Chapter 11
An Unexpected Truth
So…let me first say this: I'm sorry/not sorry. This chapter has given me a headache from the get-go. I had a vision for how I wanted it to go, and throughout writing it, I kept having to tweak "this part, that part" because I wasn't happy. But I am content with the end result, so here it is.
Disclaimer: I don't own Skyrim – Just Serah.
~ oOo ~
"They told you to go to Helgen? And you're seriously considering going?!"
Glancing up at Norin from across the room, Serah noticed his reaction and averted her gaze. It had been only an hour after Serah had entered the Jarls quarters since her encounter with the individuals from the Dark Brotherhood. Immediately, she had questioned the Jarl regarding the townspeople, and too see if her assistance was required; but the Jarl informed her that the Falkreath guards were handling the situation, and although several citizens had been hurt, none had been killed.
"Serah. You're avoiding the topic."
"Norin, what are you wanting me to say? I came here to protect Falkreath from the threat of bandits."
"But Serah," she turned towards the Jarl. He was sitting in his chair and looked between the Companion and his guard. "From everything you've stated, you haven't seen any bandits since arriving."
The Companion shook her head. "That's correct, I haven't. But doesn't it seem odd that after I arrive then leave with the hunting party that Falkreath itself is attacked? Whatever is up in the destroyed city, I must head to Helgen in order to find out."
Norin stepped forth and placed a hand on the sword at his side. "Then I will accompany you."
"No!" Walking towards the soldier, Serah held up a hand before saying, "I appreciate your offer, Norin, but I need to do this on my own."
"On your own…why must you think this is something you cannot do without the help of others, Serah?" Gritting her teeth, Serah closed her eyes and mentally saw the note she had retrieved from Riverwood. Fear appeared within her heart, but the words of Kodlak entered her mind, and the fear began to cease. I will not give up. I must find Helgen to end this madness that has befallen over this Hold.
But the depths within the Companion were concerned if this was the real reason. Or was there a connection to Riverwood? Was Serah wanting to fight against a fear that she wasn't sure even existed? Or was it something else?
Serah wished to bring Norin alongside with her, but she didn't want to put his fate in danger. Turning towards the Jarl, she stated, "I will be heading to Helgen, and I wish to do so on my own."
"But Serah –"
"Norin! Stand your ground!" Siddgeir stood from his seat and walked towards the two individuals, standing directly in front of them. "It would seem Serah is wanting to do this on her own, we should respect her wish as a Companion of Whiterun and let her decision be." Then the Jarl turned his attention to the female. "Serah, I do not wish to send you to Helgen on your own, but only you know what it is that must be done. Take any and all resources you may need from my personal wares in hopes that it will aid you."
"I am most gracious for your offer, Jarl. I have everything I need back in my room at the inn. I will retrieve the necessary belongings and will then be on my way." Heading in the direction of the door, Serah made her exit, leaving the Jarl and one of his men to stare at the wooden door as it slammed shut while her appearance disappeared from sight.
For Serah, it didn't take her long before she had retrieved all necessary items she wanted to bring along. She had one sword attached at each hip, her two-handed weapon strapped to her back, and all her healing potions within her pack. Taking one last look among her room, Serah deemed she was as ready as ever, and walked out into the town. The air was still pungent scent of smoke in the air, but the Companion was still thankful that there were no casualties among the civilians. Heading in the direction of the stables, the female pulled Star out of her stall and, after ensuring that the saddle was properly assembled, the pair briskly took off into the looming forest that surrounded the Falkreath Realm.
Though the Companion had only ever been to Helgen once on one of her first trips with Farkas and Vilkas, Serah had not returned to the once bustling town since the dragon attack burnt the entire village to the ground. Since the day Aragorn had confided in Serah that he was the Dragonborn, they had spoken on numerous occasions regarding the city where he had almost perished as well. From what Aragorn had told her, she was to expect a site worse than death. But as Serah trudged along the path within the foothills that led to the western gate, the Companion she could only imagined what awaited her in the decrepit city that was once known as Helgen; despite the entire reason she was heading up there anyways.
