Dragonborn Rising Ch. 27

"I spent most of the time running for my life, lord, but I'll do what I can."

He glanced at Aela. "You're a Companion?"

"Yes, lord."

Looking between us, he added, "Then if the Companions wish to stand for Whiterun at the same time, I can only promise you honour and reward for the assistance."

"Whiterun is our home too, lord. A dragon is a danger to us all," Aela stated.

With wishes of good luck ringing in our ears, we headed straight to Jorrvaskr to collect our weapons and gather any other Companions we could find. Vilkas was out back, practicing sword work against a dummy, and as soon as I told him what we were involved in, he immediately offered his services. The three of us headed for the main gate, where Irileth had been waiting for us, so I guess she knew before my arrival that I would be tasked with helping them.

There was no standing on ceremony as we headed out of the gates as a gaggle, most eyes on the horizon or the sky above us. There was no sign of a dragon near or far as we passed the stables and turned right onto the main road leading towards Rorikstead. Jogging past Fort Greymoor, always left wondering if it was empty or not, the western watch-tower soon came into view. I wasn't the only one concerned as we could see smoke rising, and as we crested the smallest of rises, we could see the flames as well. More than one guard muttered something loud enough that echoed all our thoughts.

The guards spread out as I headed straight for the tower. If a dragon was around, I wanted height, as I figured using a bow would be better. Aela followed me, Farkas yelling that he would stay with the guards on the ground. Running up the ramp leading into the tower itself, a bloodied guard appeared in the doorway. "No! Get back! It's still here somewhere! Hroki and Tor just got grabbed when they tried to make a run for it!"

I brushed by him as I heard Irileth asked, "Guardsman! What happened here? Where's this dragon? Quickly now!"

I didn't hear the response as I tore up the stairs, hearing the footsteps of Aela right behind me. Reaching the top, my eyes scanned the horizon, wondering where the dragon was. I looked north first, but there was no sign of it over the vast plains of Whiterun Hold so turned south towards the mountains. And that's when Aela and I both saw it.

"It's coming in fast!" she yelled as we both nocked an arrow, lining up the flying beast.

As soon as it was close enough, Aela and I both fired. It barely seemed to bother the dragon, making a beeline straight for us, both leaping out of the way as the dragon breathed flames where we had been standing. "We've got to get this thing on the ground now!"

Aela and I circled the tower, firing arrows whenever it got close enough. More than one landed, though I wasn't sure if it was making any difference or not. The dragon decided to land below us, and I could see the guards move in quickly, swords and axes swinging wildly. The dragon scratched and bit in return, and one poor bastard ended up being dragged into the sky in the jaws of the dragon. Eventually releasing the guard, I think we all heard his screams before he thudded into the ground.

The dragon made another pass towards our position, and if I didn't know any better, it was coming straight for me instead of Aela. I fired one last arrow before I dove out of the way, feeling the flames on my back as I collided into Aela, both of us rolling away. Glancing where the dragon was, it looked like the last arrow hit true, as I noticed the dragon start to struggle staying in the air.

Aela and I shared a glance, nodded, and we wasted no time heading back down to the ground. By the time we were downstairs and out the door, the battle was in full flow. More than one guard screamed out in pain, collapsing to the ground, as I threw my bow and quiver to the ground, unsheathed my sword, and joined in.

Close up, I could see what we were up against. Just the teeth of the dragon looked sharp enough to tear all of us to shreds. Its claws were long and razor sharp, ready to tear skin from bone. And its scales appeared to be incredibly thick. What I knew is that we couldn't fight the dragon forever. It needed to be a short, sharp battle.

"Aela, I have an idea," I yelled towards her.

"What is it?"

"A little crazy. Irileth, keep this thing distracted!"

"Will do!"

Hoping the dragon would remain distracted by the guards attacking its head, I circled around the beast, amazed at how large it was. Unsheathing my dagger, I leap onto its back, driving the dagger in deep. It barely noticed and was able to start crawling my up its back, driving my dagger in each time. Halfway towards its head, the dragon finally realised I was there and started to shake itself vigorously. With my dagger dug in, I held on for grim life and somehow managed to stay on it, though I was worried about it taking off.

