The End of Madness

Weighed down as we were, our journey from Fort Dawnguard to the north-east coast of Skyrim took three days. We were battered by the elements at times. Driving rain. Howling winds. Blinding snowfall. The only time we experienced good weather was crossing Whiterun Hold. I looked up at Dragonsreach and wondered when I would see it again. Despite my confidence, I knew there was a chance I would not see my home again.

We passed Northwatch Keep, which still appeared empty of life, before we established camp on the shoreline, the outline of the castle appearing through the mist in the distance. As the rest of the Dawnguard starting putting up tents and starting fires, I stood with Isran at the shore, water lapping at our feet.

"We're going to need more boats."

"Anyone know how to build them?"

He nodded. "Yes." He continued to glare across the water. "They know we're coming?"

"No doubt they have lookouts. And we're to be expected anyway."

"We'll take our time then, particularly if we don't have the element of surprise."

"You know a lot of these men and women are going to die…"

He nodded. "I know. But it's what they signed up for. They'll give their lives to ensure the vampire menace is ended, once and for all."

"I can call in help," I offered.

"Who?"

"It's more a case of what. A dragon."

Now he looked at me and I couldn't help but grin at the surprise. "A dragon? How?"

"It's a long story but, being the Dragonborn, I have the ability to call in dragon allies if I need them."

"Dragon allies?" He actually chuckled. "You're a strange one, Ragnar."

"The help is always there. We may need it to establish a foothold on the island."

"Some sort of initial bombardment while we cross the water?"

I nodded. "Correct. Otherwise, we'll find ourselves under attack before we've even stepped off the boats."

Isran considered my proposal, deep in thought. "Very well, it's an avenue worth pursuing. Do it when the time is right."

Knowing that we were likely being watched, though the weather did roll in at time to keep us hidden, boats were constructed while the rest of us tried to keep the boredom at bay, continuous drills to keep us sharp while others were sent to forage for more supplies. Serana and I headed to Northwatch Keep for a further check of information, though we found nothing, the place having clearly been abandoned. If the Thalmor had travelled to check why they hadn't received messages from the keep, as I assumed there would be constant communication, there was no evidence.

One evening, when most were of the men were asleep, Serana and I were keeping watch. Another reason she had my respect, as well as my love, is that she never complained when we travelled during the day. She kept herself safe by ensuring her cloak covered her entire body, and kept her face safe by covering it with her hood, but during the night, even in the cold, she could let free her face and hands at least, enjoying the cool breeze against her skin.

Movement ahead caught our attention, the quiet conversation taking place ceasing immediately. I gestured ahead and Serana nodded. Her vision in the darkness was far superior to mine. I didn't think we'd manage to sneak up on whoever was approaching but we must have walked in near silence. It was only the one person, perhaps someone Harkon believed he could sacrifice. 'Must be a thrall. He definitely wouldn't send a pure blood.'

I tackled the thrall, knocking the weapon from his hand as I put a dagger to his neck. Despite the fact he faced imminent death, he still hissed at me, trying to push me off. So I slammed my fist into his face and knocked him out.

"I'll go wake Isran," Serana stated.

"I'll keep our friend company." As Serana disappeared, I dragged the unconscious thrall to the edge of our camp, finding a piece of rope to bind his hands. He was still asleep as Isran approached. I shook our friend awake before dragging the thrall to his feet. I moved to the side, between Isran, Serana and the thrall, keeping a dagger to hand. Just in case.

"Why are you here?"

The thrall spat blood on the ground. "I come with an offer."

Isran scoffed. Serana glared daggers. "What sort of offer?" she asked.

The thrall spat again, this time at her. I clocked him across the jaw with my hand holding the dagger. The thrall hit the dirt. "Do that again, and you'll die immediately. Understand?" I warned, standing over him. He spat again, this time only on the ground, before he nodded. I dragged him to his feet. "Now, answer the question."

He looked at Isran, flat out ignoring Serana. "Hand over the bow and his daughter and Lord Harkon will allow you and your pathetic band to retreat from the shore."

