Skyrim: Helgen Warrior

Craig was a little boy. He lived in the town of Helgen. He loved to take walks outside of Helgen, although he did not ever really get the chance because of all of the bandits. Sometimes they would get bandit raids and would have to sometimes have to hide inside.

But right now, they were fine. Craig was playing hide and seek with a couple other kids outside. But then, a shadow flew overhead. The guards drew their bows out. Parents ran out of their houses. “Come on, kids! You need to come inside!” Craig could hear fear in their voice as it trembled.

Craig went inside. “Mommy, what is ha-” His mom interrupted him and pointed to the basement. “Basement, now!” Craig went into the basement, and his mother followed. The basement was dimly lit, with cobblestone walls. There was a bed there, too. And lots of boxes and storage things.

Craig heard rumbling outside. “Is it an earthquake?” Craig’s mom did not answer. He saw a tear run down her cheek. Craig’s father came running down. He was one of the Helgen guards. “I love you, honey.” Craig’s mother and father hugged each other. His father looked towards him. “You are going to grow up to be a great warrior one day. Take good care of your mother.” He then left.

Craig was confused about what was happening. He was starting to get scared. The rumbling continued, and he heard a loud roar. “Mommy, I’m scared.” His mom rushed up to him. “It’s ok, we are safe.” “But what about Dad?” “He is strong, son. He will be ok.”

After about 30 minutes of rumbling, roars, and other sounds, it all stopped with a loud crash. His Dad had not come back. Craig and his mom went outside. It was a disaster. Multiple houses were in ruins. Small flames covered those ruins. An entire watchtower had been knocked down. And to top it all off, smoke filled the air.

Down the street was a giant gray dragon laying dead on the ground. And next to the dragon was him. Craig’s dad. “Dad!” Craig rushed up to him. “Listen, Craig.” His words came out as a croak. “I know you will be a great warrior someday. One day, you will be able to take down a dragon. I don’t have much time left in this world. I am proud of you, kid. Take good care of your mother.” His eyes closed. He was dead.

“NO!” Tears streamed down Craig’s face. He never knew that this could happen. He was only 6 years old. He thought that his parents could never die, because they never had. Craig’s mother joined him. And she froze as soon as she saw him. Suddenly, the dragon started to glow. A stream of colors rushed into Craig. “What is happening?” Then, the dragon was nothing more than a pile of bones.

8 years later, and there have been no more dragon attacks. Craig still hadn’t gotten over his father’s death. Right now, he was filling a wooden bucket with water at the cobblestone well near his house. He still hadn’t forgotten about the mist that had flown into him, either. He had now returned back to his house with the bucket full of water.

His Mom was standing on the porch, sitting on a wooden chair. “Here you go, mom.” Craig placed the bucket on the porch, “I am going to the library later today.” Craig wanted to read dragon books to figure out why that mist went into him, and how it happened.

After finishing what he had to, he headed down to the library. Helgen had expanded a lot over the past 8 years. The town had expanded, and it was significantly bigger now. Craig entered the library. He found a couple dragon books. One was called The Dragonborn. Another one was called The History of Dragons. The last book was called The Dragon Study. The first two were just story books, which Craig did not realize.

Then, he moved on to The Dragonborn. He opened the first page, and it showed an illustration of a dragon soaring through the air, with a warrior below it on the ground with a sword and shield in their hands. He opened the first page.

A Dragonborn (Dovahkiin) is a human being with the blood and soul of a dragon. They can use the abilities of the dragons (dovah). Although it is possible for a normal human being to learn the thu’um, the Dragonborn can learn it at a much faster pace, along with better results.

Craig turned the page. It showed another drawing of a dragon.

It is debated whether being Dragonborn is a gift, or a curse. The first Dragonborn was Miraak. The Graybeards at High Hrothgar can sense where the Dragonborn is at. Like dragons, the Dragonborn can absorb fallen dragons. When they absorb fallen dragons, the dragons will become nothing but a skeleton.

That is what happened when the dragon attacked 8 years ago! Craig thought to himself. He turned the page.

When the Greybeards call for the Dragonborn, it can be heard from all around Skyrim. They will call out “Dovahkiin.” When that happens, the Dragonborn must climb the 7000 steps at Ivarstead and go to High Hrothgar for further training and to learn how to use their power.

This was shocking for Craig. He had to tell his mother. He ran out of the library, running as fast as he could.