Irileth came to my rescue, hearing a roar from the guard as she apparently cut the dragon across its neck. Not enough to bring it down, nor kill it, but apparently the blood started to flow. The dragon was again distracted, so I could continue to make my way towards its head. It shook its body again once I was near to its neck, so I sat down, sheathed my dagger and drove my sword into its back. That caused it to roar out in pain, immediately sliding forward so I was now sitting on its neck.

The dragon turned its head, almost so it could look at me. I met its eyes. I thought I was going to see evil personified. Instead, I saw the eyes of... A beast, but an honourable beast. Despite that, I lifted my sword and, with two hands, drove it down into its neck, all the way down to the hilt. The dragon couldn't withstand that sort of punishment, and I felt its legs start to wobble underneath me before it collapsed to the ground.

Sliding off its neck, I walked around to its head, watching its eyes again watch mine. Lifting my sword, I aimed at the eye that had originally been looking at me, and without hesitation, drove my sword deep into the brain of the dragon. The dragon cried out something as it lifted its head, snatching the sword from my hand, before it slumped to the ground.

The guards were beginning to cheer and applaud when something strange happened. The dragon seemed to erupt into flames, its scales disappearing, leaving only its skeleton. But it was the other event which started everyone. Some sort of... energy perhaps, or... I'm not sure, but something flowed from the dragon into me. Aela immediately mentioned that I 'glowed'.

"I can't believe it!" one of the guards nearby muttered, "You're... Dragonborn..."

Turning towards the survivors, I swear they were all about to take a knee in front of me. Sharing a glance with Aela, she simply shrugged, while Irileth looked at me with renewed interest. Looking at the guard who spoke, I asked, "Dragonborn?"

Rising to his feet, he approached. "Aye. In the very oldest tales, back from when there were still dragons in Skyrim, the Dragonborn would slay dragons and steal their power. That's what you did, isn't it? Absorbed that dragon's power?"

"I have no idea. I don't feel any different."

"There's only one way to find out. Try to Shout, that would prove it."

"Shout?" I wondered as the guards started to chatter excitedly amongst themselves. I heard the name of Tiber Septim mentioned, further tales of who the Dragonborn might have been, before they all turned and asked Irileth what she thought.

"Hmph. Some of you would be better off keeping quiet than flapping your gums on matters you don't know anything about. Here's a dead dragon, and that's something I definitely understand. Now we know we can kill them. But I don't need some mythical Dragonborn." She did turn my way and nod as she added, "Someone who can put down a dragon is more than enough for me."

I thought of the word walls I'd seen in the ruins I'd adventured through, and it all suddenly clicked into place. Gesturing with my arms, I asked them all to stand back.

"FUS..."

I'm not sure what it was, but the Shout that erupted from deep within made what felt like a thunderclap, and a couple of the guards in the way were blown from their feet. I glanced again at Aela, who looked at me in wide-eyed surprise.

The same guard stated excitedly, "That was Shouting, what you just did! Must be. You really are Dragonborn, then..." Again, I think he was ready to take a knee, along with most of the other guards.

Irileth approached me, offering her hand, her demeanour very different to our first meeting. "That was the hairiest fight I've ever been in, and I've been in more than a few. I don't know about this Dragonborn business, but I'm sure glad you're with us. You better get back to Whiterun right away. Jarl Balgruuf will want to know what happened here."

"What about you?"

"We'll keep this area secure as no doubt people will want to come and take a trophy. There might be a good trade in dragon bones soon enough."

Aela joined me as we headed back to Whiterun, Vilkas suggesting he would remain with the guards for the time being. I thought she'd have plenty to say, but whenever I glanced at her, all she did was return my look and smile, though eventually couldn't resist grabbing my hand. Past the still silent Fort Greymoor, one or two curious civilians walked past us, hearing excitement and nerves as they wondered about the outcome of the battle. Only when we were about to turn onto the path leading to the gates did something grab our attention. It sounded like a roar, or rolling thunder, from the mountains high to our right.

"What was that?" I asked.

"No idea. But it appeared to come from the Throat."

"The Throat?"

"Throat of the World. Did you understand what it was?"

"Just sounded like loud noise to me."

We received a few questions from civilians we passed, who figured that since we were returning, we'd been victorious. Passing Jorrvaskr, we headed straight up to Dragonsreach, wasting no time approaching Jarl Balgruuf, who was now seated at his throne. His assistant or steward approached me. "Good. You're finally here. The Jarl's been waiting for you."

