The unwelcome foreigner from the south - Chapter 7

  • Chapter 7: The college of Winterhold.

     

    We didn't make it more than a few miles before Elanin's summoned horse disappeared right from under us and faded away into nothing. We were travelling at full gallop and both of us went tumbling to the ground in a tangled mess. The snow gave some cushioning but the fall hurt nevertheless.

    “Ughh” I moaned as I picked myself up off the cold snowy ground. I didn't feel any severe pain which was good but my leg hurt as I put my weight onto it. “You could have told me that would happen!” I continued.

    “I'm sorry. I must be weaker than I think I am, I lost concentration.”

    “Well yeah.” I said sarcastically. “At least the college will teach you to be better at conjuration magic” I objected. “ It looks like you could use some more training. We could have been seriously injured.” It then dawned on me that I hadn't checked to see if she was hurt. “You OK?” I asked in a gentler tone of voice.

    “I'm fine” she said bluntly looking around at their surroundings. The landscape was a bleak & snowy wilderness with mountains towering all around us. The road wound its way northwards towards the northeastern tip of Skyrim where Winterhold was situated. The coastline cliffs which led down a sheer drop into the icy sea could just be seen beyond a flat expanse of pristine snow.

    I limped and helped myself to a healing potion which numbed the pain within minutes. “Shall we continue?” I suggested. “This time on foot if you please.”

    We trudged on for most of the morning without any event or mishap; there were not even any dangerous wildlife such as sabretooth cats around nor any bandits. The weather became even colder as we travelled further north to the point where it was becoming unbearable. I would have to get used to it though if I wanted my education although at that moment in time it didn't seem likely.

    “I wonder why this road is so dangerous?” I asked. The elf shrugged and suggested that it was due to the brutal weather and bandits however not many would be stupid enough to camp out in this cold. I pulled my scarf around me tighter as I thought of a nice warm camp fire.

    We soon got our answer to my question. Up ahead on the road at a distance were two frost trolls fighting with a group of men or women who you could not tell at that distance. Flashes of fire, lightning and the glint of a weapon could be seen every now and then. Mages I thought. Elanin had already done what I was thinking and was starting to run towards them with me quickly following.

    “You need any help?” my elven companion asked.

    “You are too late to the party” one of then, another high elf said. “We have dealt with them.”

    “I can see that. I was wondering if there were any more” Elanin remarked gesturing to the two dead trolls who's blood from their charred bodies was staining the snow red. “I assume you are going to the college?”

    The elf mage put her hands on her hips. “We are from the college. We are returning from a field trip to an old Nordic ruin. These are my students that have accompanied me.” She waved her hand at the others. I could see a Khajiit amongst them.

    “Sorry to interrupt but both of us are heading to the college. Our carriage driver abandoned us on the way so we have had to walk. How much further is it?” I asked.

    “New students. I thought as much.” she said with some disdain. Lucky we were around to save your ass. You look like you wouldn't have stood a chance against those trolls. It was rather foolish to travel on foot. Nevertheless you can travel with us.” the elf continued.

    The Khajiit stared at me and I began to walk towards him. He looked about my age and from what I'd seen was pretty good at destruction spells. “I'm Ji'Arsha” I introduced myself. The Khajiit reluctantly held out his hand in greeting and uttered “J'Zargo.”

    Elanin perked up and turned to face us. “So you are the Khajiit I have heard so much about” she said to him. He didn't answer for a while and finally replied. “Heard what?”

    “That you are one of the most respected students and you aim to work your way up to the Arch-Mage's job amongst other things.”

    J'Zargo frowned and said through gritted teeth. “This one thinks you should keep your mouth shut. Whatever you have heard about me keep that to yourself.” Elanin looked a bit taken aback and stood by my side. “So another of my kind” he said turning to me. “I hope you will be more sensible and keep your nose out of where it does not belong.”

    I nodded. “I have only come here to learn. I do not wish to intrude on private affairs of other students.”

    “Fair enough” he answered as he climbed onto his horse. “Join me” he continued indicating that I should sit behind him. I obliged and a couple of hours later we arrived at the city of Winterhold or what was left of it.

    I looked around as we rode through the only street. A longhouse belonging to the Jarl stood at one side flanked by a couple of ramshackle stores. A tavern was across the road and I could only see four inhabited houses. There were several burnt out and collapsed buildings to the rear of the tavern some teetering on the edge of the sheer cliff. “This is a city? Surely there is more to it than this?”

    J'zargo laughed.” It was a city once but part of the land collapsed into the sea during a landslide taking most of the city with it. The mages college was blamed of course even though we had nothing to do with it.”

    “Oh, when was this?” I queried.

    J'Zargo slowed his horse and guided it to the stables. “Two years ago now. The city is mostly abandoned although the Jarl still lives in his home ruling over not more than 20 people. A bit of a waste of time really.”

    I knew I would probably fit in here judging by the motley crew I was travelling with of mixed races. Mainly Elves but there was a Redguard and of course J'Zargo. We dismounted and noticed that the others had began to head towards the end of the road where it ended at a stone bridge leading to the college which was atop a rocky outcropping.

    The elf who appeared to be the scholar or teacher beckoned us to follow. “We had better get you checked in then if you don't want to remain here in the cold. Once the induction is completed I guess you will be shown your quarters.”