The trip only took the Companion a little over an hour; it would have taken longer, but Serah urged Star to move quickly through the winding passages of the forest. From Serah's knowledge, it had been several weeks since the dragon attack occurred; she had asked Aragorn several times what it had been like, and each time, he had been grave. He had described it as the closest he had ever been to facing death – besides the fact that his head was literally on the chopping block.
The farther she had traveled from Falkreath, the quieter the forest seemed. The silence put Serah on edge; she would think that there would at least be birds or foxes; but none were in sight. She kept her ears open, knowing that at any moment, something could appear out of thin air, and she needed to be ready. By the time she had adjusted to the stillness and peace of the environment, the warrior saw in the distance her destination.
It was nothing like she had imagined.
In some places, there was still smoke rising into the sky, dancing to its own macabre tune; any remaining fires were consumed and the smell of death filled Serah's nostrils. Upon drawing closer to what would have been the western gate, she slowed Star's speed and dismounted in the process. Grabbing the reins, Serah steered her horse off to the side and patted her friend's elongated nose. "I need you to stay here, ok?" she stated, lowering her voice. Star whinnied and counted, stomping its foot into the ground in protest. Smiling softly, Serah leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on her best friend. "Stay here."
Walking the rest of the way, Serah occasionally turned to see if Star had stayed in her position and was glad to see that she did.
With Star behind her, the Companion took a deep breath, and grasped each short sword in a hand, preparing herself for whatever may lay inside the dead city of Helgen. Her heart was beating erratically within her chest; she had no idea what await behind the singed walls. Were there the bandits that began this entire fiasco? Were the other two warriors there? Serah was leaning on vague information as it was when she arrived in Falkreath, and now this in Helgen? The Companion sighed – again. A chirping caused her attention to turn towards the sky as a small flock of birds flew across the sky, leaving Helgen behind as they made their way south. Frowning, Serah thought it was ambiguous when there was nothing but silence floating across the air, and a flock of birds suddenly decides to leave the area.
Swallowing the distress within her throat, the Companion pushed past the seared wood of the old gate, the damn door nearly falling off its melted hinges. Once inside, Serah took one look around, her hand instantly covering her mouth.
Burnt and decrepit bodies lay everywhere; in the streets, beneath collapsed buildings, pieces here and there. The scene reminded her of when she and Vilkas traveled to the Broken Fang Cave and witnessed the massacre that had occurred. In the still of the late afternoon, Serah took a moment to hope that the victims – both during and after the initial attack – had found peace and were well resting in Sovngarde. But the moment only lasted for so long as Serah's attention tensed and quickly turned to the left as the sound of footsteps echoed across the unforsaken mass graveyard. Gripping the hilts of her swords, Serah prepared for the upcoming battle, ready to take on any and all foes who dared to cross her path.
When nothing appeared within sight, Serah yelled to the wind, "I know you're out there. Show yourself!"
As the last of her words left the wind in the still air, the footsteps she heard earlier occurred once more and several people within all directions appeared and began making their way towards the Companion. Narrowing her eyes on all the figures, Serah counted twelve, and none of them were the people she originally came for.
No matter. These people are still a threat to those in Falkreath, even Riverwood; I won't let them live!
"Oi, they were right! They said a female carrying swords would come our way. She did not lie!" One of the bandits spoke over the quietness, creepily walking towards Serah, a grin spread across his filthy face.
"No, my friend, 'tis the truth. But we will take this one, won't we?" Another spoke as the all the bandits slowly began making their way towards the Companion. Though it was twelve against one, Serah grinned, knowing that the battle was already in her favor. Noticing that several bandits circled around from behind, she turned in their direction and yelled, "Incinerate!" Fire encased all three bandits; one-by-one they fell, clothes on fire, skin creating first-degree burns. Their screams all fell silent on the wind as they all drew their last breath. Turning her attention back towards the remaining nine, the largest of the bunch – who Serah had to believe was the bandit chief, stepped forward; standing several yards away, he growled and pulled his might two-handed weapon from his back.
"You…bitch!" Lunging forward, the chief ran in Serah's direction and vertical swiped, attempting to slice the Companion in half. Kneeling on the ground, Serah thrust one short sword into the chief's thigh and screamed, "Frostbite!" Ripping her blade out just as the chief screamed in agony, she stood to her feet and thrust one blade into the heart of a bandit to her right, twirled, then propelled her other sword into another oncoming bandit. The first died on impact, but the second lived long enough to pull her sword out and drop dead to the ground.
