cBut no worry, my wizards are sure that they can remove the barrier in a timely fashion. Those keys you gave me worked wonderfully!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Qara heard a dark growl. Several of them, really; and glancing at her companions didn\u2019t tell her who exactly among them had been ready to rip out Yngvarr\u2019s throat just then.<\/p>\n

\u201cI studied each one for quite some time,\u201d Yngvarr continued. \u201cI\u2019m truly honored to be the one in my family that finally gets to use them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy <\/em>are you doing this, Yngvarr?\u201d Thorlough asked quietly. \u201cWhy do you want such power?\u201d<\/p>\n

Yngvarr tsk\u2019d again; and he dropped all his posturing, his volume rising until his voice became an abrasive shout. \u201cI don\u2019t want power<\/em>; I want what is rightfully mine!<\/em>\u201d He took one step closer to Thorlough and pointed at him. \u201cDo you know what it\u2019s like to have something that is yours taken from you, then\u2026 displayed,<\/em> just out of reach, every single day of your life? Hjalmar Unnvaldr led the group that discovered Falskaar, for years. They were loyal to him. Then, just because he wasn\u2019t the one that helped<\/em> them, they all flocked to Olaf, forgetting the services that Hjalmar had provided.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen mebbe ye should hae tried helping folk too, ye damn fool,\u201d Brunulvr called out. \u201cDidye ever think o\u2019 that, lad?\u201d<\/p>\n

Yngvarr snarled. \u201cTo this day, the Borvaldurs remain on the throne that they took from my family! <\/em>A throne that is not theirs!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA throne is not something you are entitled to, Yngvarr,\u201d Ulgar said quietly.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe people have the right to choose their leader,\u201d Svegard added. \u201cAnd they chose the Borvaldurs.\u00a0 They\u2019ve done nothing but provide wisdom, and help, while your family does nothing but cause trouble for the people!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is not true!\u201d Yngvarr bellowed.<\/p>\n

Qara frowned. Yngvarr was getting angrier by the moment. She could sense strength from him, but it wasn\u2019t the massive power of challenge she\u2019d felt on her way in. She still felt the pull of the Heart and the strain of the wizards trying to break down the barrier. She could also feel \u2013 something \u2013 else. What it was, she had no idea.<\/p>\n

Thank the gods it isn\u2019t Yngvarr, though. <\/em><\/p>\n

Agnar, who had been quiet since they entered the ancient tomb, spoke up. \u201cHow did you get your people to follow you so loyally?\u201d he asked wearily.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou promised them power, didn\u2019t you,\u201d Thorlough sneered. \u201cYou\u2019d get the Heart and use it to help them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou lied to your people,\u201d Agnar said. \u201cThat is the worst thing that a king can do. You betrayed your city. How could you possibly<\/em> hope to rule all of Falskaar?\u201d<\/p>\n

Yngvarr snarled. \u201cI will not stand here being assailed by your petty claims! Admit it, Agnar. You\u2019ve lost. After all this time and smooth sailing, you\u2019ve failed! You have let your family and your people down!\u201d<\/p>\n

Qara gasped. She\u2019d wanted to respond to Yngvarr in some way, but the change in light behind him caught her attention. The magical barrier winked out as Yngvarr spoke. She thought of the quiet, peaceful village of Amber Creek that she\u2019d entered after coming through the portal and her heart twisted in pain.<\/p>\n

Oh gods. Was this really my fault? Am I the one who interrupted the smooth sailing? They looked so happy when I got here and it\u2019s been nothing but one disaster after the next ever since!<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cNow,\u201d Yngvarr continued. \u201cDon\u2019t any of you move. I\u2019ll make this quick.\u201d<\/p>\n

He turned back toward the pedestal that had been hidden by magic, as the wizards descended from the platform. Svegard cried out.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have to do<\/em> something, Agnar!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe must stall him!\u201d Thorlough added.<\/p>\n

\u201cStall him?\u201d Chip growled. \u201cWhat good will that do? We delay the inevitable?\u201d<\/p>\n

There was a moment of silence. Then Agnar shouted.<\/p>\n

\u201cDuel me!\u201d<\/p>\n

Yngvarr froze in mid-stride and turned back to face them all, incredulous. \u201cExcuse me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou heard me. I am challenging you to combat. No guards. None of my companions. Just you and me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAgnar!\u201d Thorlough said.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Agnar!\u201d Qara cried. \u201cI know that\u2019s the traditional way of the Nords, but you\u2019re too valuable!\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Agnar ignored them. \u201cIf you have even a shred of honor, Yngvarr, you\u2019ll accept my challenge or forever be known as a coward.\u201d<\/p>\n

