Skyrim: Return to the Fold
Chapter 7 of my Skyrim story, enjoy.
Reviews
samurai ninja gal: Yeah well, what do you expect from a stuck up noble brat? Glad you enjoyed it.
Wolfgirl2013: Thanks :)
Now onto the story.
Disclaimer: Skyrim belongs to Bethesda.
Chapter 7
Braith stood, waiting, uncertain as to what was going on. It had been a few days since the nobles feast. Then, out of the blue, Olfrid had called her into the main room.
"I am aware, girl, that you have been training under your father, just like how he is teaching Lars?" He remarked.
Braith nodded, her eyes narrowing. "Yes, I have, is that a problem?"
Olfrid's answer however surprised her. "Only if it has proven…insufficient."
Braith started at that, certainly not what she had been expecting.
He then continued. "I am going to determine what you are capable of, to see what you can do, for the family. We have a shipment of cargo from our businesses, you are to take the cart and protect it, to Rorikstead, is that understood."
Braith bit her lip, but nodded. "Yes, I understand."
"Then go, and get ready. Do not let us down with this." Olfrid remarked.
Braith turned and immediately returned to her and Lars' room, beginning to make preparations for the journey.
"Braith, I…I don't…" Lars said worriedly.
She had told him what was planned; it was clear that she was meant to do this alone.
Lars remained worried however. "Please, there must be…"
She shook her head. "Your grandfather was insistent Lars, I'm doing this myself. I will be fine; I've learned from my father, I can do this."
Lars sighed but nodded and, with Istarad they saw her off.
Braith let out a slow breath, looking around carefully, as she sat on the cart, carrying all the goods she was to transport. Her sword and shield were set down right next to her. There were various items of cargo, food, and other supplies, as well as gold. Braith had an idea suddenly and, after a certain distance, she pulled the reigns and slowed the horses to a stop.
She got out of the cart, moving with fluid ease, for freedom of movement she had worn simple breeches and a tunic, rather than her usual dresses and such. She had examined the cart thoroughly before hand and noticed something; it had been playing in the back of her mind before the idea immediately occurred to her. Once she was finished she returned to the seat on the front of the cart and shook the reigns again, the horses moved and they continued onwards.
Her wariness saved her life; suddenly alert she seized her sword and shield and raised them in time to block an arrow. The horses reared but she brought them under control and quickly leapt from the cart, just as the bandit group emerged and attempted to surround her.
"Well, well." One remarked with a grin. "What have we hear…A little girl who thinks she's tough."
She glowered. "You…"
They laughed and another spoke. "Ha, her people must be desperate to use her to protect their cargo; this will be an easy score."
"I wouldn't bet on it." Braith snarled. "Try me."
They all laughed again. "Hah, let's go then, teach the little whore a lesson."
They closed in and Braith readied herself.
It did not take long for the bandits to realize they had made a mistake. Braith fought hard and proved her strength. Using her shield to block any arrows, she got in easily under the guard of her overconfident opponents. As a result, before long she had defeated more than half of the attacking bandits, three lay dead, the others wounded and trying to get away.
Those still standing were frozen, wary and suddenly realizing they had severely underestimated her.
"Not quite so confident now are you." Braith snarled.
She hated bandits, especially after than horrific time before she and Lars had been married, before they had put everything aside for each other, even Lars' betrothal to Dagny at the time. She had been kidnapped and tortured, even raped by bandits, Lars had tried to save her but had also been captured and tortured, luckily the legendary Dragonborn had saved them both.
Yet that incident still haunted Braith and suddenly, she realized she had spoken too soon. More bandits appeared from their hiding places; too many.
'N-no…' Her thoughts raced in terror.
She froze, that incident coming to the fore of her mind and paralyzing her with fear. As a result she was sluggish and her attempts to fight resulted in several injuries. Before long she was simply unable to fight and yet, surprisingly, the bandits ignored her after this and simple took the cargo and left. Thanking the Divines for her lucky escape, despite losing the cargo, she managed to collect herself enough to get back on the cart and return to Whiterun.
Back in Whiterun, Lars was panicked.
"Mother, I have to…" He burst out.
Alfhild shook her head, gently cradling Istarad. "Lars please, calm down, Braith is in good hands, Danica has things under control, her injuries aren't that serious."
Lars bit his lip; yet then the door opened and Danica emerged.
"She is fine now, you can see her." She said.
They entered and Braith was seated on the edge of the bed, some of her injuries left some small scars, but otherwise, she was fine.
"Braith…"
She smiled. "It's alright Lars; I'm alright."
It was then Olfrid entered furious. "If only the same could be said about the simple task we set you!"
Braith scowled and shook her head.
"Oh what a shame, we lost some cargo; at least we still have the gold." She snapped. "Hidden away in those secret compartments in the cart."
There were gasps and stares at this and, shortly afterwards, it was found that this was in fact true.
"So?" Braith queried with a raised eyebrow.
Olfrid sighed and shook his head. "Hmmm, perhaps there might be hope for you yet, girl."
With that he left, saying nothing else. Braith merely shook her head and turned back to Lars, kissing him and just being relieved that things didn't go as bad as she feared.
End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.