Five down, seven to go!
Ignoring the bandit chief on the ground, rolling in pain as his thigh continuously bled, Serah ran towards her other opponents. One after the other she took down her enemies, knowing that her actions would result in a positive outcome for the surrounding cities. It had been some time since the Companion had fought numerous amounts of enemies at once, but this was the first time that she had done so on her own.
Every now and then she had acquired the graze of a blade or the nick of an arrow somewhere on her body, but she was going strong. Serah held a conviction deep within herself that she would not give up; she would defeat all enemies within her path if it meant protecting those whose lives mattered; and to Serah, that meant anyone she came into contact with. Though her body weakened over time, she pursued to finish what they had started.
Gasping for breath, sweat trickled down her forehead; with muscles that were tense, Serah gritted her teeth as the last opponent fell. Looking around, the Companion grimaced that she was adding a higher death toll to Helgen; but deep down, she knew these individuals deserved their deaths. Placing one short sword into the sheath on her hip, Serah walked to wear the other short sword had fallen out of her grasp and sheathed it as well. Noticing her great sword and where it had been struck deep into the earth, her hand grasped the bitter hilt as rippling laughter echoed across the haunting premises. Turning her gaze towards the northern gate, Serah's eyes swelled; more than twenty bandits stood before her, all had swords and weapons in their hands, ready for attack and to kill.
Blinking in hopes that what she was seeing was an illusion, the Companion's heart beat erratically, wishing and hoping that she possessed enough strength to take down, not only these thugs, but the two individuals she originally sought after.
But the second battle began before Serah could even ponder what was occurring. Swords were thrashed, arrows were flown, and axes hurled towards Serah's head. The fighting had only just begun when a bandit from her left tackled her side and Serah was thrown to the ground. Without hesitation, the warrior crawled to her knees when someone thrust a blade into the earth directly in front of the Companion's face; diverting Serah's attention and forcing her to look upwards, she was met with another blade that was aimed to slice her neck.
But she would never give up. Her hand tightened on the blade she still possessed, her weakened left arm aimed for his foot when another blade shot down directly into her wrist. Her hand lost its grip and she let go of the sword; her eyes never once leaving those of the assailant about to take her life. The bandit's sword lifted towards the darkening sky. Serah had never experienced time pass so slowly as she witnessed the tip of the blade nick her neck; she expected to feel pain, and the loss of blood from the wound.
But nothing came.
Blinking as she forced her eyes to open, Serah was met with a face she wasn't expecting to see.
"Hello Serah," Norin said softly, though a hint of anger hung in the air as he emphasized each word. The thug that had wanted to kill Serah fell from the attack dealt by Norin's blade. With his assistance, Serah stood to her feet and held her wrist against herself. She would be able to heal most of the injury herself, but she only had so much energy left and she needed to save the rest for the main battle ahead. But before she could devise any sort of plan, Norin's words trickled through her head.
"You are so stupid for coming out here on your own!" His blade swung around the two of them as he battled the remaining bandits that surged around them. Serah pulled a rag from her pocket and quickly tied it around her bleeding wrist, doing the best she could with the limit of one hand. She downed several minor health and magicka potions; not only was her strength returning, but Serah was able to move her wrist despite the stab wound. In the distance, she could hear the sting of metal as Norin fought against the rest of the thugs. Grabbing her swords, she moved her feet to join the battle, but froze in her tracks as an arrow buzzed passed her face and sliced her cheek. The instance was similar to that of Riverwood and Serah had to feel the extent of her cheek to know that the blood dripping from her wound was worse than before. Turning in her spot, Serah spotted in the distance the reason she was here.
Both figures were there; one clad in red and black while the other was dressed fully in black leather.
Serah growled. Her eyes turned towards Norin who was watching her and he nodded in her direction. "You take care of them. I've got these guys!" Chest tightening at the situation, the Companion allowed her full attention to be spent on the people who stood only meters away.
The male who had attacked her in Riverwood was the same who held the bow in this instance. His voice was calm and venomous as he said, "Well, well…look who decided to take our advice!'
"If you know what's good for you, you'll leave this place and the people of Falkreath alone!"
