{"id":676,"date":"2021-04-04T22:39:51","date_gmt":"2021-04-05T04:39:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/baakay.com\/Snow\/?page_id=676"},"modified":"2022-02-02T11:57:34","modified_gmt":"2022-02-02T18:57:34","slug":"chapter-2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/baakay.com\/Snow\/volume-1\/part-ii-starlight\/chapter-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 2"},"content":{"rendered":"
Home<\/a><\/div>\n
Previous<\/a> \/ Next<\/a><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cAre those fools at it again?\u201d Chip heard.<\/p>\n

There was some sort of loud altercation going on when he stepped through the doors and entered Jorrvaskr. A Dunmer man and a Nord woman were fist-fighting in the left portion of the room, shrieking at and taunting each other. Chip tensed, wondering whether he would need to step in to help break up the fight; but then he noticed that there were other spectators, as well. A bearded man in leather armor watched placidly from the far side of the space. Nearer to Chip was an older man, with thinning gray hair pulled back into a tail behind his head. He wore a set of dark, heavy armor with fur padding that smelled very strongly of wolf to Chip, who wrinkled his nose trying to be certain that\u2019s what he smelled without looking obvious about it.<\/p>\n

Neither of the bystanders seemed overly concerned about the fight happening in front of them. Chip looked around the hall for someone who might be the Lydia he sought; but the only females he saw in the area were the one in the fight – clearly not a middle-aged woman \u2013 and a much older lady sweeping the other side of the room. He approached the older woman.<\/p>\n

No, this can\u2019t be Lydia. She\u2019s far too old.<\/em><\/p>\n

He cleared his throat. \u201cExcuse me, but is your name Lydia by any chance?\u201d<\/p>\n

The woman smiled and shook her head, chuckling. \u201cNo, dear. I\u2019m just a servant. I\u2019ve been looking after Jorrvaskr for as long as I can remember. You\u2019ll want to speak to one of the Companions.\u201d She glanced at the fight and smirked. \u201cGo right downstairs. This lot will be occupied for a while, I would expect.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chip smiled. This woman clearly knew everything that happened in this place, as well as all of the people in it. \u201cThank you,\u201d he said. \u201cI really don\u2019t know what the person I\u2019m looking for looks like, to tell you the truth, but I was told I should ask here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

She pointed toward the far wall, where a low railing marked the edge of a descending staircase. On the wall just above the stairs was a mostly-empty weapon rack. Chip made for the stairs and started down them, stopping to puzzle over the plaque for a moment. It was an odd thing, with a few fragments of metal placed in such a way that they might well have once been part of a much larger weapon. Why they should be displayed in a case that must have been specially-built, in a place of honor on the wall, was intriguing. But he didn\u2019t have time to linger, not when Brynjolf had given him clear instructions that Dardeh needed assistance; so he made his way down the staircase and pushed open the doors at the landing.<\/p>\n

The well-appointed basement area ran to his right, the full length of the mead hall above. It was clearly used as living quarters, the dark stone floor covered with warm-looking, colorful rugs and the rough-hewn stone walls covered with enough pelts and hangings to muffle sound and warm the place up. The hallway was divided into three sections by the truly enormous support pillars holding up the floor above. Chip looked at them in awe, imagining the huge size of trees large enough to have beams that big fashioned from them. Chip could see multiple beds in the room just in front of him, and a dining table laden with fruits and meat just down the hall in the middle section. Another opening across from the dining table had doors on either side, into which he couldn\u2019t see.<\/p>\n

There were quiet, deep voices drifting down the hallway from a room at its very end; but even with his hearing enhanced by his beast blood Chip couldn\u2019t make out the words. He headed that way. They were definitely male voices, not belonging to a middle-aged woman named Lydia. He could at least ask the men about her, though.<\/p>\n

