Chapter 20
Sundas, the 4th of Morning Star, Year 202 of the 4th Era
Apparently, Jarl Karldar had been sincere in wanting to speak with her. A letter on parchment bearing his seal was delivered to the College requesting her appearance in his court on Sundas. Despite being worded as a request, the letter was clearly a summons. That the jarl had specified Sundas, the one day she was free to leave the College without requesting permission, was also significant. It was no secret that Jarl Kraldar had met with Archmage Savos multiple times. He could have easily asked for her to be excused, but he had not. Perhaps the new jarl was more perceptive than she'd given him credit for being.
Daenerys decided to bring only Sofija with her. While Sofija was only a novitiate, Jarl Kraldar would have his followers. Unless she was greatly mistaken this meeting would be about politics. While she was a minor piece, she was now caught up in the game of thrones. Bringing a follower of her own was a statement about her influence. It also meant that she had a witness on her side. Daenerys pulled the hood of her cloak down to cover her face and wrapped herself tightly to keep warm. Given that it was still winter, she didn't attract notice. Even many of the Nords wore cloaks pulled low against the icy winds coming off the Sea of Ghosts.
When she arrived at the Jarl's longhouse, she was ushered into a war room adjacent to the throne room. The main fixture of the room was a table bearing a large map of Skyrim laid marked with little red and blue pennants showing the status of Imperial and Stormcloak forces. A serving girl offered to bring her refreshments and shortly returned with a mug of mulled wine. Daenerys studied the map and sipped the hot spiced wine while she waited. She didn't have to wait long.
Jarl Kraldar entered with a gracious wave and a smile. "Daenerys of the House Targaryen, thank you for accepting my invitation."
Daenerys rose and gave a curtsey out of respect for his position. "Thank you, for inviting me." She returned to her seat.
The jarl's housecarl, Thonjolf, entered and closed the door behind him. He silently went to stand behind Jarl Kraldar, mirroring the position that Sofija took behind her. Now all the pieces were in place. Daenerys sipped her wine and waited for the jarl to explain why he wanted to see her.
Jarl Kraldar didn't disappoint. "I had the feeling that there was more that you wanted to say to me when we last spoke, but you held back. Is that correct?"
Daenerys smiled. "Indeed. I'm pleased you understood. Archmage Savos is a powerful wizard, but he is not a politician. Nor should he be; the College of Winterhold should stand above such things. However, I don't think he appreciates that some discussions should be kept discrete, especially with Justiciar Ancano visiting the College."
"Are you saying that Archmage Savos would tell the Thalmor?" He seemed upset by the suggestion.
"No, no, no, not at all. I'm suggesting that he would likely tell his faculty, who he trusts, but that's seven mouths who might gossip. I'm not speculating widely. In a private meeting with him and his deputy, I mentioned being of noble blood. Within days the entire College knew. Just because he is a magical genius, does not mean he is adept at politics."
Jarl Kraldar nodded sadly. "Ah, that I understand. Yes, with Ancano in the College I agree that it is best that certain sensitive discussions be kept close." He sighed. "Very well. You were discussing that you were more of the opinion of Jarl Balgruuf. You came here from Whiterun. What do you know about his neutrality?"
"I do not know anything as such, but I will tell you of my own beliefs. Jarl Balgruufs actions lead me to believe that he is of a similar mind. The people should be free to worship Talos as they please, but we should not be fighting the Empire. That's what the Thalmor wants. Skyrim fighting the Empire only benefits the Aldmeri Dominion. After the secession of Hammerfell, the Empire can hardly afford to lose another province."
He sighed. "So you said, but meanwhile Nords are killing Nords. The Empire is already here in Skyrim hunting down the Stormcloaks."
"Is the Empire really doing that? They could be attacking cities, but they are not. In fact, they seem mostly content to hold the territory that has declared for them. They're trying not to escalate things. There is fighting in the open land between holds, but this war is not being actively fought by either side." Daenerys paused weighing her words carefully. "If anything, the Empire is being retaliatory instead of taking the fight to Ulfric."
"There is some truth to that, but I don't see your point."
