{"id":1868,"date":"2022-09-01T16:55:24","date_gmt":"2022-09-01T22:55:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/baakay.com\/Snow\/?page_id=1868"},"modified":"2022-10-25T14:15:52","modified_gmt":"2022-10-25T20:15:52","slug":"chapter-4","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/baakay.com\/Snow\/volume-ii\/part-ii-above-and-beyond\/chapter-4\/","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 4"},"content":{"rendered":"
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 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat wasn\u2019t the best night\u2019s sleep I\u2019ve ever had, Harald. We should have stayed in Windhelm, like you suggested.\u201d<\/p>\n

Harald grinned at Qaralana. \u201cNot only that – you could have stayed at the palace. I really don\u2019t know what Mother does with all those rooms. You could probably house all of the refugees in there and still have room for visiting dignitaries.\u201d<\/p>\n

Qara risked a glance at him between cautious steps down the icy slope. His grin had faded into a frown. His mother had spent his entire lifetime renovating the cold, ancient palace, and opening formerly sealed-off areas within it. Those projects – like the ones to spruce up and fortify Skyrim\u2019s towns following the civil war – were all that kept Queen Frina from losing her mind, to hear Harald tell it.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019ll listen to you the next time. Winterhold\u2019s inn really isn\u2019t that comfortable.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose we\u2019re that much closer, though,\u201d Harald said. \u201cMind the footing.\u201d<\/p>\n

They were on the well-trodden path down from Winterhold\u2019s southern exit, the gateway that led away from the once-great city toward the ruins of Saarthal and points beyond. From the top of this hillside, the Shrine of Azura was more than just the statue one could see from almost anywhere in the north half of Skyrim. From here it loomed over the land like the powerful being it represented.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

All we need to do is get there in one piece, Qaralana thought as Harald broke into a run \u2013 a surprisingly fast run for someone so heavily armored \u2013 and dashed past her, up the slope toward the next row of mountains. A frost troll snorted and jumped in place, waving its huge paws about and looking as though it couldn\u2019t wait to get its claws and fangs into Harald.<\/p>\n

\u201cWait a second!\u201d she called out, in spite of knowing that he couldn\u2019t hear her. She drew her bow and fired one shot that stuck in the troll\u2019s arm, but before she could ready another arrow Harald was nose-to-nose with the creature, making a bowshot too risky. The last thing she wanted to do was wound or kill her best friend. Instead, she readied her blades as she accelerated up the slope to join the battle.<\/p>\n

Harald was doing an admirable job with the troll. His heavily-spiked shield had punctured the beast over and over, leaving spots of darkening blood all over its white coat. The problem, of course, was that frost trolls healed so very rapidly. Even the damage Harald caused with his heavy sword only lasted so long. Their odds would be much better once she started slicing at it too, but even then these creatures were tough to kill. There was one thing that trolls were weak against, though; and Paarthurnax had taught her one word of it. She waited until Harald stepped back a bit and then Shouted.<\/p>\n

\u201cYOL!\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The beauty of fire was that it lingered, continuing to damage its target even after the initial burst of magic was done. The troll staggered, howling in rage; both Harald and Qara used that moment to lay into it as hard and fast as they could. Finally it sank to one knee, and Qara\u2019s blade Grabber finished it, pulling the creature\u2019s soul into an empty gem in her pocket.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood work!\u201d Harald said, grinning at her. \u201cI don\u2019t know that one. It would be handy to have. So I guess I\u2019ll just have to keep you with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Qara laughed. \u201cI guess so!\u201d she said. Inside, though, she felt a little flustered. Damn it, Chip, why\u2019d you have to go setting my mind on that kind of thing? He\u2019s just a friend!<\/em><\/p>\n

