{"id":2161,"date":"2023-01-21T23:27:38","date_gmt":"2023-01-22T06:27:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/baakay.com\/Snow\/?page_id=2161"},"modified":"2023-01-24T17:46:43","modified_gmt":"2023-01-25T00:46:43","slug":"chapter-16-qara-and-harald","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/baakay.com\/Snow\/volume-ii\/part-ii-above-and-beyond\/chapter-16-qara-and-harald\/","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 16 – Qara and Harald"},"content":{"rendered":"
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 <\/p>\n

Qaralana heard her uncle sigh as they entered Windhelm. It was at least the fifth time he\u2019d sighed since Ivarstead. She\u2019d been trying to ignore it, hoping he wasn\u2019t having second thoughts about ending Paarthurnax. She was absolutely certain they\u2019d done the right thing.<\/p>\n

I thought Uncle Dar was certain, too. Maybe it\u2019s not that.<\/em><\/p>\n

As they passed Candlehearth Hall, Dardeh sighed again.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is<\/em> it, Uncle Dar?\u201d she finally asked, exasperated. \u201cA person would think you were going to your own execution or something.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Dardeh shrugged. \u201cSorry. I guess I have been a little obvious. I\u2019m worried about how angry Roggi will be. Let\u2019s just say that I\u2019ve experienced how strong he is.\u201d<\/p>\n

Qara had been about to laugh at him, but then thought better of it. Their experience on the mountaintop had been hard for Dardeh, much more than it had been for her.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat doesn\u2019t matter. You\u2019re the Dragonborn, Uncle Dar!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWas. You\u2019re the Dragonborn, now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut that makes you one of the strongest men\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Dardeh shook his head and cut her off. \u201cWas<\/em>, Qara. I\u2019m good with my blades, still. You saw that. But basically I\u2019m not much more than a decent sellsword anymore and he is \u2013 well, in a different category.\u201d He stared down at the ground for a moment and then shook his head again. \u201cIt\u2019s more than that, though. I\u2019m just afraid that I\u2019ve hurt him once too often. I hope I\u2019m wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n

She smiled at him. \u201cHe\u2019s probably sitting in there fuming and as soon as he sees your face he\u2019ll forget all about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dardeh gave her a crooked grin. \u201cI hope you\u2019re right, little girl.\u201d<\/p>\n

She frowned and stomped her foot. \u201cUncle Dar.<\/em> I\u2019m not a little girl anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked surprised for a moment, but then tossed his head back and laughed. \u201cNo. You\u2019re not. I apologize, Dragonborn. I should know better.\u201d<\/p>\n

As they made their way through the palace\u2019s main hall Qaralana found herself sneaking glances at her uncle. He really did look nervous; but try as she might she just couldn\u2019t picture Roggi being so angry that he wouldn\u2019t forgive them for leaving him behind.<\/p>\n

As they approached the dining room Queen Frina had so lovingly redecorated, Qara heard voices \u2013 deep ones. Dardeh slowed to a stop and put his arm out to block her passage, then pointed toward his ear.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

He wants to eavesdrop on them? Well he knows them better than I do – I hope.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go out and investigate, Ulfric. With all the contacts I have out there, I can\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d Ulfric\u2019s voice was kind, but firm. \u201cI want you here with me, Roggi.\u201d<\/p>\n

Qara watched in confusion as Dardeh visibly flinched.<\/p>\n

\u201cUlfric\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI will hear no further arguments, Roggi. You are one of my most trusted advisors. And,\u201d he continued, his voice dropping to where Qara could barely make out what he was saying, \u201cI am tired. I need trusted protectors by my side. Between you and Galmar I feel safe. It is disturbing, though, to hear the rumors from the west.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can go.\u201d<\/p>\n

That was Harald, and it was Qaralana\u2019s turn to jump. Go? Go where? Any of us could go to Markarth, so that\u2019s not it.<\/em><\/p>\n

Qaralana turned to look at Dardeh, who shook his head. \u201cI don\u2019t know what this is about, Qara,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cNeither do I, but we won\u2019t find out by hovering in the corridor. Let\u2019s get this over with.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dardeh squared his shoulders and stepped briskly into the room, just as though they hadn\u2019t been listening a moment before. Qara followed. Harald glanced at her, his relief obvious. Roggi had been frowning at Ulfric, but as they entered his gaze snapped to Dardeh. She watched the emotions register on his face, each for just a fleeting moment: surprise, relief, and then anger.<\/p>\n

