Chapter II : The Journey Begins

Gallan was running as fast as he could, a huge brown mass was chasing him. He turned to see what it was, and saw that it was a massive grizzly bear. It bared its teeth and snarled at him. He kept running at top speed, but it wasn't fast enough. After a few seconds the huge creature was standing over him. It swung a massive paw and hit him in the chest, knocking him to the ground. Gallan scrambled backwards against a massive rock. The bear roared and looked down towards him, about to tear him limb from limb.

Gallan awoke with a start; he realized he had been dreaming. He sat up in bed and wiped the sweat from his brow. He changed into his clothing for the day and looked at the table where he put the sword, belt and dagger.

If I am going to travel to the Imperial City I would need better protection than some thin clothing, he thought. He looked about in his drawers and found a pair of thick leather pants. He tried them on and found that they still fit quite well. Gallan also found a pair of leather boots underneath his bed. He put on the belt he found the night before and cut a small hole in the side at his hip. He put a small strip of leather into the hole and tied it into a knot. There was now a small loop for his sword to fit into so he wouldn't need to carry it all the time. He looked at the dagger and thought for a moment. He looked around his house and found a small sack. He threw it over his shoulder and walked a bit. He decided that it was comfortable enough to carry for hours on end, and started packing. He put the large bag of coins and his dagger into it. He left towards the Hammer and Axe and found that the streets were empty, with the exception of a crowd of guards at the front gate. They were wearing the armour Gallan and Fjotreid had made for them. He walked over to the shop and entered it. The usual smell of burning wood greeted him. Gallan found the smith asleep on the cot he had in the shop. Gallan didn't want to wake him, so he got to work on his father's sword. Well, my sword now, he thought to himself.

He started to heat up the sword in the fire; he pumped the bellows vigorously. As the fire heated the sword turned bright red after a while. Gallan pulled it out of the fire and started to hammer away at it. After a few hours of heating and cooling and reheating and pounding the metal, he was satisfied with his work. He admired the old blade, its edge sharp as ever. He glanced over his shoulder to see the smith gazing at him with interest.

"Where did you get that?" Fjotreid asked inquisitively

"My father left it for me; I only found it last night…" Gallan said proudly, still admiring his work.

"Let me see that," the smith said as he reached for the sword.

He took it and swung it around a few times, like he had done with the blade Gallan had forged yesterday. He looked satisfied with Gallan's work.

"This is a quality sword; I think I forged it myself. It is great to see it hasn't wasted away into the abyss…This handle, did you know that it has an amethyst core?" the smith asked quickly, his eyes looking down the middle of the sword. "He asked me to put into the pommel…" he said absentmindedly. "... He said something about your family, and how it means something…" He looked towards Gallan. "Do you know what that might be?" he asked, snapping out of his nostalgia.

"I don't know, he never told me anything like that… at least that I remember…" Gallan said thoughtfully.

"Ah, I see, well I hope this sword treats you well. It should after all, I forged it, and I never have any complaints!" the smith said with a smile, it was the first smile Gallan had seen on Fjotreid for a long time. He left the smith and thanked him for using the forge. He looked around Bruma; the snow had almost been completely cleared from the city. Little patches of green were beginning to poke through the sea of brown and white in the streets. He walked over to North Winds. He stepped in to find Skjorta behind the counter. She looked up and smiled at him.

"Is there anything I can help you with Gallan?" she said as she leaned over the counter.

"Actually yes, what have you got for travelling? I need supplies for my trip to the Imperial City." Gallan said as he looked at the interesting articles of clothing on the counter.

"Yes, one moment." Skjorta said as she turned to a cupboard and opened it.

As she was looking for what he asked for he looked back down to the counter. There was a magnificent tunic on display. It was bright blue and had gold trim on the outer edge. He looked down at the piece of fabric with awe; it seemed to shimmer and shift with the light coming from the windows. He looked up to see Skjorta pull out a bundle of items. She moved the tunic out of the way and placed them on the table.

