The Dragonborn

Part 143

Jack took his time crossing the thick spine of the whale. With Mark close behind him, he felt slightly safer to cross. Stepping off onto the rocky side, Jack took a deep breath to calm himself down. Leaning back on the massive wooden doors to the hall, Nate smirked and crossed his arms. Pointing at Nate with a stern finger, Jack snapped out in warning. "Not a word." Nate raised his hands in surrender, but his smile never faded. Inching toward the doors, the three of them pushed them open. From the second the doors parted; the warmth of the hall welcomed them. Inside, the place was lit up with so much light that it took their eyes time to adjust. The fires gave off a pleasant warmth throughout the long banquet hall. The smell of the food lining the tables and cooking on spits made their stomachs growl. Jack had never seen so much food and drink. Warriors from every time period were here and chatting like old friends to some of Skyrim's newer heros. Mark looked like a giddy school boy as he pointed out a few men that he recognized from his childhood stories.

Men and women from all races walked the hall and enjoyed what appeared to be a massive party. However, the place wasn't what Jack had really expected. He'd built up the afterlife to be much different. This Hall that everyone desired to go to... it was just that. A massive dinning hall. The room on the far side contained massive barrels of replenishing drink. Whatever was eaten kept reappearing. The Bards never tired, filling the place with peaceful music that was lively enough to keep everyone in good spirits. It was a paradise... and it looked like a prison. They made their way casually down the steps, while Nate brushed a finger down the stone banister and chuckled out to them. "What do you know... No dust. Ah! That Orc owes me thirteen gold!" Jack chuckled, glancing to Mark who rolled his eyes and muttered out. "Bards..." Tiidgein sniffed the air, then flew to the table to investigate a smoke roasted honey glazed goat leg. Jack started to reach out for a piece himself, when Nate snatched both Tiidgein head and Jack's hand.

Leaning in, Nate told him in a serious tone. "Don't eat the food or drink anything. You do... and you'll never be able to go home. Mark crossed his arms, snapping back defensively. "Ya? How do you know this?" Nate narrowed his eyes on Mark, answering dryly. "You're not the only ones with ties to Daedric Lords, ok? Just trust me." Mark tensed, pulling Jack away from Nate to hiss out. "Did you know about that? We can't trust him. He could be in league with-" Nate puffed himself up, stating aloud. "I can still hear you... And for your information, I was sent to help. Alduin affects everyone, not just the mortals. Stealing souls that aren't his has made him enemies. Enemies that have been helping you whether you have known it or not." Mark pointed a finger at Nate, snapping out. "This is a private conversation. Plug your ears or something!" Nate hugged Tiidgein to his chest like a cat, sarcastically retorting. "I don't think that will help. I'm still kind of new to all this."

Mark clenched his jaw, but Jack stepped between them to command them both seriously. "Guys, not now. We're here for Alduin. Let's not lose sight of that. Let's just ask around for people to help." Mark nudged Jack, gesturing to a Nord that was approaching them with a neutral expression. Nate moved away from the man, letting Jack take the lead. The blonde Nord stopped before them, extending his arms out as he greeted them. "Welcome Dragonborn! Our door has stood empty since Alduin's arrival. We have been waiting for you." Jack glanced around as the music faded out and all eyes turned to look at him. Feeling suddenly anxious, he asked the man curiously. "You knew I was coming? How?" The Nord chuckled, proudly stating aloud. "Shor told us. By Shor's command, we sheathed our blades and venture not the veil's dark mist. But three await your word. To loose their fury upon the perilous foe. Gormlaith, the fearless. Glad hearted in battle. Hakon, the valiant. Heavy handed warrior. And Felldir, the old. Far seeing and grim."

Jack shuffled his feet uncomfortably, softly replying. "Can I speak to Shor? Is there no one else that can help me?" The Nord dropped a firm hand on Jack's shoulder, answering with a weird grin. "Shor is not here. He graces our presence very rarely. He said to tell you... You must finish what you started... All those years ago." Jack took a step back, turning to face Mark with worried eyes. Mark looked just as concerned by this news. Nate on the other hand, shrugged and uttered out coolly. "What's with the look? Do you know them or something?" Jack turned his fragile eyes on Nate, who suddenly gasped and stated out. "Oh fuck... You got them killed, didn't you?!" Jack hushed Nate, moving closer to discreetly inform him. "It's a long story... But years ago, my... Alter self. Was asked to fight with them... He refused. They fought Alduin and then... He had them burned alive..." Nate hugged Tiidgein closer to his neck, mumbling out a bit timidly now. "So... This won't be a touching reunion... They may want to kill you."