"Why do you care so much about those of Falkreath, when you do not even reside there?"
"The better question is, why don't you care?"
The male turned to his female counterpart and muttered, "Touché."
"I don't have time for this!" The male and female pair averted their attention to glance at Serah with a sword in each hand, legs spread in a battle stance. "You said that if I came to Helgen I would seek all answers. Now tell me what it is you are doing here!"
The female shook her head from side-to-side. "Damn, she is impatient." Looking to her male friend, she noticed that he knocked another arrow onto his bow, releasing the string as it aimed the weapon straight into the Companion's face. Serah simply tilted her head to the side, avoiding the arrow before it could do major damage. "What the…" the male whispered.
"Huh. So, the stories we've heard were true." The female, clad in red and black stated, as she stared straight into Serah's eyes. "You are strong and very observant. Were you taught that as a Companion? Or did you learn that from your father, Fenrir?"
Serah gripped the hilt of her swords so tight that her knuckles turned white; with her breathing ragged, the Companion had no idea why her father's name was being mentioned. "How…how do you know my father…?" When no answer came, Serah pulled the bow off her back, loaded an arrow, and manage to release the weapon as it drilled into the man's bicep. Glancing down at the wooden arrow, the man simply broke end piece off and pulled the bloody wood out.
"HOW DO YOU KNOW MY FATHER?!"
Serah released one arrow after the other until her quiver was almost half-empty. The rage that engulfed the pit of her stomach gnawed its way up her throat until it blinded her from reality.
"You really are something else."
At the last second, Serah turned to her side as the male slashed her sword into Serah's side; the Companion had just barely missed a death blow, but a gash was formed into the same arm where she had been stabbed only minutes earlier. Jumping away from the situation, Serah looked at her arm as the blood ran red down her skin and fell upon the charred dirt. The Companion knew that it wasn't a life-threatening wound, but realized that she had allowed the rage she held against her father to blind her to her current surroundings. She wouldn't be making that situation again.
"Tell you what…" Both Serah and the male turned their attention towards the female who stood mere meters away from their position. "Fight my friend here, and I will tell you everything you want to know."
"You should tell me everything I want to know. I came to Helgen – that was the deal!"
"We made no deal, little Serah." But then it all clicked.
Lowering her weapons, Serah first looked at the man to her right, then towards the woman off in the distance. Taking a deep breath, she asked, "What are you wanting from me?"
With her frown turning into a grin that caused Serah to shiver and take several steps back, the man at her side chuckled deep and low. "It's people like you who always end up dead. You ask to many questions, needing to know everything that is going to happen. Can't you just relax?"
"And what? So you can kill me?"
"Oh, my dear, don't be so rash," the female laughed. "We don't want to kill you…yet. But…you've been such a good pet so far…If you manage to kill my friend, I shall grant you one hint."
Grinding her teeth together, Serah could feel a wave of nausea course from her stomach. All the fear and anxiety she'd endured for the last several weeks was leading up to this moment, and she was only to be handed a hint? The same rage she felt at the mentioned of her father's name coursed through her veins. The Companion felt as if she was a pawn in a game that she didn't understand. What did they want with her and why her? In her years since becoming a Companion, Serah had never once met either one of the individuals standing between her and freeing the fear of the citizens of the Falkreath Hold. But there was something she needed to know first.
"Answer me this: are you with the Dark Brotherhood?"
"I am neither confirming nor denying your question."
Oh that bitch!
Growling, Serah raised her arm and slashed her short sword at the man next to her; his response was timely as he was able to maneuver away from her attack and save himself. Dropping the bow from his hands, the man gripped two knifes in his hands and sped towards his target, ready to kill. Their attacks met each other in the middle, the kiss of steel echoing across the deathbed of what was once Helgen. Serah's muscles were weak from fighting the bandits earlier, and her left arm was burning from the inside, her muscles severed from the penetration of the sword that had stabbed her.
Pushing the man as far away as she could, Serah dropped her one-handed weapons and grasped the great sword across her back. Roaring with her all might, Serah bounded towards the man, who, in turn, threw one of his knives straight at her. Serah felt the penetration deep within her thigh before she knew that he had thrown one of his weapons.
But that didn't stop the warrior.