"Alright, so we have a small knife, a hatchet, some emergency scrolls, and a bow and some iron arrows." she said.

"So, how much do you want?" Gallan asked calmly. Skjorta was a great haggler, and he knew this would cost more than he expected.

"… About thirty gold… I'm feeling generous today." She said with a smile.

"Okay then, thirty gold it is." Gallan said as he pulled the coins out. He handed them to her quickly. Gallan took a last glance at the tunic and asked "Excuse me Skjorta, but how much is that tunic?"

She looked at him with a wry smirk, "That, ah yes. That magnificent article, it is one hundred and ten gold. See how it shimmers? That is quality elven craftsmanship."

As he stood outside the door he thought of the tunic and considered going back for it, but he decided against it. It may be nice to look at, but is it practical? He thought to himself. Gallan looked at the sun, it was hanging lazily in the morning sky. He started to walk towards Olav's Tap and Tack, and saw Adrian leaning against the front gate. As he walked over he saw that his friend had managed to fall asleep standing up. Gallan started laughing when Adrian woke up. He looked around quickly and noticed Gallan and laughed as well.

"I know you have been able to do some strange things, but falling asleep while standing up is the worst!" Gallan exclaimed between roars of laughter.

"I know, I've been so tired with the watches lately, I am one of the few able bodied guards that's willing to take the shift, and the few of us are starting to get sick and worse…" His voice trailed off.

Then he just collapsed. He fell to the ground and struggled to speak. Gallan thought he heard the words, help me. Gallan yelled for the other guards. Immediately three men came running toward Gallan and his unconscious friend. When they got to Gallan they picked up Adrian and carried him to the castle. Gallan followed close behind. When they arrived at the main hall of the castle, The Countess's steward greeted them. When she saw Adrian unconscious she immediately led them into one of the back rooms. The room was small and cramped with all the people gathering around the table that they had put Adrian on. When the steward had told the guards to leave Gallan turned to leave as well, but she stopped him.

"You, I'll need you. If I get him to wake I'll need some one he knows. I don't know if he would have a clear head when he wakes." She said as she rummaged around some in cupboards.

Gallan walked over to the table and sat in a small stool near it. He looked at his friend, Adrian was pale and was sweating. Gallan looked up quickly at the steward with concern in his eyes.

"What's wrong with him?" Gallan asked in a weak voice. He couldn't stand to see his best friend in such a state.

"He should be fine, he like most of the guards, are all exhausted. They are at a breaking point. Those damn bandits are causing everyone to go crazy…" her voice trailed off. She was standing over Adrian with outstretched arms. She muttered a few words and her arms started to glow with brilliant blue. She started talking louder and louder until all of Adrian's body was covered in the bright light coming from the stewards arms. She finished the spell and looked drained.

"All right your friend should wake up now… But you need to still get him to rest, he needs rest…" Her voice trailed off again.

Gallan stood up over his friend, looking at him. He was no longer pale, he looked more peaceful. He nudged his friend in the shoulder. Adrian shot upwards and yelled, almost hitting Gallan in the face. He looked around the room in a daze, when his gaze fell upon Gallan.

"What happened… the last thing I remember is talking with you at the front gate… where am I?" he asked in his confusion.

"You passed out… The guards and I took you to the steward to get help." Gallan said. "We hurried you here, but you need rest…"

"Alright, I'm going to ask the captain of the guard for the week off." Adrian said with a hint of sadness in his voice.

"I'm afraid you'll need more than a week to recover," the steward said in a hurry, seeming to regain her strength that moment. "You'll be staying in the castle infirmary for a while."

Adrian nodded and stumbled over to a door across the hall from the room they were in. Gallan started to leave the castle and found his new friend, Herald, the messenger awaiting the count in the main hall.

"Ah, Herald, how goes it?" Gallan said with a smile.

"Not good, I'm afraid. I need to get back to the imperial city by Fredas, one of my merchant contacts needs help. And I have three days to get there…" He said with a frown.

"Well why are you here at the castle? Do you need some one to travel with?" Gallan asked with a smile. He was hoping that he wouldn't have to leave to the imperial city alone.

