{"id":1891,"date":"2022-09-14T08:33:56","date_gmt":"2022-09-14T14:33:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/baakay.com\/Snow\/?page_id=1891"},"modified":"2022-10-25T14:18:25","modified_gmt":"2022-10-25T20:18:25","slug":"chapter-5","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/baakay.com\/Snow\/volume-ii\/part-ii-above-and-beyond\/chapter-5\/","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 5"},"content":{"rendered":"
Home<\/a><\/div>\n
Previous<\/a> \/ Next<\/a><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo sir, I don\u2019t like it,\u201d Roggi said, shaking his head. \u201cI don\u2019t like any of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

They were all seated in front of the fire in Mammoth Manor. Everyone else was in one of the chairs but Harald had flopped down onto the fur rug. He\u2019d told Dardeh and Roggi about answering the message from Mandyn Hlaalu, and meeting the Nerevarine in the depths of Kagrenar. Qaralana was biding her time quietly listening to the men, trying to hear between the lines.<\/p>\n

Dardeh snorted. \u201cYou never like anything that might suggest a threat to Ulfric, Roggi.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not that<\/em>, Dar,\u201d Roggi said in almost a growl. \u201cI didn\u2019t like it when someone was sending killers after you<\/em>, way back when, and I don\u2019t like it now. I don\u2019t really trust this business of the Nerevarine, but that\u2019s beside the point. It\u2019s the whole idea that someone might be out to get to Ulfric through Harald, specifically. We need Harald to live.\u201d He heaved a heavy sigh. \u201cSomeday you\u2019re going to have to let that go, Dardeh. You just have to. It\u2019s been \u2013 decades<\/em>, now.\u201d He looked back at Harald, who was sitting on the floor peering back and forth between the two older men. \u201cSo what were you saying about the Dunmer?\u201d<\/p>\n

Harald tsk\u2019d. \u201cI wasn\u2019t. But I know better than to think I can keep something secret from you, Roggi, so here it is. Mandyn Hlaalu was Morag Tong. Bal-Ran suggested something like that, in a cryptic sort of way. The Nerevarine told me he thought my employers \u2013 meaning Hlaalu \u2013 were scum. When I looked through Hlaalu\u2019s things I found this.\u201d He pulled out a brittle-looking piece of paper and handed it to Roggi, who scanned it with his frown deepening. \u201cMorag Tong. There\u2019s your proof.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roggi growled under his breath as he stroked his beard, but oddly, to Qara\u2019s eyes, he didn\u2019t look shocked. \u201cThat\u2019s the thing that bothers me the most, Harald. Hlaalu would have known he couldn\u2019t possibly kill an immortal hero. The fact that he followed you there, knowing perfectly well who you were after, tells me that you were the real target.\u201d<\/p>\n

Harald nodded. \u201cThat\u2019s what I concluded, as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dardeh grunted. \u201cI see where you\u2019re going with this. There\u2019s no good reason for anyone to try to kill Harald unless it\u2019s to get to his father. Sorry I jumped to the wrong conclusion, Roggi.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAgain,\u201d Roggi muttered.<\/p>\n

\u201cAgain,\u201d Dardeh rasped. \u201cAnd I\u2019m sorry for that, Roggi. But Harald – there\u2019s nothing pleasant about being used as someone else\u2019s tool. I definitely know that feeling. And I expect Qara does, as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

Qara glanced away from Harald and found that Dardeh was staring at her, an almost expectant look on his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo what has happened?\u201d he asked. \u201cI know there\u2019s something. I can feel it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell nothing, specifically. Nothing related to me in particular.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Harald snorted, and turned to look at her. \u201cYou don\u2019t think that four dragons in a single trip counts as something? Particularly when the third one made it clear he intended to kill you, specifically.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dardeh gasped. \u201cFour?\u201d<\/p>\n