Yngvarr stared at them for a moment and then chuckled. \u201cFine,\u201d he said flippantly. \u201cI\u2019ll play your little game. But fighting an old man wouldn\u2019t be much of a challenge, now would it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Brunulvr snorted. \u201cYe think not, lad? Have a go a\u2019 me then. We\u2019ll see what ye think after I rip ye to shreds!\u201d\u00a0 He was holding his axe up, threateningly, and Qara shuddered to think what Yngvarr might look like after it got done with him.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Yngvarr said. \u201cI want to fight the Traveler.\u201d<\/p>\n

Qara felt the shock all the way from her feet to her scalp.\u00a0 Instantly, the embers inside that had been smoldering for what seemed like hours now burst back into heat and light.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey come waltzing through the gateway, supposedly foretelling some grand tragedy that is supposed to plague the land \u2013 certainly they must<\/em> be special. She will provide a challenge. So I want to fight her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s the plague,\u201d Chip muttered.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know.\u201d She could barely contain herself. The word challenge<\/em> pounded in her mind. Challenge, like the mottled dragon who had leapt past her and Roggi, over and over, on the day she\u2019d learned that she was Dragonborn and her uncle was no longer so. Challenge. She surely wanted to challenge Yngvarr, to take his soul the way she had that of the dragon.<\/p>\n

You\u2019re not a dragon, Qara<\/em>, she heard Dardeh tell her. You have no wings, no fangs.<\/em><\/p>\n

But I have the dragon blood, Uncle Dar. And he is going to die.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cYou must do it,\u201d Svegard told her quietly.<\/p>\n

Agnar turned to her and sighed. \u201cI know that you are only half Nord, but I know that you are honorable. You must fight Yngvarr in my stead. It is all he will accept, and it is our only hope. Fight for the honor of the people of Falskaar.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAye, lassie,\u201d Brunulvr\u2019s quiet voice came from behind her.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour people are<\/em> my people, my Jarl,\u201d she said, surprised by the calm sounds of her own voice. \u201cI will fight for all of us.\u201d<\/p>\n

She took a deep breath, turned, and moved slowly forward toward Yngvarr.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is going to be fun,\u201d he sneered, chuckling.<\/p>\n

She allowed him enough time to take a few paces toward her and raise his ugly mace before she drew her blades. He saw that she was only wielding daggers, and put another ugly sneer on his face.\u00a0 Then she smiled at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cFUS- RO DAH!\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

She\u2019d been so frustrated and angry, and had been holding that anger back ever since they\u2019d entered the tomb. The Shout exploded toward him; and before she\u2019d even finished the first word of power Yngvarr was flying backward toward the platform. His guards, obedient to the order to stay out of the fighting, staggered back as well as they were struck by the edges of the blast.<\/p>\n

Qara ran forward, blades flying, and attacked Yngvarr even as he was down. It wasn\u2019t necessarily the honorable thing to do, but in that moment she didn\u2019t care.<\/p>\n

Die, Yngvarr! You must die! <\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cEnough!\u201d he shouted, trying to avoid her blades as he scrambled, bleeding, to his feet. \u201cHold them!\u201d<\/p>\n

There was an explosion of magical energies that flew all the way through the gigantic chamber. Suddenly, Qara couldn\u2019t move, and she couldn\u2019t draw a deep enough breath for another Shout. Judging by the cries of dismay behind her, nobody anyone else could move, either.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou lying scum!\u201d Thorlough shouted.<\/p>\n

\u201cSon of a bitch!\u201d Svegard snarled.<\/p>\n

Yngvarr stepped up onto the platform, chuckling. \u201cFinally! The Heart is all mine!\u201d<\/p>\n

Qaralana found that she couldn\u2019t form the words that wanted to burst from her mouth. No, Yngvarr! Turn around and fight me fairly! I challenge\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n

CHALLENGE!<\/em><\/p>\n

Qara heard the word in her mind as clearly as she\u2019d heard any sound in her short life. She felt the great pressure of the power that she\u2019d been dreading since they\u2019d reached the outskirts of Staalgarde. But it wasn\u2019t the sound of a word that filled the chamber. Instead, what she and everyone else present heard was a huge, hollow roar, one that reverberated through the cavern and ricocheted off every wall. She heard other words, as well, words that were huge, and powerful, and overwhelming, sounding in her head as the overwhelming roars filled all their ears.<\/p>\n

YOU CANNOT FIGHT ME, CHILD. I AM AHKRINVIING AND I ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE OF YNGVARR UNNVALDR!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

