For a long moment, Jack and Ulfric just stared each other down. Jack didn't move or back down. Ulfric seemed to understand that he wasn't going to give him an inch and lowered his eyes in acceptance. Jack took the small gesture as him relenting to him and turned to the other Jarls. Lowering his hand, he told them all sternly. "Don't you understand the danger? Don't you understand what the return of the dragons means? We're here because Alduin has returned! And while you bicker and fight over lands and titles... Alduin is out there raising his army of dragons and preparing a war that will end ALL wars!" Jack moved closer to the table to rest his hands on it as he announced to all of them more bluntly. "I called this meeting because I need your petty war to stop so that I can deal with a much greater threat. Alduin is out there! And his dragons are burning your lands and devouring your comrades! Your people!" Jack's expression softened only a little as he glanced between Ulfric and Tullius, asking them curiously. "Can you not put aside your hatred for even one moment in the face of this mortal danger?"

General Tullius leaned casually back in his seat, crossing his arms over his glossy brown and gold breastplate as he retorted mockingly. "Now that is a very pretty speech... You almost had me going. But I don't believe any of this Nord nonsense. I see this as a Mage spouting tall tales to scare me off their land. Which isn't going to work. So, take your telltales to the Tavern drunks." A Jarl woman stood up with pride, telling everyone present. "As Jarl of Riften, I will not be removed from my post by either of you! You have no right! War or no war. I did not side with Ulfric to be removed from my station! So, Archmage... If you promise my station as my own, I'll side with you. I haven't forgotten what you did to save my people from the dragon." Ulfric moved back to his seat, rushing out a bit heatedly. "You would dishonor yourself by pledging yourself to another?!" The Jarl lifted her chin, stating aloud. "The Dragonborn is right. My people are not your playthings. Riften will stand with the Dragonborn."

Another Jarl woman stood from her chair to announce aloud. "Aye. As Jarl of Morthal, my hold stands now with the Dragonborn." Tullius turned furious eyes on her, stating out. "You can't do that! You pledged yourself to Jarl Elisif! To the Empire!" The old woman shook her head, stating to the other Jarl's. "Nord nonsense? Long have I endured the Empire spitting on my traditions and culture. Every year I see a little more of my land chiseled away. I'm old and tired of biting my tongue! If you two feel WE are replaceable... Try and take my land!" Jack sat back watching the Nords glance at each other and rise slowly. Jarl Balgruuf nodded to Jack, then told Ulfric and Jarl Elisif seriously. "I've never believed in much of our old tales... but I've seen and heard of the Dragonborn's deeds across Skyrim. He fights for the people. I, Jarl of Whiterun, stand with the Dragonborn. None of my people are going to bleed for your war." A few Jarl men, rose and banged their chests, bellowing out. "AYE!"

Jarl Elisif stayed seated, expressing with a hurt voice. "You'd all weaken Skyrim by stubbornly turning your backs on the Empire?! By disgracing my husband's memory?!" One of the male Jarl's glared at Elisif and Tullius, stating out bluntly. "We are Nords! We shaped this land long before the Empire saw fit to place themselves here. The Empire made us weaker! Turning us on each other. I've been blind... The Empire would replace us so easily? Trade us out like cattle? I served loyally... but no more. I'm a Nord! I won't send more of MY people to fight under an Empire banner. We made your husband High King because he spoke for us... but no more. This Snake has been hissing in both your ears for too long! It's time we Nord's stand and choose again to rule by Nord law." Ulfric looked to the Jarls, but they turned to look at Jack. Jack stood shaky and speechless. The male Jarl, lifted his chin, announcing loudly. "I, Jarl of Markarth, appoint the Dragonborn and Archmage of Winterhold as the New High King of Skyrim! What say thee, my brothers and Sisters of the North?!"

Jarl Elisif shot to her feet, snapping out sharply. "NO! You can't do this!" The other Jarls ignored her outburst, stating one after the other around the table. "Aye." After all of the seven Jarls agreed, they looked to the last three unspoken leaders. Ulfric of Windhelm, Elisif of Solitude and Jack of Winterhold College. Jarl Elisif shook her head desperately, pleading with the other Jarls. "Don't do this! He's not even a Nord! You'll start a war with the Empire!" Ulfric rested his hands on the table, lost in thought. After a long silence, Ulfric chuckled and lifted his head to say with a smirk. "Not a Nord... but he has the heart of one. However, I can't agree without knowing something, Dragonborn. Where do you stand on Talos worship and the presence of the Empire?" Jack swallowed nervously, but honestly answered. "People should be allowed to worship who they want. As for the Empire... I believe that the Embassy would allow us to keep things civil between us... but the Empire's grip on Skyrim needs to go. Things concerning Skyrim and her people should be brought to the Jarl's of each hold. Nord land should be ruled and decided by the sons and daughters of the North alone."