    I followed the rest of the students over the rocky bridge which had partially collapsed half way over leaving only a few inches of stone to walk on. The sides had collapsed away and below was a sheer drop into the icy ocean. The stones were covered in ice. I paused and looked down. “Is this part of the test? Trying not to get killed?” I said with some sarcasm.

    J'Zargo had already made it across and offered his hand to help me and Elanin over. “We have been meaning to get that fixed but the Arch Mage says it keeps out bandits and other undesirables. Not many dare to cross this bridge. If you dare not cross you are considered not worthy to join us.”

    “So it is a test and I guess I failed?”

    “No, but I may not be around to help you next time. Better get used to it.”

    Lovely. At least I wasn't scared of heights as for Elanin however she wasn't so sure. I helped her cross once I was safely on the other side of the abyss. The bridge led to a gateway flanked by two circular towers which opened to a large courtyard. The college main building sat directly ahead sealed with two large wooden doors. Dim candle light could be seen from the windows within. I followed the elf through a small side door and into the main building whilst the rest hung back discussing the field trip amongst themselves.

    The college interior was almost as cold as the outside for the halls were massive and the fireplaces were dark and cold. At least we would be out of that dammed wind though. “Why are your fires not lit?” I asked.

    “Lack of wood supplies” a Dunmer elf answered from behind me. “Please be seated. I am Savos Aren, the arch-mage of this institution.” I obeyed and both me and Elanin took our places at the large table in front of us. The door shut behind us stopping the icy draft blowing down my neck leaving us sat with the arch-mage and another Dunmer who sat opposite us.

    He introduced himself as the registrar and took down our names and desired courses from the list of available scholars. We had arrived mid term but scholars often taught to individual level so it wasn't an issue for us. It cost me 1900 septims for a year in my chosen study of destruction and restoration magic with my chosen scholar and I gladly signed up after a brief demonstration of my skills.

    The arch-mage smiled. “Now that registration is out of the way it is time to show you your quarters. Tomorrow will be your induction where you will be introduced to the particulars of the college and its other scholars. Breakfast is at 6am and evening meal at 5pm – do not be late. Also fighting amongst students and racist behaviour is not tolerated here. The other rules and regulations will be explained to you at your induction.”

    With that we got up and was shown to one of the circular towers on either side of the courtyard gate we had passed earlier where upon entering it was considerably warmer than outside. A large fire pit burned in the centre and rooms on three separate levels built into alcoves were visible joined by a spiral staircase. My small room consisted of a single bed, table and wardrobe opposite J'Zargo. There wasn't even a window. Very basic but functional. I would have to manage as this was now my home for the next year at the very least.

    I unpacked my things and hung my spare clothes in the wardrobe and lay on the bed to meditate on the days events. At last I had finally found somewhere where I was accepted for what I was and without prejudice toward my race. A place were I could earn respect and friendships. Yes, I would be happy here. Hammerfell would definitely be my next destination but that would be another day.

    So this short tale comes to an end... But this will not be the last you will hear of the unwelcome foreigner from the south...

    Previous Chapter

    Table of Contents

    Authors note:-

    I felt that I have rushed this story as I wanted to keep it short and to be honest I ran out of ideas and enthusiasm. Rather than re-write it I am planning to write another short story but spend more time on each individual chapter and flesh them out with more detail. This means there will be long gaps between chapter releases as I want to make it worth reading. I felt this story was a bit boring when I have read the whole thing from beginning to end. I'm gonna submit it for the AMOST entry but I don't expect it to win any awards.

    The next story will have Slays-Many-Elves / Han-Ei as the lead character this time. I'm planning this to be about his trip to Falskaar around a year after the events of the game. It will also be a sequel to this story so Ji'Arsha is not forgotten yet; he will get a mention maybe even a role in the next story. The Dragonborn Argonian, Teekus will also make an appearance.

Comments

8 Comments
  • ShyGuyWolf
    ShyGuyWolf   ·  January 14, 2016
    That's good.I like Slays for his background.
  • Teekus
    Teekus   ·  January 14, 2016
    I thought he was pretty cool too. My two other Argonian characters are too,; question is who to write about but I think I'll go with Slays-Many-Elves with the other two as secondary characters.
  • ShyGuyWolf
    ShyGuyWolf   ·  January 13, 2016
    this is a great piece, glad you posted it. your Khajiit is pretty cool.
  • Lyall
    Lyall   ·  January 13, 2016
    This was good, I'll be missing it, as it was getting interesting. But every writer has their own pace and length for a story, so it's fine.
  • Teekus
    Teekus   ·  January 13, 2016
    Thanks
  • The Long-Chapper
    The Long-Chapper   ·  January 13, 2016
    I hate to sound like a cliché, but everybody wins at AMOST. It is good to just get out there and write and I've enjoyed following your story this month.
  • Teekus
    Teekus   ·  January 13, 2016
    Thanks Sotek it's appreciated. I need to work on something I feel worth writing so I will take maybe a week or two to release each chapter depending on other commitments. Work being one and family matters. I need to plan what I'm going to write first thou...  more
  • Sotek
    Sotek   ·  January 13, 2016
    You are not the only one to rush chapters. We all write at a pace which fits our style and time line. There are also different pressures to which one must obey.
    Once you have written more stories (or even a long story, you never know) you'll look ba...  more