Qara sighed. Great. Thanks, Harald. <\/em>\u201cYes. Four if you count the one that wouldn\u2019t land, out at the other end of the lake.\u201d She looked back at Harald. \u201cAnd how did you know the third one was talking to me, anyway?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI may not be able to work with as many Dovahzul words as a Dragonborn but I understand enough of them to know when someone\u2019s yelling \u2018I\u2019ll send you to your death.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell it\u2019s not as if it\u2019s just me, Harald,\u201d she said. \u201cChip said he\u2019s had a bunch of dragons after him in the last few weeks as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis isn\u2019t right,\u201d Dardeh muttered. \u201cIt just isn\u2019t. Paarthurnax is supposed to have the rest of the dragons under his control.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe did, for a long time,\u201d Roggi answered. \u201cI wonder whether something happened to him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Once again Dardeh made a noise. \u201cBy the Nine,\u201d he said under his breath. \u201cCould it be?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCould what be, Uncle Dar?\u201d Qara asked. I don\u2019t like the way this is going. Not at all.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cIf something has happened to Paarthurnax\u2026\u201d He trailed off, frowning. \u201cBut that makes no sense. The Greybeards are the only ones who can get up to where he is. And Qara, of course. I can\u2019t do it any longer.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roggi rose from his chair and paced back and forth for a moment, clearly deep in thought. He came to rest by the railing that enclosed the staircase down, and sat down on it.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell I surely haven\u2019t been up there since you introduced me to him.\u201d Qara said, shaking her head. \u201cI can\u2019t imagine why anyone would want to. There\u2019s nothing up there except for him.\u201d She pointed back at Harald. \u201cBut what about Harald, and the assassins, and the ring he got from the Nerevarine? What do you think it means?\u201d<\/p>\n

Dardeh and Roggi exchanged a quick glance again. \u201cWhat ring?\u201d Roggi asked. \u201cLet me take a look at it, Harald.\u201d<\/p>\n

Harald glared at Qara, briefly, and then sketched out what the Nerevarine had said about the ring just before they\u2019d run off to kill the dragon at Mount Anthor. Then he rose and approached Roggi, showing him the ring. \u201cI don\u2019t know what it\u2019s supposed to do, or mean,\u201d he ended. \u201cIt\u2019s got some kind of enchantment on it. It obviously didn\u2019t kill me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was pretty brave of you to put it on, Harald,\u201d Qara said quietly. \u201cI\u2019m not sure I could have, even with the man himself telling us it was ok.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Roggi looked the ring over, and then shook his head. \u201cI don\u2019t know that I\u2019d have been able to put it on either, Harald. I guess I\u2019ve heard the old stories too many years. At any rate, it seems we have two problems at hand right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Dardeh said. \u201cOne is what to do about the assassin. The other is the dragons, and there\u2019s only so much I can do about that since I\u2026\u201d He trailed off, waving at his own throat. Qara saw Roggi grimace, and then shake his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been hard on Dar to think about and strange for me as well,\u201d he said quietly. \u201cAfter all these years all we can do any more is help kill the dragon\u2019s body. And then hope it doesn\u2019t come back to life.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think\u2026 that I need to follow up on something I should have done a long time ago,\u201d Dardeh muttered, wreathed in a frown. \u201cIn the meantime, Roggi, as much as I hate to say it, I think you should go to Ulfric. Warn him about all these things going on.\u201d<\/p>\n

Harald nodded. \u201cI need to go back to the Shrine of Azura anyway. The Nerevarine is translating an old Dwemer text for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Qara bristled. They\u2019re not leaving me out of this. <\/em>\u201cI\u2019m coming north, too,\u201d she said in a tone that left no room for argument. \u201cYou\u2019re not going to travel alone, Harald.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEspecially not to meet up with someone who\u2019s had the Morag Tong looking for him for two hundred years,\u201d Roggi said. \u201cI could go with Harald, Qara\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Dardeh said firmly. Even as bubbly and raspy as his voice was, it still carried authority. \u201cRoggi, you need to stay with Ulfric and Frina until we figure out what is going on.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roggi arched one bushy eyebrow. \u201cDar, what?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know how odd that must seem, love. But you know perfectly well that nobody is going to approach Ulfric with ill intent if you\u2019re there. It\u2019s the only course of action that feels safe to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Harald cleared his throat. \u201cMother does have a suite set aside for the two of you since you wouldn\u2019t take the house in the city. Father insisted. You can stay there, Roggi.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roggi and Dardeh exchanged a silent glance, and Dardeh nodded. \u201cI\u2019ll send word to Lydia that we\u2019ll be at the palace until further notice.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roggi nodded. \u201cTell her to impress on the girls that they should stay put, also until further notice.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood idea. I will.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow then,\u201d Harald continued, \u201cI\u2019m sorry to play royalty here, but as you are always reminding me, I\u2019m next in line after Father. So I need something explained. Why would Roggi being in the Palace deter threats? I think it\u2019s a good idea, mind you, but I need to understand.\u201d<\/p>\n