I was ready to give him a slap for the tone of his statement, but the jarl grabbed my eye and immediately beckoned me forward. "So what happened at the watchtower? Was the dragon there?"

"It was. The watchtower is destroyed but the dragon is now dead."

"I knew I could count on Irileth. But there must be more to it than that."

I glanced at Aela, who shrugged, her eyes suggesting I should just tell him everything. "Well, you see, the guards... They seem to think I'm something called the 'Dragonborn'."

His eyes narrowed, I thought suspiciously, as he asked, "What do you know about the Dragonborn?"

"Well, this is the strangest thing. When the dragon died, it burst into flames and... I seemed to have absorbed something. Some sort of energy flowed right into me."

"So it's true. The Greybeards really were summoning you."

"Who are the Greybeards?"

The jarl got to his feet. "Come, we should sit down and discuss this." We made our way over to one of the long tables, the jarl taking a seat on one side, Aela and I on the other. The jarl offered us a drink before he continued, and I'll admit I drained the tankard quickly, much to the amusement of the jarl, who asked more be brought in and just placed in front of us. "The Greybeards are masters of the Way of the Voice. They live in seclusion high on the slopes of the Throat of the World."

"So it definitely was them that made that noise returning here," Aela stated.

"Okay, so they were attempting to summon me. But what would the Greybeards want with someone like me?"

"The Dragonborn is said to be uniquely gifted in the Voice. The ability to focus your vital essence into a Thu'um, or Shout. If you really are Dragonborn, they can teach you how to use your gift."

The jarl's bodyguard stepped forward. "Didn't you hear the thundering sound as you returned to Whiterun?" I nodded. "That was definitely the voice of the Greybeards, summoning you to High Hrothgar!" he stated excitedly. "This hasn't happened in... In centuries, at least. Not since Tiber Septim himself was summoned when he was still Talos of Atmora!"

"Talos? You mean the ex-divine?"

"Hrongar, calm yourself. What does any of this Nord nonsense have to do with our friend here?" Proventus wondered. "Capable as he may be, I don't see any signs of him being this, what, 'Dragonborn'."

I near enough got out of my seat ready to slap him for the disrespect. I think Hrongar was ready to do the same, stepping forward menacingly. "Nord nonsense? Why you puffed-up ignorant..." Hrongar stopped and took a deep breath, obviously to calm himself. "These are our sacred traditions that go back to the founding of the First Empire."

The jarl explained more about the Greybeards and what it would mean if I truly was Dragonborn. It was all happening incredibly fast. So much for just living out a life with the Companions. If I truly was this Dragonborn, I knew my life was going to change, though for better or worse, I couldn't be sure. "Ragnar, I must ask one more favour. Before you depart for High Hrothgar, please return here tomorrow. I wish to show my thanks for all that you've done for my city."

"Not alone, lord."

"No, and the Companions will also be compensated for their assistance."

"Ragnar did land the killing blow, lord," Aela added.

"Well, if he's not Dragonborn, perhaps we can call him Ragnar the Dragonslayer." It was stated with such a smirk and tone, I couldn't help chuckle.

"Thank you, lord. What time tomorrow?"

"Lunchtime. And come in your best armour."

I looked down and suggested I just needed to give my current armour a good wash and polish. Leaving Dragonsreach, we were by the Gildergreen when Aela stopped me, immediately turning towards and kissing me hard. It was such a kiss, certain parts of my body reacted, and if we'd been in privacy, I have no doubt it would have led to nudity and fucking. Finally pulling back, she looked up into my eyes and there was something different about them. "Dragonborn," she whispered.

"Still me, Aela."

She shook her head. "No. If you really are, then it changes things," she said quietly.

"Between us?"

"Oh no, I'll just dig my claws even deeper into you, keep you all to myself." She paused before adding, "Well, maybe I'll allow you one or two extra girls, as I have no doubt you're going to wear me out eventually. And you've been honest about your life so far."

"Maybe..."

She put a finger on my lips. "We can discuss it later."

Wandering into Jorrvaskr, the first thing we did was head straight downstairs to see Kodlak. We told him everything, from the second the guards came to collect us, to our meeting with the jarl. To say the old man beamed with pride would be an understatement, insisting that all Companions, or at least those present, would join me the next day. I asked what the jarl could possibly want with me. Kodlak likely did know, but simply told me to dress correctly for what would probably be an important day in my life.