The Shrine of Azura perched atop the peak, just up a steep slope from where the troll had attacked. They trudged up the slippery path toward it and then around toward the left, where Qara stopped and gasped.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it?\u201d Harald asked her.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s beautiful!\u201d And it was. Not only was the statue itself a beautiful thing, but the structure beneath it \u2013 a series of tall staircases with platforms \u2013 was both much larger and much more imposing than she\u2019d ever suspected. I\u2019ve just never seen it up close before this<\/em>. Wow.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Harald took the lead to the base of the stairs and up to the first platform. There was a rough campsite set out there, nestled up against the base of the next-taller level. As they neared it, a figure swathed head-to-toe in light-colored chitin armor that looked as though it had been weathered for eons stood and walked toward them. Qara wondered for a moment why the man didn\u2019t remove his helmet but then it dawned on her. This was the Nerevarine. It wouldn\u2019t do for people to know who was beneath that helmet. Harald had said this person was being hunted, and that\u2019s why Harald had met him in the first place.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s good to see you again, Harald Stormcloak,\u201d he said, his voice deep and calm.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Harald answered. \u201cLikewise. And this is Qaralana, the Dragonborn.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI see,\u201d the man said, swiveling to look at her. \u201cIt\u2019s good to meet you, as well. That sheds a bit more light on why the Morag Tong agent contacted you, Harald. Perhaps he was looking to kill several important birds with one stone.\u201d<\/p>\n

Qara tried hard not to gasp. Morag Tong? He didn\u2019t tell me that part!<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps so,\u201d Harald said. \u201cI\u2019m grateful that you\u2019re here, because I do need some guidance, and you may be just the person to help. But I\u2019m curious. Why here? This is hardly the most hospitable place in Skyrim.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAzura guided me on my quest to defeat Dagoth Ur,\u201d the Nerevarine said calmly. \u201cShe still offers me guidance and aid from time to time. In turn, I pay her my respects when I can. Besides,\u201d he said, turning to look up at the enormous statue, \u201chave you seen<\/em> this Shrine of Azura? I assumed you had. It\u2019s an easy place to find.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIndeed,\u201d Harald said, reaching into his pack and pulling out a very old tome. \u201cNow then. In one of the rooms near where we killed that centurion titan I found this. I\u2019m wondering whether you could translate it.\u201d He passed the book to the Nerevarine, who started examining it even as Harald continued. \u201cThere was an interesting hammer near it, as well \u2013 Dwemer make and very heavy, or I\u2019d have brought it with me rather than leaving it at Qara\u2019s house. It had an enchantment on it. Fire damage, I think.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cInteresting,\u201d the Nerevarine said, looking up from the book. \u201cThis appears to have been written by Lord Kagrenac himself! Quite a find. I\u2019ll translate it into the common tongue and have a copy ready for you when next we meet. As to the hammer, perhaps the book will tell us what it is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d Harald said, taking a breath and opening his mouth to continue when Qara cleared her throat and interrupted.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cMay I ask a question? You told Harald he could come for advice, but\u2026 I could use some, as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI see. Very well, Dragonborn. I\u2019ll help if I can.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2026\u201d Qara wracked her brain for the best way to ask the question that had been weighing on her since she and Roggi took her first dragon. She thought about everything Dardeh had told her about learning that he was Dragonborn, and everything he\u2019d had to go through to defeat Alduin. \u201cWhat is it like, being a hero chosen by the Elder Scrolls?\u201d He\u2019s one of those people, maybe he can help.<\/em><\/p>\n

The Nerevarine gave a quiet chuckle. \u201cIt can be very empowering at first, to know with certainty that you are important. That your life means something. It can go to your head if you let it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Qara nodded. \u201cThat\u2019s what Uncle Dar has been telling me,\u201d she murmured. She hadn\u2019t quite realized she\u2019d spoken aloud until she saw Harald give her a sharp glance, frowning.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut it can also be a great burden,\u201d the Nerevarine continued. \u201cAnd what\u2019s more, it makes you a target. Many will try to take advantage of you, or tell you what your destiny is.\u201d<\/p>\n