Qara held her breath. She\u2019d wanted to understand this, too. There was something important about their relationship with the High King that had never fit together. She hadn\u2019t ever dared to ask, because it really wasn\u2019t her business; but Harald had a legitimate reason to know the truth. She watched as Dardeh and Roggi shared a quick glance. Dardeh nodded, and Roggi gave him a grim smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it that everyone calls the room beneath the barracks, Harald?\u201d Roggi asked quietly.<\/p>\n

Harald smirked. \u201cThe Inquisitor\u2019s Office, or Playroom. Some variation on those.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roggi nodded. \u201cWell I\u2019m the Inquisitor. Or I was. It was a long time ago, Harald, at least a decade before the battles against General Tullius. I helped\u2026 persuade\u2026<\/em> people to tell us things.\u201d<\/p>\n

Qara stared at him, unable to do anything else. What? He was a\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cBut people remember, even now,\u201d Dardeh added. \u201cAs much as I hate to admit it, it\u2019s been a real boon to have old soldiers shudder when they look at your uncle.\u201d He gave Roggi a bleak grin. \u201cNipped some problems right in the bud.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTo say nothing of the pit fighters who know that name,\u201d Roggi added with a chuckle. \u201cI sort of added to my reputation with that little escapade.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d Harald breathed. \u201cReally? That\u2019s not just a story? Shor\u2019s beard. Now it makes sense. I\u2026 uh\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWill be very happy to have him watching your father\u2019s back,\u201d Dardeh said, leaving no doubt that the discussion was concluded.<\/p>\n

\u201cWow,\u201d Qara said. That was all she could manage. She stared at Roggi\u2019s face. Besides her father and Dardeh, he was the older man she loved most in the world. He\u2019d never been anything but kind and gentle to her.<\/p>\n

And to think that he\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n

And then she remembered him fighting the dragons. He\u2019d been fierce. Fearless. His fighting was efficient and deadly. He\u2019d had that look on his face.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s that desire to dominate<\/em>. She glanced at Harald.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve seen it on him, too. And even Daddy<\/em>. So. There\u2019s a reason Uncle Roggi has that in him as well. Who would have thought?<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

She rose from her chair and walked past them, toward the door, needing to pace out some of her shock.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you alright, Qara?\u201d she heard Roggi ask from behind her. \u201cI know that\u2019s not the kind of thing you learn about every day.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. Yeah, I am. Or I will be. I\u2019m just trying to figure out where I fit in all of this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere you fit, Qaralana, is right in the middle of whatever is going on with the dragons,\u201d Dardeh told her. \u201cI\u2019m not the Dragonborn anymore. I can\u2019t do anything about them myself, and it\u2019s clear that the dragons know it. They\u2019re coming after you, not me. I think we need to find out what Ulfric thinks about the situation.\u201d<\/p>\n

Qara frowned. It didn\u2019t make sense. \u201cWhy King Ulfric? What does he have to do with it?\u201d<\/p>\n

It was Harald who answered. \u201cDon\u2019t forget that if the Great War hadn\u2019t happened, Qara, Father would have been one of the Greybeards himself. He trained with them for at least ten years. If he hadn\u2019t left to help the Empire, well\u2026\u201c He chuckled. \u201cI guess I wouldn\u2019t exist. But he has a perspective that none of the rest of us have.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExactly,\u201d Dardeh rasped. \u201cAnd while Arngeir has always accepted me, he doesn\u2019t exactly like me. He accepts Qara, but she doesn\u2019t have the breadth of experience to ask the same questions I would ask. There are only a couple of people besides him we can ask about this and Ulfric is one of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright,\u201d Qara said. \u201cAll of that makes sense. So we\u2019ll go to Windhelm, I\u2019ll go to the Shrine of Azura with Harald and then we\u2019ll all meet back at the Palace, is that right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Roggi said. \u201cLet me get my things together and we\u2019ll be off.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Dardeh waited until the three figures had faded completely out of sight beyond the crest of the hill leading to the tundra, to take the carriage from Whiterun to Windhelm. He didn\u2019t much like the idea of sending Roggi off to spend time with Ulfric but he also knew that events were beginning to spiral out of control once more.<\/p>\n