So maybe Uncle Dar was right to be concerned.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cSo you\u2019re alive,\u201d Roggi said flatly.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Dardeh attempted a nonchalant smile. \u201cWe are. And glad to be back, if the truth be told. It was nip and tuck for a while there.\u201d His smile failed, and he sighed deeply. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Roggi. I knew if I told you what we were planning you\u2019d be angry. And you\u2019re angry now anyway, I can see that. But that was it. That was the end. I\u2019m done.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ulfric snorted. So did Roggi.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve told me that time and again, Dardeh,\u201d Roggi said. \u201cWhy should I believe you now?\u201d Dardeh flinched; to Qara\u2019s astonishment his eyes began to water with unshed tears.<\/p>\n

He wasn\u2019t kidding. Roggi really is angry. And hurt. <\/em><\/p>\n

And this is ridiculous.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause<\/em>,\u201d she snapped, speaking before she could stop herself, \u201cwe took care of a problem that was long overdue to be dealt with. I couldn\u2019t have done it alone, and Uncle Dar couldn\u2019t have gotten up there by himself. And now it\u2019s done.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo\u2026 you really did it?\u201d Harald asked quietly.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, we did,\u201d Qara said. \u201cKing Ulfric, Uncle Roggi \u2013 Uncle Dar and I went to High Hrothgar. I talked to Master Arngeir. Then we went up to the top of the mountain and talked to Paarthurnax. And I decided that we weren\u2019t going to be safe ever again unless Paarthurnax and his lieutenants were dealt with.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roggi\u2019s eyes opened wide for a moment. \u201cYou\u2026 killed Paarthurnax?\u201d<\/p>\n

She nodded. \u201cAnd three other dragons.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roggi looked at Dardeh, his expression one of astonishment. \u201cI thought you decided to leave him alone!\u201d<\/p>\n

Dardeh took a defiant stance and shook his head. \u201cI did, Roggi, but that was nearly twenty years ago and it\u2019s not my decision anymore. I\u2019m not the Dragonborn. It was Qara\u2019s call to make, and I was there to support her and lend my swords.\u201d<\/p>\n

Qara glanced at her uncle and grinned. \u201cAnd boy did he ever! You should have seen it. One of the dragons smacked me with its tail and I had the breath knocked out of me for a minute. I thought I was a goner, but Uncle Dar swooped in and\u2026\u201d She shook her head, remembering the moment. \u201cIt was the oddest thing. I thought I heard his voice, the way it used to be, clear as a bell.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roggi cleared his throat. She looked at him and saw the anger dissolving away, replaced by relief and maybe a touch of nostalgia.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Qara,\u201d he said, addressing her but not averting his gaze from Dardeh\u2019s, \u201cstranger things have happened. Once I thought he had wings and a tail.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dardeh guffawed, and Ulfric chuckled. The tension in the room evaporated.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m convinced there\u2019s something magical about your family, even if I didn\u2019t really see the tail,\u201d Roggi continued. He turned, then, and smiled at Qara. \u201cI\u2019m glad you\u2019re both back safely. Though I am kind of sad to hear that Paarthurnax is gone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am also relieved that you are both here,\u201d Ulfric said. \u201cI am not certain what I might have been in for if you hadn\u2019t been, Dardeh.\u201d<\/p>\n

