Memoirs of Larz D'Ovakine ~ The Hunt for Altan pt. 2(spoilers)

• Posted by Guy Corbett March 7, 2012 - 718 views

  First I would just like to apologise for taking so long getting this next part on the blog. I have had a break from writing. I was posting every other day and it took its toll lol Anyway I hope you enjoy.

  I decided to stick to using carriages to transport me across the plains to Whiterun. I had a bad feeling the situation of the war was accelerating. I couldn't risk getting caught up in roadside ambushes not when I'm so close to finding my family.

  The carriage driver knew who I was from previous trips and we already had a rapport. We chatted about the unrest across the realm, my frustration in the quest for my family and when I told him about my incursion back over the mountains his demeanour changed and I noticed him scanning anything that could hide a potential threat be it beast or Stormcloak much more thoroughly. 

  I suddenly realised the position and danger I had put the man in. I instantly apologised and reassured him that we would be safe. I had ridden that road a hundred times now on my own so I knew where to keep a wary eye on the road ahead. I was right, we made it to Whiterun without incident and when I climbed down from the carriage I handed an extra 100 septims to the driver for his trouble. I also knew it would give my reputation a nice boost. The driver would tell everyone in the Bannered Mare. I heard the man muttering his disbelief as the coins clinked into his palm once my back was turned and I headed into Town.

  The Late afternoon Sun bathed Whiterun, the smells of the smithy mixing with fragrances of the fresh produce in the market and the smoke from the lit lanterns lining the the main street. Everything seemed normal and I even ignored a couple of the traders attempts to offer the latest deals as I briskly headed up the steps passed the Tree up towards Dragons Reach.

  I hadn't seen the Jarl since he told me about my destiny as the Dragonborn so I didn't know what kind of reception I would receive. As I approached the Jarl's Throne I passed the usual throng of cronies lining the long tables either side of the large hearth fire. I nodded greeting to those that made eye contact. Irelith rose from her seat and gave me a slight bow as Jarl Balgruuf spotted me

  "Larz, How good it is to see you. I have been hearing tell of your exploits haha. I can't believe the Dragonborn has returned. How can I help you this day my Thane?" I bowed my head to the Jarl

  "Thank you Jarl but I still haven't been to see the Greybeards, I'm here on a different matter. No doubt you have heard that I now serve General Tullius. He has asked me to come here not as your Thane or an Imperial but as the man you know me to be to tell you it's time to make a decision Sire." Balgruuf leaned back in his throne running his hand through his blond beard.

  "Well Larz you certainly don't waste time getting to the point and I like that. But before I make my final decision I need you to do something for me." Reaching behind his throne he produced his Great Ax.

  "Would you take this Axe and offer it to Ulfric Stormcloak. He will know what it means. Once you have done that I will know my decision for definite." He stretched out the ancient weapon with both arms.

  "I'm sorry Jarl but I can't risk going to Windhelm. Ever since what happened in Cyrodill I'm probably a known enemy of the Stormcloaks. I'd be lucky to return with my head never mind your fine Axe." The Jarl smiled retracting the Axe and sitting back in his chair.

  "I understand Larz. You have got yourself entwined in our lives haven't you. After everything you have already done the only other thing I would ask is that you stay here in Whiterun and await the answer from Ulfric?" Again I made a small bow to the Jarl

  "It would be my honour Sire, I shall join the rest of your fine court if that's acceptable?" Balgruuf rose smiling from his throne

  "Of course my friend, sit, eat, drink. MEAD NOW for the Dragonborn."

  A serving girl rushed over guiding me to an empty seat whilst filling a tankard of the fine Honningbrew. I indulged my self whilst we waited. I saw the Whiterun Ranger approach Balgruuf, after a quiet word he handed him the axe and he sped out the hall. The mood in the hall was sombre as evening approached. I could sense that people knew things were happening. No songs of hero's past or boisterous drinking games were had. The atmosphere felt still with the quiet conversations and mutterings over the crackle of the fire. It was the same when I stepped outside for some fresh air.

  The starry sky softly lit the City in blue and only the flickering of the lanterns gave movement to the empty streets. The whole town silent apart from the sound of the many waterways trickling through Whiterun. As I returned to my seat the large hall doors slammed open and the ranger flew up the steps Axe in hand

  "Jarl, Sire, Jarl" The lad panted breathless, red faced and obviously bursting with adrenaline running upto the Throne

  "Calm yourself lad, take a breath" The Jarl said shoring up the exhausted Ranger as he nearly collapsed onto the floor.

  "My Lord........Ulfric.....He's on the march!.......He means to over through Whiterun!.....He's on his way!" The release of his message was all he had left and passed out dropping the axe to the floor.

