"Explain to me why you never thought to use that before," I said, giving Shay a pointed glare.

We now stood outside High Hrothgar with cold wind whistling in our ears. I swiped my tail through the snow in annoyance.

"I'm not that good at it," Shay said. "The last time I did it I wound up at Kvatch. They're rebuilding it quite nicely after Dark-Swamp saved them."

"Really?" Archer asked. "I haven't been there. Just around home and here in Skyrim."

"That's not the point," I growled. "You could have at least tried to do it at least once."

"I did! Just now!"

I rolled my eyes and bounded up the stairs, opening the door. "Just get inside."

Shay grinned triumphantly and sauntered through the open door. I glared after him. Archer and Kharjo ran inside. Archer slipped on the snow that had stuck to his boots, sending them both to the floor. I slipped inside and scraped the snow off my boots so I didn't follow their example.

Arngeir stood in the center of the entrance hall. The other three Greybeards were coming down the stairs.

"Welcome back Rapier, Archer," Arngeir said. "I trust you have found the horn?"

I took the old horn out of its pouch and held it out to Arngeir. "We did. It was a little more complicated than I'd hoped."

Arngeir took the horn and placed it in his belt. "Shay, Kharjo, stand over against that wall. There is good. Rapier, Archer, Master Wulfgar will teach you the final word to Unrelenting Force, then we shall accept you formally as Dragonborn."

Wulfgar walked over to us and looked down at the floor. "Dah." The word whooshed quietly like wind, and the floor cracked. The glowing Dovahzul letters etched themselves into the floor.

Before I had fully registered that dah meant push the blue and gold ribbons wound themselves around Archer and I.

The Greybeards each stood at a corner of the square Archer and I were inside. To my surprise, they all started speaking. It sounded like thunder in my ears. I couldn't tell what they were saying. A headache started to build.

I took a step back and bumped into Archer. In the brief moment we were touching, the noise dropped to a bearable level and I could almost tell what they were saying, but as soon as I'd pulled away it had gone back to thunder.

Archer must have noticed the change as well, because he moved so we were back to back. I had the sudden urge to Shout at the ceiling. I didn't dare, in case I accidentally brought the building down on top of us.

I knew that they were speaking Dovazul, but I didn't know enough to understand what they were saying. They could have been saying really mean and evil things and I wouldn't know. I also got the feeling Arngeir wouldn't translate for me when they were finished.

Archer and I stood perfectly still for what seemed like a long time, but probably wasn't much longer than a few minutes. The last word I caught was Dovahkiin.

The Greybeards fell silent and Argeir came towards us. "You have heard the voice of the Greybeards and remain unhurt. You are always welcome in our halls Dovahkiin."

"Thanks?" I said. "I don't suppose you could tell me what you said in English?"

Arngeir frowned at me with evident disapproval. "We have taught you all we can."

"But how do we defeat Alduin?" Archer asked, sounding mildly irritated.

Arngeir gave Archer the same mildly disapproving look. "I cannot tell you what you wish to know, but only because I, myself, do not know."

Archer nodded, as if he had expected this answer. "Thank you for all your help, Master."

Archer and I walked over to where Shay and Kharjo stood. They both looked like they'd seen Sthiss.

"What now General?" Shay asked Archer.

Archer glanced back at the Greybeards. "We go to the Blades. They could most likely tell us what we want to know, or at least find a place that would tell us."

I hissed. "That means seeing Delphine again doesn't it?"

Shay frowned at me. "I think she's nice."

"You aren't me."

Archer sighed in exasperation. "Would you two stop bickering for a couple hours? Shay, could you to that thing to get us to Riverwood?"

Shay looked doubtful. "I can try. No promises though."

"Make sure you don't forget Vigilant and Shadowmere," I said, just to be obnoxious.

Shay glared at me. "I won't forge-"

"Stop arguing," Archer said. "You're giving me a headache."

Shay grinned. "That has got to be a first."

"Just get us to Riverwood and argue later."

"Fine." Shay closed his eyes and a look of intense concentration crossed his face.

I grinned. "Don't screw up."

"Rapier!"

"Sorry! Sorry! I'll be quiet now."