When he arrived, he searched the house for his mother. “Mom? Where are you?” He found his mother in the kitchen, sitting on the table. “Mom, I need to show you something.”

He brought his mother to the library. The book was still sitting on the table. He opened up the book and recited what he read to her. “Craig. This is a huge responsibility. I am so proud of you.”

It happened a year later. Craig was bringing another bucket of water to the house. He got to the porch when it happened. The ground rumbled. A choir filled the air. “Dovahkiin” Craig dropped the bucket, and the water spilled onto the ground. At this point in time, everybody in town knew that Craig was Dragonborn. They had all been anxiously waiting for this moment.

And now, it finally happened. Everybody rushed out of their houses. They had come up with a plan for when this happened. They would get him a carriage ride to Ivarstead, and from there, he would be on his own. They would give him a sword forged by the Helgen blacksmith.

They will set off tomorrow. Craig was extremely nervous. This was going to be the biggest thing he had done in his entire life so far.

The next day, Craig received his blade from the blacksmith. It was a steel sword. The words Helgen Warrior were engraved onto the bottom part of the blade. He had done extra work with it to make it more lightweight and efficient. The blacksmith also made a custom made sheath for it. The blacksmith also made a special set of iron armor for Craig. It was custom built to fit him.

The carriage was waiting for him. He climbed back, and the wagon went off. He was on his way to visit the Greybeards at High Hrothgar, at the Throat of the World.

It took half a day to get to the town, but they made it. Ivarstead was extremely small. Smaller than Helgen. Although Helgen had rapidly increased in size since the dragon attack. “Wait, Craig.” The driver caught Craig’s attention. “Your mother told me to give this to you.” He handed Craig a huge coin purse, “It is 200 gold, to help you on your journey.” “Oh, thanks!” “I’ll be back in 5 weeks. Good luck kid. You’ll need it.” “Thank you sir.”

It was starting to get dark out. Craig went to the inn. It was called Vilemyr Inn. He walked up to the innkeeper. He bought a room. It was a nice room. It had a bed on the side. A small round wooden table and chair, and a wardrobe. It did not have any windows. The room cost 10 gold, so he had 190 gold left.

He then bought himself some food, which cost him another 10 gold. He then went to bed. Tomorrow was a big day.

Craig woke up early. He then gave the innkeeper enough gold to stay at the inn for a week. He now had 110 gold left. He would have to do some work to get more. He then left for the 7000 steps.

He stood at the foundation of the giant mountain. He stood before the first step. The snow topped mountain loomed above him. Craig took a deep breath and started going up.

100 steps in, Craig saw a shrine on the side of the path. It was made of stone. There was a message.

Emblem I

Before the birth of men, the Dragons ruled all Mundus. Their word was the Voice, and they spoke only for True Needs, for the Voice could blot out the sky and flood the land.

200 steps in, and Craig found another shrine.

Emblem II

Men were born and spread over the face of Mundus. The Dragons presided over the crawling masses. Men were weak then, and had no Voice.

Little specs of snow started to appear on the steps. It was probably a little chilly, but Craig couldn’t tell since he was a Nord. Nords had cold resistance.

He also had a coat with him for when it got artic. 200 steps later, Craig found another shrine.

Emblem III

The fledging spirits of Men were strong in Old Times. Unafraid to war with Dragons and their Voices. But the Dragons only shouted them down and broke their hearts.

So far, Craig had not seen anybody else since he started climbing the 7000 steps. 300 steps later, it started to get a little cold, but not unbearably cold. Tiny specks of snow started to drop from the sky. Craig spotted another shrine.

Emblem IV

Kyne called on Paarthurnax, who pitied Man. Together they taught Men to use the Voice. Then Dragon War raged, Dragon against Tongue.

300 steps later, another shrine appeared. The snow staryed to get heavier. Craig put his coat on. He then read the next emblem.

Emblem V

Man prevailed, shouting Alduin out of the world. Proving for all that their Voice too was strong. Although their sacrifices were many-fold.

Craig continued up the steps. 1500 steps in, and the snowfall was more intense. He saw another shrine, and read the emblem.

Emblem VI

With roaring Tongues, the Sky-Children conquer; Founding the First Empire with Sword and Voice; Whilst the Dragons withdrew from this World.

He then went on. 2500 steps in, it started to get a little cold for Craig. He then went to the next shrine.

