Chapter Three

                                    

                                          
The next morning, I awoke with fear churning in my belly. The day had come. The Stormcloaks would be arriving, preparing for a massive attack on Whiterun. On my home, where my family lived. Where my children lived.
                          
We had a rushed breakfast that morning, and the table was deathly quiet. Even the children seemed to know what was to come. The air was thick with solemnity. 
                          
I pushed my empty plate forward and cleared my throat. "Attention, everyone!" I called, standing in my chair. Vilkas made sure I stayed steady as I rose my full height. 
                          
The Companions turned to me, faces set with worry and trepidation. 
                          
"Listen up." I crossed my arms over my chest, squaring my shoulders. "While we are a neutral faction, taking no side in this war, the Jarl has called us to fight for him and his people. Which means we must fight with the Empire. Even though I would rather pull my own teeth out than fight alongside them, we are honor-bound to come to the Jarl's aid. We have no choice but to follow his request.
                          
"With that said, I need to tell you of our battle strategies." I forked my fingers at Aela and Eirik. "You two will be our archers, and you'll be covering the wall behind Jorrvaskr. Stop any invaders who try to climb that side. The rest of us will be running two-by-two through the ranks. Help squads that need it. Vilkas and I have already assigned the pairs, and if you should get separated from your Shield-Sibling, find the next group of Companions and stick with them. Understood?"
                          
"Yes, Harbinger," they all murmured in unison. 
                          
"Torvar and Ria will be one pair. Athis and Njada, you're the next. Tyra and Farkas, and then Vilkas and myself. Stick with your Shield-Sibling, no matter what. Don't leave their side."
                          
Once my speech was done, the Companions broke apart and made their personal preparations. I got down from my chair and headed downstairs to don my armor. Vilkas followed me, his face somber. 
                          
"And what of the children?" he asked as we came into our chambers. "Where will they be?"
                          
"Under Jorrvaskr. It's the safest place in the Hold. There's no place I would rather them be."
                          
He nodded. "You are right. It is the safest place. I just wish we had a way to get them out of harm's way entirely."
                          
"So do I, but there is no time."
                          
Together, we suited up, putting on our armor in silence. It took a lot to rattle me, and I was efficiently rattled now. My stomach had tied itself into many tight knots, and it refused to release. My hands kept shaking, no matter what I did to stop them. A cold sweat began to run down my neck, making my entire body shiver.
                          
"Ylva," Vilkas said, stirring me from my thoughts. "We will be all right. We have to focus on the task at hand. Can you do that?"
                          
I bit my lip, then nodded. "You're right. As usual."
                          
He offered a weak smile. "I don't know about that. But I do know that there is no point in borrowing trouble."
                          
I gave another nod. "It's time for me to meet with the Legate in charge of the Legion's soldiers. She is supposed to brief me on her plans, so I can coordinate the Companions' forces with hers."
                          
He nodded, then pressed a quick and gentle kiss to my lips. "Go, then. I will see you again soon."
                          
I left him after I equipped my sword. I made sure the sheath was secured to my belt, then I left Jorrvaskr. 
                          
I marched down to the Imperials' camp, just past the walls. As I came closer to the entrance into Whiterun, I noticed that barricades had been built, and that many archers already had their places on the walls.