With all the momentum that she could offer, Serah slid to a stop, threw her sword back, and slashed at the man's length with the beast of a weapon she had at hand. The steel but through flesh and bone of one leg, causing the man to scream out in agony as he fell towards the ground. Without wasting a moment's time, the Companion dropped her great sword and pulled the knife from her thigh, a trail of red blood dripped from the black, sharpened blade. Knowing what she had to do, the female looked into the man's eyes, as he knew the inevitable was fast approaching.
"Anything you wish to say?"
But as the man was waiting on death's door, he smiled the same grin as his companion had earlier. "Serah of the Companions…you will die by the hands of the Dark Brotherhood before you can even live your life."
Growling, Serah kneeled with the remaining strength she held; as her knees met the charred earth, her hand slammed into his chest, the blade of his own knife carving its sharpened edge deep into the depths of his darkened heart. As the man gagged and gasped for the last breath he could manage, she whispered, "Anything else?"
"Tch…I suggest you tell Farkas that you…love him, little Serah. The Dark Brotherhood…will kill you…before you have any chance of sharing happiness…with that Companion…"
And as he gasped his last word from his lips, the nameless man from the Dark Brotherhood passed, causing Serah to stand and immediately counter against the remaining member within the area. But before she could speak, the female had already graced her presence by appearing right in front of the Companion.
"So…you killed him. Sad, I didn't think you had it in you."
"Then take this lesson back to the other members of the Dark Brotherhood: don't mess with the Companions."
"It is a message I shall remember to come, little Serah." The female Companion growled at the over-use of her childhood name. "But, it does seem that you have earned your reward." Walking around the Companion, the female bent towards her partner and pulled his knife straight from his heart. Looking straight into Serah's eyes, the Companion felt a twinge of confusion as she was able to see deep within her enemy's soul; Serah could sense a twinge of deep regret and sadness within, but couldn't press as to why. But as soon as she had noticed that the emotions were they, they were gone, hidden from her view as the female glared daggers within her eyes at the Companion.
But more importantly, why was she suddenly wanting to know why…?
Throwing the dagger at her feet, the female took several steps back and pulled a familiar black ball from the pouch at her side. "Do you wish to know why the town of Falkreath was suddenly being attacked by bandits who just-so-happened to be residing in Helgen?" Serah eyes the female clad in red and black very carefully; they danced around each other as they moved across the city that had witnessed too much death within the last several weeks. "It's because I sent them here. I was the one who told them to attack Falkreath."
"But why would you do such a thing? What good would come from the innocent civilians who have been starving?!"
The female first answered in a fit of laughter that seemed to echo across the land of death. "Because it was all part of our plan! Don't you see, little Serah? Our entire plan was to ruse the Companions into sending you to save Falkreath, and in doing so, you would run into us."
Raising an eyebrow, Serah couldn't believe what she was hearing. Was it true? Were the people of the Falkreath Region put in harms way just so they could drag me out into the open?
"You seem disturbed."
Chuckling from the rage boiling within the pit of her stomach, Serah could do nothing but stare blankly at the female. "Of course I'm disturbed! What kind of plan is this? I have never met you or anyone from the Dark Brotherhood! Why am I sought after so? What is it you wish to gain from me? Answer me!"
The female shook her head as a smile grew upon her lips. "Oh Serah…Serah…do you not see the game that is being played right in front of you?"
"What game?!"
"We of the Dark Brotherhood typically work in the dark to avoid the troubles of meddlesome fools such as yourself. But this time…? Oh, this time we are changing our tactics, just for you, Serah."
"You fucking bitch," Serah seethed, the grip upon her fists increasing by the second.
"Not the first time I've heard that sweetie," the female answered. "But let me tell you this: if you really want to finish this game, Riften is the hint I am giving you, Serah of the Companions. Head to Riften and seek an individual who can possibly tell you more."
"Wait…" Serah stepped forward as the Dark Brotherhood member threw her hand into the air. "That's the hint you're giving me? How do I know that someone will be in Riften?"
"How do you know someone won't be? If you want to find answers before we kill you, then Riften is the key; you can either play along or wait for your end – it's your choice. But, before I go, I'll tell you this, little Serah…we will not stop hunting you down unless you give back that which is ours."
