{"id":1293,"date":"2021-12-08T10:01:16","date_gmt":"2021-12-08T17:01:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/baakay.com\/Snow\/?page_id=1293"},"modified":"2021-12-13T19:38:14","modified_gmt":"2021-12-14T02:38:14","slug":"chapter-5","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/baakay.com\/Snow\/volume-ii\/part-i-past-and-present\/chapter-5\/","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 5"},"content":{"rendered":"
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 <\/p>\n

There wasn\u2019t any point in waiting around on the docks. Qaralana was tired, but she didn\u2019t want to impose on Henrik and his family, either; so she started back through the darkened forest to find the road and then ran north.<\/p>\n

This is really stupid. What am I thinking? It\u2019s too dark, I\u2019m only one person, and\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n

\u2026 and it\u2019s really dark. They won\u2019t be able to see where I am. And maybe some of them will be asleep. And they don\u2019t know the others have been eliminated.<\/em><\/p>\n

It\u2019s the perfect time to do this.<\/em><\/p>\n

It didn\u2019t take long for Qara to reach the Armory \u2013 the old Imperial installation she\u2019d seen on the way in, tucked into the hillside. She worked her way up through the foliage, behind and around the large boulders, rather than take the path in from the roadway.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

From the deepest shadows she studied the installation\u2019s layout. There was a mostly-intact tower on one side and a mostly-collapsed tower on the other, with a rope-and-plank bridge between. As she\u2019d expected, at least one bandit walked a sentry patrol route.<\/p>\n

She readied her blades and inched forward, locating the base of a wooden staircase and taking that up rather than going through the open gate not far from it. As she reached the top of the stairs she was glad it was still dark. There was the sentry she\u2019d seen, but there was at least one other man, hammering metal at a forge just below them; and someone of them was exclaiming about someone being near. She slipped to the right along the bridge and then up to the top of the ruined tower.<\/p>\n

She had an excellent view of the area. The sentry, an archer, had run along the curtain wall looking for her and was now just below her, staring into the darkness with his bow at the ready but looking across the bright glow of the forge.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

This man is going to be blinded. There\u2019s no way he can see me.<\/em><\/p>\n

She followed him down the stairs and attacked from behind. The man tried to turn, but he wasn\u2019t fast enough. A moment later, he was a body on the ground.<\/p>\n

She\u2019d revealed her location with the attack, though. Two arrows clattered to the ground next to her. She looked up to see another thug approaching. He was fumbling with his blades when she ducked under his reach and buried her daggers in his chest. She started for the darkened doorway just behind the now-dead man; but the sound of footsteps stopped her. Another bandit was closing in on her from the ground level of the fortifications, his bow drawn.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope you\u2019ve got lots of coin in your pockets!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI do, but you can\u2019t have it!\u201d She had the advantage of being above him, and he was foolishly attempting to fire his bow at her from much too close a range. She simply side-stepped the arrow and used an overhand stab to rid the world of yet another bandit. Then another voice, an Argonian from the sound, came from somewhere in the yard.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe broke my heart. They always do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Try not being obnoxious. That might work.<\/em><\/p>\n

She crept along the curtain wall, searching for the source of the voice and finding him standing on the lowest level of the complex, staring stupidly into the distance. She jumped down onto the stairway just above him and rolled forward, popping up behind him in a surprise attack that took him out of the equation. Once again she found herself thanking her parents and Delvin Mallory for having taught her the best ways to use stealth to her advantage. She returned to the door and pushed it open only as much as she needed to slip through.<\/p>\n

The antechamber just inside was toasty warm, heated by a substantial fireplace. There was a single sentry in the room, but she was seated with her back to the door. Qaralana shook her head at that foolish decision as she dispatched the guard from behind.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m no assassin, but these fools are making me feel like one. What a dumb way to guard a fort!<\/em><\/p>\n