Emblem VII

The Tongues at Red Mountain went away humbled; Jurgen Windcaller began his Seven Year Meditation; To understand how Strong Voices could fail.

4000 steps in, Craig saw the next shrine. He walked up to it and read it.

Emblem VIII

Jurgen Windcaller chose silence and returned; The 17 disputants could not shout Him down; Jurgen the Calm built his home on the Throat of the World.

5000 steps in, Craig was very cold. The snow was pouring down at a rapid pace. The steps were rarely visible as they were covered with snow. Craig found the next shrine.

Emblem IX

For years all silent, the Greybeards spoke one name; Tiber Septim, stripling then, was summoned to Hrothgar; They blessed and named him Dovahkiin.

6000 steps in, and it was frigid. Craig was shivering. He knew he was close though. He saw the last shrine.

Emblem X

The Voice is worship; Follow the Inner path; Speak only in True Need.

Craig suddenly got this feeling inside his soul. He felt blessed. Suddenly, a pack of wolves spotted him and ran up to him, but when they got to him, they just stood there, as if greeting him.

Craig did not feel threatened, so he did not draw his sword. The wolves then left. Craig then continued up to High Hrothgar.

10 minutes later, Craig had finally made it up there. He climbed up the 7000 Steps! He walked through the doors. He was met by a man in robes. “Welcome, Craig. We have been waiting for you.” “Are you a Greybeard?” “I am, indeed, a Greybeard.”

“What is your name?” Craig asked the Greybeard. “My name is Argneir.” The other Greybeards just bowed towards Craig. “Why don’t they speak?” Craig asked Argneir. “Their voice is so powerful that even a whisper could kill a man.” Craig’s eyes widened.

“So, when does training begin?” Craig asked. “We will start now. We will see how well you learn your first shout. It is known as the Unrelenting Force. We will teach you “fus” or in human language “force”.”

“Einarth will share his knowledge of the word with you.” Argneir said. Then suddenly the same orange swirl that came out of the dragon when Craig was 6 shot out of Einarth and went into Craig.

“Now, try projecting your shout. Shout “fus,” and see what happens.” Argneir said. Craig shouted “fus” and a large beam of light blue shot out. The Greybeards stumbled backwards. His eyes widened. “You learn quickly, Craig. That is the gift of the Dragonborn.” Argneir said, “Now, we will see how well you learn “ro,” which means balance. The only way that ro will work is by saying fus before it, and the same goes with the last word in this shout. This rule applies to every Word of Power. Einarth will share his knowledge with you now.”

The same thing shot out of Einarth and into Craig. “Now, demonstrate the shout.” “FUS RO” a bigger and more powerful beam of light blue shot out, and the Greybeards stumbled even farther than the first time. “We have done great today, Craig. We will end training for today. We will pick up on your training tomorrow. Travel safely.”

The journey down the steps did not seem as bad for Craig as the journey up the steps was. He then went back to the inn. He then took his coat off. Then he grabbed something to eat. It was the evening. He then went to sleep.

As soon as Craig woke up, he did not feel that feeling he had when he finished reading the 10th emblem on the 7000 Steps. He immediately ate something and started climbing the steps again.

The climb was not that bad for Craig this time. It seemed to take less time to get to High Hrothgar. He entered the large doors and was immediately greeted by Argneir.

“Today, you will learn the last word in the Unrelenting Force shout. The word is “dah.” It means Push. Einarth will share his knowledge.”

After learning the word, Craig tested it out. “FUS, RO DAH” The Greybeards nearly fell over when Craig tested his shout out. “Your thu’um is strong, Craig. We will now test your use of the shout. Borri will project a phantom Greybeard. You have to take it down using your thu’um.”

“Fiik, lo sah!” Borri shouted. A phantom Greybeard appeared in the middle of the room. It stood still, not moving or doing anything. Craig shouted “FUS, RO DAH!” The phantom Greybeard stumbled backwards and faded away. “Again!” Argneir said.

“Fiik, lo sah!” Again, Craig shouted “FUS, RO DAH!” The phantom Greybeard stumbled backwards and faded away again. After a few more phantom Greybeards, they stopped. “You have done well, Craig. In 3 days, we will teach you a new Dragon Shout! Until then, you are free to do what you would like without having to come up.” “Thank you, sir.” Craig said.