Daenerys sipped her wine. "Simply this. Don't press the war. Instead, the Stormcloaks should consider suing for peace. Have the Empire recognize Skyrim's right to religious freedom and recognize Ulfric as High King. Skyrim agrees to rejoin the Empire under the same terms Morrowind joined – they get to keep their religious beliefs."
"That breaks the White-Gold Concordat," replied Jarl Kralder, but he sounded intrigued.
Daenerys shrugged. "It's just a treaty. If the Empire recognizes Skyrim's right to religious freedom, that's another treaty. The Thalmor will be upset, but I doubt they're ready to go to war. If they were, they would be doing so now instead of turning Skyrim against the Empire. What's more, it has already been one human generation since the White-Gold Concordat was signed. How many mer generations has it been?"
"Half a generation for Altmer at best. Other mer are more fertile and shorter-lived." He wagged a finger. "I've heard this argument. You believe The Aldmeri Dominion would not have sued for terms if they could have continued fighting, and while both empires are still recovering, humans recover faster."
"Indeed, that was my point. We know the war is coming. If we wait until the Aldmeri Dominion is ready, then we have already lost. That's why the Thalmor wants Skyrim to rebel. That's how they keep us weak while they grow stronger. Avoid their trap. Do you think the Empire wanted to ban Talos worship? They try to ignore that law as much as they can. Give the Empire a chance to have Skyrim returned to the fold without bloodshed and thumb their nose at the Aldmeri Dominion? What would you do in the Emperor's place?"
"It's more than likely that the Empire didn't care if Talos was worshipped in secret, but the moment Ulfric made his move, they were forced to react. Something which the Thalmor has taken ruthless advantage of by driving the purge, yet only offering peripheral support of their own," Daenerys explained. "With Skyrim in open revolt, the Empire is weakened, and the Dominion gains the advantage. The Thalmor won't stop until they see Ayleid Empire restored and every human in chains. Who is the real enemy?"
"It's a fair point, but I doubt the Empire would grant Skyrim independence when only four holds are in rebellion. It's also for Ulfric Stormcloak to decide. I cannot change policy from here in Winterhold. My people are going to join the Stormcloaks if they want."
"Not if you give them something else that needs doing. I can think of at least two things I would do in your place."
"Really, now?" Jarl Kraldar leaned forward. "And what would you do? Rebuild Winterhold?"
"Yes, but I wouldn't make that a priority. I would build towers around the city and place ballista on top of them. That is more for defense against dragons more than to protect against an Imperial invasion. Dragonhide is too thick for arrows to pierce unless you are incredibly lucky. A ballista bolt can kill a dragon. That would be my highest priority because even after you build the towers and ballista, it will take time to train men to use them. If you want to rebuild Winterhold, the towers can later be incorporated into a wall around the city."
"Would that do any good? Dragons are fast flyers from what I've heard."
"They are, but they'll also hover in place to attack. I was at Helgen, I saw it happen. Archers did nothing. Imperial battlemages did nothing. Right now if a dragon attacked, all you could do is pray to the gods." Perhaps with all the mages in the College, it would be different. Especially if they didn't attack a dragon with fire, but still this was something the jarl could easily do to protect his people.
"It's good advice. If that is your first priority, what is your second?"
"Let me ask you a question, how big is your navy?"
"Navy? Winterhold doesn't have a navy to speak of. I believe Jarl Korir had a personal vessel for hold business. That defaulted to me, but I haven't given it any thought."
Daenerys nodded. That was what she expected. She had seen the beach around Winterhold and the little island north of the College held only fishing boats. "We eat a lot of fish at the College. I imagine you do as well in the city. This isn't good land for farming. The Empire does have a navy. So does Solitude. What would happen if they simply parked two warships off the coast and sank every fishing boat that tried to sail?"
Behind Jarl Kraldar his housecarl went suddenly pale.
"By Ysmir! We could survive without the fishing fleet at least during the summer months, but we'd starve come winter, and we could do nothing to stop them."
She merely nodded her agreement. Jarl Kraldar had taken her bait. "Then my advice to you on what to do about the civil war is to put your people to work and build some ships. Perhaps on that fishing island north of the College. If Ulfric asks what you are doing for the war, tell him you're preparing to take the fight to Solitude." Which would help Winterhold in the short term, but more importantly would trigger a naval build-up. All the kingdoms of men should be focusing more on their naval forces. Why nobody seemed to realize that obvious military truth was beyond her.
