"Rikke, are you sure of this? You know how much stock I put into Nord tales and legends."
"Maven Black-Briar came through for us. She wouldn't name her contacts, but I believe the information is solid. The Stone-Fist has found the Jagged Crown, and seeks even now to enter Korvanjund and reclaim it."
"Hmmm....."
Legate Rikke whispered to one of her subordinates as the irregulars were gathered in front of her. These were soldiers with abilities that set them aside from the rank-and-file, each recommended to her by their division commanders for one reason or another. The bulk of the army had settled into a large camp on the plains outside of Whiterun; finally swallowing his pride and realizing Ulfric's true intentions, Balgruuf had agreed to allow the Imperial army to assist in the defense of his city. The Stormcloaks were expected to make their move any day, but this business of the crown threw an axe into things. Ulfric may very well be feigning an attack on Whiterun simply to buy time for Galmar to retrieve the fabled relic. She wasn't about to let that happen.
"Why these four?" she asked.
"They will look as no more than normal travelers, making their fortune along the road. A small group, only one is an Imperial, and we've removed the insignia from her armor," the officer replied.
"No, I know that, I mean why these four?"
"Ah, of course. Well, Carius you know already. The Breton is one of the fiercest we have who isn't also an Imperial. The elf serves admirably as a scout, and the Argonian's magic complements their abilities. All have proven their competence in previous assignments. I thought this the best composition available for your request."
"I see."
The Legate nodded, then looked down at the names of the four written on a sheet of paper in front of her. Rosenna Carius; Alareine Arysden; Arnand; Ukaraz Pehrcalees. She looked up to address them.
"At attention, soldiers. You've been called here for a special assignment. Though none of you are Nords yourselves, you may know the legend of the Jagged Crown. I believe that the crown has been located by the Stormcloaks, and that they're moving even as we speak to claim it from its tomb. If you know the legend, then you know how much this relic could bolster Ulfric's cause, should he lay hands on it. It may be nothing more than a rumor, but we can't afford to sit on our hands and find out the hard way. That's why I'm sending you four to Korvanjund to check it out; that's where the crown is said to rest, on the head of a draugr deep within the barrow.
"You can barter for any supplies you need in Whiterun, and get a map to the barrow there as well. Balgruuf has already provided such a map to the innkeeper at the Bannered Mare; she'll be waiting for you. Get to Korvanjund and find out if there's any Stormcloak presence there or not, then report back to me. I'm sending you four because I've been told that you'll be able to get there and back the fastest, and with the least amount of trouble. Prove that to me. Dismissed."
Rikke turned and walked away; Rosenna relaxed her posture as the officer disappeared into the swarm of soldiers in the nearby camps.
"Well, I may be mistaken, but I don't think we've been introduced. I suppose we'll know each other pretty well before we're back in Whiterun, though. I'm Rosenna Carius," she said, turning to speak to her three new companions.
Galmar Stone-Fist took another swig from his mug of ale, then slammed the empty container down into the snow at his side. His small detachment had set up camp in a patch of frozen forest outside Windhelm, closer to Korvanjund. To anyone watching, they were just a normal scouting party, but in reality they were anything but. Galmar beckoned for the four soldiers he'd summoned to lean closer, so as to be heard over the howl of the icy wind at their backs. Yuriah Cariic; Gladron; Kalien; Brynjar War-Weary. He didn't trust all of them, especially not this high elf, but there was nothing else for it. He needed a group that could pass for a few adventurers looking to plunder the ruin for wealth. Besides, this was why he'd picked Brynjar to go along with them. The man was a true Nord, and he could be trusted to hold the group to its purpose.
"Aye, the Jagged Crown. I've found it, and you four are gonna get it, hear?" Galmar said. "It's in Korvanjund, or so I think. Ulfric's been sending out word of his intentions to attack Whiterun in order to keep the Imperials' attention. We'll take Whiterun, alright, but when Ulfric marches into the city, the Jagged Crown will already sit upon his brow. We have to keep up the look of gearing for an invasion, which is why I'm only sending you four while the army prances about. I've been told that you're skilled enough to go in there and get that crown for me without a hitch. If you are, then this is your chance to prove your loyalty as true sons and daughters of Skyrim.
"Now, I suggest you get moving while you still can. Blizzard could roll in at any moment, and I'm not keen on waiting another day or two to get this done. The longer we wait, the more we risk discovery by Imperial spies. Say your hellos, grab your furs and your mead, and get moving. Brynjar, I'm trusting you to do this for us. You know how much rests on this task," Galmar said, slapping his fellow Nord on the back before getting to his feet and ambling away to refill his mug.