Part 17 Here
Chapter List Here
WARNING: ELDER SCROLLS V: SKYRIM SPOILERS!
Vampires and Victory
Back at Windhelm once more to report to Ulfric on our victory at Greenwall, I assumed it would simply be a matter of time before the war was won and our troubles would be over.
As I entered the Palace again, a guard casually mentioned that a group of Vampire hunters were apparently recruiting new members and that he was considering joining.
It seemed an odd comment from a stranger, but I had more pressing issues to worry about.
I head upstairs where I found Ulfric asleep.. I suppose resting before battle.
He was happy enough with the news I brought and rewarded me with a set of Officer’s armour.
It was now time to liberate Haafingar, so I was to meet Galmar at the Stormcloak camp to prepare.
As I left the palace, by some odd coincidence a Master Vampire was attacking the city and being fought off by guards.
I stepped in and cut the creature down. Perhaps it was a good thing after all that there were a group dedicated to stopping these beasts.
A moment later, a courier approached me with news.
I had barely finished reading the letter about poor Angrenor, wondering where the beggar got the money, when I was approached by two queerly dressed individuals.
They asked if I were the Dragonborn, and seeing as that is what most people refer to me as, I told them I was. They immediately shouted something about their Lord Miraak and how I was not the true Dragonborn. They then came at me and I was forced to kill them both.
I found a note with orders on one of them.
This ‘false Dragonborn’ idea was curious, but I was quite used to having various Lord’s vying for my blood and another one right now was not a pressing issue. I had a war to win.
I removed the attackers mask.
Somehow I expected some kind of beast underneath the headgear. The body of an elf just further had me feel as though I was under no threat.
I decided to drop off some of my extra gear at home and realised the courier had given me another note which I had overlooked.
Seemed an interesting opportunity. I would look into it at some point.
I sped on to the Stormcloak camp to meet Galmar, who briefed me on the fort attack ahead. The troops were already in position and were waiting on my arrival.
I set off to catch up to them.
As I jogged, I heard a voice call out to me from the roadside, seemingly wanting assistance. A short stop wouldn’t hurt, the Stormcloaks could wait a little longer.
Vampires again! They wished to add me to the pile of corpses.
I killed the three monsters, and discovered that their prey had been a traveling group of Stendarr.
The problem seen to, I rushed off to the battle. As expected, the warriors were waiting in position.
On my arrival, the battle was ready to begin and the charge was led.
Our campaign was almost over, but I felt it might be wise to call in some extra help for this push. My trusted ally Odahviing lended aid.
While the Stormcloaks cleared the main hold area, Odahviing and I took the higher ground.
Watching the dragon work was somehow beautiful. Victory was ours.
Our work done, the soldiers secured the fort and the dragon left us.
I reported back to Galmar and was informed that Ulfric awaited us at Solitude.
Finally, the city would be taken from the Empire and Skyrim’s Civil War would be over.
I immediately rushed to Solitude, the journey was not far and it was not long before I saw the destruction that the battle was bringing.
Ulfric stood at the gates with his soldiers and delivered a motivating speech, rousing us and readying us for the glory we were about to take, for ourselves and for Skyrim.
The time for talk was over, battle had begun.
As Ulfric, Galmar and the bulk of the Stormcloaks clashed with enemies at the gates, I pushed through and forward to clear the way ahead.
I cut through a number of Imperials before Ulfric and his people caught up.
From then, the three of us stayed together as Officers.
We pushed forward, heading for Tullius’ office.
Just outside the office, we were set upon by a large force once more. Ulfric almost fell, but with me by his side, we pulled through and cleared out the Imperials.
The for under our control, it was now time to confront Tullius.
Inside, Legate Rikke stood between us and the commander.
She argued with Ulfric and Galmar while they urged her to surrender.
Tullius sat by quietly, seemingly waiting for inevitable defeat.
Rikke was not so eager to give up so easily however and threatened to not give up without a fight.
It didn’t seem right, but if she was to attack us, then we would have to defend ourselves. Galmar was first to draw his weapon.
Negotiating was no longer an option. It was a fight to the death now.
Rikke sliced at Galmar, forcing him back, then Tullius jumped in and began duelling him while Rikke turned on Ulfric and myself.
We fought her down and she lay wounded.
With her beaten, we looked to assist Galmar and have Tullius surrender. However, Rikke took one more dive at me and my hand moved to execute her.
It was not long before Tullius had fallen back into his corner defeated.
The Imperial leader begged Ulfric once more to see things his way, reminding us that the true enemy was the Thalmor. I agreed, but the Empire had definitely had their part in the civil war and could never be seen as the heroes.
Ulfric offered me the honour of killing Tullius, but I stepped back. It was not my place.
History would remember that Ulfric, not the Dragonborn killed Tullius. I preferred it that way.
The day was won. Ulfric gathered his Stormcloaks to deliver his victory speech.
I stood at his side. This was his moment.
Ulfric was now all but High King of Skyrim and he swore that the elves would be next to be driven from the land.
That was it. The war was done. My part in it was over. Ulfric however had only just begun to rule.
Part 19 ‘Hearth, Home and Hert’ Here
Chapter List Here