"Why, yes I do. Would you be interested in travelling with me Gallan? It would be easier than both of us paying for escorts to travel with." He asked with an adventurous look on his face.

"Sure, I would be pleased to go with you." Gallan said with a smile. Although I wasn't planning on hiring anyone to go with me in the first place…Gallan thought to himself.

"Great, we shall depart tomorrow in the morning, I will meet you around ten o'clock." He said as he walked out. Gallan left the castle and looked once again at the scene in front of him. He was standing at the top of the city levels, looking down at the rest of the houses and shops. The setting sun cast shadows around the streets and buildings. The tall houses and shops had smoke coming from the chimneys. The pure snow that was flooding Bruma the days before was almost gone. Now, brown and green grass was starting to poke up around town. He walked home in a good mood, knowing that he would be journeying to the imperial city with a good friend. As he got home he changed into his clothes and lay on his bed, he slowly drifted off to sleep.

Gallan woke up early as to get ready for the trip. He was changing into his travelling clothes, to have Herald barge in. Herald looked at him embarrassed to notice he was still changing. Gallan finished putting on his shirt and let the man speak.

"Gallan I uhh…. I was hoping you would be…" He stuttered.

Gallan jumped as Herald started to cover his eyes.

"Damn Herald! You just burst in like that on everyone?" Gallan shouted, though he was more surprised than angry.

"No, I mean I don't usually… I thought you would be ready…" Herald said frowning.

"Let me just get my things ready alright?" Gallan said as he directed his friend outside. "I will be a moment…"

As Herald stepped outside Gallan walked over to the table he gathered his things on. He put on the leather pants and the belt he made for his sword. He slung the sack of survival items and food over his shoulder. He then put the large bag of coins in his bag after counting them. Two hundred and thirty seven, that should get me by in the Imperial City…Gallan thought to himself. He walked outside and saw Herald had gotten over his embarrassment and was talking with a few people about something. Gallan waved him over and asked when they were going to leave.

"I was hoping to leave now. We may get in by tonight if we are fast. And I heard there were some legion foresters at the gates taking people down the road, if we hurry we could meet with them." Herald said hurriedly. They ran towards the gate and saw a small group of people standing there with a group of guards; they were all talking amongst each other quietly.

They arrived just in time to hear a legion forester yell, "Alright we're moving out, stay with us if ye want, or just leave when you wish. I'm travelling to Cheydinhal, but I will be going towards the lake."

A few of the other merchants grumbled and complained, but there was no protesting. The group headed out of the city gates. Gallan took a moment to look around as they started their journey. The snow covered trees were starting to thaw and regain their lustrous green once more. He noticed a path leading north of the city, Must be from those damn bandits…Gallan thought to himself. As the group of travellers were exiting the city gates, Gallan noticed a forester was talking with the captain of the guard. They both nodded and then the forester joined the rest of us. I wonder what that was about… he thought. He decided to go over and talk with the legion solider. Gallan looked over to Herald to see if he would notice him slip away, but he was busy having a heated debate with another merchant about some shipping routes. Apparently the Black Marsh was home to the worst trade routes in Heralds opinion. The other merchant however thought that Skyrim held that title. As the yelling grew louder, Gallan slowed to match the pace of the solider that lagged behind. As Gallan neared him, the forester eyed him expectantly.

"Is there something wrong?" The Solider asked

"No, I was just wondering what you were talking with the captain about." Gallan asked. "I trust you know about the bandits?"

"I do, that's why we are going to Cheydinhal. I know that they could spare some guards and try to sort out this mess." The forester said.

"That's great, but, well what about the imperial city? Can't they send some troops?" Gallan asked once more.

"No, I'm afraid not. Most of the legion soldiers there are helping with the reconstruction and calming of the people. You did know that Methrunes Dagon had appeared in the streets?" The forester asked, he stopped walking and stared at Gallan.

"Yes, I heard about that. But I didn't think it was that bad… I am on my way to the Imperial city now." Gallan stopped as well and looked back at the soldier.