"Not happening," I stated.

"Do you truly believe you can beat us?" Isran wondered.

"Ragnar, may I have the dagger please?" Serana asked. I handed it over without question. "Isran, you said back at the fort you were unsure if you could trust me. I hope this will prove I will do whatever it takes to ensure we're all safe from my father's madness." With those last words, she slammed the dagger into the chest of the thrall.

Over the body of the thrall, we agreed that we would make our move the next morning.

*****

We crammed onto the four boats. It wasn't really enough but the lone thrall had forced our hand. Neither Isran or I believed an imminent attack was coming but knew we couldn't sit back and wait any longer. We had to attack and end it here today.

As we crossed the strait separating the castle from the rest of Skyrim, I indicated to Isran that I had better bring in the ally we had discussed earlier. I was expecting him to show nerves or state he was still unsure. Instead he simply nodded. I got to my feet, a couple of fellow Dawnguard helping steady the boat as I Shouted.

"DUR-NEH-VIIR!"

The skies darkened and the wind, already howling, picked up in ferocity. There were rumbles of thunder and lightning cracked across the sky. I noticed one or two worried glances my way. "Don't worry. We'll be safe."

From out of nowhere, a dragon appeared. "Ah! The free air of Vus at long last!" He flew above us in circle for a few moments before he descended towards our boasts. "Thank you for the summons, Qahnaarin. How may I assist?"

"We're about to land on the shore. We'll need your help establishing a foothold on the island."

He flew ahead and returned shortly. "There is quite the army waiting for you. I will assist how I can."

With a roar he flew off towards the island as I resumed my seat, thanking those around me for keeping the boat from tipping over. The rowers continued to power through the water and, through the mist, the castle soon came into view. On the shore, where we would land, thralls were already lying in wait.

"Archers!" came the call from Isran. Each boat had only two of them, hoping it would be enough. As the rest of us kept the boat or the archers steady, they stood up and fired. Not every arrow hit their mark but enough of the thralls were taken out. In the distance, we could hear Durnehviir roaring and Shouting.

The bottom of our boat soon crunched into land and we hopped out, the cold water chilling us to the bone. The thralls that remained alive immediately attacked as we waded our way to shore. The waters lapping around us were soon running red with blood as more thralls flooded forward and we already started to take losses. No more than a mere few but our numbers were never large to begin with.

Once we were all on shore, I led the way with Serana towards the bridge leading towards the castle. We came to a stop as we noticed what was lying in wait for us. Durnehviir continued to circle overhead and returned when he saw me. "I have done what I can, Qahnaarin, but their numbers are significant."

"You have my thanks, Durnehviir. Go and enjoy your freedom until you are once again returned to the Soul Cairn. We will take it from here."

"You are sure?" I nodded. "Then I can only wish you good luck in your quest."

I did a quick count of the bodies waiting for us on the bridge. While Durnehviir had likely taken out a few, it looked like they had already been replaced from even more within the castle. I thought they would have barred the doors. Instead, they were wide open, almost confidently stating, 'You will never enter here'.

Though Isran was officially in charge of the Dawnguard, as the Last Dragonborn, I was given an element of control. I held up my hand as the ranks of men formed up before me. Serana knew what I was going to do as I confidently waked up confidently, alone, towards the massed ranks of vampires and thralls. My shield was attached to my left forearm but my hand was still free of my sword for now. I looked into their eyes and faces. They watched me intently as I watched them, wondering what the other was going to do.

I unsheathed my sword, not taking my eyes from the crowd in front of me. They continued to watch every movement I made. I raised my sword into the air and heard the roar from behind me. The crowd in front of me shuffled, readying themselves. I was only one man and wondered why they were not attacking me. 'They know who I am. They're afraid.'

I lowered my sword and heard movement behind me, knowing the Dawnguard were now charging as one. It was then that I finally used my Voice. Not force. Not cold. And not ice.

Fire.