He strolled slowly down the long hallway, taking note of the furnishings and listening for any other voices. The room at the far end beyond the second set of supports looked to him like a private study or office. He could see a long table holding a road map of the province; above it was a second map with the hold capitals marked. There were books scattered about and rich rugs on the floor. As he neared the open door he saw a small round table flanked by chairs in the corner, beside a set of closed doors. The two men he\u2019d heard talking sat there, one of them very old and the other perhaps middle-aged. Both of them wore the same dark armor as that on the man Chip had seen upstairs.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Here we go. At least I have someone I can ask about things.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cBut I still hear the call of the blood,\u201d the younger man said, shaking his head. He was clearly a Nord, handsome and dark-haired; but at that moment he both looked and sounded distressed.<\/p>\n

Chip froze. The call of the blood? Wait\u2026 <\/em>He sniffed the air again and yes, there it was, the definite scent of wolf. It was unmistakable.<\/p>\n

Maybe it\u2019s just their armor? They like wolf-pelt padding, maybe?<\/em><\/p>\n

It can\u2019t be.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWe all do,\u201d the older man answered. \u201cIt is our burden to bear. But we can overcome.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have my brother and me, obviously,\u201d the younger man answered in tones that clearly revealed him to be Nord. \u201cBut I don\u2019t know if the rest will go along quite so easily.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLeave that to me,\u201d the older man answered. His tone was soothing, and yet firm.<\/p>\n

Chip took a few hesitant steps forward, tasting the air once more. His mind sent him back to Solstheim, to the moment he\u2019d met Majni and the rest of the Frostmoon Crag clan.<\/p>\n

I must be imagining things.<\/em><\/p>\n

He took a couple of hesitant steps forward. The older man looked up at him; and while he didn\u2019t smile, he did raise his eyebrows a bit as if questioning.<\/p>\n

\u201cGreetings, outsider,\u201d he said, his voice gravelly but kind. \u201cIf you have some business here, speak it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chip was struck dumb for a moment by the man\u2019s energy. There was no doubt in his mind, now: this man was a werewolf. His scent was unmistakable. In fact, he might well be the alpha werewolf of this pack. The old man\u2019s stare was piercing, calculating, and impossible to break away from. Surely, Chip thought, if I can tell that he is a werewolf he knows that I am one as well? He found himself flushing and hoped desperately that the dim lighting and his mellow skin tone were hiding the fact that he was flustered.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026uh\u2026\u201d Chip stammered for a moment. \u201cI was told that I might be able to ask you \u2013 this group, I mean, the Companions \u2013 about someone named Lydia. She\u2019s needed, at my uncles\u2019 home, and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd she\u2019s not here,\u201d the younger man said, sniffing, his tone of voice a sneer that wasn\u2019t replicated on his face. Chip turned to look at him and had to work to keep himself from gasping in surprise. The man had the bluest eyes he\u2019d ever seen. They were icy, and radiated the clearest challenge Chip had ever encountered aside from that of Akar, Majni\u2019s unsociable brother. He found himself bristling at it and wanting to growl.<\/p>\n

This one is a werewolf as well, and he thinks he\u2019s better than me. He doesn\u2019t know he\u2019s talking to Hircine\u2019s champion.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cNo?\u201d Chip said coldly. \u201cBut you know who she is, in order to tell me that she\u2019s not here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, of course,\u201d the man said. \u201cBut she hasn\u2019t spent much time here for years now. Right now she\u2019s in High Rock, according to what I\u2019ve heard.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is what I had heard as well, at the inn,\u201d Chip admitted. \u201cBut when everyone says \u2018go and speak to the Companions\u2019 it would be a fool who wouldn\u2019t take the few steps up to Jorrvaskr to do just that.\u201d He turned back to the older man and thought he saw a spark of interest in his eyes. An idea popped into his mind; and before he could stop himself or think better of it, he had blurted it out.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy name is Chip. It\u2019s Brynjolf, really \u2013 Brynjolf, son of Brynjolf of Riften \u2013 but everyone calls me Chip. I\u2019d like to join the Companions.\u201d<\/p>\n

The younger man snorted, and the older glared at him before looking back up at Chip.<\/p>\n