  "Larz I think you have your answer. Get those troops stationed and everyone else PREPARE FOR BATTLE!" Jarl Balgruuf raised the axe from the ground punching the air as he gave his ultimate order.

  The Hall jumped into life, Irelith started yelling orders and people started ushering civilians out and the Bells outside started ringing calling all soldiers to arms. The rest of the night was spent getting the City ready. All non essential people were put indoors, wooden spiked barricades where erected at all the entrances through the town and guards posted on the most secure parts of the walls. I spent most of the night in Balgruufs War room going over strategies and tactics with the Jarl. Once Legate Quetin Cipius arrived we had the extra troops positioned and he ordered my out to meet up with Legate Rikke.

  I hadn't realised that it was Dawn, the Sun had just begun to rise but a heavy cloud already hung over Whiterun and it didn't mean Rain. From the high steps of Dragon reach I could see the fire pits of Ulfric's Army surrounding the City walls. Lines of troops backed up by catapults loaded with flaming shot sat in wait, ready to crush and burn the whole city. The air was laden with smoke of the fires and pitch. An acrid smell that burnt your throat. The whole effect gave Whiterun an ominous orange glow. The catapults started their bombardment as I reached the main gate, showering the streets in fire and ember that stuck because of the tar searing through anything flammable. 

  I found Rikke on the arch at the entrance to the town. She was finishing her speech as I got to her side. The men shouted an immense battle cry and assumed their positions. I took aim from the arch with my bow. Stormcloaks started charging up the road, a wall of blue and steel. Rikke held off till the last moment before shouting the order to fire. Arrows rained down on the advancing Stormcloaks sending droves to Sovengarde in an instant but they kept advancing. The both of us kept shouting orders and encouragement to hold the first barricade. The men fought valiantly but I looked over the parapet to see the Stormcloaks hacking at the barricade. I ran down the steps to the archway calling the order for men to reinforce with me. The Stormcloaks filled the arch bustling to get purchase to move the barricade. I shouted "FIRE" letting my shout go as a volley flew in the human wall. The combo knocked the soldiers back momentarily as a stray flaming shot from a catapult rocketed into the barricade, destroying it and the men both sides of the fence in an explosion of dirt, timber, metal and flesh. The blast threw me off my feet. I gathered my self up as the Stormcloaks charged once more through the arch. Rikke was now moving to attack from her perch, I ordered what troops survived the catapulting to reinforce the guard towers and for men to stand with me. Firing our bows we covered Rikke so that she could regroup and she headed up onto the guard towers shouting commands as she chopped her way through the Stormcloak charge. 

  I ordered my men out in a line as we walked up the hill backs to the raised drawbridge. Holding fast to stop any further advance on the drawbridge itself. We acted as a wall of arrows funnelling the Stormcloaks up onto the Guard Towers forcing them to bottle neck. I spotted a General rounding up some men and heading our way. As they broke from the main flow of men I ordered a volley, then a fire at will order as I switched to my Sword raising it high I charged forward clashing blades with the General. The Stormcloaks reinforced their ranks as fast as the arrows dropped them. We continued to parry and counter each other. Their superior numbers slowly pushed us back to the edge of the moat as the General continued to match my attacks. Our blades bit into each other once more and I had had enough I blasted them with my shout. The dazed General staggered backwards as I pressed the attack, Slicing low I slashed his leg sending him on one knee. I raised my blade, carving through the air I brought it down as he raised his shield shattering it on impact. Splintered wood showered him as my blade carried on through his forearm pulverising it. Screaming in pain I skewered him through the chest. I had to kick the man free and into the moat to boot but it had the desired effect destroying their morale. Their ranks faltered and as Rikke forced them back down from the Guard towers it allowed us to regroup and after a final charge we heard the call for retreat from the remaining Stormcloak Officiers.

  After chasing down the stragglers all the survivors of the battle where thanked by Jarl Balgruuf at the main gate to Whiterun. The city lay smouldering but not a single Stormcloak broke through their bodies lay strewn on the road and their confidence rocked. The people and buildings of Whiterun were safe. As the celebrating erupted Legate Rikke pulled me to oneside

  "Larz thank you for your support in the Battle. I don't think we could of stopped them destroying Dragons Reach never mind hold them at the gates if it wasn't for you. I know your looking for your family and I have received reports that there is a Stormcloak Courier who is a little lazy that you might be able intercept up in the Pale. The papers and letters he carries may have a lead for you. I'm heading to our camp there now come find me once you have bumped into this Courier on the Dawnstar to Windhelm road." 

  "Of course I will head there once I get some rest. It was an honour to fight with you by my side Rikke, you are a formidable warrior and leader and we worked well together. I look forward to our next meeting. Travel safe." With that she saluted me and went to join the celebrating soldiers.