Something important is going on. It started when the coughing started but it\u2019s much larger than that, and I need to address it, right now. I can\u2019t just go traipsing off to keep an eye on things in Windhelm. <\/em><\/p>\n

I\u2019ll send off this message and hope the courier can get it delivered and get an answer back to me right away. Then I\u2019ll go and \u2013 Talos help me \u2013 talk to Ulfric one-on-one. I need to know what he thinks about this without getting the information filtered through Roggi. <\/em><\/p>\n

Then we\u2019ll see about what we need to do. I have a suspicion, and I don\u2019t like it. But it has to be done.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

He went into the house and pulled a sheaf of paper, a quill, and an inkpot out of a cupboard near the dining table. He put the inkpot on the table and started pacing. It was going to be difficult \u2013 and crucial \u2013 to word things properly. Finally, he took a deep breath and started to write.<\/p>\n

\u201cDelphine \u2013 I know it\u2019s been a very long time\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm. Yes, I understand.\u201d<\/p>\n

High King Ulfric Stormcloak blinked slowly, staring out over their heads.<\/p>\n

He doesn\u2019t understand at all. He acts like he\u2019s not even with us. <\/em>Beside her, she saw her uncle and Harald exchanging a look. They don\u2019t think so, either.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cFather,\u201d Harald began, earning himself a sharp look from Ulfric. \u201cYes I know, I\u2019m sorry,\u201d he added in a hushed tone. \u201cBut there\u2019s nobody else aside from us in here right now, and we need to talk to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPrivately,\u201d Roggi added firmly.<\/p>\n

Qara thought there was a spark of anger in Ulfric\u2019s eyes as he brought them around to meet Roggi\u2019s piercing stare. Uncle Roggi\u2019s in trouble now, she thought. But Ulfric heaved a sigh and nodded at Roggi after just a moment.<\/p>\n

\u201cVery well,\u201d he said. \u201cI should know better than to argue with you.\u201d He waved toward the door to their right. \u201cTake them upstairs, Harald. I\u2019m sure your mother is somewhere, adding to the d\u00e9cor of all the rooms she\u2019s opened up. She can show Roggi the residence. I\u2019ll be up momentarily.\u201d<\/p>\n

Harald took a step back and performed the smallest of bows, and headed for the door. Roggi followed suit, and Qara, feeling more than a bit awkward, bobbed a small curtsey of respect for the High King and scurried along behind her uncle. She\u2019d grown up with Ulfric and Frina being almost an extended part of their household. The royal couple was just a couple when they visited Riftvale. Her parents treated them the same way they treated anyone else, whether it was a Jarl or one of the beggars in the marketplace. But here, Ulfric was clearly the High King.<\/p>\n

Harald and Roggi had gone through a door to the left, and Qara pushed through it to catch up to them. There was a stairwell, its steps worn and the stone ceiling overhead heavily patched, at the top of which was a bewildering maze of short corridors and small chambers.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think I\u2019ve ever seen this before,\u201d Roggi said, glancing from side to side as they went.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe stairwell on the other side, through Father\u2019s map room, has always been there,\u201d Harald told them, \u201cbut Mother discovered this entire wing that had been sealed up. She\u2019s been working on it ever since, but I don\u2019t think you\u2019ve been here since she\u2019s gotten it mostly done.\u201d He sighed. \u201cI don\u2019t know who\u2019s supposed to live in it, truthfully.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

They turned through a corridor that opened up into a large room full of trophy cases, mannequins decked out in expensive-looking armor, and weapon racks holding an impressive array of war axes, halberds, quarterstaffs and the like. A stately figure in an elaborate blue-green gown scurried into the room from one door and turned to leave by another.<\/p>\n