She had a sudden, almost audible memory of her father saying \u201cso many people have thought they knew better how I should conduct my existence.\u201d Then she heard Harald\u2019s sharp intake of breath.<\/p>\n

He knows this feeling, too.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what I feared,\u201d Harald said quietly. \u201cWhy else would Mandyn Hlaalu have contacted me, specifically? It makes no sense unless I was a target. Or my father.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow will I know who to trust?\u201d Qara burst out. \u201cI\u2019m not even sure why this has happened to me!\u201d Please, please tell me why Uncle Dar isn\u2019t still the Dragonborn, if a Dragonborn is needed right now!<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cYou are the only one who can control your fate, Dragonborn, and so was every Dragonborn before you,\u201d the armored man told her. \u201cAnd you too, as well, Harald Stormcloak. Those who understand that may be friends. Those who would take that away from either of you may simply be misguided \u2013 or they may be hidden foes. It\u2019s hard to say.\u201d<\/p>\n

But I wanted answers! And all I get are more questions.<\/em><\/p>\n

Harald must have been thinking along the same lines, judging by the disgusted grunt he made. But true to his upbringing and his training, he sighed and bowed his head briefly to a man so much his senior that it was hard to fathom.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you for your insights, serjo,\u201d he said, using the Dunmeri honorific for those of much higher status.<\/p>\n

Of all people to say such a thing \u2013 Ulfric Stormcloak\u2019s only son.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you are most welcome to them. I will look for you once I have completed the translation. In the meantime,\u201d the Nerevarine said, reaching into a pack leaning against his tent, \u201cI want you to have this. It may prove useful.\u201d He pressed something into Harald\u2019s palm.<\/p>\n

Harald took a look at what he\u2019d been given and sputtered. \u201cThis\u2026 is the Moon-and-Star ring?\u201d<\/p>\n

Qara gasped. She knew the legends surrounding this person, and this object. She reached for Harald\u2019s arm. \u201cYou can\u2019t put it on, Harald! Only the Nerevarine can wear it! If you put it on you\u2019ll die!\u201d<\/p>\n

The Nerevarine chuckled once more. \u201cIt is a likeness of the Moon-and-Star ring, surely,\u201d he said. \u201cI would not give you something to kill you, not after your aid in dealing with what might have been another Numidium. The real ring is on my hand. I believe you may find this of use, however. Perhaps it will help you tell your friends and enemies apart.\u201d<\/p>\n

Harald peered at him with his brows deeply furrowed. \u201cI assume it has some kind of enchantment on it? It feels as though it does.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Just as he was finishing his sentence a muffled but distinctive sound came from the ridge beyond. Qara peered over the Nerevarine\u2019s armored shoulder and caught a glimpse of wings silhouetted against the steel-gray skies. She tugged on one of the plates of Harald\u2019s armor to get his attention.<\/p>\n

\u201cDragon, Harald! Over by Mount Anthor. We need to go!\u201d She turned to the Nerevarine. \u201cI\u2019m sorry to interrupt, and even sorrier to run away, but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you must go, Dragonborn,\u201d the man said. \u201cThis is your fate and only you control it. Go, and with good fortune we will meet again one day.\u201d<\/p>\n

Qara smiled broadly and then took the stairs two at a time, landing hard and rolling before leaping to her feet and jogging toward the dragon. She heard Harald behind her, calling for her to slow down, but the excitement was too great and she felt the dragon\u2019s challenge too strongly to stop.<\/p>\n