General Tullius grunted, butting in sternly. "You'd risk war with the Empire?!" Legate Rikke chose then to step forward to the table, stating quickly to the Jarls. "There won't be a war with the Empire... Not when the Empire's next Emperor is right THERE!" Rikke pointed to Jack, causing him to stagger back with even more confusion. General Tullius stood to yell at Legate Rikke. "SHUT UP!" Legate Rikke flinched but kept saying. "It's true! I heard him talking to the Empire before coming here! Dragon blood has always ruled the Empire! The Oblivion Crisis didn't kill off the Septim bloodline! There were bastards recorded but never found! Jack Mcloughlin is descended from a bastard from the Septim bloodline! The Dragonborn IS and has always been the sole Emperor of all Tamriel!" Jack thought he might pass out, when General Tullis raised his hand to strike Rikke. Shouting for his Whirlwind Sprint, Jack dashed across the room and snatched Tullius's wrist before it struck her.

Locking eyes with Tullius, Jack told him in a commanding voice. "Stand down, General. All are free to speak here. To strike her in this holy temple is to seek the wrath of the Nords." Tullius puffed himself up, until his attention was drawn to almost every Jarl, Mage, and Housecarl kneeling in their diection. Jack released Tullius's wrist but didn't take his eyes off Tullius. Tullius looked to Ulfric, who slowly sank to his knee and uttered out respectfully. "Long live the Dragonborn. Long live the Emperor." Tullius didn't move, until Arngeir told him seriously. "To refuse to bow is treason. Is it not, General Tullius? Jarl Elisif?" Tullius very reluctantly bowed his head in respect, forced to listen as Jack told him firmly. "This war is over. You'll disband your troops and return home. You are free to stay in the Embassy as a Delegate of the Empire if you like... but the Legion no longer holds power in Skyrim. Am I clear?" Tullius inhaled deeply but nodded swiftly. Jarl Elisif gave him a reluctant curtsy, before curtly straining out. "What of my justice?! Ulfric killed my husband!"

Jack moved to her, placing a hand on her shoulder, he told her with only slight comfort. "One life doesn't equal another. While Jarl Ulfric obeyed old Nord law in challenge... He abused the way of the voice. It was unfair combat. For that... I can't sentence him to death... but I will take something from him as justice." Jack looked to Ulfric who was now standing up with slight concern. Jack raised a hand toward him, his fingers glowing with a white light that drew a golden light from Ulfric. The Nords all watched Jack with slight fear, until he told them all calmly. "For the misuse for your Thu'um Ulfric... I claim your voice as your punishment. Through silence, learn wisdom. For the words of wise men are heard even in quiet." Jack expected Ulfric to fight his judgement. Instead, he accepted it. The other Nords relaxed, leaving Arngeir to say casually. "It is settled then. All the Jarls agree to making the Dragonborn High King of Skyrim?" All except Jarl Elisif agreed. She didn't seem entirely pleased that he seemed to punish Ulfric so lightly.

Jack moved around her to go back to his seat, listening to Arngeir bellow out proudly for all to hear. "By the majority, Dragonborn... Archmage of Winterhold College. You are hereby the New High King of Skyrim as appointed by the Jarls and witnessed by the Greybeards of High Hrothgar. Your first decree?" Jack stood up proud and straight, trying to hide how his hands were shaking as he commanded confidently. "The war is over. Skyrim is free. However, my fight with Alduin is just beginning. For this... Jarl Balgruuf, our deal? Will you allow me to use Dragonsreach to capture a member of Alduin's forces?" As the Jarls all began to sit back down in their seats, Jarl Balgruuf stayed standing to answer with pride. "Aye, I'm ready to do my part. Just say the word, and my men will help you spring this trap. I only have one question... How do you plan to lure the dragon to Dragonsreach?" Tullius finally dropped back into his own seat, stating out rather frankly. "Well, that's an excellent question. You haven't overlooked that little detail, have you? Your highness?"

Jack turned stern eyes on him. He was going to warn Tullius about speaking to him that way, when the only working door to the council room opened suddenly to reveal Esbern and Delphine. Jack rose from his seat in shock as Esbern flashed him a bright grin and informed them cheerily. "Sorry we're late. No court Wizards on our end, I'm afraid. However, I did catch your last bit. And I believe I can be of help here." Jack glanced behind him to give Mark a worried look. They were the last people that he had expected to see here. Arngeir leaned away a bit as Esbern leaned in to put his hands on the table, saying excitedly. "I was anticipating a problem like this, before this meeting was even called. Naturally, to get to Alduin... We'd need to get close to him. So, while you were arranging this meeting, I was busy in the library of Sky Haven Temple. An unguessed trove of lost lore... but the important thing is that the Blades recorded many of the names to the dragons they slew."