\u201cFrina?\u201d Roggi called out.<\/p>\n

The Queen turned to face them, a brilliant smile crossing her face.<\/p>\n

\u201cRoggi! And Harald and Qaralana as well. What a surprise!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou look beautiful, Frina,\u201d Roggi said, smiling. \u201cBriinda would have been proud.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was always hard for Qara to picture him having been married to the Queen\u2019s sister, but everyone said it had been so; his wistful expression said so, as well. It was also a bit odd to see her dressed so formally. Most always, when Qara had been in her company, Frina had worn simple leather armor.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, this getup?\u201d Frina laughed. \u201cI\u2019d rather be in my leathers, but since Ulfric wants me to act like a queen when he\u2019s in court I may as well look like one. I don\u2019t have any wars to fight or walls to knock down any longer, so I keep myself busy by decorating both the castle and myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd about that,\u201d Roggi said, the tone of his voice clearly alerting Frina to the serious nature of what he was about to tell her. \u201cWe have some important issues to discuss with you and Ulfric. Dardeh wants me to stay here with the two of you until we\u2019ve figured things out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Frina frowned, and glanced at Harald, who nodded. \u201cIt\u2019s true, Mother. Both Qara and I have had some things happen that are, well\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOdd,\u201d Qara said, earning nods from both Roggi and Harald.<\/p>\n

\u201cVery well,\u201d Frina said with a question in her voice. \u201cLet me show you where your room is. We set it up especially for you and Dardeh.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo I\u2019ve heard,\u201d Roggi said, following her down another of the maze of corridors. \u201cDar says he\u2019ll join us after he gets some business taken care of.\u201d<\/p>\n

One of Frina\u2019s eyebrows rose. \u201cThat by itself makes me concerned. Well, it\u2019s this way. Follow me.\u201d<\/p>\n

They followed her from the trophy room into a large dining area with a lovely fire crackling away in the hearth. Beyond the table was a set of wide stone stairs with a statue of Ysgramor at their landing. Frina pointed that way.<\/p>\n

\u201cUp there is Ulfric\u2019s room.\u201d She smiled. \u201cWell, ours, I guess, but I always think of it as Ulfric\u2019s room. Your room is over here, Roggi,\u201d Frina said, taking a right turn past the table, into another corridor. \u201cDown there,\u201d she said, pointing to a door at the end of the hall, \u201cis a room with two single beds, in case you ever have need to house guards or other visitors.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roggi chuckled. \u201cYou\u2019d think we were visiting royalty ourselves.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAren\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Roggi frowned. \u201cWell there are those who certainly think Dardeh is. That\u2019s why I don\u2019t like leaving him. He\u2019s a target.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOnly because nobody knows about Qara yet,\u201d Harald said.<\/p>\n

Qara was about to make a loud protest, but just then Frina reached another door and opened it. They stepped into a room that was nearly as large as Harald\u2019s house or her own. In addition to the expected double bed, the space contained a large dining table, several wardrobes, an enchanting station, and display cases. In one corner, a mannequin in steel plate armor stood between three wall-mounted weapon racks on each side. Qara stepped toward the display, exclaiming in delight.<\/p>\n

\u201cScimitars! Look at them, all different kinds!\u201d Mama would love this and so would Uncle Dar.<\/em><\/p>\n

Frina chuckled. \u201cYes. Ulfric insisted. They\u2019re to honor the Dragonborn. Or, well\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe former Dragonborn,\u201d Roggi said. \u201cNo alchemy station for me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Frina smiled. \u201cI have a garden room set up on the other side of the dining room. The alchemy is there, near the plants. Or, I guess, where the plants will be. In fact, if you\u2019re going to be here awhile perhaps you could help me choose what to grow. It\u2019s one of the last things on the list.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was lovely, and definitely rivaled the old capital palace in Solitude. Qara couldn\u2019t help wondering, though, how the province could support two such palaces. She glanced at Roggi and saw that in spite of how beautiful his quarters were, he wore a serious expression.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cFrina, are you going to be alright with me being here?\u201d<\/p>\n

The two of them stared at each other for what seemed nearly forever to Qara. Finally Frina sighed and nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know he\u2019s always been eager to have the two of you here, Roggi. He\u2019s wanted you as his advisor for years.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEven though he and Dar don\u2019t like each other much.\u201d<\/p>\n

Qara was surprised to see Frina reach out and touch Roggi\u2019s arm for a moment. \u201cI know it seems as though the past is always in the way. But you\u2019re still my big brother. And I\u2019m his wife.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roggi seemed startled for a moment, but then smiled. \u201cYes. Yes you are. And as his wife I hope you\u2019ll get him up here. We need to talk. It\u2019s really very important.\u201d<\/p>\n