The path ran through a gap between two steep boulders on the mountainside, the one to her left looking as though it might topple down into the gap with the next shaking of the north. Beyond the boulders the area opened up, and atop a pillar of rock in the next set of peaks the dragon had perched. She slowed for a moment, startled, for it was the same type of dragon she and Harald had fought on the tundra just a day before.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnother one of those?\u201d she heard him say as he reached her, panting to catch his breath.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. The thing is that I know Uncle Dar and Uncle Roggi took down a dragon here, once before.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut that was a long time ago,\u201d Harald protested.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, and we haven\u2019t seen dragons till just recently, have we?\u201d She looked over at Harald, who was rubbing his beard absentmindedly.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. I wonder why they\u2019re back all of a sudden.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, but I do know we need to get this one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s your answer,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnswer to what?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe question of why you\u2019re Dragonborn. The dragons are back, and Dardeh can\u2019t kill them anymore. Someone needed to take over.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Qara was about to argue with him when the beast spotted her and pushed itself into the air, roaring a challenge and swooping down the slope and over their heads. It circled around the open space and, as Harald ran toward it, closed in on him.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m not letting it attack him. <\/em><\/p>\n

She looked up as the dragon slowed to hover directly in front of them. It turned its gaze from Harald to her, and if she\u2019d been able to decipher a dragon\u2019s expression she would have sworn it was grinning. She growled and inhaled.<\/p>\n

\u201cJOOR \u2013 ZAH FRUL!\u201d<\/p>\n

There was a kind of natural rock bridge just behind her, affording at least a tiny bit of cover from this type of dragon\u2019s nasty energy attacks. She ran under the lip of the overhang and drew her bow, waiting for the beast to come to ground. As soon as it landed she sank an arrow into its thick hide, and followed with two others. She couldn\u2019t see Harald, but she could hear the resounding smacks of his sword and shield slicing and bashing into the dragon\u2019s scales. When it rose into the air, Qara Shouted at it again, but her aim was poor this time and the energy bounced harmlessly off the rocks that sheltered her.<\/p>\n

It had its sights set on Harald, for some reason; when it landed to snap at him again Qara moved out from under the stones and Shouted once more to keep it grounded. She peppered it with arrows, amazed at how many hits a dragon could take and still be seemingly unscathed. Harald was up at the dragon\u2019s head, doing a masterful job of taunting it into snapping at him, stepping back just out of reach and then forward to land either a solid swipe with his sword or painful punctures with his spiked shield.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

He fights like a madman. Like Uncle Roggi, except quiet. <\/em><\/p>\n

A few moments later the dragon flew uphill, just out of her bow\u2019s reach. She chased it high enough on the slope to use her Voice, and Shouted Dragonrend at it once again. The dragon landed in a cluster of stones just downhill from her; as she took aim at it she saw Harald dashing across the open space with sword drawn. She watched as the creature belched its nasty energies at Harald, and admired how deftly the big man moved, ducking the attacks only to step out and deliver another blow the next moment. Again the dragon lifted off; again she Shouted at it.<\/p>\n

This time, it flew uphill, past her, and settled on the side of the mountain just out of range. Qara scrabbled her way up the slope toward the glow of energy, listening for Harald\u2019s footsteps behind her but not hearing them. Nervous, she wanted to stop and look for him; but she desperately needed to kill the dragon before it could hurt anyone else.<\/p>\n

It was too steep and too slick underfoot to reach the dragon, which had maneuvered itself around to a place where its energy could reach her. She Shouted once more, to keep it grounded, and then spent the next several minutes firing arrows as rapidly as she could, ducking behind a boulder every time it seemed the dragon would breathe its attack. Even so, she found herself needing to down at least one healing potion.<\/p>\n

And she still hadn\u2019t seen or heard Harald since the dragon flew uphill.<\/p>\n

Her anxiety grew as she continued filling the beast with as many arrows as she could launch up the slope. At last, in the least-elegant death she\u2019d ever seen, the dragon toppled over the side of the peak and tumbled downward, head over tail until it crashed, belly up, into an undignified pile near the foot of the nearby word wall that called enticingly to her.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cHarald?\u201d she shouted as she neared the carcass and the burning began. \u201cHarald, are you alright?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I\u2019m over here,\u201d he called from just out of sight, near the word wall. \u201cI was hoping it would land here but it didn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be right there,\u201d she yelled back, closing her eyes in apprehension and delight as once more a dragon consumed itself in flames, giving up its energy and filling her with its power. Once it was finished she turned and ran to Harald\u2019s side, stepping forward to learn and absorb the word from the wall that dragon had been guarding.<\/p>\n