"I will certainly be telling him that. To be honest the thought of taking the fight to Solitude by sea is a damn good idea as well. Fat merchant ships sail in and out of Solitude every day. Winterhold could fill its coffers raiding that trade and send a stronger message to the Empire than all of Ulfric's posturing. Let the East Empire Company lose a few cargos and the Empire would surely take notice."
"I think you might be counting your ships before they're built."
"True enough!" Jarl Kraldar laughed loudly. "Still it's worth thinking about. Although…" He paused and stroked his beard. "There are a lot of pirates operating on the Sea of Ghosts. I wonder how many would like to call themselves privateers, give Winterhold a cut in return for a safe harbor and a place to sell their goods."
It was a good idea. She didn't approve of pirates. They were just thieves with boats, but it cost Jarl Kraldar very little, would hurt the Imperials, and enrich his coffers. In the long term it would help trigger a naval build-up. Something she should at least mention. "You do realize the Empire will counter by authorizing privateers of their own?"
"Naturally, but that will take time. By then Winterhold could have a few ships of our own. Although first I'd have to find pirates willing to sit still and talk to make the offer."
Daenerys shook her head. "You obviously haven't been to the fishing village north of Winterhold lately. Those people are dirt poor and hostile to outsiders. I'd bet that staff you gave me that some of them are smuggling at least. I wouldn't be surprised if some of them aren't related to pirates or actual pirates themselves. It's not like anyone in Winterhold keeps watch of what comes in by sea."
"No, we haven't been." He sighed. "You were a ruler somewhere, weren't you lass? Before you were forced into exile? You grasp this too well."
Daenerys thought of Brelyna and how secrets shared bound them together. "What I say here does not go beyond this room? Not even to Ulfric?"
"I swear, not even to my wife."
"I was Queen of Meereen in the lands of the East once." For that was what Essos meant, the lands of the East.
"I knew it!" He grinned. "I don't suppose you'll share the story?"
Daenerys shook her head. "Maybe someday, but not today."
"Then I won't press you, but you have proven to me to be both wise and honorable. The people of my hold call you a hero. Daenerys of House Targaryen, I name you Thane of Winterhold."
For a moment she was shocked, but she recovered quickly. "I am grateful for the honor, Jarl Kraldar, but I am an outlander. I am not sure that I can live up to the responsibilities of that title. What are the duties of a thane?"
Behind her she heard Sofija give a little sigh of frustration. No doubt she had just asked something stupidly obvious to Nords.
"A thane is a title of recognition for those who have done great deeds and service to the hold. Thanes are considered unlanded nobles. It entitles you to dine at my table and means that I may call upon you at times for advice, to lend aid in war, or in some other service."
That was about what she thought. "I would like to respectfully decline. I am first and foremost a student of the College of Winterhold. I will gladly advise you, but I am not prepared to swear fealty to you."
"Ah, I understand now. You were a queen. It's not so easy for you to bend the knee, or even to tie yourself to one place, perhaps? While thanes usually swear to the Jarl, it is not a requirement. I grant you the title with no strings, Daenerys Targaryen. I may ask for your help or advice, but it will be a request, not the order of your jarl."
"Then I accept." She didn't have much choice. Refusing a second time would be unforgivably rude.
"Good!" Jarl Kraldar stood up. "Now, would you introduce me to your retainer? If she is to be your housecarl, then I should know her name."
.oOo.
Daenerys made a stop at the Frozen Hearth before returning to the College. As soon as she entered all eyes turned upon her. Several of them bowed their heads deeply out of respect. The attention was unwelcome as she wanted to be discrete, but it was not unexpected. Most of them just looked.
The innkeeper came out from behind his bar to greet her. "Lady Targaryen. Look. I'm sorry about the… unpleasantness the last time you visited. It won't happen again. Whatever you would like, food, drink, it's on the house."
This was the first time anyone in Skyrim had called her Lady. Apparently, the people of Winterhold held more respect for her than the students at the College. "Thank you, I may have some mulled wine before I leave, but first I would like to speak with one of your guests, a mage by the name of Nelacar."
