Benedict's words from their secret meeting echoed in Katrana's mind:
"A man who speaks the Dragon Tongue, who has aligned himself with the Stonemasons' Guild, and who specifically mentioned the God of Twilight—this cannot possibly be a coincidence."
Anxiety gnawed at her. She channeled more mental spell energy through the Dragonfire Amulet in her right hand.
Pirelli had reached his limit. Under the intense mental pressure, his eyes were glazed, and his voice was raspy:
"I... I saw it with my own eyes... he killed a... giant dragon covered in fire..."
"And... he understands the meaning of the dragon roars every time..."
"I haven't seen... anyone from the Stonemasons' Guild... and I've never heard of Twilight..."
"I've known his uncle... for a long time..."
"His net cafe... is full of important people..."
The dark magical energy from the Dragonfire Amulet bored into Pirelli's temples, as if tearing his brain apart. Blood dripped from both nostrils simultaneously. He looked as if he were on the verge of death, yet Katrana continued to increase her power.
She believed the man was still using his willpower to resist her mind spells; his answers felt too rehearsed, almost worthless.
"Who?!"
She barked at the subordinate who had just burst into the dim room. The man immediately dropped to one knee in fear. Her voice echoed through the eerie, labyrinthine corridors of the catacombs.
Subordinate: "Report, Countess! The Regent insists you come to Stormwind Keep to meet him immediately!"
Katrana's brow furrowed, and she stopped her spell. Pirelli gasped, his entire body slumping as if he had just escaped a torturous ordeal.
Katrana: "How... does he know I'm here?"
Subordinate: "I do not know, but the messenger found this place... The Archbishop said you were praying for the young King..."
Katrana's frown deepened. Things were clearly moving beyond her expectations. "Do you know what this is about? Be specific!"
Subordinate: "Count Lescovar... he..."
Katrana: "Speak up! Or I'll take your life right now!"
The subordinate trembled, his forehead hitting the floor. "He was found dead in the gardens of Stormwind Keep! Marzon was killed with him!"
The news left Katrana stunned. She had been away from the Keep for less than two hours, and such a significant event had occurred.
But the subordinate wasn't finished: "Additionally, the Regent had the messenger report privately that SI:7 has confirmed the whereabouts of Marshal Windsor. The Regent needs to discuss the rescue plan with you in person!"
Katrana closed her eyes and swallowed hard. Her internal fury felt like it might erupt. She wanted to transform into her true form right there in the narrow catacombs and incinerate everything in sight.
"Does the Archbishop know about all this?"
Subordinate: "The Archbishop knows."
Katrana: "Watch him. Ensure he stays alive! If he dies, your life ends too. Do you understand?"
The subordinate's legs shook as he repeatedly promised to carry out the order. A few seconds later, the Countess suppressed her anger, readjusted the Dragonfire Amulet around her neck, and walked into the darkness of the tomb.
In the war room of Stormwind Keep, Mathias was talking privately with Bolvar.
Mathias: "Your Highness, it is a relief to see you in such a vigorous state of mind."
Bolvar gave a bitter smile and shook his head. "Lately, I've felt inadequate, often unable to concentrate. I didn't know if it was age or the weight of this burden." He sighed. "So many people covet this seat, yet I wish I could return it tomorrow."
Mathias: "I believe that day is coming. I will confirm the King's whereabouts as soon as possible."
Bolvar: "I truly did not expect the Defias rebels to have infiltrated the nobility to such an extent. Lescovar hid himself well, but the evidence was irrefutable. He deserved his end. Mathias, I must thank you once everything is settled."
"Also, I have issued the orders based on your suggestion. The garrisons at Westfall and other areas will maintain a strict defense while allowing passage to those who are unarmed and willing to swear off the rebellion. What did you call this plan again?"
Mathias: "Winning hearts and minds."
Bolvar smiled and nodded. "That is not your usual style, Master Assassin."
Mathias rose to leave. "Your Highness, I must go arrange the rescue plan for Marshal Windsor."
Bolvar stood to see him off. "I will handle the House of Nobles. Good luck to you and your men."
Mathias nodded. "For the honor of the King."
As he stepped out of the meeting room, a set of hurried, arrogant footsteps approached. Mathias walked straight ahead, crossing paths with an incensed Katrana. She shot him a look of disgust and contempt, but he remained unmoved, acting as if she weren't there.
Soon, Mathias heard the Countess's angry scream echoing from the distant corridor: "We cannot rashly send people into Blackrock Mountain! If we provoke the Blackrock dwarves, Stormwind will face total destruction!"
Mathias quickened his pace toward Old Town. He knew his time was limited.
...
Goldshire, Net Cafe.
Under Wayne's guidance, the pre-order players had not only finished exploring Bleak Falls Barrow and absorbed their first Dragon Word but had also individually defeated the dragon that appeared at the Western Watchtower of Whiterun.
Unlike the black dragon that destroyed Helgen, this grey dragon could be harmed by swords and magic. With the help of Irileth and the Whiterun guards, the players were able to land the killing blows.
However, the highlight wasn't the dragon's fall, but the moment it died. It screamed "Dovahkiin!" in terror before collapsing. Then, its flesh seemed to separate from its bones, turning into pure soul energy that flowed into the players' bodies in bursts of golden light.
Like Wayne before them, every player felt a massive power swelling within them. They couldn't help but open their mouths, letting out an earth-shaking roar.
Whether it was the other players in the net cafe or the onlookers outside, this was a scene they had never anticipated or seen in any game before.
The guards and Irileth surrounded the players in astonishment, marveling at the legendary power of the Dragonborn.
Wayne returned to Dragonsreach. After hearing the report, Jarl Balgruuf told him that in the dragon tongue, "Dovahkiin" meant "Dragonborn." In ancient Nordic legends, only a Dragonborn could truly kill a dragon and take its soul and abilities.
At that moment, a roar thundered from the horizon, sounding like a lightning strike. The roar shouted "Dovahkiin!"
Balgruuf told Wayne that the Greybeards on High Hrothgar were summoning the Dragonborn. They were masters of the Way of the Voice, living in isolation at the peak of the snowy mountain. It seemed they already knew what had happened below.
Balgruuf mentioned that in his youth, he had studied with Ulfric under the Greybeards, but only Ulfric had managed to learn a Shout. He suggested Wayne travel to High Hrothgar to see what fate awaited him.
As a veteran player, Wayne knew the Greybeards were issuing an invitation. Only this time, it wouldn't be just one person—ten Dragonborn would be heading up the mountain together.