Qara watched the two men exchange a look, and grin at each other.<\/p>\n

I have no idea what\u2019s going on but I think it\u2019s going to be ok.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cSo tell us what happened, Qara,\u201d Harald said.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut let us take a seat, first,\u201d Ulfric said, gesturing toward the table. \u201cI\u2019m afraid I am an old man.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Qaralana and Dardeh spent the next few minutes filling in the gaps between Harald\u2019s departure on the carriage and their arrival in the Palace of the Kings. Roggi was unusually subdued as Qara explained the reasoning behind her decision.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny that you said that about our family being magical, Uncle Roggi,\u201d she said. \u201cBecause that\u2019s what made up my mind. That, and you saying that Jurgen Windcaller was a loser. Paarthurnax was using all of the mortals who learned how to Shout. He used the Tongues, hoping they would kill Alduin so he could rule. He used Jurgen Windcaller, too; and when that didn\u2019t work out he used the Greybeards and the Way of the Voice that Jurgen invented to shield his mountaintop from the world. He was gaining strength and influence, waiting for Alduin\u2019s return. He wasn\u2019t expecting Uncle Dar.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roggi looked confused, but she pressed on. \u201cEveryone else who uses Words of Power has to study them for years. Harald learned a few really quickly \u2013 he\u2019s more talented than most. But Uncle Dar and I just have the magic in us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHad,\u201d Dardeh muttered from the seat next to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cHush,\u201d she snapped, and then felt her cheeks reddening as Roggi chuckled. \u201cPaarthurnax wasn\u2019t expecting him, but he played it well and convinced Uncle Dar that Alduin was the only threat. And then, once Alduin was gone, he waited. He was up there preparing to conquer the world again. He wasn\u2019t expecting me to show up. Because all he really<\/em> understood was how the mortals that he<\/em> taught could use the Voice. Some of us have it without being shown. And we were the ones who stopped him, and his brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ulfric sighed. \u201cI understand. I for one believe that the two of you did the right thing in the end. It\u2019s a shame, though, that Master Arngeir has turned his back to us. What is it that you\u2019ve always said about the limits of courage, Roggi? Perhaps Master Arngeir found his.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dardeh spoke, quietly. \u201cUntil we know the limits of our courage, we don\u2019t really know ourselves.\u201d Roggi smiled sadly at him and nodded, but didn\u2019t speak.<\/p>\n

\u201cHave you ever found the limits of your courage, Roggi?\u201d Harald asked quietly.<\/p>\n

Roggi smirked. \u201cYes. Not long before you were born. I faced down your father, with Dardeh, and ended up a stronger man for it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roggi, Dardeh, and Ulfric all exchanged knowing glances. It seemed to Qaralana that she would never know exactly what had happened among this small group of friends. It also seemed just as well that she didn\u2019t know.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Harald watched, and listened. He\u2019d been deeply frustrated that he hadn\u2019t been allowed to travel with Dardeh and Qaralana, and desperately worried about them. Their return had relieved that worry but had done nothing for the worries he’d gained just minutes before.<\/p>\n

It seemed that the dragons were not all that had resurfaced in recent weeks. Galmar reported skirmishes near the border with High Rock, both in the far northwest and farther south, near Markarth. Some of these had involved Orcs – not necessarily bandits, he\u2019d said. They seemed more organized than just groups of random thugs. To the southwest there were Forsworn.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

He\u2019d watched Roggi and his father discuss Galmar\u2019s news and admired the way they worked together. There were very few wasted words. They clearly had decades of experience with each other, and a shared background of knowledge. The Thalmor were mentioned more than once, though they didn\u2019t seem to agree on whether the elves were behind the skirmishes. Harald had watched the lines of worry on his father\u2019s face deepen.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not just that,\u201d Ulfric had said, rubbing his forehead as though it pained him. \u201cThere is renewed pirate activity along the entire coastline of Tamriel and as far inland as ships may travel. If we don\u2019t get things under control quickly to ensure a free flow of goods and coin, we will be more vulnerable to the Thalmor than we have been in years \u2013 Skyrim, and the Empire as a whole. Frina has gone to speak to her contacts at the East Empire Company, to see whether they know anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roggi had frowned. \u201cI don\u2019t suppose Brynjolf would have any information, would he?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ulfric had shot him a sharp glance. \u201cI don\u2019t know anything about Brynjolf\u2019s business dealings, but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh come on,\u201d Roggi snapped, much to Harald\u2019s surprise. \u201cWe\u2019re all too old to keep playing this little game, and Harald\u2019s old enough to understand. Should I contact Brynjolf, or not?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ulfric had stared at Roggi for a moment, and then glanced at Harald as though he was surprised to see his son still in the room. He sighed. \u201cLet me write to him. I\u2019ll alert him to what we\u2019ve heard and ask him to be on the watch for trouble. He stands to lose as much as anyone else if the piracy continues. In the meantime, what shall we do about the rumors in the west?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go out and investigate, Ulfric,\u201d Roggi said. \u201cWith all the contacts I have out there, I can\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. I want you here with me, Roggi.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roggi tossed his hands up in the air. \u201cUlfric\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI will hear no further arguments, Roggi. You are one of my most trusted advisors. And I am tired. I need trusted protectors by my side. Between you and Galmar I feel safe. It is disturbing, though, to hear the rumors from the west.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Harald had found himself speaking. \u201cI can go.\u201d I have a perfect excuse to be in Markarth \u2013 I owe Calcelmo a trip through the ruins. I can poke around for rumors and such while I\u2019m there.<\/em><\/p>\n