Around a corner the passageway branched. A room on one side was flooded, and full of mushrooms; ahead and down a short staircase was another bandit, pacing in a small chamber. This time Qara did behave like an assassin; she crept up behind the woman, rose, and slashed her throat.<\/p>\n

Ahead was a kitchen area. Qara didn\u2019t have time to hide or attack from stealth; the woman bandit who walked in was looking right at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve got a live one over here!\u201d the bandit shouted.<\/p>\n

Damn it, now I\u2019m going to have the whole place on me!<\/em><\/p>\n

The woman was tough, too; but oddly, she didn\u2019t attack. She simply blocked with her sword, as though she expected Qara to wear herself out in the effort. What she didn\u2019t know was how good Qara was at getting underneath her foe\u2019s reach. The bandit was in the process of saying \u201cNot bad,\u201d when the ebony dagger took her life.<\/p>\n

Qaralana stopped to look around a bit, and thought about how she\u2019d arrived at this place. There was something satisfying about having this entire venture not<\/em> be a result of her being Dragonborn.<\/p>\n

I still don\u2019t understand that. I\u2019m sure that there\u2019s something important I\u2019m supposed to do. And if it was important enough for Uncle Dar to lose his Voice and me to gain mine, it\u2019s something I desperately need to survive this in order to do. But I don\u2019t know what it is.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Dardeh had insisted on taking her up to High Hrothgar, even though both she and Roggi thought it was far too early for him to be travelling, much less climbing the highest mountain in Tamriel. But he had insisted.<\/p>\n

\u201cLook,\u201d he\u2019d said in his weak, raspy voice. \u201cI feel fine even if I sound awful. I know the way, and you don\u2019t. The Greybeards have summoned you, and as irritating as it is, you really need to go see them.\u201d Then he\u2019d chuckled. \u201cArngeir is going to be happy he won\u2019t need to deal with me anymore, because I was a little short with him the last time I saw him. I promise you this is the last trip I\u2019m making up there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re sure, Dar?\u201d Roggi asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Dar said. \u201cListen, Roggi. I need to get out there. I need to, I don\u2019t know, say goodbye to the Greybeards and Paarthurnax before I\u2019m too old to do it again. They put up with Ulfric for the Moot and they\u2019ll put up with me coming along with Qara, even if I no longer have the Voice. I feel like I need to explain it to them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Then he heaved a huge sigh. \u201cAnd I need to prove to myself that I can still hold my own, even if it\u2019s just with these swords.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roggi had stared into Dardeh\u2019s eyes for what felt like a very long time before he\u2019d nodded. \u201cI understand that part, Dar. I promise you that you are still a very valuable person. But I understand that you need to prove yourself. Just like a true Nord,\u201d he added, smiling.<\/p>\n

\u201cI figured you would.\u201d<\/p>\n

So they\u2019d left, and climbed the very long, very cold path up to High Hrothgar. It was uneventful aside from a few goats getting underfoot, and one snow bear that was very easily taken down by Dardeh and his extravagantly sharp ebony scimitars. They reached the monastery in brilliant sunshine and frigid temperatures. She\u2019d turned, just before they entered, and looked back at her uncle.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m kind of scared to go in.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dardeh had smiled that warm, confident smile of his and waved her forward. \u201cDon\u2019t be. We don\u2019t have the World-Eater threatening to end us at any moment, so there\u2019s no great crisis at hand. These may be four of the most powerful old geezers you\u2019ll ever meet, but they\u2019re\u2026\u201d He\u2019d paused, and frowned.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re what?\u201d<\/p>\n

