Prerequisites: Complete Main Quest: Bleak Falls Barrow

Intersecting Quests: Main Quest: Bleak Falls Barrow, Main Quest: The Way of the Voice

Locations: Western Watchtower, Whiterun, Dragonsreach

Characters: Farengar, Hrongar, Irileth, Jarl Balgruuf the Greater, Proventus Avenicci, Whiterun Guard

Enemy: Mirmulnir (“Loyal Mortal Hunter”)

Objectives: Talk to Jarl Balgruuf, Meet Irileth near the Western Watchtower, Kill the dragon, Investigate the dragon, Report back to Jarl Balgruuf, (Optional) Use your new Shout power

All Along the Watchtower

Objective: Talk to Jarl Balgruuf

Please click to enlarge

As you finish your conversation about the Dragonstone with Farengar, Irileth interrupts you with some troubling news: A dragon has been sighted nearby!

Farengar seems positively giddy, while Irileth seems unsure if they could stop an attack on Whiterun. Locate the Jarl, who is questioning the Whiterun Guard who reported seeing the beast. Jarl Balgruuf orders Irileth to bolster the Western Watchtower with more men, a plan Irileth is already undertaking.

Then the Jarl turns to you, seeking your help once again. Your experience at Helgen means you’re most experienced in dealing with dragons. As a token of his esteem, he’s instructed Avenicci that you’re permitted to purchase property in Whiterun. Assuming you’re alive and have enough gold! You’re also gifted something from the Jarl’s personal armory:

Items Gained:
Leveled Armor

Objective: Meet Irileth near the Western Watchtower

Please click to enlarge

As the Jarl prevents Farengar from viewing the dragon, exit Dragonsreach. If you stride through Whiterun with Irileth, she gathers some Whiterun Guards and explains the situation.

Or you can leave Whiterun. Follow the stone path that winds between the tundra plains, heading for the lone tower in the middle distance. As you get close, step up to Irileth who is hiding behind a rocky outcrop. If Irileth is behind you, you can either wait for her (and the soldiers) to arrive, or investigate the Watchtower on your own...