\u201cWould you, now?\u201d he asked, his gaze traveling the length of Chip\u2019s appearance, appraisingly. It seemed to Chip as though that gaze lingered for a moment at his hands before returning to search Chip\u2019s face again. \u201cYes. Perhaps. A certain strength of spirit.\u201d<\/p>\n

Yes, Chip thought. This old one knows what I am. He may even have recognized Hircine\u2019s ring.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cMaster!\u201d the younger man snorted. \u201cYou\u2019re not truly considering accepting him?\u201d He sounded disgusted, or shocked, or some combination of both.<\/p>\n

Or jealous. And I can\u2019t imagine why.<\/em><\/p>\n

Chip stared at the Nord as the old man spoke. \u201cI am nobody\u2019s master, Vilkas. And last I checked we still have some empty beds here in Jorrvaskr for those with fire in their hearts.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chip watched Vilkas\u2019 face as the older wolf spoke, and saw him back down. It was for all the world like a lesser wolf being nipped at by the alpha, and willingly acknowledging its lower status.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cApologies,\u201d Vilkas said quietly. It was clear the apologies were meant for the old man and not for Chip, though; Vilkas never looked up at him. \u201cBut perhaps this isn\u2019t the time,\u201d he said, making his opinion clear. \u201cI\u2019ve never even heard of this outsider!\u201d His brows nearly met in the center. Once again, Chip felt his hackles beginning to rise.<\/p>\n

You\u2019re older than I am, wolf. But are you stronger?<\/em><\/p>\n

The old man put a quick end to the rising temperature of the exchange. \u201cHmm. Sometimes the famous come to us. Sometimes, men and women come to us to seek their fame.\u201d He crossed his arms, and met Chip\u2019s gaze once more with something close to a twinkle in his eyes. \u201cIt matters not. What matters is their heart.\u201d<\/p>\n

I\u2019m being tested. That much is clear. <\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd their arm,\u201d Vilkas said sourly.<\/p>\n

The old man cracked the slightest grin. \u201cOf course. How are you in battle, boy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m an archer, primarily,\u201d Chip said without a moment of hesitation. \u201cYou won\u2019t find many better. But in terms of swordfights? I can at least hold my own, I suppose.\u201d<\/p>\n

He nodded. \u201cThat may be so. This is Vilkas. He will test your arm.\u201d He turned to Vilkas and addressed him in a tone that left no room for argument. \u201cVilkas, take him out to the yard and see what he can do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Vilkas met Chip\u2019s gaze then; and a more disgusted look Chip had rarely seen. It wasn\u2019t quite hostile, but Vilkas clearly resented his presence.<\/p>\n

\u201cAye,\u201d he said sourly. Only the actual sound was missing from the \u201c\u2026if I must\u201d that hung in the air. Vilkas stood without looking at Chip, and moved briskly away, down the hall toward the exit.<\/p>\n

Chip followed, his blood boiling. Oh I\u2019ll show you what I can do alright<\/em>.<\/p>\n

He got to the top of the stairs just in time to see the doors to the outside closing behind Vilkas. Nobody else was in the mead hall at the moment, so he simply turned right and followed Vilkas out through the doors.<\/p>\n

He\u2019d never been in this space behind Jorrvaskr before. The doors opened onto a large, pleasant patio beneath a solid roof that extended from Jorrvaskr itself. Beyond that was the yard, a large paved area with practice dummies and glowing braziers. Vilkas was already there, working at one of the dummies. Chip stood watching for a moment, to get a sense of Vilkas\u2019 form. It was clear that the man was an expert with his sword; his swings were controlled and precise, and he had a whirling attack that would add his sizeable mass to the force of the blow.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

I\u2019d best be on my own top form, too. He\u2019s not going to take it easy on me.<\/em><\/p>\n

