11 Split Loyalties

"Here you go, Ragnar. The best Honningbrew mead available."

"Thanks, Orgnar. Where's Delphine?" He gestured with his eyes. "Thanks."

"No problem."

Having a tankard of mead probably wasn't a good idea, my stomach still flipping after our celebrations in Jorrvaskr the previous night, but I'd learned that hair of the dog, as they called it, was a good idea. I'd staggered into Breezehome I don't know when, but Lydia had told me that she did have to help me upstairs such was my state. Now she just looked at me like I was an idiot. She was right, in a way. "I don't know how long I'll be. Will you be alright waiting?"

"I brought a book with me. I shall wait patiently, my thane."

"Are you sure you're alright heading up to High Hrothgar again?"

"You don't have to ask me, my thane. If you ask me to do something, I will do it. Within reason."

I shrugged. "I know. This is all still new to me, remember?"

She smiled. "I know."

I took a swig of mead. "Okay, I'll speak to Delphine and then we can head out."

Delphine was waiting for me downstairs, gesturing to the empty seat across the table from her. I placed my tankard down then took a seat. Her body language spoke volumes. Her tone spoke even more. 'She's embarrassed, guilty or… something. But she should never have doubted me.'

"How are you today, Dragonborn?"

"I have a thumping headache."

"Any injuries?"

"No. We all survived. That's the important thing. Injuries can heal… most of the time."

"Of course." She paused, probably waiting for me to say something. But I wasn't going to make this easy for her. I was still frustrated with all the cloak and dagger. "I'm sure you have a lot of questions. I would too, in your position. Ask anything, Dragonborn. Nothing is off limits."

"Who are you?" A simple question but I now expected an honest answer.

"My name is Delphine and I am one of the last members of an organisation called the Blades. A long time ago, the Blades were dragonslayers, and we served the Dragonborn, the greatest dragonslayer."

"And what do you want with me?"

"Since the last Dragonborn emperor, the Blades have been searching for a purpose. That's nearly two hundred years of not knowing if our existence as an organisation is even necessary. But now that dragons are returning, our purpose is clear again. And the Blades will once again assist you, Dragonborn."

"I'm going to sound ignorant, but who are the Blades?"

She sighed. "It's no surprised you haven't heard of us. The Blades were the organisation that loyally served the Septim emperors, until the day Uriel Septim VII was murdered and Martin Septim sacrificed himself at the end of the Oblivion Crisis. With no dragon blood emperor to serve, we worked in secret, protecting the Empire from our base at Cloud Ruler Temple. But the end of the Great War and the signing of the White-Gold Concordat was the death knell of our organisation. We are a dying breed as our order has been hunted to near extinction by the Thalmor."

"That explains why you think the return of the dragons has something to do with the Thalmor."

She nodded. "Yes. I don't have any evidence. But my gut tells me they're involved."

"I have no love for the elves but I don't think even they are powerful enough to do this."

"You may be right but it stinks of Thalmor treachery. A dragon appears at the same time as the Empire catches Ulfric Stormcloak? Far too convenient for my tastes."

I could only nod in agreement at that. Though I was still a Stormcloak supporter at heart, even I recognised that executing him would have ended the war there and then. "And you? Why would they be interested in you?"

"They want to end the Blades as an organisation so I've lived in Riverwood, avoiding detection for years, waiting for any sign of the Dragonborn. Not even Orgnar knows who I really am."

"And now that I'm here?"

"I offer you my service, Dragonborn."

"Thanks."

"No thanks are necessary. It was part of the oath I took upon joining."

"So what do we do now?"

She sighed again. "I'll be honest; I really don't know. Now that I've found you, I can perhaps re-establish contacts and start doing some digging. I still believe the Thalmor are involved somehow, so I may look into that. Other than that, we need to find out who that other dragon was. Maybe the Greybeards will know something?"

"I can ask but I'm not sure how forthcoming they will be with information about killing dragons. I mean, how will they react if they found out the Blades are working with me?"

"They won't be pleased. And they think we'll poison your mind."

I nodded and thought for a minute about what we should do next. To be honest, I didn't really have a clue. I figured I could wander around, looking for dragons, but that seemed pointless. What we needed was a plan. "Okay, here's what we do. Start doing some digging into the return of the dragons. If you think the Thalmor are involved, look into their activities. I don't know much about them; you seem to know a lot so you may be right about their involvement. Sounds good?" She nodded. "I'm heading back to High Hrothgar to return the horn. After that, I'll remain in Whiterun until you contact me. I'll be honest, I don't have a clue what our next step should be so I do need your help."

"Of course, Dragonborn. As soon as I have enough information to make our next move, I'll contact you immediately."

Happy that an element of trust was now established between us, though I'll admit even after this conversation I wasn't completely convinced, I grabbed Lydia from upstairs and we were soon on horseback and on our way to High Hrothgar again. Time wasn't particularly of the essence, so we didn't push our horses too hard, figuring we'd make Ivarstead by nightfall and complete the journey tomorrow. I was honest with Delphine about one thing. I had no idea what to do next. I was honest enough with Lydia, too, when she asked what my plans were.