\u201cIce.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIce and fire, eh?\u201d Harald said with a grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo it would seem. Let\u2019s go, though. I\u2019m worried about how many dragons are showing up, and I want to ask Uncle Dar about them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. So do I. And I want to ask them about the Morag Tong, as well. Dardeh\u2019s been to Solstheim. Maybe he knows something that will be useful.\u201d<\/p>\n

They crossed through the mountain pass near Mount Anthor, heading south toward Windhelm. They decided to forego taking a carriage to Falkreath; neither of them spoke of it in so many words but Qara knew that where there had been one assassination attempt, there might be more – and Harald was a target with bright blonde hair. There was no interference, though. Not even so much as a wolf impeded their progress west along the snow road; Qara was almost relaxed as they crossed over the river and headed up the hill past Anga\u2019s Mill, toward Lake Yorgrim.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

And then there was a sound. To anyone else – even Harald, with his limited knowledge of Dovahzul – it would have sounded primarily like a roar. To Qara, it was a challenge, leveled directly at her: \u201cI am Viinturuth. I have outlasted even he who raised me from death. Now I will send you to yours.\u201d<\/p>\n

She wasted no time in Shouting Dragonrend at the beast just as soon as she was near enough, and then gasped in disbelief as Harald, slamming his helmet down over his head as he ran, bolted directly at the grounded dragon. It was supremely foolhardy of him, as the probable future High King, to put himself within a snout\u2019s distance of the business end of a dragon. All Qara could do was push herself through the fear that wanted to freeze her solid, and fire at the beast over and over, watching for the slightest signs that Dragonrend was about to wane and Shouting again as it did. Eventually, though, she was able to get close enough in that there were three blades and a shield full of lethal spikes hammering at the dragon, and it went down. For the second time in a day, Qara found herself being enlarged by the life force of a powerful dragon.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cWell done,\u201d Harald said, coming around the huge skull to meet her. \u201cNo wonder you were the hero of Falskaar.\u201d<\/p>\n

Qara shook her head. \u201cIt wasn\u2019t just me, Harald. It was me, and Chip, and our grandfather, and Jarl Agnar and his closest advisors, all working together.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat makes what you just did all the more impressive, in that case. Two dragons in one day!\u201d<\/p>\n

She frowned. I\u2019d love to think that. I really would. But\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it?\u201d Harald asked, picking up on her mood.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis shouldn\u2019t be happening. That\u2019s two, in one day, and just us! What about the one we got yesterday? What about all the dragons Chip saw? What about the ones I saw that flew away? What about the two Uncle Roggi and I killed? I don\u2019t think there are supposed to be that many dragons left, Harald, and I don\u2019t think they\u2019re supposed to be attacking people even if they exist.\u201d<\/p>\n

He frowned as well. \u201cWell, we\u2019re going to see the one person who is most likely to have an answer for us. So let\u2019s get going.\u201d<\/p>\n

They ran on through the night, stopping only briefly in Riverwood early the next morning to get a quick bite to eat. Harald kept looking around uneasily. This was where he\u2019d met the man who sent him on the mission to Kagrenar, he told her, and that man had been Morag Tong in spite of looking like any other Dunmer in Skyrim. She thought Harald looked a bit haggard, with dark circles under his eyes. It had to be at least as unsettling to find yourself a target as it did to find yourself possessed of a power you\u2019d never asked for. She wasn\u2019t surprised when he pulled her up to her feet after barely enough time to swallow the last of the bread and cheese.<\/p>\n