Vilkas turned and sneered at him as he approached.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe old man said to take a look at you,\u201d Vilkas said, sounding resigned and maybe a bit defensive. \u201cSo. Let\u2019s do this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright,\u201d Chip said warily. \u201cWhat do you need?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust have a few swings at me so I can see your form. Don\u2019t worry. I can take it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chip nodded, and reached for his weapons; but at the last moment he decided that it would be far better to use the plain ebony dagger he had tucked in his boot rather than the shortblade he\u2019d gotten from his mother. He had no real expectation that he would kill Vilkas, who was clearly much older and the more experienced of them, especially at swordplay. If the unexpected happened, though, the last thing he would need was to have the Companions after him for putting Vilkas\u2019 soul into a gem.<\/p>\n

\u201cDaggers?\u201d Vilkas snorted. \u201cNot even going to use a proper sword?\u201d<\/p>\n

Chip grinned. This one is a real jerk, isn\u2019t he? Just what I need, another enemy.<\/em><\/p>\n

He shrugged. \u201cThis is what I fight with. As I told the old man\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKodlak,\u201d Vilkas interrupted. \u201cKodlak Whitemane. Show some respect.\u201d<\/p>\n

Well it\u2019s not like he introduced himself.<\/em><\/p>\n

Chip nodded. \u201cSure. As I told Kodlak, I\u2019m an archer. But when I need to fight close in, I use these.\u201d He raised the daggers and took a step toward Vilkas. \u201cLike this.\u201d Vilkas grinned and drew his sword as Chip darted forward, performing his usual flurry of double attacks.<\/p>\n

He wasn\u2019t the strongest man ever, not in this form; but he was quick. This proved to be his advantage once more, as Vilkas never had a chance to do anything but raise his shield and block the blows with it. He pushed Chip back, solidly, and sheathed his sword.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot bad,\u201d Vilkas said grudgingly. \u201cNext time won\u2019t be so easy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chip chuckled. \u201cAlright then,\u201d he replied, sheathing his daggers. Vilkas wasn\u2019t expecting that, and now he\u2019s trying to cover his embarrassment. Good enough.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cYou might just make it,\u201d Vilkas continued, nodding. \u201cBut for now you\u2019re still a whelp to us, New Blood.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chip laughed. \u201cWhelp! I haven\u2019t been called that for awhile.\u201d He thought he saw the tiniest glimmer of amusement in Vilkas\u2019 eyes. Maybe he wasn\u2019t going to be an adversary after all.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you do what we tell you,\u201d Vilkas told him. \u201cHere\u2019s my sword. Go take it up to Eorlund to have it sharpened. And be careful. It\u2019s probably worth more than you are.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chip took the sword and tried to swallow the sarcastic comment that wanted to burst from his mouth. It was only a few paces to the foot of the stairway leading up to the Skyforge; Vilkas could have made the trip in thirty seconds. This was obviously his way of showing his own dominance, of reinforcing to Chip that he was, in fact, the lowest-ranking wolf in the pack.<\/p>\n

How did I get myself into this, anyway? I\u2019m supposed to be on my way to help Uncle Dar. <\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cEorlund\u2019s still around?\u201d was what he said instead. \u201cI\u2019ve heard about him my whole life. He must be ancient.\u201d<\/p>\n

Vilkas snorted. \u201cHe\u2019s gotten as much older as your da has since you were born, whelp.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chip felt his eyebrows rising in surprise.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t look so surprised. We do jobs in the Rift, too. Everyone knows Brynjolf. You take after him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Vilkas left then, ending the conversation without any fanfare and leaving Chip scratching his head. How old is this guy, anyway? He doesn\u2019t look old enough to have known of Da for more than seventeen years. <\/em><\/p>\n

Shaking his head, he examined Vilkas\u2019 well-worn sword. It wasn\u2019t anything special to the casual glance, but there was something about the metal itself that made him suspect it functioned as well or better than much finer-looking blades. After all, Skyforge steel was renowned, and so was Eorlund.<\/p>\n