Dardeh rubbed his chin. \u201cInactive. Almost inert.\u201d He grinned. \u201cGeezers. We\u2019ve always had a difference of opinion on how the Voice should be used, or even if it should be used at all. I\u2019m more of a mind with King Ulfric on this particular point. But it\u2019s very important that you learn what you can from them before you meet the Blades, and then you can decide for yourself how you feel about having this power.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt doesn\u2019t make any sense, Uncle Dar. Why do<\/em> I have this?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t know. I\u2019m going to wager the Greybeards don\u2019t know, either. But let\u2019s go inside where it\u2019s at least a little warmer, and talk to them about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Qaralana had been more than a little intimidated by the very old man in long, dark robes who came out to greet them when they stepped inside the cavernous old building. He\u2019d glanced at her for a moment and then turned to her uncle.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo. Once again you grace our halls, Dardeh at-Dadarh. No longer the Dragonborn.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right, Arngeir,\u201d Dardeh rasped. \u201cIt\u2019s a long story, but it had to happen. Hermaeus Mora was far too large a threat to the world. Maybe not as much of a threat as Alduin was, but\u2026 let\u2019s just say that I couldn\u2019t be the cause of the world being in slavery.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have not always seen eye-to-eye,\u201d Arngeir said, \u201cbut in this matter I will respect your judgment. It is a difficult thing you\u2019ve done. And now,\u201d he continued, turning to Qara, \u201cwe have a new Dragonborn.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaster Arngeir,\u201d Dardeh said, \u201cthis is my niece, Qaralana of Riften.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dardeh explained to Arngeir, and to the other Greybeards as they filtered in from outside, how it had come to pass that Qaralana had come into her power, and how she had learned the Dragonrend Shout and a number of others directly from him. Arngeir frowned at that.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is a powerful and evil Shout to have learned so soon,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is not one you should have shared with your niece,\u201d he added to Dardeh.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just wanted the dragon to come down,\u201d Qara said quietly. \u201cIt just happened. I don\u2019t know how. He didn\u2019t actually teach me the words, not deliberately.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d the old man admitted, \u201cthere do seem to be more dragons of late, and not the ones who bow to Paarthurnax\u2019s rule. I suppose that the gods have their reasons.\u201d<\/p>\n

Arngeir put Qara through her paces, having her demonstrate her understanding of several words of power. They taught her Clear Skies, Arngeir becoming a bit snippy when Dardeh offered to teach it to her himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, Arngeir,\u201d he\u2019d said. \u201cYou know I can do it even if I can\u2019t Shout anymore. In fact, maybe I should stay up here with you and meditate. I\u2019d make the perfect silent monk.\u201d Arngeir had merely glared sourly at him, rather than gracing the flippant remark with a reply.<\/p>\n

And then, after climbing the last third of the icy mountaintop \u2013 a passage during which Dardeh had ample opportunity to prove what a good swordsman he still was, against a number of ice wraiths \u2013 they reached the top. Qara had jumped, tensed, and drawn her blades when she saw the ancient dragon atop his word wall; but Dardeh chuckled and put a hand on her arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry I didn\u2019t tell ya on the way up. It didn\u2019t seem right to spoil the surprise.\u201d<\/p>\n

Qara smacked his arm. \u201cNot fair, Uncle Dar!\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cDrem Yol Lok,\u201d a huge voice rumbled. Qaralana then embarked on one of the strangest conversations she\u2019d ever had, learning about the Way of the Voice from the very leader of the Greybeards himself. He\u2019d shared the Fire Breath Shout with her, and \u2013 as he had Dardeh, long before \u2013 offered to enhance her understanding of that Shout.<\/p>\n

And she\u2019d come away stronger, but even more confused.<\/p>\n

\u201cI still don\u2019t get it, Uncle Dar. Why now? What am I supposed to do with this?\u201d<\/p>\n

Dardeh had smiled at her and patted her on the back. \u201cI\u2019ll tell you what my Ma always told me. \u2018You\u2019ll know when the time is right.\u2019 There is a reason you\u2019re Dragonborn. There is a reason you took your first dragon before you were born. When the time is right, we\u2019ll know what that reason is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d she muttered, \u201cwhatever the reason is, it doesn\u2019t appear to have anything to do with getting rid of these bandits on Falskaar.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

There\u2019s some other reason I ended up here, and I don\u2019t know what that is, either. Outstanding.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

