Chapter 57 -- Solitude
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Though I wouldn't say a routine was established, everyone quickly found things to do to stop themselves getting bored. Elisif wasn't a problem, of course. She had a city and region to govern. Mirabelle and Serana focused on magic and alchemy. Aela liked to head off and explore the countryside, taking her bow and arrow for a hunt every now and then. Lydia sometimes joined Aela, sometimes stayed in with Mirabelle and Serana. As for Haelga, I think she simply enjoyed relaxing for a while, admitting that she would get bored eventually and might just end up taking a job at an inn as a waitress or something. She was in no rush, though.
Wanting to keep my skills sharp, I spent time training with the city guards and the soldiers of the Empire, keeping fit while also practicing sword and shield work. There were some talented warriors amongst the rabble, while many were simply in awe of being allowed to spar with the Dragonborn. I think my reputation may have been exaggerated in some respects, though that wasn't always necessarily a bad thing. I was certainly treated with respect by the common soldier and guard.
It was perhaps only a week after I'd returned with Haelga that I found myself summoned to the palace in an official capacity. I did wonder what for as I opened the door to be greeted by a pair of guards, asking me to accompany them to the palace. I'll admit to curiosity as I followed them, but sighed with relief as I climbed the stairs to the throne room to be greeted only by Elisif, Firebeard, and a few other advisors. Elisif didn't rise to greet me as she now usually would, so I knew this was official business.
"Thank you for coming so quickly, Dragonborn."
Definitely official. She always called me Ragnar in private. "I'm assuming you need my help, milady. What do you need?"
"A few weeks ago, you stopped a ritual in Wolfskull Cave, where a group of mages were attempting to resurrect the 'Wolf Queen', Potema. We have learned that Potema did escape and that she now represents a clear and present danger to the people of Solitude, and also Skyrim in general."
"I'll handle this at once, milady, but if we're dealing with such powerful magics, I will want to have some assistance in the matter."
"You may solve this issue whichever way you deem necessary, Dragonborn. Our only advice is that you speak to our city's priest of Arkay, Styrr. He will give you guidance on how best to solve this issue."
"I'll do that immediately and get this sorted as soon as possible."
"Good luck, Dragonborn."
First stop was back home, where I assembled myself in armour, grabbing my weapon and shield. Serana was downstairs with Mirabelle. Letting them know what was happening, I asked Serana if she was interested in helping. I didn't ask Mirabelle as she had told me long ago that she wasn't the adventuring type. Aela had already disappeared out the door to explore the area, but Lydia was in the living room. Letting her know what the situation was, she offered to help out too.
Once the three of us were ready, we headed to the Hall of the Dead, eventually pointed in the direction of Styrr. He was an elderly, bearded man, and rather friendly. He knew who I was, and after introductions were made of Serana and Lydia, we got down to business.
"Ah Potema. Former queen of Solitude and one of the most dangerous necromancers in recorded history. She was responsible for the Empire's near collapse almost five hundred years ago. I believe I have a book about her..."
"I'm not worried about a book, I just need to know if she has really returned, and if she has, what we can do about her?"
"Summoned in spirit form is not raised from the dead. She'll need help before she can return to the living. For the moment, the Wolf Queen has retreated to a place filled with dead eager to serve her. She has gone to her old Catacombs. A few days ago, one of her servants busted through a wall into the Temple of Divines. We'll need you to go into the Catacombs themselves." He handed over a key. "We locked the gate leading into them. Use this key to get in."
"Okay, we deal with Potema. What then?"
"Find what's left of her body, likely a skeleton. Remove it from the Catacombs and bring it back to be sanctified by Arkay."
Thanking him for the advice, the three of us headed straight for the Temple of Divines. I'd actually never been in this one. Serana was already nervous. She might no longer be a vampire, but she still didn't like temples, but she grit her teeth as we passed through.
"I've done some reading about this Potema," Serana stated, "She raised armies of dead, and also liked to use vampires. All the more reason to ensure she doesn't return."
"Wonder why I was asked instead of someone who knows how to deal with matters like this?"
"You probably have some connection with her now, Ragnar," Serana replied, "The ritual that was taking place, because you interrupted it, you became linked with her. I know it doesn't make sense, but sometimes, magic doesn't. It just... is."
"Well, that's why I brought you along. And Lydia now has dual abilities as well."
"Nothing like Serana or Mirabella, Ragnar. I'm still barely a novice compared to their power."
"And we still have your gift as well," Serana added, "I'm not sure what sort of form we'll find Potema in, but I think your gift will still work regardless. Or so I hope..."
After passing through the locked gate, ensuring it was locked behind us, just in case. We quickly found the hole in the wall Styrr had told us about, and I had a rather good idea what we would probably find lying ahead. Vampires. Undead. Draugr. The usual enemies I dealt with in dungeons like this. At least it wouldn't be anything too surprising.
What did surprise me was the voice that echoed from well ahead. It was obviously Potema. "
You've arrived at last. The hero who prevented me from being bound returns to my fold. I have much to thank you for, little one. When you die I will raise you and you can take your place by my side."
It didn't take long to run into draugr, and with the three of us, we made short work of them. Lydia and I relied on our swords, Serana causing havoc with all her spells. It wasn't a maze of corridors and chambers, thankfully. I've been in more than one ruin to find myself almost lost at times as corridors zig-zag one way then the other, leaving me confused as to which direction I should be going.
Thankfully there were no puzzles to figure out either, but there were blocked doorways that required levers pulled, and there was always a trap when pulling one, usually poisoned darts or spears springing from the side or above. I'd been through more than enough dungeons to know most tricks. Still hated when I pulled a lever and flames shot out at me, though.
As always, the further into the dungeon was walked, the more powerful enemies. Soon, draugr armed with stronger weapons, or wearing far better armour, were waiting for us. As were vampires. Serana didn't hate vampires just because she was no longer one, but just like her father and his minions, she hated those who wanted power for their own gain. It all became a bit of a slog and I eventually had to use my Thu'um, just to help us out. Flames generally worked against draugr or vampires.
Entering another large chamber, I had hoped we'd already reached the end. But there was no sign of any skeleton, only more draugr and vampires. One seemed to think he was in charge, mocking us before going on the attack.
"You've come far, mortal. No doubt you seek to enter Potema's Sanctum. I can see to that. We'll need plenty of fresh corpses to rebuild her army, you see."