The journey back to Ivarstead seemed fast. The cold didn’t seem to even bother Craig anymore. It seemed easy for Craig to learn these new dragon shouts.

When Craig arrived at the inn, he counted his coin. He only had 100 gold left. He would need to get a job. It was still mid-day, so he had time to search. He walked up to the innkeeper. “I’m looking for work. Do you know where I could find a job?” “I heard Temba Wide-Arm is paying for someone to cut firewood for her. She lives down the road.” “Thank you.”

Craig went back outside. She owned the mill. He saw a woman operating the mill. He walked up to her. “Are you Temba?” “I am.” Temba had brown hair and pale skin. “I am willing to cut wood for you. I am going to be here awhile. My name is Craig by the way.”

“Glad to hear it! When can you work?” “I can start right now. Some days I may not be able to work since I have to train with the Greybeards since I am the next Dragonborn.” Temba’s eyes widened “You are Dragonborn? I fully understand. Well anyways,” Temba pulled out a woodcutting ax. “Here. You get 5 gold a log. The chopping block is right there.” She pointed to a giant tree stump with lots of logs around it. She then gave the ax to Craig.

“Thank you.” Craig said. “When you are done, put the ax next to the chopping block. I will give you your payment before you leave.” Craig started to chop wood. He chopped 10 blocks of wood. He then received his 50 gold payment and returned to the inn.

Craig ate dinner then went to bed. The next 3 days were nearly identical. When Craig went to the doorway of the inn on the day of his return to High Hrothgar, a man stopped him. “Is your name Craig?” “It is. Do you need something?” “I know you are Dragonborn. When you Temba, it spread all across Ivarstead in a matter of a day. I know you are on your way to High Hrothgar. Can you deliver this please?” “Oh, uh sure.” Craig said.

“Thanks! Here is your payment.” The man handed Craig a bag and 50 gold. “Thank you sir.” Craig then went up to High Hrothgar.

“Hey, Argneir, I have a delivery,”Craig gave Argneir the bag. “Thank you, Craig! Are you ready for your training?” “I sure am!”

“Follow me, Craig. The shout that you will be learning today will require us to go outside. Follow me.” Argneir gestured to Craig to follow him. Craig obeyed.

“Today, you will learn Whirlwind Sprint. We will teach you the first word, which is “Wuld.” It means Whirlwind. Bori will share his knowledge with you.” After Craig learned the shout, the giant metal gate next to them opened. “Borri will demonstrate.” Argneir said.

“WULD, NAH KEST!” Borri shot through the gate. Dust and small pebbles flew through the air. “Now, Craig, you try.” Craig shouted “WULD” and he darted through the gate. Craig was impressed with his own power. “Great job, Craig, we will continue training tomorrow, where you will learn the last 2 words in the Whirlwind Sprint shout.”

For the rest of Craig’s time there, he learned the rest of the Whirlwind Sprint shout. He also learned the entirety of the Become Ethereal shout. Craig was very excited when the wagon pickled him up and brought him back home. He was homesick.

The first person he saw when he got off the wagon was his mother. He hugged her tightly. After talking to each other, the question came: “Why don’t you show us what you learned?” “I don’t know.” Craig responded “I will show you then.” He started with the Whirlwind Sprint shout, then the Unrelenting Force shout, then the Become Ethereal shout. His mother was delighted.

“Hey Mom, I got you something.” Craig gave his mother 400 gold since she gave him 200 gold. “Why, thank you, Craig! How did you get that much?” “I chopped A LOT of wood!” Craig responded. The event was amazing. Craig was not done training yet. He was going back one more time next year.

It was 5 years later now. Craig was 20 years old now. He had moved out of his mother’s house. He had become a warrior, just like his father said he would be. He was on his way to the library. He wanted to finish the book that had let him know that he was Dragonborn.

He was reading for an hour when he found it. This is what it read:

There is a ritual that only the Dragonborn can successfully perform. It is a spell that can bring a loved one back to life as a full person. Not like other ones that only bring back a temporary body without a soul. It brings them back full, with their soul intact. First they need an empty bottle. Then they need to sacrifice some of their blood. Then, they need to kill a dragon. The must place some dragon bones on the dead body of the loved one. Then, they have to shout AAK VOKRII. Along with this, it will use a dragon soul. After that, they should wake back up. It may not work with those who have died from old age.