As he reached the staircase up to the smithy it dawned on him. His father hadn\u2019t aged in a way that would tell a stranger he was sixty or more, and it was because he\u2019d been a vampire. Probably all of these people he\u2019d met, the ones he suspected were werewolves, didn\u2019t age much either because they, too, were supernatural.<\/p>\n

Damn. Does that mean I\u2019m going to be a baby face for the rest of eternity? That\u2019s lousy. Girls don\u2019t usually go for the fellows who are really young. They want a little experience. Maybe I\u2019ll grow a beard or something. Seems to work well enough for Harald. It\u2019s not like I have a lack of hair or the means to grow it.<\/em><\/p>\n

The stairs were situated at the edge of the steep hillside on which the Skyforge lay. They ascended at a sharp angle and turned halfway up, ending at a metal gate that Chip pushed open. And there it was, nestled into the side of the mountain: the forge that, according to legend, had been the reason Whiterun had been founded in the first place back so many eons ago. These days it was surrounded by solid walls and the rest of the trappings of a smithy, but the fire itself had always been here, so they said. Standing before the forge was an old man in traditional, open Nordic armor, his hair white and shoulder-length. But although he was an old man he had huge arms; and he stood straight and tall, not hunched like many other old men. That had to be Eorlund. He turned at Chip\u2019s approach, and Chip couldn\u2019t help but admire the solid form that the old man\u2019s armor revealed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat brings you here?\u201d Eorlund asked him.<\/p>\n

Chip handed the steel sword to Eorlund. \u201cVilkas sent me, with his sword. He\u2019d like it sharpened up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eorlund nodded, reaching out to take the weapon. \u201cI\u2019m guessing you\u2019re the newcomer, then.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust doing what I was told.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eorlund smirked. \u201cThat attitude would get you far if you were some stuffy merchant or a Jarl\u2019s footstool. Around here, you\u2019ll want to learn to live your own life. Remember, nobody rules anybody in the Companions.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Chip thought of how clearly he\u2019d been put in his place by the older wolf, to say nothing of how easily Kodlak had asserted his own dominance. Then he tasted the air. Eorlund was not a wolf. There wasn\u2019t a hint of lycanthropy about him, only the scent of a man who\u2019d been working metal in the blistering heat of the best forge in Skyrim.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry. But someone has to be in charge, don\u2019t they? I mean it\u2019s not just some rabble in there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eorlund shrugged. \u201cWell I don\u2019t know how they\u2019ve managed it, but they have. No leader since Ysgramor. Kodlak is the Harbinger, and he\u2019s sort of an advisor for the whole group; but every man is his own, every woman her own.\u201d<\/p>\n

Not from what I saw.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about you?\u201d he asked Eorlund. \u201cAre you a Companion?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot exactly a Companion myself, no. But none of them know how to work a forge properly, and I\u2019m honored to serve them.\u201d He turned to the side and picked up a shield that was leaning against the stones of the forge. \u201cI have a favor to ask, newcomer.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chip grinned. \u201cIt\u2019s Chip. I\u2019m Chip Brynjolfsson, and it\u2019s an honor to meet the legendary Eorlund Gray-Mane.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eorlund laughed. \u201cLegendary, is it? Well, at any rate, I have a favor to ask. I\u2019ve been working on this shield for Aela.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAela?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s one of the Companions. I\u2019d be much obliged if you\u2019d get this to her. It would save me a trip. I need to get back to my wife soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chip grinned. \u201cSure, I\u2019d be happy to. But didn\u2019t you just tell me not to be a servant?\u201d<\/p>\n

One corner of Eorlund\u2019s mouth rose into a smirk. \u201cThis isn\u2019t a command, just decency. Help out an old blacksmith? I need to get back to my work.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course. I\u2019ll do it right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eorlund nodded and, without fanfare, turned and began pumping the bellows again. Chip smiled at his back and headed for the stairs.<\/p>\n

