Chapter 5

After a few weeks getting used to some of the changes and new abilities like a Dovahzul being an innate language and a Metamorphmagus spin off where I can change my height, eye color, and hair color, but actual features and shape of the face doesn't change. Now I can just look tall and not freakishly tall for a human but when home I can stand with my family and not look hilariously short. The training with Paarthurnax and Durnehiviir has shown great progress along with Paarthurnax teaching more about the soul and due to them being within my soul, occlumency has become an almost natural effect. Now though it's time to go out into the world and explore the region.

A map was presented along with points of both religious and magical significance with the most prominent being the grand city of Thilmtalos.

Across the Euphrates a ley line converges the most power in the region and is known as a great vortex of magic where it is said that a true mage can meet lady Magic herself there. Another is an ancient tomb that predates even the elves and is thought to be a civilization lost to time.

Unknown knowledge might be gleaned there is in the middle of the mountains to the east and would be closer. Though a nice thin would be to travel south to go to the Great City of Babylon. So many things to do and so much to do. After deciding on the temple/ tomb thing I need to collect gear and speak with Father about the location and what is currently known.

After leaving my room and moving towards the office that father typically inhabits while working on policy and hearing out requests I see Dol. " What are you up to today Usum?" "Going to see father about that tempal and see if I can make a trip of it. The possibility of lost knowledge or magic is too tempting to pass up." " Well if you do go I expect you to return and fill all of us in on your adventure." I smile " Of course Dol I can't deny you of such a request." " Good boy now moves along the King has many appointments so better to get in as quickly as possible."

I nod and continue on quickly almost running through the hall of the palace. I come to the door and I go to knock the door but the door opens with a noble leaving.

I give a quick bow and then after he moves past I knock on the door in view of both Father and Mother. Father is leaning back in his chair looking exhausted and mother is sitting near him speaking softly. Father opens his eyes to see me waiting at the threshold.

He makes a small gesture to Mother and then with his other hand calls me in. " Something wrong father?" " Nothing you need to worry about Usum." " With the look on Mother's face I beg to differ." I see him shake his head and hear a faint sigh. " The nobles are worried, the scouts have found a few to many humans in the area of our city and fear that they may look to attack. I see their concern but can't let them try to move forward with what they want."

He sits forward and points to the door. I turn and close the door and move to the seat in front of him. Mother moves to her seat and drops with a heaviness that I've never seen with her.

"What do they want to do?" " War. They want war. I've dispatched the Harlequins to look into the situation on the human side and see what they are planning but we all know the humans have envy and jealousy for the wonders we have created without them knowing." " I'm assuming Calidan and Galion have been informed of the situation?" Mother interjets this time " Yes Calidan is out on the mission in Babylon and Galion is marshaling our defences and making plans to see to it if we are attacked we can repel them with as little loss of life as possible." "Mother, you seem more worried if this is not just a possibility of an attack to come?"

Mother looks forlorn and looks at father who nods at the look on her face and worries in her eyes. " Son, there have been attacks at a few of our outposts recently that have injured 10 and killed 5. We don't know where the learned of the location or how but I have theories that is why the harlequin are involved. Lets not worry about that now. What were you looking for?" It takes me a moment to bring myself back to my fathers request and answers him.

With hesitation I finally respond`` Well, I was going to ask about the temple to the east that is mentioned in the library but never elaborated on: I was looking for more information." Fathers head droops into his hands and begins to rub his face.

Mother looks surprised at the request but proceeds " it is a temple or tomb we aren't sure. We have never been able to open the structure and its physical and magical defenses are extremely formidable. The most we know currently is that it is dedicated to and ancient people that predate our race by 10 millennia . They all died out in a war between two peoples at that time but the location seems to be dedicated to some form of Dragon God.

Most of the inscriptions and writing are indecipherable to use for no language uses any of the symbols. From some remembrance of their rival a phoenix cult with even less but ruins have given us that much. Other than that we know nothing but the entrance and the Gate that must be passed to continue into the place." "Why was this hidden left out of records?" "700 people have gone and only 5 have returned and that was with tales of horror and grand magic so arcane that its very workings are beyond even us, too many have died for us to let more run off and as explorers or for adventure."

I recognized her point on why they don't tell people about it or its location. While I was thinking of either asking to be allowed to help father and my brothers with the defense of the city and our people or possibly go to see this temple Mother had risen from her seat and went to a cabinet and retrieved some item from it.

As soon as it left its case I could fell a pull that drove my mind and even soul to look. Paarthurnax spoke into my mind " Thur the scroll is powered with the essence of Dov!" When mother gave me the scroll it spoke to me telling me of an ancient cult of the dragon who worshiped and great ancient dragon who had the Dovahzul and the power of the Thu'um.

The scroll told of a people who found The Great Dragon of pitch black who stood above all dragons and could command them with just a single word. This has to be Alduin I thought but to think that my wish would get me the firstborn of Akaotsh and also to be fused with him this is a bit much. Maybe he could be my mount or maybe a familiar. I should ask if he was defeated by the Dovahkiin because then I can possibly make fun of him.

Mother now seems frantic due to me staring at the scroll for about 10 minutes without blinking. " Mother, I am fine. It seems this is the dragon tongue and I can read." Father nearly leaps to his feet and asks "WHAT DOES IT SAY" "It speaks about an ancient dragon that taught the people his language and other parts of his magic if I am reading it right. This temple might be a library of knowledge from them." Fathers eyes widen and a smile breaks on what was a dower face and mother seems jubilant. " Usum I want you to go and see if you can gain access to this place and bring back its knowledge." I look up at him in excitement but remember the current state that the city and our people are in. " But Father what of the cities defence and brother's work in Babylon." Father waves his hand dismissively " Calidan is the Great Harlequin and Second in command and seeker of the title of Aeldari he is far more capable than you give him credit.

Though I do see him take it quite easy on you during training." Father ends in a hearty laugh. "You are going to be a possible backup plan and maybe find a great weapon or thing that could either defend us or help us win any possible war that may come. Go collect your things and a pack you should leave as soon as possible."

After collecting my basic things like a sleeping pad, Cloak and my weapons a Sword, dagger both made of mythril and rune etched.

I left the palace and proceeded to the Grand gate to make my exit of the city with the Guard. After completing and preparing to exit the city I hear a familiar voice. Where are you going?" Galion said to me approaching with the command staff a distance from him. " Heading out to the Dragon temple to see if I might be able to gain entrance and maybe find some of their secrets in enchanting and rune work.

Father asked me to, though I feel there is an alternative reason for this." " Always so intune with the going on in court and with fathers actions. Yes it is, he wants to keep you out of the army and to keep you as safe as he can without being too on the nose." I nod already suspecting that was the case.