I had a feeling that I was expected to be some sort of leader now that I was Dragonborn. But I knew little about the dragons themselves. Still didn't know much about being Dragonborn except what I'd been told. I now had one person who suggested they would now be a loyal servant. I had a housecarl who would do the same thing. I had friends in the Companions who would probably help me without requiring payment. But it wasn't what I would call an army to stop however many dragons had now returned.

We rode in silence most of the way to Ivarstead, Lydia leaving me alone with my thoughts, something I thanked her for later that evening. Wilhelm remembered us and was surprised to see us again so soon, stating that pilgrims generally only made the journey once a year, and even then, only the hardiest of pilgrims chose that option. Most only did it once or twice in their lifetime.

We headed up the mountain the next morning, leaving our horses behind as last time, having to make the journey on foot. The weather was once again awful the higher we climbed, but as we didn't run into animals or monsters on the way, we simply suffered in the cold as we trudged through ever deepening snow. But as we'd already been through this once before, the mountain could throw anything at this time and we were prepared. The snowfall was again thick, near blinding at times, the wind nearly blowing us from our feet. Halfway up and I know we were both chilled to the bone. But we didn't stop, not even for lunch. Lydia simply said 'Just keep going until we get there.'

Having left at dawn and not having to stop for any reason, not even for a five-minute rest, pushing our bodies to their limit, we arrived at High Hrothgar in the afternoon, both of us completely exhausted, our muscles screaming from the exertion of climbing the seven thousand steps across a barren, snow covered mountain, our extremities near frozen solid from the cold. The first thing both of us did upon entering the monastery was warm our hands at the fire, lowering our faces as well, feeling the blood start to flow once again.

"I hope we don't have to make the journey up here again for a long time, my Thane," Lydia stated as she continued to shiver. I don't think she was joking.

The Greybeards were waiting for our return. They said nothing about how long we had been gone as I handed over the horn to Master Arngeir. He didn't appear surprised that I handed it over, at least.

"Well done. You have now passed all our trials."

"What's next, Master?"

"It is time for us to recognise you formally as Dragonborn. You have completed your training and now we wish to Speak with you."

"Speak? You mean Shout?"

Arngeir nodded. "Yes. Few can withstand the unbridled Voice of the Greybeards. But you are ready." He then glanced at Lydia. "But I'm afraid I must ask that your companion to wait outside. She should be safe out there. But no mere mortal can survive the power of all four of our voices."

They waited until Lydia disappeared through the entrance of the monastery before all four of them started speaking. I'd never experienced anything like it before. I didn't understand a single word they said, obviously speaking in the tongue of dragons, but I withstood the power of their voices with ease, slightly losing my balance once or twice but, other than that, I was generally left wondering what they were saying. Once they completed the ritual, all four bowed towards me. I returned the gesture.

"Dovahkiin. You have tasted the Voice of the Greybeards and passed through unscathed. High Hrothgar is open to you."

"Thank you, Master Arngeir."

Lydia walked back into the monastery, stating the noise had been deafening even standing outside, as we both accompanied Arngeir to another room to explain what had been happening since last I had left the High Hrothgar – our journey into Ustengrav, the fact someone had found the horn before me, the meeting with Delphine, our journey to Kynesgrove and defeat of Sahloknir and finally the revelation that Delphine was a member of the Blades. This is when Arngeir scoffed.

"The Blades!" He paused for a moment as I think even this gentle elderly man was angered by the revelation before he immediately calmed. "I apologise, Dragonborn, but I can only issue with you a warning. Do not trust the Blades. They will turn you way from the Way of the Voice."

"They said they served the Dragonborn, who was a dragonslayer. Is that correct?"

He sighed before he nodded. "Yes, that is correct. But it is not the whole truth. I can only say this, Dragonborn. Follow your own path. Do not allow yourselves to be a puppet to their own selfish objectives."

"What do you mean?"

"The Blades may say they serve the Dragonborn but they do not. They never have. They have corrupted each previous Dragonborn with their arrogance and lack of wisdom about the power of the Voice."

"So what should I do? I mean, they are offering to help bring about the defeat of the dragons."

Arngeir remained silent in thought before he nodded. "Yes, their offer of help is understandable, given the circumstances. I can only advise that you be careful in your relations with the Blades, Dragonborn. The Greybeards are here to help you as well, Dragonborn. And here, we will teach you the true Way of the Voice."

"Of course. You have my thanks again, Master Arngeir."

"Sky above, Voice within. Remember that well, Dragonborn."