But before he\u2019d gotten a chance to expand on his offer to travel, Dardeh and Qara had walked into the room bearing a whole different set of concerns. He hadn\u2019t been completely surprised to learn that Qara had put an end to Paarthurnax, but his mind still whirled, trying to sort out where this development might place all of them on the greater stage.<\/p>\n

I always assumed that Brynjolf had his hands in some shady corners. I didn\u2019t realize that Father had anything to do with that. I wonder if that\u2019s what the stable man out in Markarth was talking about when he said \u201cyou can bet part of it goes to the King.\u201d \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

He ran that through his mind as well as the conversation just prior to it, when his carriage driver had mentioned reports that it was \u201ceven worse out west past the border.\u201d He had to fight to keep his expression neutral. He could go. He needed<\/em> to go. His father wouldn\u2019t allow Roggi to leave, and he was absolutely certain that Dardeh wouldn\u2019t leave Roggi. That left him to investigate unless they wanted to risk bringing even more people into their circle, and that struck him as a terrible idea – especially if his father was in danger.<\/p>\n

His gaze flitted from one person to the next, and settled on Qara as she tried to make her reasoning understood. It had been a brilliant moment of revelation she\u2019d had, to recognize that Dragonborn were in a different category than other mortals. They\u2019d all known that, to some extent \u2013 but she\u2019d figured out why it mattered.<\/p>\n

Then he reached a revelation of his own.<\/p>\n

We have to go tell Delphine and Esbern what\u2019s happened. Well, we don\u2019t have to \u2013 it\u2019s not a requirement \u2013 but they\u2019ll be waiting. There\u2019s my excuse for going west, the excuse that doesn\u2019t involve me putting myself in danger.<\/em><\/p>\n

He waited for an opportune moment to insert himself back into the conversation. Once his father had put the matter of the dragons to rest by declaring that they\u2019d done the right thing, he spoke up.<\/p>\n

\u201cFather,\u201d he said quietly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Harald?\u201d Ulfric answered, peering at him. Harald knew that his father could sense that something was afoot, just from that one word. He swallowed his own misgivings and continued.<\/p>\n

\u201cWrite your letter to Brynjolf. I\u2019ll accompany Qara to Riften to deliver it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut\u2026\u201d Qaralana began. He shook his head and held up a hand to interrupt her.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou need to at least check in with your parents, Qara. But then,\u201d he said, looking back at Ulfric, \u201cwe need to go let Delphine know what\u2019s happened. Or, rather, Qara<\/em> needs to. I\u2019ll go with her. Not that she can\u2019t defend herself, but if there are two of us it\u2019s safer. After that, we\u2019ll go to Markarth.\u201d<\/p>\n

Qara nodded slowly. \u201cAnd catch a carriage home. That seems reasonable to me,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Harald smiled at her, and nodded. I\u2019ll catch a carriage home as well. I just don\u2019t know when.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Ulfric stared at Harald, his frown growing deeper; Harald concentrated on his ring, praying silently to Shor and hoping that he was having some success in convincing his father to let them go. Finally Ulfric sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cVery well. I\u2019ll write the letter now. But, Harald,\u201d he added just as Harald began to relax his focus, \u201cyou must be very careful. You\u2019re still a target as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

Harald nodded vigorously, without breaking eye contact. \u201cI know, Father. And I understand that I need to be here for you and Mother. Maybe I\u2019ll be able to learn more while we\u2019re in Markarth.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll compose the letter now,\u201d Ulfric said, rising from the table to go to his private desk. \u201cOnce it\u2019s ready, I\u2019ll call for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roggi and Dardeh left the room as well, taking the side door toward their private quarters. Harald took a deep breath and blew it out, trying to relax his shoulders.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know what that was all about, Harald, but I know there was something going on that wasn\u2019t being said out loud,\u201d Qara said very quietly.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

He grinned at her. \u201cI can\u2019t keep a secret from you any better than Chip can,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m sure Father knows I\u2019m planning more than I told him. But he has to let me be my own man at some point.\u201d<\/p>\n

