Entry 16
My plan to go to Whiterun was sparked by my want for Azura’s Star that Nelacar told me about so very long ago. The fort it was rumored to be hidden in was over that way. I set off to the south along some familiar trails, avoiding a few mage forts, and passing the same deserted mill I investigated a few weeks ago.
Along the road I came across a Nord who said his aunt went into their family burial tomb with a necromancer. I wasn’t sure if he was trying to con me or not. I decided it would be worth investigating anyway. If there was a necromancer in there, I wanted whatever treasures he was hording.
Golldir and I fought our way through his risen ancestors. I made certain not take anything from the tomb, I didn’t want to disrespect his family in front of his face after all. I also made sure not to use any of my own necromancy. Not only because this man doesn’t like it, but because I can’t take chances with anyone seeing me use this power. Who knows who they might tell.
We made quick work through the dungeon, mostly thanks to my silver greatsword and its bonus damage to undead foes. Golldir confronted the necromancer, a Dark Elf, and we began a long battle. The Dark Elf released wave after wave of Draugr on us, and was shooting occasional ice spikes as well as teleporting around the battlefield. At some point in this battle, I began to see red. My berserker rage was coming, and I knew it. I wanted it to take over me, surge through my body, break my enemies.
When all was said and done, Golldir lay on the floor at my feet, next to the Dark Elf. I can’t say whether or not I killed him. I don’t feel bad for Golldir, his tomb was now clean thanks to me. I took a key from the Dark Elf’s body and opened a door and chest. I found a new pair of steel plate gauntlets, a worthy upgrade from my old iron ones, though 2 pounds heavier. I also found something even more valuable, a diamond! I had never seen one before!
I left the tomb with a pocketful of assorted jewels and soul gems. A great haul indeed. The next thing I came upon on my journey to Whiterun was a Troll in a river. It was standing outside of a cave. I found a shallow spot, crossed the river, and slayed the troll. It was easier than I had expected. Trolls are slower than bears. I decided to explore this cave, slaying a few more trolls on the inside. I picked up a few more pieces of loot, nothing substantial, a few valuable scrolls and potions.
Further along the river, a bandit stopped me to tell me it was 200 gold to cross along to Whiterun. Well, being the Orc I am, and with my confidence from the upturned horns of my Helm of Yngol, I decided to threaten the bandit. This didn’t work, and soon there were about 5 bandits swarming me. One was a chief with a powerful frost enchanted greatsword. I used my conjuration to raise the fallen bandits as I fought. Eventually, they all fell at my feet.
The sun was beginning to set, and from the top of this bandit tower I could see Whiterun in the distance. Inside the tower I found a bow enchanted with frost damage. I decided to take this to disenchant since it weighed less than the steel greatsword the chief had. I will eventually add a frost enchantment to my silver greatsword. I took some food from the bandits for dinner and set on my way again.
A conjuration mage attacked me from behind a standing stone, he was only an apprentice and I dealt with him quickly. I pondered the ability to raise hordes of dead to fight at my side, but I decided to stick with the Atronach power for the time being at least. I still need some more magic resistance gear.
Outside the gates of Whiterun, a High Elf attacked me with fireballs. I ran from him and eventually the guards intervened, killing him. As I tried to enter Whiterun, guards told me they weren’t allowing anyone in or out of the city because of dragon rumors. I ended up having to pay 200 gold to get in.
I dumped all my loot off with this creepy store clerk named Belethor. I went up to Dragonsreach and spoke with the court mage there. He taught me two new destruction spells called frost cloak and ice storm. This came at a hefty price of around 2000 gold. Luckily I had some enchanted items of my own to sell and make some of that gold back.
I headed over to the Bannered Mare Inn, where I sit now sipping ale by the fire. Tomorrow I’ll go to a smaller town called Riverwood, and from there I will make my way across the lake to Ilinalta's Deep, the fort I hope holds Azura’s Star.