"No you should be fine. They just need more soldiers so help with the reconstruction. Are you meeting someone in particular?" The legion forester asked.

"Yes actually, one of my friends training to be a legionnaire. His name is Aaron Gravius. Do you know him?" Gallan asked quickly, the two men started walking once they noticed they were falling behind.

"Hmm…Let me think… I may know him, is he tall with dark hair?" Asked the forester when they caught up with the rest of the group.

"Yes he is. I was going to ask him to come back up to Bruma with us to try and help with the marauders. Do you know anyone-" He was cut off by Herald.

"Gallan! I was just going to ask your opinion about something, I hope I'm not interrupting you." Herald said quickly.

"No, its fine, what would you like?" Gallan said with a smile. He turned to the forester and gave him a wink. He then continued on towards Herald who started another story about the black marsh.

The small group of men slowly walked along the path following the lakes banks. The bridge of the imperial city was just ahead of them, a grand pathway to a monumental city. However there were a few small buildings by the lake where the bridge met with the land. As the approached the few other merchants that were still with them kept moving towards the city, however Gallan and Herald decided to stop and get a few supplies and some directions. They entered the small inn by the road. As they walked through the door, a kind looking woman greeted them warmly. Gallan asked for a few directions and recommendations about the city, and she obliged happily. Meanwhile Herald was busy chatting with another man in the inn, both men had small tankards of beer with them. As Gallan was finishing up with the innkeeper, Herald bid farewell to the man he was talking with. They left the inn refreshed and happy. They now had an idea of where to stay, a place called the merchants inn. Herald was telling Gallan that he knew the keeper there well. But then again, he has been saying that about everyone, Thought Gallan jokingly. Herald had finally stopped talking, and Gallan was relieved. As they approached the great gatehouse of the Imperial city, two guards stood by and looked at the two men expectantly. Gallan and Herald ignored the guards' stares and walked into the great archway of the gates. The view that greeted them was marvellous, the grand streets of stone, the dozens of merchants peddling their wares, the citizens walking up and down inspecting the trinkets and baubles. Gallan was taken aback slightly; he had not been to the imperial city in years and had almost forgotten its splendour. Gallan heard Herald take in a deep breath and exclaim:

"We are here! Ah, it is so good to be back in this wonderful city!"

They both walked along the streets for a few minutes, listening to the merchants speeches. The eventually found the Merchants Inn by the time the sun was beginning to set. At that time, most merchants were beginning to close up shop, with the exception of a few stalls that offered scrolls of light and clothing that helped the wearer see in the dark. They entered the building to find it fairly empty of travellers. The two men walked over to the bar and began to talk with the Inn keeper.

"Gallan, let me introduce you to Velus Hosidius," Herald began, "He is and old friend of mine and he would happily take us in, for the right price of course!"

He finished with a chuckle. The man on the other side of the counter gave a hearty laugh and said:

"Aha Herald, you know what, since you are such and old friend, I'll give you a break this time. You only have to pay half price tonight, and you get a free round of drinks on me! No… Everyone gets a free round of drinks! Mead for everyone!" The barman roared.

A great cheer arose from the rest of the room and the few men started to approach the bar for their drinks. The noise from the cheer attracted a few men from outside into the tavern. As the place started to get crowded Gallan decided he wanted some rest. He told Herald of his fatigue and Herald guided him to their room.

"Gallan, I would like to thank you for travelling with me to the city, I could not have chosen a better companion." Herald professed. Gallan noticed that he was starting to slur slightly, and asked him if he wanted to lie down as well.

"No…No, I'm alright… I just might need a… a little rest." He said as he fell onto the bed next to Gallan's.

He was asleep before he hit the mattress on his bed. Wow… he really cannot hold his alcohol…Gallan thought amused. As he got undressed he thought of how he was supposed to find Aaron in this mess of a city, the streets crowded and so many distractions. He decided that it would be best to wait until morning to worry about all of it in the morning and just wanted to enjoy the comfortable inn bed.