She was carefully descending into the larger space one floor below when a movement in front of her almost startled her out of her sound-muffling boots. Another bandit stood before an assemblage of crates. His back was to her; and the huge pole arm strapped across his back told her that she needed to take him out of the picture as quickly as possible. She crept up behind the man and then, marshalling all the strength she had in her arms, struck with both blades. It wasn\u2019t so much the strength of her ferocious attack, as it was the element of surprise that allowed her to take on enemies like this; and once again that element made the difference. He cried out and then slumped to the floor.<\/p>\n

Bizarrely, the second bandit in this large, multi-purpose space seemed not to have heard his fellow fall. Qara was working her way around the outer edge of the chamber and stopped short when she saw the man seated at a table in its center. In addition to the dining table there were enchanting and alchemy stations against one wall and several cots lined up along the other. She looked at the cots longingly. It had been a long time since she\u2019d slept. Tired or not, though, the same attack that had removed the first bandit in the tower dispatched the second, as well. She took a slice of the cheese he\u2019d been carving up and nibbled on it as she continued exploring the place.<\/p>\n

Only a set of wooden doors remained as unexplored exits from this space. She headed for them and once more startled. A Khajiit had entered the room and was leaning over the enchanting table, deeply focused on what he was doing. She silently cursed being caught by surprise and then dashed forward to eliminate him.<\/p>\n

The doors led down a flight of stairs and through a narrow hallway mostly blocked by rubble. Around a corner a cage door blocked another sizeable room, full of crates, shelves, barrels and chests.<\/p>\n

The storage area. Well, I\u2019d best be careful. I\u2019ve never seen a cache that wasn\u2019t well guarded<\/em>.<\/p>\n

To her amazement, the cage door wasn\u2019t locked. It swung open at a light touch.<\/p>\n

What kind of an operation is this, anyway? I\u2019m barely grown and I know how to protect goods better than these people do!<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWhew!\u201d a woman somewhere ahead complained. \u201cWhat a day.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Qara ducked behind a large piece of fallen stonework and peeked around it. There was the woman, alright, dressed in lightweight miner\u2019s clothing. A man in leathers sat a table nearby. Neither of them seemed aware of her.<\/p>\n

She slipped up behind the seated man and struck, slicing his throat; but he gurgled and groaned and alerted the woman. \u201cHey!\u201d she yelled, raising a simple woodcutter\u2019s axe and rushing at Qara.<\/p>\n

It was a short battle, in spite of the bandit\u2019s much larger weapon. Block, pivot, stab, back, pivot, slice. Qara had practiced it so many times that it required no thought at all. The woman went down, leaving Qara shaking her head.<\/p>\n

Why am I so good at this, I wonder? I\u2019m not a very good thief, though that\u2019s how I learned stealth. I\u2019m not especially good with a bow, like Chip is, and I\u2019m not strong with blades like my uncles. <\/em><\/p>\n

I\u2019ve never seen Mama in a real fight. I understand that she\u2019s a force to be reckoned with. I wonder if I got it from her. <\/em><\/p>\n

The bandits\u2019 goods were of poor quality and the food they\u2019d socked away was plain, mostly stale or ruined by water seepage, and stowed on rickety bookshelves.<\/p>\n

Why is this group of misfits creating such a stir? Maybe it\u2019s the simple fact that they have next to nothing driving them to invade the port. It\u2019s the one way they\u2019d get more, and better, weapons and food without paying for them.<\/em><\/p>\n

As she made her way through the rest of the winding, broken corridors she found small stashes of coin, and one or two pieces of jewelry, but basically it was a poor cache kept by poor excuses for bandits. There were a few more stationed here and there; and what continued to strike Qara was how oblivious they seemed to her passage.<\/p>\n

Either I\u2019m really, really good or these people are really, really stupid.<\/em><\/p>\n

