The four of them climbed the final steps of the monastery, their breath misting in the mountain air. The fortress loomed ahead, carved entirely from stone, its twin staircases divided by a towering column of rock. Together they ascended the left stair until they stood before the great iron doors.
Eradros paused, glancing back at the others.
"Well, go on," Gavhelus said with a grin. "Make sure you knock hard, mate. Geezers are probably half deaf by now."
A rare smile tugged at Eradros's lips. Turning back, he rapped his knuckles firmly against the metal.
For a long moment, silence. Then the doors shuddered, stone groaning as dust fell from the walls. Slowly, ponderously, they began to open, dragging against the stone floor.
The party stepped inside, their footsteps echoing in the cavernous hall. At first the chamber seemed empty—but then shadows stirred. Hooded figures emerged from the edges of the room, gliding forward until they formed a circle around the intruders.
"He has finally graced us with his presence," one intoned.
"Indeed he has," another answered.
"We called for him years ago," said a third.
"It matters not," a fourth concluded. "He is here."
Eradros's hand tightened around his cloak, eyes scanning the figures. But Kinetrius stepped forward, his voice tentative but eager.
"Do you mean me? Am I the one you called for?"
"Indeed you are, young one," the first replied. "We heard your Thu'um five years ago. We heard the pain in it, the rage. We answered with our own call, but it went unanswered… until now."
"It is our duty," another said, "to teach and nurture the Thu'um. To guide it."
"The… Thu'um?" Eradros asked.
"It translates to 'Voice' in the dragon's tongue," one explained.
"The Voice is a weapon of immense power," the fourth added, his tone grave. "Capable of immeasurable destruction if not carefully cultivated. I suspect you have already seen this for yourself."
Kinetrius lowered his eyes. "I… lost control. Almost immediately. I don't know if I want to use something so destructive again."
"Fret not, child," the fourth monk said gently. "There are other ways to use the Voice—ways that create, rather than destroy. Observe."
He stepped into the center of the hall and shouted a single word at the stone beneath him. Instantly the floor glowed, a rune carving itself into the rock in a language none of them had seen before.
"Step forward," the monk said. "Focus on the word. Consider this a test of your aptitude."
Kinetrius moved toward it, drawn as though by unseen hands. The closer he came, the stronger the pull. The rune glowed brightly, its aura spilling into him. Wind coiled around his body, swirling his cloak until, at last, the light dimmed. The energy had settled into him.
He blinked, breathing hard. "What… was that?"
The monk only raised his hand. With another shout, a ghostly copy of himself appeared in the center of the chamber.
"Now," he instructed, "picture the word not only in your mind's eye, but in the eye of your heart. Breathe deeply, expand the diaphragm… and speak."
Kinetrius closed his eyes, filling his lungs. He envisioned the glowing word—saw it clearly, heard it resound in his chest. Then he opened his mouth.
"FUS RO DAH!"
The shout ripped through the hall. Wind burst outward, hurling the spectral figure back until it vanished into smoke. This time, unlike before, Kinetrius did not collapse in exhaustion. He stood wide-eyed, astonished.
The monk stepped forward. "Good. You are indeed Dragonborn. A normal man needs years to master even one word of the Thu'um. But a Dragonborn learns in an instant."
Another clone appeared.
"Again."
Kinetrius steadied himself, then shouted once more. The phantom flew apart. His face lit with excitement—finally, something that gave him an edge against the dragons.
Eradros stepped forward. "Will you teach the boy how to master it?"
"Oh yes," one monk said. "Assuming he stays with us."
"Wait—what?" Gavhelus barked. "I'm sure you lot don't get out much, but in case you haven't noticed, there are dragons about. Literally saw one on the way up, mate."
"I'm afraid you misunderstand us," another intoned. "We do not wage war upon dragons. We study the Voice to understand their way, not to destroy them."
"I don't understand," Eradros said, frowning. "You called him here. What was all this for, then?"
One of the hooded men stepped forward, voice echoing in the stone hall. "It is quite simple. The boy has two options. If he wishes to learn the Thu'um in its entirety, he must forgo any ambitions of using the Voice for violence. But if war with the dragons is truly what he seeks… then we must part ways here."
Minevi's eyes narrowed. "You can't be serious. Do you have any idea what we went through to get here?"
"By the looks of it," the monk said mildly, "a great deal of danger, I presume."