They\u2019d not gotten too far past the crossroad north of Helgen, heading west along the shores of Lake Ilinalta, when it happened again. A mighty roar split the air, and a great green shape flowed down from the peak near the great barrow and across the lake. This time there was a patrol of Stormcloak guards from Helgen walking the road; all of them began unloading arrows, crossbow bolts and magic at the dragon as it strafed them with fire. Qara ran toward the battle, readying her Voice. Behind her she heard Harald rattling his sword against his shield, taunting the creature to leave the guards and come for him instead. But just as she got near enough to have her Shouts reach the dragon, it turned and inexplicably sailed back to the north, disappearing over the crest of the mountain.<\/p>\n

She shrieked. \u201cNO!\u201d she cried out. But what the others heard, or so Harald told her later, was a huge word in Dovahzul. \u201cNID!\u201d she had Shouted, and ripples flew out across the lake from where she stood as if she\u2019d tossed a stone into the water. She stomped her feet and raged until Harald came to stand beside her, patting her on the shoulder and pointing west.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re almost there, Qara. Let\u2019s go check in at Little Vivec. Then we can relax at Roggi\u2019s house.\u201d<\/p>\n

She turned to him, scrubbing a few tears of frustration out of her eyes. \u201cThat\u2019s four<\/em>, Harald! Four dragons in two days! I don\u2019t know what I\u2019m supposed to do!\u201d She turned back toward the lake and shook her fist at the sky. \u201cAnd when they get away I just hate it!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, either,\u201d he said calmly. \u201cBut we won\u2019t figure it out standing in the road and making ourselves into targets.\u201d<\/p>\n

Qara glared at him. \u201cI know, Harald. I know that. But it doesn\u2019t make me happy!\u201d As soon as the words left her mouth she regretted the snippy tone they\u2019d carried.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s not Harald\u2019s fault I\u2019m Dragonborn, any more than it\u2019s my fault. And he\u2019s my very best friend. He won\u2019t be for long, though, if I keep yelling at him. <\/em><\/p>\n

She stole a quick glance at him as he turned to lead the way to Little Vivec, and couldn\u2019t help but smile at the familiar, calm profile that was so like his father\u2019s. They shared rugged facial features including a long, prominent nose that tended to give each of them a solemn expression. Harald even looked subdued when he smiled. Still, she thought he was handsome, and she always enjoyed seeing him even when he was frowning. That thought made her blush, thankful that he was in front of her and couldn\u2019t see it.<\/p>\n

Well, if I\u2019m cranky enough that Harald gives up on me at least I\u2019ll be able to tell Chip he was wrong.<\/em><\/p>\n

Somehow, that didn\u2019t make her feel any better.<\/p>\n

Qara had never been to Little Vivec before. She\u2019d looked at it in passing, of course, but like Harald she\u2019d never had a good reason to visit. But here they were; and Harald strode down the bridge and across the first of the small islands to their left just as though he belonged there. The people they passed nodded and greeted Harald, which to Qara was stunning. It seemed almost incomprehensible that the son of Ulfric Stormcloak would be treated that way in a Dunmer town.<\/p>\n

She followed Harald across to the next island, the one holding a tiny shack with a tanning rack and a cooking spit over the firepit. A Dunmer man sat on the far side of the fire from them.<\/p>\n

This must be Bal-Ran. He\u2019s mentioned this guy several times now.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Bal-Ran. Let me introduce you to my friend, Qaralana. The men at Mammoth Manor just beyond the mill are her uncles.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bal-Ran nodded to her, but said nothing, and Harald didn\u2019t seem to think that was a problem.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve returned,\u201d Harald said, \u201cto let you know that I found the man I was looking for at Kagrenar, as you suspected I would. But I have to ask you something. Did you know who he was?\u201d<\/p>\n

Bal-Ran\u2019s expression didn\u2019t change a whit, but he nodded just slightly. \u201cNerevar, born anew,\u201d he said, his voice low, almost a monotone. \u201cThe light of Azura given flesh, and a hero to my people and the world. Yes. I knew. No Ashlander would not.\u201d<\/p>\n