And then she was gone.
~ oOo ~
Serah had stood for an unknown amount of time, staring at the empty space where the Dark Brotherhood member had just stood. In that moment, the warrior felt everything, and then nothing; pain and fear; sadness and disbelief; weakness and liberation. She felt as if she should be celebrating, but the Companion wasn't sure what she should be celebrating. She had gained more information about the mysterious circle she was caught in, but knew that the situation at hand was far worse than she could have ever imagined.
Eventually turning her gaze away from the man she had just killed, Serah surveyed the surrounding area. Before her, she saw the destroyed city of Helgen; but from that moment forward, the Companion would see the burnt city as one that started her own journey. Despite the pain pulsing through her weakened body, she knelt and grasped the dagger the female had thrown at the ground between her legs. Standing, Serah twisted and turned the blade in her hands, inspecting the craftsmanship, but also the blood that stained the blackened steel of the sharp blade.
Wincing her eyes shut as tightly as she could, Serah closed her left hand around the blade and sliced her palm; one lonely tear escaped an eye and trailed down her dirty and bloodied cheek. The muscles within her hand tightened as she opened her eyes. Serah held her hand above the Dark Brotherhood member she had killed and constricted her palm hard enough to trickle a steady stream of blood onto her enemy.
"On this day, I swear…I will defeat the rest of the Dark Brotherhood," Serah whispered, her voice heavy with malice. "I vow to uncover the truth behind these attacks. I will bring death upon those who have ended the lives of others in search of me. I SWEAR IT!"
Releasing an unstable breath, Serah unclenched her hand and winced at the self-inflicted pain. Though she knew that some of her magic would help with the wound, it would still take some time to heal. Taking one last look at the death of the man before her, the Companion eventually turned to find Norin so they could make the journey back to Falkreath; but as she slowly turned, Serah realized that the man in question stood against a broken wood beam, his expression neutral as he carefully glanced over her face. Walking towards her, Norin quickly placed a gentle arm around her shoulder just as Serah was about to collapse, the last remaining ounce of energy crumbling by the second.
The female warrior muttered a "thanks" as Norin wrapped her arm around his shoulders and his around her waist. Walking in the direction of their horses, Norin bravely asked, "Hey…you want to talk about it…?" But she slowly shook her head "no". Understanding her want of privacy, Norin carefully held his friend against his side and she was slowly going in and out of consciousness. When they were close enough, Star ran towards the pair and whinnied at her master, but Norin softly brushed the mare's nose. As if understanding the situation, Star knelt onto its legs, allowing the Falkreath soldier to place Serah on the saddle; Norin jumped behind his friend as the horse stood tall from the ground.
With his own horse in tow, Norin guided both animals back to Falkreath, where they were met by concerned citizens who had heard of Serah's brave gesture to assist them. Several people came to his aid and, within a breath's time, both he and Serah were stationed within a spare room of the Jarl's quarters. Norin had several cuts and bruises, but he was otherwise safe and sound, but as he stared at the Companion who risked her life to stay those from a town she didn't reside in, the soldier knew that it would be some time before she could fight. The Companion had immediately fallen asleep once she was laid onto a bed, and was instructed by the Jarl himself for no one to disturb her unless it was one of the healers.
It wasn't until two days later when Serah had awoken from her deep slumber, confused and very groggy because she couldn't remember anything that had occurred. When she woke, there was no one in the room, causing the Companion to question her surroundings. Noticing her traveler's pack in the corner, she slowly, and timidly, stood from the creaky bed and made her way across the room; once the bag was within reach, she pulled the several necessary items and instantly consumed three small stamina potions, as well as several magicka potions. Making her way back towards the bed, Serah pulled the linen wrappings off from her wounds and took her time in casting several different healing spells.
In no time, Serah could feel her strength returning. The stab wounds she had received on her arm and thigh were healed and closed, but the muscles deep within were tender and would take some time to heal on their own. Any cuts and bruises she let be – there was no point in using her magic for something that would heal on its own in a matter of days.