As soon as I felt the men behind near my back, I roared myself and ran forward into the crowd.

"Serana, with me!"

"Everyone else. Kill them all! None of them shall live!" Isran added.

I cut a path through the thralls, vampires and gargoyles that lay between me and my destination. Serana and I could have been easily swamped, but our backs were covered by the Dawnguard. It was tough, bloody work, streaks of red liquid flying everywhere as I hacked my way through. Serana, armed with a pair of daggers, was even deadlier. She was so quick it boggled the main.

Halfway across the bridge and the crowd was already starting to thin out. They had poured forward towards the other end, leaving Serana and I free to cut through whoever remained.

"I had no idea my father could recruit such numbers," Serana muttered.

"He knew this day would come eventually."

My sword running slick and red, the daggers of Serana dripping with blood, we entered the castle, hearing some of our allies follow us close behind. The sounds of battle continued to echo behind us. The rest of the Dawnguard would continue the blood-letting outside while Serana and I took care of her father. I gestured towards the vampires waiting for us inside the room where I had first laid eyes on Harkon. "Kill them all. Serana and I will take care of Harkon."

"It will be done," Gunmar stated.

The remaining vampires appeared unsure of who to attack, but once Gunmar ran at them with his giant axe, they had no choice but to engage, allowing Serana and I an opportunity to slip away. She had explained exactly where he would wait once we made our attack.

We entered the chapel cautiously, our eyes searching left and right for any sign of Harkon. She pointed ahead towards what I thought was a fountain. When I stated that sentiment, she shook her head. "That is no fountain, Ragnar. It is a shrine to Molag Bol himself." Waiting next to the shrine was Harkon. Or, it may have been Harkon. "And there is my father. In his other form, naturally."

I stepped towards the middle of the room, confidently if not arrogantly, my bloodied sword at my side. Serana stayed at my side, matching each of my steps with her own. She had sheathed her daggers and took the bow from her back, taking an arrow and nocking it, readying to fire when required. Surprisingly, Harkon spread his arms wide.

"Serana, my darling daughter. I see you still favour keeping a pet."

"You know why we're here, father. It's time to end this madness, once and for all."

"Of course I know why you're here. You disappoint me, Serana. You've taken everything I've provided for you and thrown it all away for this pathetic being."

That was the second jibe he had sent in my direction in a matter of seconds. My hand gripped my sword that little bit tighter and it took all the self-control at my disposal not to charge forward. Serana must have noticed the slight change in my body language as she moved a hand from her bow to my sword hand. It was the briefest of touches but one her father couldn't have missed.

"Provided for me? Are you insane? You've destroyed our family and brought terror to the people of Skyrim, all over some prophecy that you barely understand. But let me tell you something, father. I do now understand the prophecy. I know who was responsible. And he is now dead. So I say this. No more. I'm done with you. And you will not touch Ragnar. Not now. Not ever."

He hissed. "So, I see this dragon has fangs. Your voice drips with the venom of your mother's influence. How alike you've become."

She scoffed, almost laughed at him. "No. I'm nothing like my mother, because unlike her, I'm not afraid of you. Not anymore. Not with Ragnar by my side."

He looked in my direction. "It appears I have you to thank for turning my daughter against me. I knew it was only a matter of time before she'd return with hatred in her heart."

"You don't need to thank me. She reached this point on her own. Your pathetic attempts at parenting were more than enough to lead her along this path. All I've done is help her and show her there is another way."

Her father scoffed. "You don't care about Serana. You're only interested in the power of the bow."

"That's where you're wrong. I care next to nothing for the bow. It is a means to an end. But you... You don't just threaten our existence as humans, you threaten Serana herself with your stupid prophecy. The simple fact is that I won't let you hurt her. Not anymore. And never again."

Now he laughed. "The vampire hunter will protect and care for the vampire? You'll kill her as soon as you're done with me."

"That's not going to happen. I'd never harm Serana. I will only ever stop those who would cause her harm."

"And why is that?"