Esbern looked directly at Jack, telling him openly. "Cross-referencing this with Delphine's map of dragon burial sites, and I believe I've identified one of the dragons that Alduin has raised up." Jarl Elisif shrugged, asking shortly. "How does that help?" Esbern's eyes drifted to her, upon answering coolly. "Don't you see? The names of Dragons are always three words of power. A shout. By calling the dragon with the Voice, he will hear it no matter where he might be." Another Jarl shrugged, asking curiously. "So, if the Dragonborn shouts his name. Then he will have to answer?" Esbern quickly shook his head, correcting the Jarl. "No. He's not compelled to, but dragons are prideful by nature and loath to refuse a challenge. Just hearing the Dragonborn's Voice in particular is likely to intrigue this dragon. Especially, after his victory over Alduin the first time. I think it is very likely that he will be unable to resist investigating the call." Jack slowly sat back down, feeling uneasy as he watched Delphine narrow her eyes on him with irritation.

Trying to push her from his mind, he asked Esbern nicely. "Alright. What's this dragon's name?" Esbern winced guiltily, fishing a piece of parchment from his pocket as he truthfully said. "Indeed. That is where I hit a snag. I'm no master in the way of the Voice like these worthy gentlemen or even one such as yourself, Dragonborn. Therefore, I'm unable to read the name for it is in dragon script. However, I did write it down here on this piece of parchment." Esbern started to hand it to Arngeir, but Delphine snatched it from Esbern and strolled around the table to give it to Jack. She stopped to hand him the paper with an unreadable expression. All around the table, the Nords shared questionable looks with each other. Jack took the paper carefully and unfolded it without a word to her. Her attitude toward the Greybeards had not improved. He could almost guess that she was pissed at him lingering with them for so long. Looking over the dragon script writing, he read the words only in his head as 'Od-Ah-Viing.'

Looking up at the other Jarls though, he told them more confidently. "Translates to Winged Snow Hunter. Thank you, Esbern. This will help a great deal. I'll confirm it with my sources and head to Whiterun immediately." Arngeir rose from his chair, asking the Jarls curiously. "Any other matters the Jarls wish to bring to light before we dismiss?" The Jarls shook their heads, leaving Jarl Elisif to mutter out. "Nothing that hasn't already been said." Arngeir gestured to Jack, saying softly. "Dragonborn, closing statements?" Jack looked at the Jarls in turn, telling them warmly. "Thank you for coming and for your support. I hope in time I will prove worthy of it. Until then, safe journeys home. I will... be in touch." Jack rose from his seat and the Nords all rose to their feet. Jack watched them bow to him and he bowed back as permission for them to leave. He had never been more thankful that the Mages used the same general gestures of respect. The Nords then began to exit out of the Council room at the behest of the Greybeards.

Jack stayed standing until the last of the Jarls had left the room. He then dropped into the chair and covered his face with his shaking hands. He was so overwhelmed and broadsided by all this. None of this had gone according to his plans. Mark moved forward to place a hand on his shoulder, discreetly whispering to him in a loving voice. "Jack... I'm so proud of you. You are-" The door to the council room slammed shut, cutting Mark off as they both jerked their heads up. Klipper jumped onto the table, pointing his spear at the two-remaining people in the room. Esbern tried to put a hand on Delphine's shoulder to calm her, but she swatted it away. Storming back over to him, she snapped out. "Months! You left us hanging for months! You better have a damn good reason!" Mark stepped out to block her path from reaching him, crossing his arms as he bluntly told her. "We've been working our asses off. Is that not good enough for you?" Klipper let out a low growl, shifting his weight from foot to foot as he chittered in Riekling.

Delphine huffed bitterly, stating out rather coldly to him. "Ya? Well, there's one more thing that I think we need to have a long chat about. See, Esbern here discovered something in that dusty library that you might find VERY interesting. And the fact the Greybeard's wouldn't let me investigate it makes it true. So, tell me. How long have you known about Paarthurnax?!" Mark stiffened, glancing over his shoulder. Jack very slowly rose from his chair, waving Mark away as he asked her a bit forwardly. "I'm not sure that I understand what you are implying. What do you know?" Delphine's expression darkened into a scowl as she bitterly hissed through her teeth. "You know exactly what I mean! Paarthurnax. The dragon, that those damn Greybeards have been protecting for all these years! He's Alduin's oldest ally and a traitor! He needs to die. He DESERVES to die! And you're going to help me do it." To Be Continued...