A tear dropped out of Craig’s eye. He could bring his dad back. He had to kill a dragon. Suddenly, the library rumbled. Craig ran outside. A dragon flew around the town, demolishing buildings. He knew that dragon. It was Alduin, the Eater of Worlds. “NO!” Craig ran to his mother’s house. He had to make sure she was alright. He ran through her house. Fortunately, it was untouched by Alduin.

He ran through the house. His mother’s basement did not go that deep. “Mom! Come on! We gotta go!” He grabbed his mothers hand and brought her to his house. He brought her to his basement. “It’s Alduin. Stay here. I must take him down, or else Helgen will be no more.” Craig threw on his ebony armor. He grabbed his daedric sword that the blacksmith made for him upon his second return to Helgen. It was also engraved with the words “Helgen Warrior.”

He had a special shield called the Spellbreaker. It absorbed most magic. He ran outside. More buildings had collapsed. He knew he had to destroy Alduin. “JOR ZAH FRUL!” Alduin landed against his will. He ran up to him. Alduin chomped at Craig, but he dodged it all. He then slashed at Alduin. Alduin then immediately flew back up into the air. “YOU WONT ESCAPE ME!” Craig shouted at Alduin.

He chased Alduin through the town. He ran into one of the guard towers. He raced up to the top and pulled out his bow. He shot at Alduin, and hit him a few times. Alduin then landed a couple streets away. Craig jumped off the tower. Before he landed on the ground and died with a splat, Craig shouted “FEIM!” and he became spectral. He hit the ground, but he was unharmed. He then ran to the street that Alduin was on. He was about to chomp on a woman when Craig used his Whirlwind Sprint shout and grabbed her and pulled her out of the way of Alduin.

Craig then walked up to Alduin. “Pathetic mortals. I will make you all burn!” Alduin said. “How about YOU BURN!” Craig shouted. Then, Craig shouted “YOL, TOOR SHUL!” A giant flame burned Alduin. Craig then slashed him and he flew off. Craig went after him.

“JOR ZAH FRUL!” Alduin landed against his will again. Craig stabbed Alduin, then slashed him twice before he flew off again. At this time, more guards came and started shooting at Alduin with their bows. Alduin dodged most of them. Craig also shot at him.

Alduin then landed. “WULD LAH KEST!” Craig shouted and then darted across the street in less than a second. He then slashed at Alduin some more. Alduin tried biting Craig, but he slid under his neck and slashed it. Alduin roared and flew off. Alduin shouted “YOL, TOR SHUL!” and burned a house down.

Alduin landed. Craig charged up to Alduin, he then shouted “FUS RO DAH!” and Alduin flinched. Craig then stabbed him. Alduin then headbutt Craig. He then healed himself with a healing spell he learned. Craig had also learned a couple spells.

He then saw Alduin land somewhere else and bite a guard. The guard fell to the ground. “WULD NA KEST!” Craig bolted to the injured gaurd. He was thankfully still alive. He used a healing spell and healed the wounded guard. He then continued pursuit on Alduin. Again, Craig forced Alduin to land.

This time, flames floated above Craig’s hands. He was using a fire spell. Fire bursted out of Craig’s hands and onto Alduin. Alduin then got ready to bite Craig. Craig stop burning Alduin and shouted “FEIM!” Craig had become spectral. Alduin’s head went right through Craig, so he was unharmed.

Craig then hopped onto Alduin’s head. He drew his sword. “Any last words Alduin?” “I hope you burn…” Alduin said. And those were his last words, because the instant he said that, Craig shoved his sword into Alduin’s head. The tip of the sword popped out of the bottom of Alduin’s neck. Craig had killed Alduin.

He pulled his sword out of Alduin’s head. Alduin started to glow. Then, streaks of orange went into Craig. And then Alduin was nothing but a pile of bones. Craig had absorbed Alduin’s soul. The village cheered. And now, every year in Helgen, they hold a festival for this day. The day when Craig had saved the city from Alduin.

The next morning, Craig ran to the graveyard. He went to his father’s grave and opened the casket. He placed the dragon bones on his father’s dead body. He then took out an empty bottle and a dagger. He cut himself and let the blood pour into the bottle. He then said the words. “AAK VORKII!” After a minute, Craig could hear breathing. His dad opened his eyes. “Craig?” “Dad!” Craig’s dad stepped out of the casket. “I became a warrior, just like you said I would!” Craig and his dad walked home. Craig told him about his adventures on the way.

THE END.