"Because I love her."

He laughed long and hard at those four words. All that did was infuriate me further. I'm tired of people laughing at me. If Serana or someone I know and respect, or love, does it, it's not meant to offend me. Sometimes, I am an idiot and say silly things. But when a foe does it to mock me, it simply leaves me wanting to cut them in half. "You... love my daughter? You love a vampire?"

"I love her enough to die fighting you if that is what's required. I love her because of who she is, not what she is. That's never bothered me. And she knows that."

"And what do you think of all this, Serana?"

"I love him too." I couldn't help but smile when she said those words without hesitation, considering it was her father. "And together we're putting an end to your madness."

He shook his head, almost sadly, not that I felt an ounce of pity for him. "Then my daughter is truly lost. She died the moment she accepted a mortal into her life."

I would like to describe in minute, exact detail of the fight that then occurred with Harkon but everything happened so fast that, even now, I simply remember sensations, sounds and movements rather than exact detail of every single thing that happened. Things I do remember? He could summon all manner of enemies to protect himself. Skeletons and gargoyles flooded the chapel and it took a lot of hard work and graft to destroy them. While I was busy with those, I know Serana battled her father, switching between her pair of daggers, and when he drank blood from the shrine, I think to rejuvenate himself, used the bow.

Whenever I was free, I went on the attack, giving Harkon everything I had at my disposal. I used my Voice but found, in his vampire form, that he was incredibly strong. He was still hurt by my Shouts but not to the extent of any other enemy I'd faced down, except Alduin. And while he focused much of his attention on me, he attacked Serana whenever he had the opportunity.

The one clear memory I have of that fight is when he attacked her while I was distracted by a pair of gargoyles. All I remember is her scream as she took the full brunt of an attack I didn't see. I remember glancing back to her crumple to the ground and fearing that she was dead. And then the rage that built within. The sort of rage that felt like my blood was boiling. The two gargoyles I was fighting were dead in seconds. Then I focused all my anger on Harkon. He appeared pleased with himself as I faced him down, casting another concerned glance towards Serana.

"She will recover eventually. And then I will ensure my victory by using the bow. Her sacrifice will ensure the dominance of my kind."

"Over my dead body."

He laughed. "My dear boy, that's exactly what I'm planning."

"Your kind will soon be extinct."

He scoffed at the remark. "And what of your supposed love for Serana?"

"I know what she is. But I love her for who she is. And she will always be under my protection. From you. And from anyone out there."

"Pathetic. You will never understand the power that she or I wield."

"I know enough." I raised my sword. "Now, enough talk. Let us end this, once and for all."

I ignored all the wounds I would receive. I know blood was dripping from me in the end. Somehow, I still don't know how, I survived the fight. But I didn't get the killing blow. I'd done enough to wear him down through sheer bloody mindedness. But it was Serana who got in the fatal shot. Unbeknownst to her father or myself, she had woken up and managed to move herself into a seated position. It was only when she called out my name that I knew what she was doing, pushing Harkon back enough to see an arrow fly into his chest. Then another one joined alongside. Then a third and fourth. I stepped back as a bright light appeared in his chest and I took a few steps back as a blood curdling scream escaped his mouth.

He then seemed to disappeared into a fine mist, for a brief few moments, before he reformed as a swarm of bats, which flew around the chapel twice. I tracked the bats, waiting to attack wherever they landed. They stopped near the shrine and I followed. He formed into Harkon, the more human looking kind, as blood poured from the wounds in his chest, from out of his mouth and nose, and I knew the end was near. I felt a presence alongside, glancing to see Serana still armed with the bow. She said nothing as she simply raised it and fired a final arrow, right where his heart may have once been, a long time ago. That ended it as he cried out one final time, saying only his daughters name, before he dissolved into nothing more than a pile of ash.

Serana seemed to stagger and I threw an arm around her waist as she leaned into me. She gestured with her head and I helped her forward towards the remains of her father. "I'm sorry, father. But you left me no choice," she muttered quietly. Then she turned towards me. "Hold me. Please," she nearly pleaded.