I like him. No nonsense. <\/em><\/p>\n

He returned to Jorrvaskr and looked. He\u2019d seen one woman – the one involved in the fistfight \u2013 but it almost seemed as though there had to be more. There was a solitary man dressed in common clothing walking around inside; when Chip asked him where to find someone named Aela, he said \u201cdownstairs. Red hair,\u201d and headed for the door.<\/p>\n

Hmm. Maybe he\u2019s not supposed to be here. Doesn\u2019t matter. Downstairs it is.<\/em><\/p>\n

Kodlak and Vilkas were both seated at the dining table in the long hallway downstairs. Chip glanced at Vilkas, thinking he might ask about Aela\u2019s whereabouts, but Vilkas glared at him and then looked away.<\/p>\n

Ok then. That\u2019s how it\u2019s going to be. Well I do have the ability to ask people\u2019s names, thanks anyway, tightass.<\/em><\/p>\n

He continued down the hallway and turned left, where he\u2019d seen the doors earlier. There were quiet voices coming from that direction; and, as he sampled the air, he determined that the voices were coming from werewolves. He stopped just outside the door on the left side of the corridor and smiled at the sight.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

There was a woman standing inside the room. She wore armor made in the ancient Nord fashion, open and revealing, its cloth components died in the same green as the war paint slashed across her face. Her legs were mostly bare, tucked into supple leather boots that ended just below the knee. Her outfit was something that wouldn\u2019t hinder her movements in a hunt, Chip noted appreciatively. She had reddish hair, if not the vibrant red of Chip\u2019s. He tried to judge her age, but couldn\u2019t.<\/p>\n

She\u2019s probably Da\u2019s age. And she\u2019s definitely a much stronger werewolf than I am, if that\u2019s the case. Why am I even thinking about this? That\u2019s ridiculous<\/em>.<\/p>\n

As he stepped through the doorway he spotted the man she\u2019d been talking to \u2013 the one he\u2019d encountered upstairs, earlier, when he\u2019d first come into Jorrvaskr. He glanced at Chip and nodded, but said nothing.<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me. Are you Aela?\u201d Chip asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cAye. If you wish to hunt with me your feet need to be quick, and your eyes quicker.\u201d Her own eyes took stock of Chip, and he appreciated her attention a great deal.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Chip grinned. \u201cI\u2019m a decent hunter. But I\u2019m here to deliver your shield.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, good! I\u2019ve been waiting for this.\u201d She peered at him. \u201cAre you new here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI told you,\u201d the man snorted. \u201cThis is the whelp that Vilkas mentioned.\u201d<\/p>\n

Oh, so Vilkas said something about me, eh? Probably wasn\u2019t good.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cAh yes,\u201d Aela said, smirking. \u201cI heard you gave him quite the thrashing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I don\u2019t know about that\u2026\u201d Chip murmured.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t let Vilkas catch you saying that,\u201d the man interrupted. He and Aela shared a grin.<\/p>\n

Aela turned to Chip again and studied him. \u201cDo you think you could handle Vilkas in a real fight?\u201d<\/p>\n

Chip opened his mouth to say something smart, and then shook his head. \u201cOnly if I was in a high spot and using my bow. In that case, I could. At close range? Only if I got the drop on him. And that\u2019s not the way I fight unless it\u2019s the only way to save my hide.\u201d<\/p>\n

She chuckled. She and the man swapped a glance again; and Chip saw her nod to him just slightly. \u201cI see. Let\u2019s have Farkas show you where you\u2019ll be resting your head.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chip started to protest that he already owned a home and didn\u2019t need a place to stay, but the man yelled \u201cFarkas!\u201d and cut him off. A moment later a very deep voice from behind Chip said \u201cDid you call me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Aela muttered under her breath. \u201cYsgramor\u00a0himself wouldn’t have the patience to deal with all the rabble around here.\u201d She looked toward the door. \u201cOf course we did, Ice-Brains. Show this new blood where the rest of the whelps sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Chip turned toward the door to see who Farkas was, and had to fight to keep his mouth from falling open. The same icy-blue eyes he\u2019d glared at out in the training yard were looking back at him now, but from a slightly different face. This man was also a beefy, substantial Nord with dark hair, but his expression was open and friendly.<\/p>\n