Qara frowned, but nodded. \u201cWhat are<\/em> you planning?\u201d<\/p>\n

Harald paused for a moment, but then smiled again. \u201cIf you don\u2019t know exactly what it is, you can\u2019t be accused of lying about it later. Don\u2019t worry, Qara. I\u2019ll be fine. But let\u2019s get back to Riften first. Maybe whatever my father is writing to yours will get people\u2019s attention onto something other than us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Qara paused for a moment and then grinned. \u201cYes. Good thought.\u201d<\/p>\n

They started down the hallway toward Harald\u2019s private quarters. As they passed the first door Harald paused and glanced into the room. I shouldn\u2019t spy on them, but\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWell I was livid, Dar,\u201d Roggi was saying, seated at the small table with his arms crossed defiantly before him. \u201cReally, really angry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, Roggi,\u201d Dardeh whispered in his raspy voice. \u201cI can only say that I\u2019m sorry. And I am<\/em> done. They\u2019re both gone now. Finally. Both of the dragons. I\u2019ll stay here with you and help protect Ulfric forever, if that\u2019s what it takes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Roggi\u2019s mouth sagged open for a moment, and he stared at Dardeh in what Harald could only see as astonishment. Then his expression softened as he looked down at the table. \u201cWell you can thank Frina when she gets back. She talked me down.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom what?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom leaving. She reminded me of something.\u201d<\/p>\n

There was a long pause. Then Dardeh said \u201cWhat was that thing?\u201d<\/p>\n

Roggi hesitated for a moment, and then looked back up at Dardeh with a soft smile on his face. \u201cWe made each other a promise. I intend to keep it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMe too, love. Me too.\u201d<\/p>\n

Harald smiled to himself and followed Qara down the hall, to wait in his quarters for his father\u2019s letter to be ready.<\/p>\n

They\u2019ll be fine.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cDaddy!\u201d Qara called out to Brynjolf, who was speaking with a middle-aged Redguard man standing near his stall. Both of them turned to look at her, and Brynjolf smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello, lass. How are things?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThings are\u2026 interesting, Daddy. But where\u2019s Mama? I didn\u2019t see her at the house.\u201d<\/p>\n

She watched her father\u2019s expression freeze. It wasn\u2019t something that would have been obvious to just anyone, but she knew her father and knew that he was good at plastering a smile on his face when he was actually upset. It was a subtle change, but she knew it for what it was.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s had business elsewhere and has been gone for a bit now. She\u2019ll be sorry that she missed you.\u201d He glanced past her and flashed another smile \u2013 this one genuine – at Qara\u2019s companion. \u201cGood to see you, Harald. I hope you\u2019re well.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cI am, thank you. I, uh,\u201d he paused to rummage in his pack for the note from Ulfric, and handed it to Brynjolf. \u201cFather wanted you to have some information. It\u2019s important.\u201d<\/p>\n

Brynjolf frowned, broke the seal on the parchment and read through it, his frown growing deeper as he went. When he finished reading he shook his head, slowly. \u201cThat\u2019s not good.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it, boss?\u201d the Redguard man asked. Qara had never seen him before, and found it odd to have him call her father \u201cboss.\u201d But odd things had happened before.<\/p>\n

\u201cPirates,\u201d Brynjolf said quietly, not looking up from the parchment.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cUh-oh,\u201d the Redguard said, stroking his beard.<\/p>\n

\u201cAye. I thought Frina took care of them, years ago,\u201d Brynjolf muttered. \u201cAnd you know what happens when shipping gets disrupted.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWait,\u201d Harald interjected. \u201cWhat\u2019s this about Mother? And pirates?\u201d<\/p>\n

Brynjolf looked up at him and chuckled. \u201cYour ma hasn\u2019t always strutted around the palace in a fine dress, lad. I\u2019m sure you know that she helped lead the fight in the war, for one thing. But she also wiped out a nest of one of the pirate gangs, the Blood Horkers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally? That was her?\u201d That was the Redguard again, and Qara thought he looked especially interested.<\/p>\n