She didn't need to ask.

I don't know how long we embraced before I heard a cleared throat, turning to see Isran had entered the chapel. He moved forward, and keeping my arm around Serana, I accepted his hand. "It's over. He's dead, and the prophecy dies with him." He looked at Serana. "I suppose this is difficult for you."

"I think my father really died a long time ago."

"The day you underwent the ritual?" I wondered, unsure if it was the right question.

"In a way, yes. We gave up our humanity on that day. This, though… This was just the end of something else. I did what needed to be done. Nothing more."

Isran actually bowed his head. "I think you did more than that. You have mine and the Dawnguard's thanks."

"So what happens now?" I asked.

"Auriel's Bow is in safe hands. The Dawnguard will now be dedicated to safeguarding it, making sure that prophecy will never come to pass. But, for now, we will head back to the fort and celebrate our victory. Will you join us?"

"Perhaps later. We have one more thing to do here," I stated. I noticed the look Serana give me, perhaps not understanding what I meant.

Isran simply nodded. "Of course. I look forward to your return." With a final shake of hands, and upon Serana handing over the bow, he disappeared out of the chapel.

"What last thing?" Serana asked.

"We should let your mother know."

She smiled and kissed my cheek. "Another reason why I love you. You're always thinking of me."

We wandered through the empty castle, the bodies of vampires and gargoyles littering the floor. Because we had kicked in the front door this time around, finding the route towards the laboratory was far easier this time around. Once again, Serana had to soul trap me but, now that we knew what to do, I wasn't that worried.

We found Valerica where she was the last time we had entered the Soul Cairn. Her face of concern changed once she noticed the fact we were both covered in blood. The fact I was holding Serana's hand rather tightly led to the smile broadening. She looked between us, obviously eager to hear what we had to say.

"Harkon is dead," I stated.

"Are you certain?"

"He's dead, mother. He died by my hand."

She breathed a sigh of relief. "Good."

"You're free to leave now. Would you like to return to the castle?" I asked.

She smiled. "I'd like nothing better. Just let me gather a few of my things."

We waited for Valerica to gather her few meagre possessions before we escorted her safely through the Soul Cairn. I did wonder if the Ideal Masters would send anything to prevent her leaving but we escaped the Cairn unhindered. Once back in the laboratory, her mother wandered around and I could sense the sadness she felt, probably now realising just how long she had been away. I stepped away as mother and daughter shared a few words before they hugged. Valerica then approached me and, without a word, hugged me too.

"Please take care of my daughter."

"I will."

"Then I can only wish you good luck in the future, Dragonborn."

We wandered out of Castle Volkihar for possibly the last time as Serana walked ahead towards the jetty in a world of her own. I approached her cautiously after everything that had just happened. I touched her gently on the shoulder, spinning her around to face me. Her eyes searched my own, both of us speechless for a time. Isran and his group had departed so we were now completely alone.

"So what do we do now?" I finally asked.

"I've realised something in the past few hours, days and weeks… But particularly since the day you told me that you love me."

"And what is that?"

Her hand caressed my cheek. "The downside of immortality is watching the one you love grow old and die. I'd never thought about it until now because I've never had someone to love. Or anyone who loved me in return."

I grabbed her other hand. "So what do we do now?"

She looked past me into the distance. "There is something I must do." She nodded to herself. "I know what to do." Then she met my eyes. "But I must do it alone."

I wanted to question why but I knew her well enough to recognise the tone and see the determination in her eyes. She normally would have liked me to accompany her but this was something she must do alone. But I still asked, "Are you sure?"

"Wait for me at home, that's all I ask."

"I'll be waiting."