Qara half expected Harald to interrupt in some way, to speak up about having been surprised thus, but he didn\u2019t. He just waited and watched as Bal-Ran crossed his arms and continued speaking. \u201cWhen I was a boy, my mother would sing me to sleep with songs of the Nerevarine. I am not ashamed to say he was my hero. And to have met him!\u201d One of Harald\u2019s eyebrows rose at the sudden excitement in Bal-Ran\u2019s voice.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ll bet that\u2019s the first time he\u2019s sounded excited about anything in Harald\u2019s presence. He doesn\u2019t seem like an overly excitable guy.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cHe told me that someone would be looking for him. Someone with a warrior\u2019s spirit. I am glad to have sent him the right person. I would never have expected it to be Ulfric Stormcloak\u2019s son.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm. Let me show you something.\u201d Harald pulled off his left gauntlet, revealing the Moon-and-Star ring the Nerevarine had given him. Bal-Ran\u2019s eyes grew very round, and his mouth opened slightly before closing again. He clearly recognized the ring, but he said nothing.<\/p>\n

\u201cI would never have expected to meet the Nerevarine and to fight at his side,\u201d Harald said quietly. \u201cI have been trying to learn about my father, Bal-Ran, and perhaps to heal a few of the wounds his actions may have caused. I don\u2019t know whether I have succeeded. But I hope maybe this is a sign.\u201d He pulled the gauntlet back on and then, to Qara\u2019s surprise, gave Bal-Ran a small smile. \u201cIf you, or anyone else here in Little Vivec, ever have need of someone with a warrior\u2019s spirit again, you can get word to me via Dardeh and Roggi Knot-Beard at Mammoth Manor. They\u2019ll know where I can be found – whether I want them to or not,\u201d he added with a wry grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cVery well,\u201d Bal-Ran said. \u201cTravel safely.\u201d<\/p>\n

Qara waited until they were back on the road and approaching the mill crossing before she spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t expect any of that, especially not your showing him your new ring.\u201d<\/p>\n

Harald grinned at her. \u201cI figured it was a good time to test the reaction I\u2019d get. Bal-Ran knew I wasn\u2019t the Nerevarine. He\u2019s met \u2013 and heard – the real person, and I sound nothing like him. I met Bal-Ran when I\u2019d been sent to look for \u2018a criminal,\u2019 not knowing who the criminal was. But any Ashlander worth his salt would have to have some <\/em>reaction to seeing someone wearing the Moon-and-Star ring. It would have to be a sign of favor, don\u2019t you think?\u201d<\/p>\n

Qara nodded. It would have to be. Almost like Chip\u2019s ring showing the favor of Hircine.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThat little town was started by people who specifically wanted to get away from Father. Or at least from the treatment they got in Windhelm, which may or may not be directly because of Father. I hoped that maybe if I showed him that I had this token from the Nerevarine, well\u2026\u201d Harald shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe he\u2019d know that you are not your father, and that you are sincere?\u201d<\/p>\n

Harald smiled at her. \u201cSomething like that. I don\u2019t know whether I\u2019ll end up saddled with the troubles of this province or not. Maybe someone else will be High King. Maybe Dardeh,\u201d he said, pointing at the manor house as they approached. \u201cHe\u2019d be more suited for it. But if I am, I want to be High King to all of the people here. Not just the Nords.\u201d<\/p>\n

Qaralana smiled at Harald. \u201cI know you do. You\u2019ve always said that. You\u2019re a good man, Harald Stormcloak.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat remains to be seen.\u201d<\/p>\n

Qara laughed as she knocked on the door of Mammoth Manor and pushed it open.<\/p>\n

\u201cUncle Dar? Uncle Roggi? Are you home? We have to talk to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

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Home Previous \/ Next   \u201cThat wasn\u2019t the best night\u2019s sleep I\u2019ve ever had, Harald. We should have stayed in Windhelm, like you suggested.\u201d Harald grinned at Qaralana. \u201cNot only that – you could have stayed at the palace. I really don\u2019t know what Mother does with all those rooms. You could probably house all … <\/p>\n

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