She finally reached another large chamber, seemingly full of chests. There were weapons lined up on several sizeable tables, and armor laid on another. One very large Nord sat beside the cache of weapons.<\/p>\n

Now this is more like it. This must be the leader. I\u2019d better be ready for a real fight!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

She readied her potions, just in case. She even put some spider venom \u2013 a weak poison, but one that was frequently of use \u2013 onto her main blade.<\/p>\n

And the man went down with one strike.<\/p>\n

Qara straightened up, stared down at the man, and shook her head. \u201cThis is ridiculous, you know. You people should have had me dead five times over. At least. Oh well.\u201d She shrugged, and moved about the room checking for valuables. It wasn\u2019t much, but it at least had the makings of a stockpile in progress. The threat they had posed as a group wasn\u2019t immediate, but it might have been a real problem not too far in the future.<\/p>\n

She saw a note on the largest table, and opened it up.<\/p>\n

All troops mobilize immediately.<\/p>\n

Group Orders:<\/p>\n

You are to capture the docks and stop boat shipments. Remember to keep an eye out for the object. Yngvarr wants us to find it, and if we do, there is a huge reward.<\/p>\n

Hold the docks until you receive further orders. If refuge is needed, utilize Hjalmar Armory to the Northwest.<\/p>\n

Lt. Kolgrim of Staalgarde<\/p>\n

\u201cInteresting,\u201d she murmured. \u201cI\u2019d better get this information back to Jarl Agnar right away.\u201d She had no idea who Lt. Kolgrim was, but somehow she\u2019d managed to cut off what might have been a serious threat.<\/p>\n

As she stepped back out into what was now a brilliantly sunny day she wondered again what \u201cthe object\u201d was. Whatever it was had been important enough for these people to kidnap Mecaius for interrogation, and to try to take over the only port she was aware of.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

It was a beautiful day for a run, but given how long she\u2019d been running and the fact that a good portion of that running was back up over the switchbacks, Qaralana was thoroughly exhausted when she finally pushed open the doors of Borvaldur Manor. She tried not to yawn as she approached Jarl Agnar. After all, it was a serious matter that she\u2019d uncovered, and he needed to know about it. But all she could think of was bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cGreetings,\u201d he said. His voice was cheerful and kind, but his body language, she thought, said that he hadn\u2019t gotten any more rest than she had.<\/p>\n

\u201cI went to the docks as you asked, and found that bandits had kidnapped Wulf, Henrik, and his family. Henrik said they were \u2018getting ready to make a move\u2019 and told me where the others were holed up. So I went there, and\u2026\u201d Suddenly an enormous yawn caught hold of her and she was unable to stop it. Agnar\u2019s expression had been extremely serious, but a small grin crept up one side of his mouth.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh I\u2019m so sorry, sir,\u201d Qara said, feeling her face flushing hot. \u201cI\u2019m just so tired.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSomething tells me you took care of the rest of those bandits,\u201d he said. \u201cYou look exhausted.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI did, sir,\u201d she said, happy that he didn\u2019t seem a man to become offended easily. \u201cHjalmar Armory. It wasn\u2019t much of a storehouse, yet, but they were definitely starting to stockpile weapons. And I found this,\u201d she added, handing him the note she\u2019d found. \u201cIt seems that Yngvarr is behind this. He\u2019s mobilized his whole army to search for something.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHis entire army?\u201d Agnar\u2019s frown deepened. \u201cThen I am not sure what we are up against.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo?\u201d<\/p>\n

