Chapter 1- A Thief's Rewards
I can outrun them. I can outwit, outrun, outsmart, and outlive any who cross my path. They come closer, i just have to ignore the pain in my legs. The broken bone was nasty, my own bones piercing through my legs was not a pretty sight. The Imperials could follow me by my trail of blood. I suppose the leg was my fault, if you count jumping off a cliff and landing wrong my fault, as the Imperials chased me. I was clumsy, my Mom always told me to be careful and be aware of my surroundings. She was an expert in these things after all, after she was sent to the chopping block I ran away, the Imperials followed, knowing that her legacy can be continued by yours truly. I ran as fast as i could, good thing about wearing rags is that they don't hinder your movements, like the Imperials' legionnaire armor. A rock stabbed my foot and i tripped and fell, so much for maneuverability. Last i remember was an Imperial caught me and hit me hard on the head.
I guess i had blacked out because i was laying down on a bed, my clothes had been stripped to heal the wounds. An Imperial guard passed, he smelled of sweat and mildew. I asked why i was healed and he replied, "Gotta get ya all prettied up fer the choppin block sweety. Unless you can bribe me.." I asked what he would accept and the evil man said, "Well lassie, your body seems nice and pure.." he reached for my breasts and I promptly bit him. Having teeth like a dragon's is a real plus in defending against perverts. I guess he knocked me out again cause when i awoke i was in a cart, gagged and bound, with several other people, all Nords. One Nord spoke up, he told us our execution awaited, when i turned i couldn't believe my sore eyes. Ulfric Stormcloak sat next to me, in the same situation I was. Ulfric was the leader of the Stormcloaks, bunch of rebels that sought to drive the Imperial Legion out of Skyrim. I adored this man, as the Legion was responsible for my Mother's death, and my Father's and Sister's.
The carriage continued into town, couldn't tell which one but I saw people staring at us. A little boy was scolded by his father for looking at us. The boy saw me and tossed me a flower, it landed on my lap. I turned to him and nodded in approval, the boy smiled and ran into his house. I looked at the flower, a Nightshade. It stands for many things, death, mourning, sorrow. But it meant something else to me, it meant hope. Mother's favorite flower was Nightshade, their violet petals so gracefully crafted. It was also an emblem for the Dark Brotherhood, whom Mother was an active member.
The thought of Mom gave me hope and daring, even as i was called off the carriage by an Imperial Officer, he took off my gag and said, "Name?" I replied, "Burn in hell bitch!" he detected the venom in my voice and spat, "Don't worry, your carcass will be delivered to the Black Marsh back to your relatives." "My home is here, none can take it from me." The Imperial gave me a disgusted look and gestured me to the block. They've already lopped one head off, and mine was next. They pushed me to the ground, yet I kept hope, even till the end I kept hope.
The executioner was a portly man, His face was covered by a black sack with eye holes. Closed my eyes and waited for a miracle. The executioner raised his axe, suddenly the place shook, fire spewed from every which way, the fat man was roasted alive. I was half-dead and everything hurt. Rough hands picked me up and carried me away, i opened my eyes and saw a large man clad in burnt armor, my eyes were all fuzzy and barely working so I couldn't exactly see who my captor was. I must say I was very weak so I blacked out a couple times. I did see however that my captor was a large, muscular man with a large beard, he carried a two handed axe, that's all i remembered before I closed my eyes for a while.