Chapter 139

We arrive in Whiterun just after the sun goes down and darkness covers the land. I look at Gudrid, toss him a few coins, and say.

"Here, take this. Use it to buy some ale or mead."

When he is about to reject the money, I raise my hand and say.

"Nope! Take that money and enjoy your day off. We will stay here for a day to let the horse rest."

Gudrid releases a sigh and nods his head.

"Very well. Thank you, Lord Ryan."

"Think nothing of it. Enjoy yourself, and make sure to take care of the horse, okay?"

"Don't worry. I will take care of him."

I nod and leave him to walk toward the city. As I walk toward the city, the guard stops me.

"Halt. State your name and reason for entering the city this time of an hour."

"My name is Ryan Hernandes, and I am coming here to rest for the night. I came here with a coachman. I don't know if he will stay here or at an inn outside the city."

The guard in front of me nods his head and is about to say something, but the second guard walks toward me and says,

"Ryan Hernandes, Thane of Haafingar and the Pale?"

I nod my head and say.

"That is me, yes."

"Please come inside, my lord. The Jarl is already waiting for you in Dragonreach. Do you need me to escort you there, my lord?"

"If you don't mind, that will be helpful."

I have already gone through the city of Whiterun countless times in the game, but I would rather have someone escort me for the first time just to make sure the location of the castle stays the same.

"Very well. Please follow me, my lord."

I nod and follow him to go through the gate. After going through the gate, the sight is eerily familiar but also different than in my memory, just like all the cities I have visited so far. It takes us ten minutes before we reach the castle because the stairs in the game are a lie. It is at least five times longer than in the game.

Also, the wall around the castle is in good condition. The wall around Whiterun needs some repair, but the one around Dragonreach is good. I can see the one escorting me talking with the guard in front of the castle, and I can see the guard enter the room.

"This is it. This is Dragonreach keep. The Jarl is waiting for you inside."

"Thank you, my friend."

"Think of it, my lord."

I nod and open the door to the keep. As I get inside, a servant suddenly says.

"Welcoming Ryan Hernandes! The Thane of Haafingar and the Pale!"

The servant bows to me and escorts me to a long table in front of a throne. I can see a middle-aged man sitting on the throne, and standing in front of him is a balding man wearing noble clothes. Standing next to him are two people. To his left is a massive man with light armor and the face of a warrior. While standing to his right is a woman, Dunmer, wearing heavy armor, and I can see a steel sword hanging on her hip.

As I get closer, the Jarl looks at me with a small smile.

"Welcome to Dragonreach, Dragonborn."

"Thank you for receiving me, Jarl."

He nods and gets up from his throne.

"You must be tired from the journey. Take a seat, and we will start the feast!"

=//=

I wipe my mouth as the servant puts away the plates and serves mead on the table. After I wipe my mouth, Jarl Balgruuf looks at me and says,

"With your belly full of warm food and drink, can I ask what you will do from now on?"

"I decided to rest in your beautiful city for a day. I can take a bounty while I am here and heal your people who need healing."

I can see his eyes light up, and he says.

"How much is your healing service? There are a lot of soldiers who need healing."

"One gold coin for each person and five gold coins for the most severe one."

"That cheap?"

"It did not cost me much to do it. Also, a small amount of gold will create a mountain when there are a lot of customers."

The Jarl looks at me for a second before saying.

"Heh. If only all those healers have the same kind of thinking as you. They are only healing someone rich and ignoring the poor."

"They are fools."

"Indeed. Anyway, help my people, and I shall grant you the title of Thane and give you the privilege to buy the Tundra Homestead just outside of Whiterun City."

"Then I will make sure to help your people, then. For now, I want to know if there are bounties for bandits or trolls I can take for tomorrow. I will heal your people in the afternoon."

"Talk to my steward tomorrow; he shall give you the bounty. However, be careful when you hunt them down. Most of them use abandoned towers, caves, and even fortresses to make their base."

"Don't worry. I will be careful."

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|3rd POV|

Odin (Nord Nordinson) releases a sigh as the Greybeards are done with the ritual that recognizes him as Dovakiin. He looks at Arngeir and says.

"What now?"

"Now? It is up to you and fate. You are destined to fight against the Great Devourer; sooner than later, you will fight him. It is your effort that will determine the future of the world. Grow stronger and search for knowledge so you can beat him."

Odin releases a sigh and nods his head. He does not like how the Greybeards speak in riddles but cannot do anything about it. Sometimes, he wonders if this is the punishment they put on him for getting sidetracked instead of fulfilling the mission given to him by them.

So what if he goes and becomes an Arch Wizard of the College of Winterhold? It is only a month of delay!

"I see. Thank you for your guidance, master."

Arngeir nods his head and says.

"Think nothing of it, Odin. However, now it is time for the next student to arrive and learn."

Odin sees Arngeir look to the ceiling and shout.

"DOVAKIIN"

It was the same method of them calling him. However, they did expect the second Dragonborn to answer their call immediately.

"NIID"

The two of them blink at that answer as they know that Ryan just rejected the call of the Greybeards.