Skyrim:The Ghost of Old Hroldan

Quick Walkthrough
#Sleep at the Old Hroldan Inn.
#Speak to the ghost that appears.
#Speak with Eydis.
#Go to the random dungeon and recover Hjalti's Sword.
#Return the sword to the ghost for free training in One-handed and Block.

Detailed Walkthrough
'''''"Hjalti was a shrewd tactician, and his small band of Colovian troops and Nord berserkers broke the Reachman line, forcing them back beyond the gates of Old Hrol'dan. A siege seemed impossible, as Hjalti could expect no reinforcements from Falkreath."'''''
Tiber Septim's Bed
Old Hroldan Inn, the remote inn along the shores of Karth River in the Reach, holds an important place in history, at least according to innkeeper, Eydis. As soon as you enter the taproom she will claim, ''"Old Hroldan is the stone that the Empire's history is built on"'' and will then ask if you want to rent Tiber Septim's bed. When asked to elaborate Eydis will provide a lengthy description on the historical importance of Old Hroldan. She will explain the location marks Tiber Septim's first victorious battle when he liberated the area from barbarians during the Second Era. According to history, the victorious general then spent the night at the inn and his bed is still there, as good as new. Eydis charges a meager ten gold for renting out the venerable bed, so accept the offer and follow her to the room. Note the skill book The Battle of Sancre Tor on the nightstand, then go to bed.

Ghost of Old Hroldan
thumb|right|"You promised me, Hjalti."
When you wake up, you will hear Eydis scream in terror as the inn has received an unexpected visitor, namely the Ghost of Old Hroldan. An alarmed Eydis will tell tales about Old Hroldan being haunted, but will not have definitive answers about the ghost or his purpose. Instead, go talk to the ghost who will confuse you with someone else:

''"Hjalti? Is that you? I've been waiting." 
"I fought by your side. To take back the Reach from the savages." 
"Do you remember me now, Hjalti?"''

When asked about why he is referring to you as 'Hjalti' he will remind you that the two of you fought together to free Hroldan, and that you promised to be his sworn brother. He then explains that he has waited an eternity for the sword that will fulfill the promise, but will not reveal anything else.

Hjalti's Sword
Ask Eydis about the sword, and once again, she knows her history. She will recall a legend about Tiber Septim attacking a camp right before heading to Hroldan. Her guess is that the sword will be at the camp. She will then mark a random location on your map, choosing from the following list: 

Possible Locations:  

If asked further, Eydis will speculate on the name 'Hjalti' and guess that it was one of the many names of Tiber Septim. She suggests that the ghost is one of Tiber Septim's dead soldiers.

Sworn Brothers
Luckily, Eydis' map marker will show you all the way to the boss-leveled chest in the depths of the random location. Once you have Hjalti's Sword return to Old Hroldan Inn and present the sword to the ghost. He will be most honored to become your 'sworn brother' after hundreds of years and reward you with a few lessons from the sword masters of Alcaire: a one-point bonus to your One-handed and Block skills. He will then disappear into thin air, confident that you travel along with him.    

'''''"That night a storm came and visited Hjalti's camp. It spoke with him in his tent. At dawn, Hjalti went up to the gates, and the storm followed just above his head. Arrows could not penetrate the winds around him. He shouted down the walls of Old Hrol'dan, and his men poured in. After their victory, the Nords called Hjalti Talos, or Stormcrown."'''''

Notes
It is possible to acquire Hjalti's Sword in one of the potential spawn zones even before sleeping at Old Hroldan and starting the quest. The sword is flagged as a quest item until it is turned in.
For more information about Hjalti and the Battle of Old Hrol'dan, see The Arcturian Heresy.

Quest Stages