Aela barely left my side all day, and by the time we headed to bed that night, I knew her idea of our first time not being in Jorrvaskr was out the window. After closing and locking the door, she practically leapt on me. As my armour was already polished for the next day, I was only dressed in shirt and slacks, so those came off very quickly. She was also wearing a dress, a real surprise as I rarely saw her in anything but her leathers, and once both naked, we tumbled into bed.

Making sure I was on my back, Aela leaned down to kiss me as I felt one of her hands stroke my length. "I can't wait for this to be inside me," she breathed.

"Not wasting any time tonight?"

She couldn't help smile. "I wanted it last night, but I figured pleasing each other at the same time with our mouths would sate our appetites. While it did, I could only think about what it would feel like for you to slide your cock in me."

Sitting up, she positioned herself over my erection and we both groaned when I felt the head of my cock slip inside her. The smile on my face made my heart beat even faster as I watched her slowly slide down my cock until our groins touched. "By Talos, that's... I don't know what word to use," she stated.

Resting my hands on her hips, I bent my legs a little and then let her take control. She started slowly, leaning down so she could kiss me, running her hands through my hair at the same time, before she had to finally give in, sit back, and ride herself hard. Watching that tight little athletic body enjoy my cock that much, and her breasts sway as she did so, was certainly captivating. And for around the third, perhaps fourth time in my life, I found myself falling hard for a woman. And I had a feeling she felt the same way.

"Ragnar, I'm going to cum!"

I couldn't stop the chuckle. "Already?"

"I've been turned on all day! I wanted you as soon as we'd finished the meeting with the old man earlier."

"Think you can keep going?"

She looked down, meeting my eyes. "Definitely. I'll just get a good sweat up at the same time."

After her first orgasm, she slowed down to recover, leaning down again to kiss me, before she whispered about us managing to finish together next time. I suggested that was a damned fine idea, as we could cum together then sleep. It didn't quite work out that way, as she had another orgasm quite quickly, though she was quite happy to roll onto her back and let me have her way with her for a couple of minutes before I finally climaxed too. Then we slept rather well.

The next morning after breakfast, Aela helped me dress in my armour, taking her time to do up all the straps, running her hands up and down my arms, making sure she spent a lot of time kissing me too. The affection shared between us was a real reminder of someone else. I knew we'd have to talk about it and soon. I felt I almost had to warn her off.

Kodlak and the other Companions were waiting for us outside Jorrvaskr. Aela grabbed my hand we led the way up the stairs towards Dragonsreach, the path flanked by town guard on either side. I came to a stop at the enormous double doors. The two guards in place bowed slightly my way before one turned and knocked on the door three times. Both doors were then opened and the guards gestured for me to walk in. It appeared almost all of Whiterun was in attendance as they crowded to either side. I recognised many of the faces, hearing whispers of 'Dragonborn' as we slowly filed past.

At the top of the stairs, the tables had been cleared away. Instead, there were short pews where even more citizens of Whiterun sat quietly, all turning to watch my progress. Stood in front of his throne was Jarl Balgruuf, dressed in his finest clothes, compared to his usual appearance. To his left was Irileth, dressed as a warrior, while to his right was Proventus.

Aela let my hand go as I came to a stop before the Jarl and finally knew what to do, taking a knee. "My lord," I stated, meeting his eyes.

"Ragnar of Riften, although I should now call you Ragnar of Whiterun, or perhaps Ragnar the Dragonslayer, you have done a great service for the city and entire hold of Whiterun since your arrival, and have also done me a great service in carrying out any request I have asked of you since you first walked through the gates of my city. I have met few warriors who carry out their tasks with as much honour and courage such as yourself. Your name will now carry the respect of all the citizens of Whiterun for the service you have provided and for the service I have no doubt you will continue to provide. You have proven to be a true warrior, a defender of the city and a champion of its citizens."

I lowered my head as he drew his sword, feeling the tip of it placed on my shoulder. "Dragonborn, it is my great personal honour to provide you with two titles. The first, by my right, is to name you the Thane of Whiterun. But I also add a second title, by my right, that of Defender of Whiterun. These are the greatest honours I can bestow upon you as Jarl."