As they all watched with a mixture of horror and relief, an enormous gray-green dragon swooped down from the mists at the far reaches of the cavern. Yngvarr, his guards, and his wizards stared up, frozen in horror as the great beast dropped down from above, snatched Yngvarr up in its gigantic talons, and carried him away screaming the most bloodcurdling screams Qaralana had ever heard.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Brother Thorlough of Bailun Priory had taken time on their slow journey back to Amber Creek to compose what he intended to record permanently, in much the same way the ancient priest long before him had transcribed what he remembered from the destruction of Vizemundsted. As he told them, he wanted to ensure that future generations would know what had transpired, as best he could portray it.<\/p>\n

The townspeople were gathered around the fire at the Amber Creek Inn when he rose to his feet in response to yet another cry of \u201cwhat happened? Tell us!\u201d\u00a0 He cleared his throat and pulled out a collection of papers.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll just read you what I\u2019ve written, then,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s not quite finished. But then, neither are we.\u201d<\/p>\n

There were chuckles and a few cheers as he shuffled the sheets and took a stance before the fire. Then the room went silent.<\/p>\n

\u201cYngvarr\u2019s screams echoed through the great cavern, as Ahkrinviing swooped down and carried him away, tearing not only at his body, but at his very soul. Agnar gently placed the Heart of the Gods back on its pedestal, and the chamber was resealed. Yngvarr Unnvaldr was dead, the land free of his family\u2019s endless pursuit of power. But not all was won on that day. Borvald lay in ruin, as did Staalgarde \u2013 two mighty blows that might mean darker times awaited the land.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo!\u201d someone cried out from the back of the inn. Thorlough looked up, smiled, and held up one hand before continuing to read.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut that was not our concern right then. For on this day, Falskaar was saved, thanks to the valiant efforts of our King, his people, and the Traveler, an outsider whose involvement in these events was destined by the gods themselves.\u201d<\/p>\n

Thorlough looked up from his paper and grinned mischievously at Qaralana before continuing.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe people may continue to live, to farm; their children may once again play in the forests. And while the land is not without issue it has a moment to live, and to enjoy. Falskaar is safe, for now.\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked up and smiled at the room, sliding his sheaf of papers back into one of his voluminous sleeves. \u201cThat\u2019s it. That\u2019s all I\u2019ve got for now. But that\u2019s what happened, at least the way I saw it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The crowd broke into applause and cheers. No few of them stared curiously at Qaralana, who had been trying to stay out of the way and out of the public eye.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou left out the Traveler\u2019s big brother, Thorlough,\u201d she said, grinning at him.<\/p>\n

I just never gave him enough credit. He did well by Agnar, in the end.<\/em><\/p>\n

Chip snorted. \u201cI think I fall into the category of the King\u2019s people, don\u2019t I?\u201d he said cheerfully.<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose that you do, Chip,\u201d she said, marveling to herself that it did indeed seem to be so. \u201cBut I guess that means I do, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

As everyone went back to their drinking and eating, Jarl Agnar approached her. \u201cThank you, my friend,\u201d he said, \u201cfor everything you have done for the people of Falskaar. You put yourself in harm\u2019s way for the greater good of Falskaar many times. That is not something most women would have done.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Chip, standing just behind the Jarl, snorted. \u201cYou\u2019re a brave man to say that, Agnar. I think I\u2019ll just go over here and talk to Grandda.\u201d Qara glared at him as he slipped out of range of a swat.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m used to fending for myself, Jarl Agnar. And for others. I\u2019ve never thought of it in terms of being a girl. I\u2019m just doing what needs to be done. Besides. Brunulvr and Gulmist are our grandparents. Why wouldn\u2019t we do everything possible to help them?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that so?\u201d Agnar said, raising an eyebrow. \u201cAll the better, then. I promise you that the scholars of Falskaar will remember you. Both of you,\u201d he added, smiling. \u201cIn the meantime, relax. Have some ale. You\u2019ve earned it. We\u2019ve all earned it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes we have,\u201d Qaralana said. Then, suddenly seized by thoughts of Harald Stormcloak and his family, she gave a small bow of the type she often gave to King Ulfric in his court. \u201cWe have indeed, my King.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh now don\u2019 ye start that, young lassie,\u201d Brunulvr said, coming to stand beside her. \u201cHe gets a’ irritated if ye name him King Agnar.\u201d\u00a0 Agnar smiled at Brunulvr and walked away.<\/p>\n

Brunulvr sighed, and crossed his arms. \u201cAn\u2019 I let him down. Ah\u2019ll never get past that.\u201d He shook his head. \u201cNever mind, then. Come over to th\u2019 cot. Yer gran and I want to talk to ye both.\u201d He slipped out the door, leaving Qaralana and Chip standing together near the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go,\u201d Chip told her. \u201cThings aren\u2019t what they seem, here, and I want to know why.\u201d<\/p>\n