He shook his head as he read down the note. \u201cStaalgarde Hold has not needed an army for a long, long time. Its capital is far to the east, safe at the end of the Emerald Valley where only those Yngvarr allows in may enter. The distrust and discord between our people stretches back to when Falskaar was first settled; but the last time we fought was over one hundred years ago. His family wanted the throne, and they attacked the Falskaar and Amber Holds.\u201d He sighed. \u201cThe war ended with us the victors, and his family put down in shame. They agreed never to try to gain power again, and ever since it has been mostly peaceful here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOnly mostly?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere have been some minor skirmishes and attacks, but nothing linked directly to the Yngvarrdrs or Staalgarde. The most recent was when the little town of Pinevale was burned to the ground, and that was not recent at all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPinevale?\u201d Something about that name meant something to Qara, but as muzzy as her head was she couldn\u2019t quite figure out what.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a little mining village on the north of end Falskaar Hold. A real shame.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo what could Yngvarr want?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am not sure. But whatever it is, it is bad news for us. And he needs to be stopped.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDefinitely. He almost managed to seize your main supply route from outside Falskaar.\u201d<\/p>\n

Agnar nodded. \u201cWe had best get my housecarls.\u201d<\/p>\n

We. Right. He means me, and I don\u2019t know how much more energy I can muster.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThe Hjorgunnar family has served mine loyally for hundreds of years. All that\u2019s left of them are two brothers, Ulgar and Svegard. Follow the river east until you come to a stream. Follow the stream north, and it will take you to their cabin. Tell them\u2026\u201d He hesitated, and then sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cTell them that they are to resume their duties as my housecarls. It is not a statement that is spoken lightly, and they will know it means war is upon us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Qara started to speak, but another yawn took her. \u201cI will do that, Jarl Agnar, but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

He smiled. \u201cBut first you must have a few hours of sleep. We have a little bit of time. Rest, and then go retrieve my housecarls.\u201d<\/p>\n

Qaralana nodded, smiled, and then left the longhouse to look for a bed. There was a two-story building just across the road from the longhouse that she thought might well be an inn, so she walked slowly across and pushed the door open. A tall, willowy blond woman stood behind a counter on which rested a number of potions and other items.<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me,\u201d Qara said, feeling as though she knew the answer to her question in advance, \u201cbut is this the inn? I really need a room.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I\u2019m sorry,\u201d the woman said. Her voice was just as petite as she was, tiny and light. \u201cThis is a general store. The inn is just down the road.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cWhich is likely where my husband is,\u201d came a sarcastic voice from behind her. Qara turned to see an old woman rising from her chair at a small table that had been tucked into the space under the stairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you two have another fight?\u201d the proprietor said.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid the sun come up this morning, Svea? Of course we did. I told him no. He doesn\u2019t like it when I tell him no. Gets as grumpy as a bear in winter.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry to hear that. What did you tell him no about?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe wants to go fight bandits. He\u2019s just too old, the foolish beast. A war is no place for an eighty-year-old man to be, even if he doesn\u2019t look a day over sixty. He\u2019s still strong, and hardy, but he\u2019s a stubborn old fool.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou always make up with him, though.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, we do. We might fight like a wolf and a bear but we\u2019ve been together far too long to give up on each other. Your potions are ready, by the way. On the table upstairs.\u201d<\/p>\n

The old woman turned to look Qara up and down a moment. Qara smiled. The woman was clearly very old, the deep lines on her face set into a permanent frown. She looked like she\u2019d seen far too much grief in her lifetime. But she had a full head of luxuriant silver hair falling to one side like the foam on a waterfall, and Qara thought she must have been stunning as a young woman.<\/p>\n

Then it occurred to her that she must look like either an idiot or a nosy body, just standing there like that.<\/p>\n

\u201cI- I\u2019m sorry to stare,\u201d she stammered. \u201cI\u2019m just really tired, practically dead on my feet. I don\u2019t mean to be rude.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not rude, dear,\u201d the woman said. \u201cI\u2019m just annoyed at my husband. I don\u2019t recognize you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Qara shook her head. \u201cI\u2019m Qaralana. From Skyrim. I came here through\u2026 well, it\u2019s a long story and I barely believe it myself. But I\u2019ve been running here and there for two days straight and I need some sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm. Well I\u2019m heading back to my house, so I\u2019ll be happy to show you the way to the inn. Bye, Svea. Let me know when you need more.\u201d She moved toward the door and beckoned for Qara to follow. Then she cracked the tiniest of smiles. \u201cJust look at that red hair. My hair used to be red like that. But that was a long time ago, as you can see.\u201d She reached up to run a hand through her hair.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Qara followed the old woman, numbly, and waved goodbye to her at the inn – a building which did, in fact, have the proper sign hanging outside, if she\u2019d been clever enough to look for it. She went inside and purchased the use of a bed.<\/p>\n