\u201cNew blood?\u201d he said. He stared blankly at Chip for a moment; and then it seemed as though understanding registered in his mind with an almost audible click. He broke into a smile. \u201cOh. Hello, I\u2019m Farkas.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you\u2026\u201d Chip tried to say.<\/p>\n

\u201cVilkas\u2019 twin brother? Yeah. I\u2019ve got the muscles and he\u2019s got the brains. Come. Follow me.\u201d He started back down toward the main hallway and turned right. Down the hall, Vilkas was still engaged in his meal. Kodlak, though, had left. Farkas never stopped talking.<\/p>\n

\u201cSkjor and Aela like to tease me,\u201d he rumbled, \u201cbut they\u2019re good people. They challenge us to be our best.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chip was a few steps behind him and was trying to formulate a question, but Farkas interrupted once again. \u201cNice to have a new face around. It gets boring here sometimes. I hope we keep you. This can be a rough life.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chip started to snicker, and felt rather than saw Vilkas\u2019 glare. For a man who supposedly didn\u2019t have brains, Farkas did seem to enjoy talking. He was sure that it was true that these warriors could have a challenging life, but judging from the sumptuous appointments of this mead hall he thought it couldn\u2019t come close to being as rough as the life those hunters in Hircine\u2019s realm had lived.<\/p>\n

They turned right, toward the room full of bunks he\u2019d seen before. \u201cThe quarters are up here. Just pick a bed and fall in it when you\u2019re tired. Tilma will keep the place clean. She always has.\u201d<\/p>\n

Farkas turned to face him again and nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright. So here you are. Come to me or Aela if you\u2019re looking for work. Once you\u2019ve made a bit of a name for yourself, Skjor and Vilkas may have things for you to do. Welcome to the Companions.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chip\u2019s head spun as he realized what those words implied. Farkas was pleasant enough. He, like his brother and Aela, felt<\/em> much older than him, but didn\u2019t look it. He could see himself becoming friends with Farkas. Here they were \u2013 a clan of werewolves right here in Skyrim, people that his father knew as well, people who could, maybe, help him deal with his condition and learn how to live up to his best potential. He hadn\u2019t come here to Jorrvaskr intending to become a pack member. In spite of that, though, it seemed that he had joined the Companions. It was oddly exciting. He didn\u2019t necessarily want to stay here in Jorrvaskr, but he\u2026<\/p>\n

He stopped in mid-thought, perplexed at himself.<\/p>\n

\u2026No, he\u2019d come here to\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cOh!\u201d he said. \u201cFarkas. I actually came here looking for someone, and everyone told me to ask all of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh yeah?\u201d Farkas said, his eyebrows arching. \u201cWho are you looking for?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you know someone named Lydia?\u201d<\/p>\n

Farkas\u2019 face broke into a wide grin, and he uttered a deep chuckle. \u201cOh yeah. I sure do. I haven\u2019t seen her for a long time, though, but yeah I know Lydia. She was just the finest piece of\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFARKAS!\u201d Vilkas\u2019 disgusted outburst from behind them nearly made Chip burst out laughing. \u201cThat\u2019s not appropriate.\u201d Chip didn\u2019t turn around, but the long-suffering sigh from Vilkas\u2019 direction made him grin in spite of himself.<\/p>\n

Farkas grinned back at him, his eyes twinkling. \u201cI can\u2019t help it. The girls seem to like me. Lydia is a girl. You know?\u201d He raised his hands in a mock-helpless motion.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019m pretty young yet, Farkas,\u201d he said, trying not to snicker. \u201cNot a lot of experience, I\u2019m afraid. But I see what you\u2019re saying. So Lydia\u2019s not been around for awhile.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. It\u2019s a shame, too. She was nice. Don\u2019t look at me like that, Vilkas. It\u2019s not my fault she picked me instead of you. Besides. It was a long time ago. She moved up in the world after me.\u201d He grinned at Chip again.<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm.\u201d Chip rubbed his chin. \u201cApparently I knew her when I was just a small fry, but I really wouldn\u2019t know her if I fell over her in the street. I was supposed to get her to go visit my uncle Dardeh. He\u2019s not been well lately, and Da said if anyone could get him shaped up, it would be\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLydia.\u201d Both of the twins said her name at the same time. All three of them laughed.<\/p>\n