Qara just nodded. She had questions, too. She was still grappling with what she\u2019d experienced in the cavern \u2013 with what she had felt and heard in her mind.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you\u2019ll bring him back with you?\u201d Gulmist said, somewhat anxiously to Qara\u2019s ear. \u201cPlease, children. I want to see him before I die.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Chip had been staring at the floor, deep in thought; but at that his head shot up and he stared at his grandmother. \u201cWhat do you mean, \u2018before I die?\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, dinnae worry, young laddie,\u201d Brunulvr chuckled. \u201cYer gran is a strong woman. But\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut what?\u201d Qara said, frowning.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I\u2019m old, dears,\u201d Gulmist said, swapping a sharp look with Brunulvr. \u201cThings can happen. Your father, he would be, well, not a young man any longer, either.\u201d She sighed. \u201cPlease. I just want to see my Brynny once more.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll try, Gran,\u201d Chip said. \u201cBut I don\u2019t know that we\u2019ll have any more luck getting through that stubborn head of his than\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThan I would have trying to ground the dragon that took Yngvarr,\u201d Qara blurted out before she had a chance to stop herself.\u00a0 Both her grandparents stared at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cAbout that, missy,\u201d Brunulvr said. \u201cYe have the gift, do ye not?\u201d<\/p>\n

She stared at him. There was something wildly odd about this man. She\u2019d felt it from the beginning, and she couldn\u2019t put her finger on it.\u00a0 Chip was staring at him, too; and the two of them shared a look before Brunulvr looked back at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf by the gift you mean that I\u2019m Dragonborn \u2013 well, yes. Our Uncle Dardeh was, before me. He\u2019s the one who killed Alduin. It\u2019s a really long tale, and I\u2019ll tell it to you some day, but yes. You saw me knock Yngvarr backwards.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAye, and others.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can Shout dragons to the ground, and when their bodies are killed I can take their souls. But not that dragon. I heard him, in my head, telling me that I could not fight him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Brunulvr shook his head. \u201cOf course not, lass. That wasn\u2019t just a dragon. Oh, there once were dragons here on Falskaar. The walls\u2019re there if ye look long enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chip nodded. \u201cWe saw two of them in that huge cavern system.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut that was no\u2019 just a dragon. That was Ahkrinviing. The avatar of Shor himself.\u201d<\/p>\n

A shiver ran up Qara\u2019s spine. \u201cYou\u2019re telling me I had\u2026 a god\u2026 in my head?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWait a second,\u201d Chip interrupted. \u201cI thought the legend was that he tore his heart out to make the land warm! Wasn\u2019t it? Then how did he come back?\u201d<\/p>\n

Gulmist smiled. \u201cThat is the tale, yes. But there are many other tales of Shor, aren\u2019t there? Aren\u2019t our moons said to be parts of the body of our lord Shor? Isn\u2019t he said to be the lord of Sovngarde?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s not there,\u201d Qara murmured. \u201cAt least not physically. Uncle Dar told me. His throne is there but it\u2019s empty.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell there,\u201d Gulmist said, as though there was nothing unusual about what she\u2019d just been told. \u201cWhat do you suppose might then prevent the very god who made Nirn from taking any form he might like, in whole or in part?\u201d She smiled and wandered over to her alchemy table as if there was nothing unusual at all about the conversation.<\/p>\n

Qara just stared, dumbfounded.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s more to this, though,\u201d Chip said, staring at his grandfather intently. \u201cThis place, I mean. You know what it is. I know that you do. Please tell me. I need to know.\u201d<\/p>\n

Brunulvr stared at him for a few long moments, his brow furrowed in a way that made him look like both his son and his grandson. Then he sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cAye, laddie. There is more here than ye ken. And if ye\u2019ll bring my reprobate offspring to see us again I\u2019ll tell ye what ye want. Both of ye.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Chip sputtered angrily. \u201cYou\u2019re going to what; make me pay<\/em> for the information I need?\u201d<\/p>\n

Qara spoke, completely out of habit.\u00a0 To her great surprise, Brunulvr did as well, simultaneously.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou always pay for your information.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Qara and her grandfather looked at each other in surprise for a moment and then Brunulvr started laughing.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, then. He listened to his Da at least a bit, didnae he?\u201d<\/p>\n

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Home Previous \/ Next   Qaralana had no idea how long they\u2019d been running along the road cut deep into the mountains. The steep rock walls on either side of the cobbles had narrow bands of grass at their base, but not much more. They, and the canopy of ancient trees whose roots had found … <\/p>\n

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