Gavhelus barked a laugh. "You havin' a laugh at us, mate?"
"It's fine!" Kinetrius cut in sharply.
Gavhelus blinked. "You think this a jo—wait, what?"
Kinetrius turned on his heel and strode toward the doors, his voice ringing with frustration.
"Lad, are you sure about this?" Eradros called after him. "This might be our only shot at getting you ready."
"We don't have time for this!" Kinetrius snapped, not slowing. "People are dying because of the dragons' return, and I have to do something about it. If they won't help us, then we'll find another way."
The hall fell silent. The Greybeards said nothing, their faces hidden beneath their hoods. Gavhelus shrugged with a grin and trailed after Kinetrius. He had little patience for the monks' riddles and was glad to be done with them. Minevi and Eradros exchanged a look; Eradros's jaw tightened, frustration carved into his features.
"You're right, lad," he muttered. "We don't have time for this."
He pulled his hood low, and together he and Minevi turned to leave.
"Stop right there, youngling!" a voice boomed.
Kinetrius froze at the threshold.
"It seems he has passed," said another.
"Indeed," murmured a third. "We may begin."
Gavhelus spun, eyes narrowing. "And what are you lot on about now?"
"It's quite simple," a Greybeard said calmly. "We tested him."
"And he has passed," another confirmed.
Eradros stepped back into the chamber, throwing back his hood. "Let's pretend everyone here is as confused as my friend. What does that mean exactly?"
"The Dragonborn is not the only one who has sought the Thu'um," the first explained. "Many have come here, seeking to twist it into a weapon for their own wars. We had to be certain the boy did not harbor ulterior motives—or worse, that he was not being manipulated by those around him."
Another monk added, "Each of you accepted his decision without pressing him otherwise. It is proof of where your intentions lie."
The Greybeard who had spoken before nodded. "We will teach him. But to learn not only the power but the control of the Voice, he must remain with us for some time."
"How long?" Eradros asked.
"That is up to the boy," the Greybeard replied. "In time he must go out into the world. Only then will he learn all that we can offer."
Eradros considered, then turned to Kinetrius. "So, kiddo. What do you think? We doing this or what?"
Kinetrius drew in a steady breath. "What other choice do we have? We've come this far."
Eradros's lips curved into a wry smile. "Perfect. Then this gives me time to handle some old business."
"Wait… you're not staying?" Kinetrius asked, his voice small.
"Afraid not, lad," Eradros said. "Besides, you don't need me for this part. You'll have Gavhelus with you."
The boy's shoulders sagged, words dying on his lips. He was clearly unhappy, though Eradros either didn't notice or chose not to.
One of the Greybeards stepped forward and extended an arm, his tone polite but firm. "Right this way, Dragonborn. I will show you to the chambers you and your companion will occupy."
Eradros offered a half-smile. "Chin up now. The next time we meet, we'll be putting an end to all this. No time for sulking."
Kinetrius turned away, his expression hidden as he followed the monk. "Yeah… until next time."
Eradros watched him go, then drew his hood up. "Come, Minevi. We'll get those injuries seen to in town."
As the two made for the door, they passed Gavhelus leaning against the wall, arms crossed.
"The kid ain't too happy about this," Gavhelus remarked.
Eradros paused beside him and sighed. "Does he have to be?"
Gavhelus's smirk softened. "Suppose not. Safe travels, my friend."
He pushed off the wall and trailed after Kinetrius, leaving Eradros and Minevi to descend the monastery steps alone.
At the base, Minevi stopped near a traveler's offering chest. Eradros walked several paces ahead before noticing her hesitation.
"What is this?" she asked.
"What is what?"
"This lie you're spinning. Suddenly you've got 'somewhere to be'? What's really going on?"
Eradros stilled, back to her. "You think I intend to leave him here. Is that it?"
"I'd like to think you wouldn't abandon him," she said quietly. "But that's what it looked like to him."
He turned his head slightly, voice heavy. "And what will you do? Stay by his side? Tuck him in each night? Make him feel safe?"
"You know I can't," Minevi admitted. "I was ordered to report back as soon as I could. With him staying put, now's as good a time as any. But this isn't about me, is it?"
Eradros's shoulders sagged. "I'll admit, before I saw that dragon, my plan was simple—get the kid here. A favor for an old friend. I didn't know what Falwon meant with all that 'hero' talk. But when I realized the scale of this threat… whatever plans I thought I had didn't matter anymore."
