Hour 43: Cleansing the Stones

I return to the Skaal village and speak with one of the elders, who suggests that I attempt to 'cleanse' the Wind Stone (which has mind-controlled villagers attempting to build a monument around it). I head there and am instructed to use the Bend Will shout on the stone - I've discovered the shout, but I haven't unlocked it. Oh dear, looks like I can't continue with this quest?! I look up where I can reliably find a dragon so I can absorb its soul and unlock the shout, and fortunately it seems there's usually one on a small island to the north of Solstheim. I head there, and sure enough I see the beast crouched in the distance:

My Flame Atronachs easily slay it, and I therefore unlock the shout. Heading back to the Wind Stone, the shout destroys the monument and shakes the villagers from their stupor. However, this also causes a Lurker to materialise. It barely has time to lumber forward and take a few feeble swipes at the nearest villager before it's violently immolated by a barrage of fireballs from the Atronachs.

I'm then prompted to perform the same feat to the other stones on Solstheim - I think there are 4 or 5 others. Sometimes there's a Cultist or two skulking around near them, but after dispatching them I easily repeat the procedure and slay the Lurker which appears. I rejoice whenever I see a Lurker, as they nearly always drop good gear and a good bit of gold, so this mission was perfect.

Next, the elder suggests I visit Neloth in Tel Mithryn to learn more about the Black Books. I head there and an annoying conversation ensues wherein my character asks questions about the books and sounds surprised and intrigued by them. The game obviously hasn't taken into account that I'm not only well aware of them but have by this point about 5 of them in my possession and have reaped nefarious rewards from Hermaeus Mora himself (or itself?).

Neloth suggests we locate another Black Book in the ruins of Nchardak to the north, sunken off the eastern coast. We head there on foot, under cover of darkness, slaying Ash Spawn along the way.