Harald leaned over to whisper in Qara\u2019s ear as Roggi and Frina left the room. \u201cI don\u2019t know what that\u2019s all about, but we both need to make sure Father pays attention to us. So speak up. Yes?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI will make certain of it. If I could snap at the king on Falskaar I can do it here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cYou did that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure did. I probably should tell them about that, as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ulfric entered the dining area shortly after they did, and they gathered around the table. \u201cSo,\u201d he said, \u201cthere must be something of note happening, for you to visit me with such a somber face, Roggi.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSeveral things, actually,\u201d Roggi said. \u201cDardeh and I have had a couple of visits from Harald in the past few weeks, and\u2026 well, he should tell you about them. But it\u2019s very important, Ulfric. That\u2019s why I\u2019m here.\u201d<\/p>\n

For the second time in as many days, Qaralana listened as Harald recounted the events that had culminated with their visit to the Nerevarine at the Shrine of Azura. Ulfric listened in silence, nodding from time to time, his ever-present frown growing deeper as the story lengthened.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou did well to tell me of this,\u201d he said at the end of Harald\u2019s tale. \u201cYou should remain here until further notice.\u201d<\/p>\n

Harald\u2019s mouth dropped. \u201cNo, I\u2019m not going to stay here. I have things that need to be done!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHarald,\u201d Frina said quietly, as Ulfric\u2019s expression hardened. Qara, across the table from Ulfric, could see the anger building in his eyes even from where she sat. She had a nearly irresistible urge to reach for Harald\u2019s hand, to calm him; but Roggi sat between them and she couldn\u2019t do that.<\/p>\n

Harald turned to face Frina. \u201cI\u2019m serious, Mother. I have things to take care of. I have a translation to retrieve from the Nerevarine, for one. I\u2019d like to follow up on the Dwemer ruins in Markarth, for another. I was asked to find a missing research group in there, and then, well\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEvents prevented it,\u201d Roggi said calmly, cutting off mention of the incidents in Cidhna Mine. \u201cUlfric, I\u2019m here for the foreseeable future because Dar thinks it\u2019s important. I\u2019ll keep an eye on the court; scare away anyone who might think it\u2019s a good idea to approach you directly. You\u2019re the target, not Harald. At least that\u2019s my best guess. I haven\u2019t had a chance to research it yet but I\u2019ll get working on that right away.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd how do you propose to keep an eye on the Palace and Harald\u2019s home at the same time, Roggi? Much less the Palace and all of Markarth, if he goes back there?\u201d Ulfric was angry, to be certain, but Qara couldn\u2019t help but be impressed by how he had absorbed the information and was now calmly pointing out the largest flaw in everyone\u2019s thoughts and plans.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Roggi had nothing to say for a moment. He merely sat exchanging looks with Ulfric \u2013 it seemed as though an entire conversation was happening in them \u2013 and finally heaved a sigh.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hate to say it, but you have a point. Here\u2019s my proposal, in that case. Harald should go meet with the Nerevarine, as he\u2019d promised. Qara will go with him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey are just children, Roggi,\u201d Ulfric said.<\/p>\n

Harald snorted, and inhaled as though he was ready to argue the point, but Roggi turned to him and held up one finger, to cut him off. He radiated an energy that allowed for no argument; Harald backed down instantly.<\/p>\n

My gosh, it\u2019s no wonder people are afraid of him, and I don\u2019t even know what all being an inquisitor entails. I think I\u2019m glad that I don\u2019t.<\/em><\/p>\n

Roggi stared at Harald for another long moment before turning back to Ulfric. \u201cThese children <\/em>both have the Voice, Ulfric. You know yourself how big an advantage that gives them. Qaralana is Dragonborn. She seems to have nearly as much strength as Dardeh ever had. Not quite as much, but close \u2013 enough to slow or destroy pretty much any enemy. And as to Harald, well according to reports out of Markarth he should have no problem at all with anyone coming after him unless they catch both of them completely off-guard.\u201d<\/p>\n

He turned to face Harald again. \u201cI say let them go get that translation. Then they will<\/em> come back here. Dar is going to join us as soon as he takes care of some business. He\u2019ll have yet another perspective on this and will be able to help us decide what to do next.\u201d<\/p>\n

