Skyrim Journal - Unbound

18th of Last Seed, 4E 201

My journey to High Rock has been postponed.

As I attempted to cross the border, I walked into an Imperial ambush against the Stormcloaks. In the confusion, the Imperials mistook me for a rebel and arrested me. I wasn't the only one; a man named Lokir of Roikstead, a horse thief, was captured as well. So, too, was Relof, a Stormcloak soldier, and Jarl Ulfric, the leader of the Stormcloaks. And murderer of High King Torygg.

We were taken to a small mountain town named Helgen. They were going to kill all of us. I think Tulius, the new Imperial general, didn't realize we weren't all rebels.

Well, it did not come to pass. A great black winged beast, like the dragons of old, came down from the sky, dripping thunder and lightening. He hurled his voice and knocked us to the ground. Fire and boulders rained around us, destroying buildings and crushing civilians and soldiers alike. I don't know how many perished in the intial encounter.

One of the Imperial soldiers, Hadvar, led me through the dungeon of Helgen's keep. He unbound me and supplied me with food, armor, and weaponds. I was able to scrounge up more supplies as we went along. We were fought the whole way - Stormcloaks, frostbite spiders, there was even a bear.

Eventually we made it out, and I glimpsed the dragon soaring overhead, heading northwest. Hadvar stayed alongside me through it all. Despite everything, he understood I didn't belong there, and risked his life to keep me safe.

He led the way to a nearby town of Riverwood, where Hadvar's uncle, Alvor the blacksmith, and his aunt lives. They offered us supplies, gold, food, and a warm place to sleep. So I stocked up, cooked some soup, and slept hard.

I visited the general store across the street to sell and buy some supplies, and Lucan, the shopkeep, was arguing with his sister, Camilla. They had some old golden claw ornament stolen, and the bandits are hiding out in Bleak Falls Barrow. I felt a bit obligated to help him, so I agreed to retrieve the ornament.

But it will have to wait a bit, as I must get to Whiterun to tell the Jarl there, Balgruuf, of the dragon and the destruction of Helgen.

Hadvar pardoned my warrant and asked me to join the Legion. I'm not. sure I have much of a dog in this fight - I only wished to cross Skyrim to get to my family's old home in High Rock. I had no idea of the Civil War.

I may as well continue to Whiterun.

Lucan told me to seek out the College of Winterhold, since I had asked him about spellbooks. I always wanted to cultivate my magic abilities, since I never joined a Mage's Guild while in Cyrodiil.

I've been resting by the river as I wrote this. It is a hauntingly beautiful day. The birds and elk are plentiful. They've no idea of the destruction that might await them.

My thoughts return to Hadvar, and to his family, of their kindness and hospitality. They don't deserve to die.

I'd like to learn more about this civil war. What happened?