I woke up the next morning to find Rapier sitting on the edge of her bed. She didn't look like she wanted to talk so I left her alone. I entered the main room to see that it was full of people, most of them drunk. I saw Archer and Shay sitting at a table in one of the corners. Ysolda stood at the counter, when she saw me she smiled and waved me over.

I walked over and sat down in one of the stools. "Greetings Ysolda," I purred. "Kharjo sees you followed through on your goal?"

She smiled. "I did. Your caravan was very helpful. Where have you been? I haven't seen you in two years!"

"Kharjo has been many places," I said glancing toward the door as Rapier entered and walked over to Archer and Shay's table. "Rapier has been Kharjo's... guide."

Ysolda looked toward where Rapier was sitting. She smiled. "I've never seen a pure black Khajiit before."

I didn't say that I hadn't either. Even in Elsweyr pure, midnight black was a rare occurrence. If any Khajiit grew up to have fur the color of Rapier's, they were honored and were supposed to be the leader for the legendary Final Caravan, which would bring enough septims for Elsweyr to thrive forever without needing to send out any more caravans. However, most Khajiits who looked like they might turn black died before they reached to correct age. Instead, I said, "Kharjo has seen many almost black. Most are gray or brown."

"I think you should go join them," she smiled. "Rapier might miss you."

If I was a Nord my face would have turned bright red. Instead, my ears flattened against my skull and I gave Ysolda a withering look. I did do what she suggested and walked over to join my little group.

Suddenly the door exploded open and the Jarls housecarl, Irileth, ran over. "Dragon," she said panting. The people close to us started whispering.

Archer, Shay, and Rapier stood up so fast that their chairs tipped over. I stood up more slowly. By now we had everyone's attention.

Archer pulled his bow off his back. "Alright," he said tensely. "Lead the way commander."

Irileth led us out the door and to the main gate. Four other guards stood waiting. Irileth stopped and nudged Archer. "You're up Companion. Give them an inspiring speech."

Archer sighed and turned to the small group of guards. "There aren't as many as I expected," he muttered. Then louder he said, "Those of you who don't know me, I am Archer Tamilo Cormac, newest member of the Companions and an Assassin of Skyrim. We may not be strong in numbers"-he raised his bow above his head-"but what we lack in numbers we make up for in spirit! FOR WHITERUN!"

"HUZZAH!!" all of the guards followed us out of the city, right behind Archer and Shay.

Archer seemed to know the exact place we needed to be. The western watchtower was missing half the top and large chunks of stone lay around randomly. There was no sign of a dragon. Archer moved more cautiously.

"Spread out," Irileth said quietly, staying close by Archer. "Be careful, we don't want to provoke the dragon if we can help it."

Rapier and I walked into the watchtower and were met by three terrified guards. One of them drew his sword. "Stay back!"

Rapier held up her hands. "We're here to help," she said. "Irileth-"

She was cut off by a roar and several shouts. I ran outside and looked up. A dark red dragon circled in the clouds. Rapier looked up and gasped. "Mirniren! Alduin's lieutenant!"

A silver arrow shot into the sky. Followed by three more. Each arrow hit the dragon's neck. It roared in fury and dove toward the ground. Rapier and I drew our bows at the same time. We started firing at the dragon, but it was clear that it wasn't going down quickly.

Mirniren landed and snapped up a guard before unleashing a torrent of fire. When the fire stopped I saw two burning people staggering away from the dragon. I froze half way through nocking another arrow. One of the burning people was Irileth. The dragon shambled forward a couple of steps and reared up.

"IRILETH!" Archer shouted. I saw him leap out from behind one of the chunks of tower and fire at Mirniren. The dragon didn't notice. It fell down upon Irileth grabbing her in it's mouth and shaking her back and forth. She screamed in pain and the dragon threw her to the side. She crashed half way up the tower and fell the rest of the way. "NO!" Archer's voice was full of rage. He drew another arrow and pulled it back, taking careful aim as the dragon turned, seemingly sure it had won.

The shaft of silver flew straight and true, right into the dragon's left eye. The dragon roared in pain and reared back again, head shaking back and forth. It collapsed forward and started to smolder. I jumped off the stairs that led to the watchtower and ran to Irileth's broken form. Before I even got close I knew she was dead. I stopped, knowing there was nothing I could do.

Archer knelt next to Irileth, Shay at his side. He barely noticed as the dragon's body burned. I saw it's soul start to spiral upward. It broke into two parts. One flew at Archer, the other at Rapier. They were both encircled in a glowing blue and orange aura. Rapier looked up at the sky and took a deep breath, Archer didn't seem to care.

I hesitated. I didn't know if I should try to help, or if I should just not do anything.

"FUS!"

I whipped around to see Rapier looking very surprised. The guards formed a semicircle around her. Some looked over at Archer as he stood and walked over to join Rapier. Shay had one arm around his shoulder.

"Could it be?" one of the guards asked. "Could they be Dragonborn?"

Thousands of questions started. "What is Dragonborn?" was the most asked that I heard. Archer looked up. His usual cheerful mood was gone, replaced by sorrow. All of the guards quieted, waiting to see what Archer had to say.

"Let's go back to Dragonsreach," he said. "The Jarl needs to know about this." He looked over at Irileth and his voice cracked. "Two of you. Bring Irileth's body. She needs a warriors burial." With that, he turned at walked away with Shay trying to tell him something.