Frina was nodding, but said nothing. Ulfric sat quietly for what felt like an eternity to Qara before clearing his throat.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is a reasonable course of action,\u201d he said to Roggi, before turning to face Harald directly. \u201cBut you must return as soon as you\u2019ve spoken to the Nerevarine, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFather\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Harald. Listen to me.\u201d He paused, rubbing a hand over his brow as though he had a headache, before continuing. \u201cIt is likely true that I am the actual target of the assassination plots. The Writ for the Nerevarine was a convenient excuse for Hlaalu, and a foolish one. I have been targeted for years. Dardeh undoubtedly could verify that,\u201d he added with a glance at Roggi, who nodded.<\/p>\n

Really. Something else I didn\u2019t know about. I\u2019m not going to open my mouth to ask right now, though. <\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cBut you are also a target. You are named for the first High King of the Nords, a direct descendant of Ysgramor himself. Harald was the man whose forces destroyed the last stronghold of the Dragon Cult at Forelhost, the leader who established Windhelm itself, and convener of the first Moot in Skyrim.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know all that,\u201d Harald muttered, somewhat petulantly to Qara\u2019s ears.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen you also know that High King Harald\u2019s son, Vrage, began a campaign of conquest that added Morrowind, a large portion of Cyrodiil, and most of High Rock to a Nord empire that lasted two hundred years and was in part responsible for the elves losing their primacy in Tamriel. The point, son,\u201d he added, leaning forward and tapping on the table with one finger as though to underscore his meaning, \u201cis that when I took part in what they now call the \u2018Markarth Incident,\u2019 I added to a legacy of hatred, deserved or not, that has existed in the Reach and High Rock since the First Era. People have wanted me dead for that for decades now. But because you carry the name of Windhelm\u2019s founder, you are in particular danger in the west.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

He leaned back in his seat. \u201cI have great confidence in your abilities, Harald. But evidence suggests that danger is growing and that you may carry more risk than most.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roggi nodded. \u201cI agree. I\u2019ve heard rumors and rumblings about things in the west. So far they\u2019ve been so vague that it\u2019s hard to put much stock in them but Harald\u2019s recent experiences have me worried.\u201d<\/p>\n

Harald looked back and forth between the two older men and his mother. They each wore the expression that said \u201cnow that it\u2019s decided\u2026\u201d to Qara\u2019s eye. She hoped Harald would agree to their wishes.<\/p>\n

We\u2019re going to be absolutely fine going back to the Shrine of Azura. I\u2019m sure of it. And I\u2019m not really willing to risk the wrath of any of these people. We\u2019ll figure something out after that. If I could go back and forth to Falskaar and survive, Harald can deal with a Dwemer ruin in Markarth.<\/em><\/p>\n

I hope.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Harald harrumphed. \u201cWe\u2019ll go get the translation and then come back. But I\u2019m not going to hide forever. I hope you know that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t want you to hide, dear,\u201d Frina said quietly. \u201cWe just don\u2019t want to lose you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ulfric rubbed his forehead again. \u201cNow that we have these matters settled, I am going to retire. I find myself weary of late. This is undoubtedly due to trying to keep up to my young and vigorous wife.\u201d He gave her a wan smile and rose from his seat, making his way slowly around the end of the table and toward the stairs to his quarters.<\/p>\n

Qara watched as Roggi shot a startled and concerned look at Frina. She shook her head and followed Ulfric up the steps.<\/p>\n

Roggi said Ulfric looked tired, and so he does. I hope everything is going to be ok.<\/em><\/p>\n

Home<\/a><\/div>\n
Previous<\/a> \/ Next<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Home Previous \/ Next   \u201cNo sir, I don\u2019t like it,\u201d Roggi said, shaking his head. \u201cI don\u2019t like any of it.\u201d They were all seated in front of the fire in Mammoth Manor. Everyone else was in one of the chairs but Harald had flopped down onto the fur rug. He\u2019d told Dardeh and … <\/p>\n

Continue reading “Chapter 5”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":1779,"menu_order":5,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1891","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/baakay.com\/Snow\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1891","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/baakay.com\/Snow\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/baakay.com\/Snow\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/baakay.com\/Snow\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/baakay.com\/Snow\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1891"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/baakay.com\/Snow\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1891\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1949,"href":"https:\/\/baakay.com\/Snow\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1891\/revisions\/1949"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/baakay.com\/Snow\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1779"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/baakay.com\/Snow\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1891"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}