We stayed the night in High Hrothgar, leaving the Greybeards to go about their business. We wandered around, looking at some of the murals carved into the walls, wondering what some of them meant. Possibly their entire history from their first founding, if one thought about it. I could have asked Arngeir but I didn't want to continuously bother the man as he meditated. I wondered what their life was like up here, secluded away from the rest of Tamriel. I know they were a peaceful order but I considered myself a warrior so, though I'd never say anything, I thought their life was probably a little… boring.

The next morning, after thanking the four of them again for their help and wisdom, Lydia and I headed back down the mountain. It took two days for us to trek back to Whiterun as the weather was even worse as we headed down the mountain, slowing us down so much that it was pitch black by the time we arrived back in Ivarstead, spending practically all night huddled under furs, sat near the fire to sweat the cold out.

The clouds well and truly closed in overnight and we awoke to pouring rain and continuous darkness. Lightning flashed across the cry as thunder rumbled, almost thinking the Greybeards were summoning me again such was the noise. We were both soaked to the bone within ten minutes of leaving Ivarstead, the path back to the main road turning into thick mud, slowing our progress to a crawl as each step for our horses was treacherous. A simple slip would leave either one of us on the ground and our horses likely injured enough to necessitate putting it down. As neither of us particularly wanted to walk back to Whiterun, we were incredibly careful until we hit the main road.

Still cold, wet and miserable, we left our horses at the stables and, like a pair of drowned rats, walked back into Breezehome. We changed quickly into some warm clothes and huddled under furs by the fire to warm up. We'd barely swapped a word since leaving Ivarstead, not because either of us was unhappy, but our moods were as miserable as the weather.

"What do were do next, my thane?" Lydia asked once her teeth had stopped chattering, though she still shook from the cold.

"Regarding the dragons?" I shrugged. "I don't know. I have to wait for Delphine to get in contact. I need to keep myself busy, though, so I'll head to Jorrvaskr tomorrow and see if they have any work."

"Will you visit the jarl?"

I shrugged again. "I may do. I'm sure he's been informed of what we've been up to. If he needs me for anything, he knows where I am. But, for now, I'm staying right here by the fire until sometime this evening, then I may head up the Bannered Mare for a tankard of mead, sitting by the fire up there, and I'll worry about anything else in the morning."

So that's what we did. Lydia cooked us a simple dinner later than evening as I contented myself with reading a couple of books given to me recently. Once we'd finished dinner, we headed to the tavern for one or two tankards and enjoyed the music of the local bard, songs about Nordic heroes, Sovngarde and, somewhat surprisingly, allegiance to the Empire. I didn't mind as there were plenty of citizens who owed their allegiance to the Empire but I didn't miss the fact the three members of the Gray-Mane family immediately stood to walk out as the song started. Rather sarcastically, the Battle-Born family clapped them as they departed. Idolaf stopped and glared at them, the last to leave, and I thought a fight may break out.

"There'll be no fighting in here, Idolaf," Hulda warned from the bar.

"You'd better keep that Stormcloak supporting scum in line. Better yet, they should be kept out of respectful establishments such as yours, barkeep," he retorted before he made a threatening gesture towards the Battle-Born table and then left without another word.

"If I didn't know any better, the tension between the families is getting even worse," Lydia muttered.

"What's happened to cause that?"

"Thorald Gray-Mane has disappeared and the family is convinced the Battle-Borns are involved somehow." She sighed. "This war is tearing this city apart. Anyone who has an allegiance one way or the other is viewed with suspicion by former friends if they support the other side. And, the worst part is, the jarl is going to have to make a decision one day. He can't stay neutral forever as this war has to end eventually."

"Which side do you think he'll choose?"

"The Empire. He will never support Ulfric Stormcloak."

"What makes you say that?"

"The two men have… history. I'm not sure of all the details but, if push comes to shove, the jarl will throw his allegiance behind the Empire. But only when his hand is eventually forced. Which leads me to one question, my thane. What about you? Which side will you choose?"

I thought about that question for a few minutes. As I've said, my home is now Whiterun. I would now consider myself a loyal servant of Jarl Balgruuf. He is a good man and he is now my jarl. My allegiance is to the city and citizens of Whiterun. "I side with Whiterun, Lydia," I stated firmly.

I know the answer surprised her, raising her eyebrows as I knew what that could mean. "Even if…"

"I hope it doesn't come to that. But if, and I mean it is a big if, either side were to attack Whiterun, I would first ensure Whiterun is protected and secure. Then…" I shrugged.

"But…"

I held up a hand. "Let's worry about it if it happens."

"Of course, my thane."

We were joined by friends we knew during the evening and chatted about the inane details of their lives. Certainly far duller than my own but, even now, I sometimes looked back at how simple my life was back on the farm, or even in the Fighters Guild back in Chorrol, and wondered just how my life had developed since then. Everyone in Whiterun was now aware of who I was but thankfully, aside from the occasional fawning, they didn't ask too many questions about what was happening, except to know why the dragons had returned. I answered that question as best I could. Otherwise, it was an enjoyable and relaxing evening.

My life the next evening would take another turn for the… strange.