"Then why does it feel like you're walking away?"
"It's not complicated, luv. There's nothing I can do for him here. But there is something I can do for myself. Before we take on this threat, I want nothing holding me back."
Minevi studied him. "I just hope you know what you're doing with him."
"I don't," he said honestly. "I've no idea what's right for him. All I can do is give him my best self. Whatever good that'll do."
A small smile touched her lips. "I think it'll do him all the good in the world."
He gave a humorless chuckle. "Let's hope you're right. Now come on, we need to get you seen to before sundown."
She saluted him with a smirk. "Aye aye, Captain!"
"Don't call me that."
Together, they continued down the safer path, the mountain calm now that the snow troll was gone. Eradros said no more, but Minevi had heard what she needed. Whatever his business was, he'd return to them when the time came.
Four days later, High Hrothgar…
The temple yard rang with the sharp clang of steel. Gavhelus and Kinetrius circled each other, blades flashing in the cold morning light. They had been at it since sunrise. Kinetrius, sweat-soaked and battered, went down hard again. He rolled through the dirt, coming to rest on one knee with his sword braced for balance, breath heaving.
"You're not focusing, lad," Gavhelus said, lowering his blade. "Something on your mind?"
"I'm fine." Kinetrius pushed to his feet, brushing snow and soil from his tunic. "Run it again."
"If you say so," Gavhelus muttered, readying his stance once more.
Kinetrius darted low, sword flashing as he rushed Gavhelus. The older warrior didn't so much as flinch, his greatsword planted in the earth, hands resting lightly on its hilt.
The boy leapt, blade sweeping down in a fierce arc. Gavhelus tilted his head, letting it whistle past. Again and again Kinetrius swung, every strike dodged with an ease that gnawed at his pride.
At last, Gavhelus moved. He wrenched his sword free just as the boy launched into another wild attack. With a sidestep and a twist, he caught Kinetrius square in the gut with the flat of the blade, pivoted, and flung him aside in a full rotation. The boy hit the dirt with a heavy thud, coughing from the impact.
"C'mon, kid," Gavhelus said, a grin tugging at his mouth. "You think I like putting you in the dirt like this?"
Kinetrius groaned, dragging himself upright, one hand pressed to his stomach.
"Well, alright," Gavhelus admitted, "I'll grant it's a bit of fun. But something's gnawing at you, lad. Better to spit it out now than let it rot inside."
Kinetrius sank back down, sword slipping from his grasp. He sat in silence for a long breath before finally speaking.
"I don't get it…" His voice cracked. "Am I that much of a burden to him?"
"Seems that way, huh?" Gavhelus said.
Kinetrius's head shot up. "Am I wrong?"
Gavhelus leaned on his sword. "I'll put it this way—Eradros is a man of secrets. Spent a lifetime stealing, running from every lawman that sniffed his trail. A man like that isn't built for a task like yours."
"So he isn't coming back then…"
"I'm saying," Gavhelus replied, steady, "that he's gone off to become a man who is suited for it. I don't know much about him—likely no one does, save your father and that girl—but everything he's done so far has been for your sake. Whatever business he's chasing now, I'd wager it's no different."
He plopped down on a nearby rock and tugged out a flask, only to find it empty. With a scoff he tossed it aside.
"If I were you, lad, I'd think less on him and more on what you can bring to the table. This next arc of your life—" he gave a lopsided grin "—is going to be the most exciting yet. And we're going to need our leading man ready."
Kinetrius searched his face. "Do you really think I can? Defeat the dragons, I mean."
"Well, I sure hope so." Gavhelus laughed, booming and unbothered. "Or else this story's going to suck."
For the first time in days, Kinetrius laughed too. The tension cracked, warmth flooding through his chest. The sun climbed high, and their stomachs growled in unison.
"Come," Gavhelus said, standing and stretching. "Let's see what these geezers keep in their pantry."
"Sure thing," the boy answered.
Together they headed back into the temple, sweat-streaked and tired, but lighter of heart. Gavhelus's words had settled the storm inside him. The guilt no longer weighed him down. For the first time, he felt ready to focus—not on what he wasn't, but on what he could become. He wanted to be better, stronger, and now he had the courage to try.
Chapter End
Fin