I guess Vilkas has a sense of humor after all.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cOh well,\u201d Chip said. \u201cI guess I can go see him myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

Farkas leaned against the wall. \u201cOh I know Dar. He used to live here in Whiterun, back in the day. Before the war got settled. He\u2019s your uncle? Huh. I\u2019m sorry to hear he\u2019s sick. By the way, if you\u2019re looking for something to do, we\u2019ve got some trouble right here in Whiterun Hold. Nothing we can\u2019t handle, but if you\u2019d like to do it\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Chip blinked. It had been an abrupt change of topic, one he hadn\u2019t been prepared for. He was beginning to get the impression, though, that this was how Farkas\u2019 mind worked: one thing at a time, straightforward, with no frills or subtlety. He chuckled and then nodded at Farkas.<\/p>\n

\u201cOk, what do you need done?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBloodsuckers,\u201d Farkas said flatly. \u201cVampires. Take every precaution. One bite and you could end up as one of them. But it\u2019s out the way you\u2019re heading if you\u2019re going to Mammoth Manor. Right on your way. Just do what must be done.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chip just nodded slowly. So we\u2019re going to pretend that you can\u2019t tell I\u2019m a werewolf? Or is your sense of smell impaired somehow? <\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cSure, Farkas, I can do that. I\u2019ll\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Suddenly, the air split with the sound of something like thunder. Shields on the wall rattled and bottles arranged on the tables clinked against each other. Chip cringed involuntarily. He\u2019d heard sounds like that before, from Dardeh, but nowhere near as loud, or as overwhelming.<\/p>\n

As the vibrations lessened, he rose back up to stand straight. \u201cWhat in Oblivion was that?\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked around and saw that Vilkas looked almost as startled as he felt himself. Farkas, though, just chuckled.<\/p>\n

\u201cHuh. I know what that<\/em> was. That was the Greybeards. I was standing right beside Dardeh when they called him like that. What was it, twenty years or more ago? They only yell like that when they\u2019re calling a new Dragonborn, as far as I know.\u201d<\/p>\n

The hair on Chip\u2019s neck rose.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u201d Farkas\u2019 brow furrowed. \u201cGee, I hope that doesn\u2019t mean anything bad has happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

No. It can\u2019t be<\/em>.<\/p>\n

\u201cFarkas, I have to go. Right now. I\u2019ll get to the vampires as soon as I can. But if they\u2019re calling a new Dragonborn that means\u2026 I have to go!\u201d<\/p>\n

He turned and bolted, through the doors, up the stairs, and out of Jorrvaskr into the daylight. He\u2019d never run so fast through a city before. He\u2019d never come so close to colliding with city guards either. He dodged and rolled and ran, and as soon as he\u2019d cleared the gates of Whiterun he headed west, just as fast as he could go.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Home<\/a><\/div>\n
Previous<\/a> \/ Next<\/a><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Home Previous \/ Next   \u201cAre those fools at it again?\u201d Chip heard. There was some sort of loud altercation going on when he stepped through the doors and entered Jorrvaskr. A Dunmer man and a Nord woman were fist-fighting in the left portion of the room, shrieking at and taunting each other. Chip tensed, … <\/p>\n

Continue reading “Chapter 2”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":653,"menu_order":2,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-676","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/baakay.com\/Snow\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/676","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=676"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/baakay.com\/Snow\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/676\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":771,"href":"https:\/\/baakay.com\/Snow\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/676\/revisions\/771"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/baakay.com\/Snow\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/653"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/baakay.com\/Snow\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=676"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}