Brynjolf nodded. \u201cIt was. By the way, lad, this is my daughter Qaralana, and you\u2019ve probably guessed by now that this is Ulfric and Frina\u2019s son, Harald. Qara, Harald, this is Coyle. He works with me and, uh\u2026\u201d He glanced at Coyle, looking uncertain.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I knew your mum back when we were kids,\u201d Coyle said, grinning at Qara. \u201cIt was strange. Came to find your da on business and there was my old friend, too.\u201d He turned back to Brynjolf. \u201cInteresting \u2013 there was another crew that got hit pretty hard around the same time, up near Solitude. I wonder if she was behind that one too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMight well have been. Well I\u2019m not sure what to do. Did your Da say what he wants from me other than responding to this letter, lad?\u201d<\/p>\n

Qara watched as the three men discussed the matter, their voices kept low. She might have joined in, but her attention was drawn away by the opening of the southern gate and the appearance of a figure in dark leathers. She found herself smiling, butterflies in her stomach.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s Dale! Now why am I so happy to see him? I barely know him. <\/em><\/p>\n

Without stopping to think better of it, she crossed the marketplace to meet him near the foot bridge. He was walking with his gaze on the path ahead of him and stopped just short of colliding with her. He looked annoyed, she thought, until he looked up and realized who was in front of him; then his face broke into a bright smile.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Qaralana! How lovely it is to\u2026 run into you once again,\u201d he said. He reached out to take her fingertips and raise them to his mouth for a light kiss.<\/p>\n

She was certain that she was blushing furiously. What is it about that little gesture that is so\u2026 exciting? <\/em><\/p>\n

In spite of the heat that said she must be the color of her belt, she grinned at him. \u201cWe\u2019re good at it, aren\u2019t we? The running into each other part.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Dale laughed. He looked genuinely pleased to see her; she couldn\u2019t help but notice, though, that he didn\u2019t step back to a more respectful distance. And to her surprise, she didn\u2019t mind.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes we are,\u201d he said quietly. \u201cI\u2019m glad I stopped here to sell a few things rather than heading directly to Ivarstead. And how have you been?\u201d<\/p>\n

Qara grinned. \u201cWell, I\u2019d tell you the story but it would take all day. My uncle and I took care of a very large problem. We came back to talk to Daddy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dale looked toward Brynjolf\u2019s market stall. \u201cWhich one is your uncle? The Redguard?\u201d<\/p>\n

Qara giggled, and then felt foolish for having done so. \u201cNo, that\u2019s someone who works for Daddy. And the man with blonde hair is my best friend Harald. Uncle Dar stayed in Windhelm. But here I am, and I need to convince Daddy to come to Falskaar with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dale looked back at her in obvious curiosity. \u201cWhat\u2019s in Falskaar, if I may be so bold?\u201d<\/p>\n

She smiled back at him. There was something mesmerizing about Dale Perdeti. He had an aura of some kind that just drew her to him. She couldn\u2019t quite stop smiling, even with so many serious issues being discussed just out of earshot.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy grandparents, on Daddy\u2019s side. He didn\u2019t even know they were still alive until Chip and I found them by accident. Chip\u2019s my brother. It\u2019s all very complicated.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Harald is here with you because\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

She grimaced. \u201cBecause his parents don\u2019t want either of us traveling alone. It\u2019s fine. Like I said, we\u2019re best friends and we can hold our own.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dale smiled again. It felt as though his gaze went straight into her, causing her heart to beat ever faster. \u201cSo Harald is just a friend?\u201d<\/p>\n

She blushed again and glanced backward, to see that Harald had stopped talking to the others and was watching them. She smiled and turned back to Dale. \u201cOf course, all the elders think we\u2019re more than that but\u2026\u201d She giggled again, and then shook her head.<\/p>\n

He\u2019s going to think I\u2019m a complete fool, giggling like a child.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWe grew up together. He\u2019s like another brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dale glanced over her shoulder toward the marketplace once more and grinned. Or maybe that\u2019s a smirk, she thought.<\/p>\n

Then he did something she hadn\u2019t expected. He leaned closer to her, near to her neck, close enough that she could feel his breath fluttering past her ear.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad he\u2019s just a friend, Qara,\u201d he murmured. \u201cBecause I find myself completely incapable of keeping thoughts of you from my mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

She jumped as he raised a hand and traced the line of her cheek, bringing his fingertips just under her chin. It was a cold touch, almost startlingly cold. But she was certain it must be the heat her own excitement was generating that made his fingers seem cold in comparison. She heard \u2013 and felt \u2013 him take a deep breath, almost shuddering for a moment. He locked his gaze to hers and she felt as though she would never look away.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope you won\u2019t object, but I simply must\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