"Oh, of course. His room is right here." The innkeeper knocked on the door. "Nelacar, Nelacar, open up."
Nelacar opened the door suddenly. He was an Altmer, gold of skin with sharp features and a haughty air about him. "What?! I've already paid for the week, and I already told you the smell was just a minor miscalculation. It won't happen again."
"It's fine. Actually, no it's not fine, but that's not why I'm here. You have a guest, the Lady Targaryen."
Nelacar looked over at her. "Oh, well that's different. I'm always happy to meet a lady." He bowed formally. "Nelacar, at your service. Won't you come in?"
Daenerys entered with Sofija following behind her. The room was a bit larger than most for an inn, but still just a single room. There was a small bed in the corner, a bench covered with enchanting supplies, a large bookshelf, and a small table with only one chair. "It's rather cozy, but this will do." She looked at the innkeeper. "Would you bring in another chair, please?"
"Oh, of course. Right away." He hurried off and returned shortly with another chair.
"Thank you." Daenerys sat and waited for the innkeeper to depart. The fewer people learning she was interested in a Daedric artifact the better.
Nelacar sat in the other chair. "So, how can I be of assistance? Are you interested in my research?"
"Actually, I'm interested in an incident that happened at the College before I arrived. I understand it involved Azura's Star and a student's death."
"Who sent you? Was it the College? The Jarl? We agreed there would be no more questions."
This is where she needed to tread lightly. "None of those. Since the duel, I have found myself caught up in politics between the new Jarl and the College. When you're involved in politics, it helps to know where the skeletons are buried."
"Politics." Nelacar crossed his arms. "And the people distrust mages. Why would I want these skeletons uncovered? What's in it for me?"
Did he want gold? She had brought her coin purse with her. Inside was half her remaining funds, money she would need to hire mercenaries, but even then it wouldn't go very far. She reached into her purse and grabbed a handful of coins without bothering to count and placed them on the table. "Would that help make it worth your while?"
Nelacar sighed. "A few coins for my soul? If only you understood the irony. What do you know about soul gems?"
"Not much. I know they're used in enchanting. Basically, they're the fuel, but I'm still learning to identify the enchantment upon an item. I don't know the details."
"You know more than most. They are indeed used to power enchantments. The problem is that the gem is always consumed. They're frail. Except for one, Azura's Star. A Daedric artifact that allows any number of souls to pass through it. Some of us wanted to find out how. I was working under Malyn Varen, then. If only we knew what he was really planning. Malyn wanted to alter the Star. He was dying. Disease. He thought he could store his own soul inside and become immortal. I mentioned how the Star is a soul gem, only it never gets depleted? There's another rule the artifact follows. You can only store white souls in the Star, belonging to the lesser creatures. Azura's magic won't allow black souls to enter it. As a mortal, Malyn's soul was black, so part of his work was breaking past Azura's rules. He was close before it drove him mad."
"It? Dying or the Star?"
"The Star. You need to understand that Azura is no ordinary Daedra. She commands an entire realm inside of Oblivion. The more Malyn worked on the Star, the more she was able to damn him. It started slowly at first. Malyn would see things that weren't there. Then he would yell at students over words they hadn't said. Then one day I walked in and Malyn had... killed a student, and in a horrific moment of inspiration, he started using her soul for his work."
"So, you killed him?"
"What? No! I reported him to the Archmage. She wasn't his first victim. The College expelled him. He took a few loyal disciples to Ilinalta's Deep and vanished."
Ilinalta's Deep! That was what she came for. She had a location now. However, she still had to play out her role. "But why simply expel him? If he was guilty of murder, he should have been tried and executed. Isn't he probably still out there? Still murdering people for his experiments."
"I don't know! Maybe. There. You have your 'skeleton', and I have my gold. Now leave me be."
Daenerys rose. "As you wish." She left the mage in his room with his regrets. She wasn't that impressed with him. Nor with what she had learned about Archmage Savos. She had her location, Ilinalta's Deep. She could research that in the College library. However, taking on a coven of mages sounded more dangerous than exploring a Nord barrow. Was she really destined to retrieve Azura's Star? Or was Azura manipulating her?