I rowed us across the strait onto the mainland, where we then gathered our horses and rode back towards civilisation. We'd barely ridden for half an hour before she said she must leave. She couldn't or wouldn't tell me where she was going or how long I'd have to wait. I wanted to kiss her before she left. She knew and I knew she wanted to as well, but she pressed a finger to my lips and told me to wait. Instead, we hugged somewhat awkwardly, considering we were on horseback, and then I let her ride away, not knowing if I'd actually see her again. Not because I thought she'd leave but because I had an inkling of what she was going to do and that scared me more than anything, simply because I didn't know if it would work. Or if it would kill her.

I spent three days at Breezehome waiting and I'll admit they were the longest days of my life, leaping from feeling exuberance in one moment to despair in the next as I heard no word from her. Vampire or not, I just loved her. Sometimes there is no explanation as to why you feel the way you do. But it was the waiting, the endless waiting, that left my stomach in knots. I just hoped she wasn't doing anything dangerous that would hurt her. I'd never forgive myself for letting her go alone if that happened. As I said, I had an idea of what she could possibly be doing but it wasn't worth it if she never walked through that door again.

It was a cold morning when there was a knock at the door as I sat by the fire, simply staring into it, unable to think about anything else. I'll admit I almost burst into tears when I opened the door. The sun was shining, barely a cloud in the sky, just the hint of a breeze. It was a glorious sight. But nothing compared to who was standing in front of me as the sun shone. Long, dark hair I knew so well that was without a hood. The emerald green eyes that stared into mine as I my jaw fell and my heart almost thundered out of my chest. There was a pinkish hue to the cheeks while the lips were as red as mountain flowers. I reached out to touch her cheek and felt warmth, unable to prevent the smile that formed, before I pulled her forward.

And then we kissed. And I can admit, here and now, that I could not stop the tears.

We kissed for a long time on the steps of Breezehome. I have no idea how long for. Everything else faded into obscurity as I simply focused on her lips, her tongue, her body, her scent, her warmth. But we finally had to break apart. I didn't really know what to say. I'm not the most eloquent man at the best of times but this truly had me speechless. All Serana did was wipe her cheeks, a dazzling smile breaking across her face otherwise. I finally blinked and looked around to see a small crowd had formed.

"Was wondering when you were going to come up for air, Ragnar," Adrianne stated, laughing to herself as she turned and walked back to her shop.

There were a few other comments, mostly about how the Dragonborn had found love, before I simply grabbed her hand, escorted her inside, closing the door and locking it behind me to give us some much needed privacy. I sat her down in the chair next to mine, refusing to let her hand go, enjoying the warmth. I had held her hand before, numerous times when I thought about. It had never really bothered me. Now, though, now it was different. I'd never want to let her go again.

"I suppose you have questions," she finally said after we just looked at each in silence like a pair of love struck fools.

I shook my head. "None that matter."

"You don't want to know where I was or how I changed?"

"Was it as awful as when you were turned into one?"

"No. That's not to say it wasn't pain-free. The disease had to be removed. But it was not degrading."

"So... You're now... human?" She nodded emphatically. "So what do we now?"

"We go upstairs."

I laughed. I couldn't help it but I laughed at the thought of that being the first thing on her mind. She grabbed my hand and led the way upstairs, escorting me to our bedroom. I stood and simply drank in her face. She was still pale but there was already a healthy glow about her. I made to kiss her but she put a finger to my lips again.

"Undress me," she requested softly.

My jaw dropped and then I wasted little time doing as requested. I took my time as I removed her large cloak, then the shirt and slacks she wore underneath, drinking in the sight of her body. As I said, just like her face, she was still very pale but there was no missing the fact she was now… alive. Alive was the only word I could use.

Once she was completely disrobed, she quickly removed my own clothes. I'm not ashamed to say I was rather excited to see her. She then wrapped me in a hug and I could feel her body warmth. Stepping back, I looked her up and down at least a couple of times. She showed no hint of embarrassment as I know I would have had a ravenous look in my eyes. Instead, she simply grabbed my right hand and held it to her chest.

"Before we go to bed, Ragnar, do just one thing for me."

"What?"

"Close your eyes," she said softly.

So I did.

And I could feel it.

A heartbeat.