She had intended to just fall into the bed right that very moment, but a figure on the far side of the room caught her attention. There was an old man there, a Nord: large, heavily lined, with a shaggy crop of steely-gray hair. He sat slightly bent, hunched over his own legs, and he didn\u2019t look happy at all. He didn\u2019t look sad<\/em>, Qara thought; he just had that look of general discontent with life in all its variety, a look she\u2019d seen often enough in her short time in the world to recognize it for what it was.<\/p>\n

She should have just let well enough be, but something about him drew her nearer. He didn\u2019t look up as she approached, but she heard him make a harrumph under his breath.<\/p>\n

So he definitely knows I\u2019m coming to talk to him. This should be a challenge.<\/em><\/p>\n

She walked up and stood beside the roaring firepit, just looking at him and trying to decide what to say. She cleared her throat.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cSo then. What is it ye want wi\u2019 me, lassie? Ye\u2019ve been starin\u2019 at me since ye came in.\u201d<\/p>\n

His voice was low, and rough, but it had a pleasant timbre. It seemed familiar somehow, even though she was quite positive she\u2019d never met this man or anyone else on this island before.<\/p>\n

\u201cUm,\u201d she started; and then in a fit of pique she stomped her foot on the floor. \u201cDamn it, I wish I could stop doing that! Sorry. I shouldn\u2019t say things like that in front of\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAn auld man, is that it? Is it? Well, I am an auld man. They\u2019re all right,\u201d he snapped. His voice dropped. \u201cCast me aside like yesterday\u2019s leavins. I\u2019m still stronger\u2019n most of em.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026 well, I was wondering\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSpit it out<\/em>, would ye, lass? I\u2019m nae gettin\u2019 that much younger sittin\u2019 here that the Jarl will think about sendin\u2019 me out wi’ his lads.\u201d<\/p>\n

Qara felt herself getting annoyed. So he\u2019s got a smart mouth on him, does he? No wonder she was angry.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cIf it helps,\u201d she said sarcastically, \u201che\u2019s sending me<\/em> out and the last time I checked I\u2019m not a lad.\u201d<\/p>\n

She thought she saw the tiniest flicker in his eyes. Or maybe it was the fireplace. She didn\u2019t know.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd? Ye were sayin\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you have a wife? With, very white hair, kind of like this?\u201d She waved her own hand down the side of her face to approximate the elegant sweep of silver she\u2019d seen.<\/p>\n

The old man harrumphed. \u201cAye. That\u2019s her. The auld bat. Kicked me out of me own cot. Why is that of interest to ye?\u201d<\/p>\n

Qara snorted. \u201cShe didn\u2019t kick you out, sir. She\u2019s just worried that you\u2019ll get hurt. I\u2019m pretty sure that\u2019s all.\u201d She turned to go find the room; but before she did another thought had her speaking to him again.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor whatever it\u2019s worth, you do not, in any way, look eighty years old. She was right about that.\u201d<\/p>\n

She heard him harrumph again behind her back as she returned to the innkeeper to learn which of the rooms lining the walls was hers, and couldn\u2019t help but smile.<\/p>\n

The innkeeper had barely left her room before she was asleep.<\/p>\n

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Home Previous \/ Next   There wasn\u2019t any point in waiting around on the docks. Qaralana was tired, but she didn\u2019t want to impose on Henrik and his family, either; so she started back through the darkened forest to find the road and then ran north. This is really stupid. What am I thinking? It\u2019s … <\/p>\n

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