And before she had a chance to say a single word, Qara found herself being kissed. It was the lightest touch; a part of her mind noted that his lips also felt cold. I must really be blushing, she thought distantly. But even so, it was a delicious kiss. She wanted to return it in kind but was nearly frozen \u2013 all but the heart that threatened to beat right out of her chest.<\/p>\n

It lasted just a moment; then Dale once again brought his lips near her neck. Then he straightened and took one step backward, his eyes closed tight for a heartbeat or two before they opened and met hers, scanning for a reaction.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry to have taken such liberties. I truly am. It wasn\u2019t appropriate. Please accept my apologies,\u201d he murmured.<\/p>\n

Qara shook her head and cleared her throat, feeling as though she\u2019d suddenly come out of a dream state. \u201cIt\u2019s fine, Dale,\u201d she said quietly. \u201cVery much so. I\u2019m\u2026 flattered.\u201d<\/p>\n

Which undoubtedly is the stupidest way I could possibly have put it. Flattered? Flattened is closer to the truth. I want him to do it again. <\/em><\/p>\n

But I have to get Daddy to Falskaar.<\/em><\/p>\n

Dale glanced behind her at the marketplace once more and grinned. \u201cI suspect that our audience is not as pleased. In fact, your father and your friend don\u2019t look happy at all. Perhaps I should be on my way to the apothecary. I would hate to create trouble for you. In fact, it\u2019s probably best that I leave.\u201d He gave her a half-bow, as he had before, and stepped back again. \u201cI\u2019ll see you again, Qaralana. Count on it. I\u2019m not that far away, and as I hope you can tell I very much desire your company.\u201d<\/p>\n

Before she had a chance to so much as squeak, Dale had disappeared down the stairs to Riften\u2019s lower level. She turned and walked slowly back to where the men were standing. Harald had an odd look on his face. Her father, though, looked livid.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cYou need to stay away from him, lass,\u201d Brynjolf snarled. \u201cHe\u2019s no good.\u201d<\/p>\n

She felt her temper rising. \u201cHow do you even know?\u201d she snapped. \u201cBesides, it\u2019s nice to have someone treat me like a girl and not a\u2026 thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know because I know his father. That\u2019s all you need to know about it except that he\u2019s no good.\u201d<\/p>\n

She stomped her foot. \u201cWell if you want me away from him so badly, come with me to Falskaar. Speaking of fathers.\u201d<\/p>\n

Brynjolf almost jumped. \u201cOh\u2026 I, uh\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Coyle chuckled. \u201cYou should go, boss. Let me handle the other things.\u201d<\/p>\n

Brynjolf glared at him for a moment. \u201cI had forgotten about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Qara snorted. \u201cWell you have a couple more days to get ready, Daddy. Harald and I have an errand to do near Markarth. Then I\u2019ll be home.\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked at Harald and was startled. He\u2019d stepped back several paces and was staring at her, silently, with an expression on his face that she couldn\u2019t interpret at all.<\/p>\n

\u201cRight? Are we still going to see Delphine?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s entirely up to you, Qara,\u201d he said quietly. \u201cI\u2019ll come with you. If you like.\u201d<\/p>\n

How odd. I\u2019ll get him talking once we\u2019re on the road.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cOk. Let\u2019s go. I\u2019ll be back for you in a couple of days, Daddy.\u201d She made for the north gate without looking to see who was behind her.<\/p>\n

As she walked, she lifted a hand to her lips and smiled.<\/p>\n

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Home Previous \/ Next   Qaralana heard her uncle sigh as they entered Windhelm. It was at least the fifth time he\u2019d sighed since Ivarstead. She\u2019d been trying to ignore it, hoping he wasn\u2019t having second thoughts about ending Paarthurnax. She was absolutely certain they\u2019d done the right thing. I thought Uncle Dar was certain, … <\/p>\n

Continue reading “Chapter 16 – Qara and Harald”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":1779,"menu_order":16,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2161","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/baakay.com\/Snow\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2161","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/baakay.com\/Snow\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/baakay.com\/Snow\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/baakay.com\/Snow\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/baakay.com\/Snow\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2161"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/baakay.com\/Snow\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2161\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2208,"href":"https:\/\/baakay.com\/Snow\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2161\/revisions\/2208"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/baakay.com\/Snow\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1779"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/baakay.com\/Snow\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2161"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}