Content with the strength she had, Serah steadily walked towards the washbowl in the corner of the room, an evident limp was apparent as she walked, but the Companion strode on with pride in her heart; there was no regret whilst she knew the reason for her injuries. With a clean cloth in hand, Serah washed any remaining blood and dirt from her body that was not cleaned by any of the healers within the last two days. Once that was completed, she dressed in a spare pair of trousers and a linen shirt that had been placed upon the edge of her bed. Grasping the door, the female took a deep breath before making her way down towards the main hall of the Jarl's household.
As she walked into the main hall, Serah was greeted by several different voices echoing across the stone of the household. Standing in the doorway, as she didn't want to disturb the conversation, she noticed the Jarl was pacing near his personal chair, as he was speaking to his steward, Nenya, his housecarl, Helvard, the captain of the Falkreath guard, as well as Norin.
"You said that you have checked the remains of Helgen, correct?" The Jarl asked the captain of the guard.
"That is correct, my Jarl. There are no remaining bandits within the area. Norin and the Companion Serah took care of the rest. I have sent several guards to scout the area surrounding Helgen and they are to report back immediately if they see and new dangers; but none have come back so far."
"Good," the Jarl took his seat. "This is good news. And have any hunters experienced any troubles?"
His housecarl spoke in turn. "They have reported nothing. I plan on going with the hunters tomorrow, but I think we're in the clear."
"Something still seems off…" Jarl Siddgeir sighed as he clenched the bridge of his nose. "Norin, you were there with Serah – was it just bandits that have been wreaking havoc on my lands? Or is there something that hasn't been spoken…?"
Serah took a step forward, her voice having the chance to echo across the stone hall. "Jarl, I believe I can answer that question."
"Serah!" Norin's eyes widened as he briskly walked towards her, his hands finding her shoulders as he quickly looked over her body. "How are you fairing? How are you able to walk? Do I need to summon another healer?"
Her friend's questions made the Companion laugh as she quickly hugged her friend for his reassurance. "No, Norin, I will be fine. I have my own magic and was able to tend to what the others could not heal." But as she took a step forward, her leg limped and Norin outstretched his arms, thinking she was about to fall. "Yeah…" she looked at her leg. "That will be there for some time though." Serah slowly walked until she was standing within speaking distance of the Jarl; his face held nothing but worry but his realm, but the Companion could see that his eyes were glad she had healed from her endeavors.
"Serah of the Companions…it is good to see you up and walking. These past two days have been worrisome."
She bowed her head in respect. "I graciously appreciate your concern, Jarl. Regarding your question, I can answer that. But…would it be possible to speak privately on the matter?"
"My Jarl, I highly advise against this," Nenya spoke, expressing her opinion on the matter.
But Siddgeir could see within Serah that something had occurred at Helgen the other day. Nodding his head, he asked, "Nenya, Helvard, captain, will you please wait outside for us? This shouldn't take long."
"But, my Jarl!"
Siddgeir held up his hand. "I understand your concern, Nenya, but Serah wishes to speak privately. After what she has done for this town, I will grant her such." His steward and housecarl walked through the front doors, along with the captain, and once they were closed, Serah exhaled, unaware that she had been holding in her breath. Noring remained, as he was there to witness all that she was about to speak of. "Now, my dear, please answer my question from earlier."
"Jarl…first, I want to apologize because…" Looking at Norin, Serah was overwhelmed with the feeling of guilt and distraught etching deep within her bones. It was because of her that the bandits had been stealing the food from the people; it was because of her that the city was attacked several days ago; it's because of her that others may perish. "Siddgeir…I'm the reason that the bandits have been attacking your people."
The Jarl's face fell. "What…?"
The Companion sighed, knowing what she had to do, despite not being fond of the idea. "The leader of this bandit group was a bandit from another clan that me and some of my Shield-Siblings had destroyed several months ago. Before I was able to cut him down, he explained that he had been seeking revenge over the death of his brothers we had killed. All this time he was trying to use his attacks on Falkreath to lure me or the other Companions."
When she finished, Siddgeir stood to his foot and walked behind his chair, his hands leaning against the top of the wooden seat. "Oh my…that is…that must have been hard to hear, Companion. How are you faring?"
Taking a seat on a nearby chair, Serah crossed her arms, her body slightly shaking at the memory and the current lie. But she had no choice; the Companion hadn't even understood the entire situation and what to make of it, there was no way she was going to explain everything in detail to the Jarl. Better to keep him in the dark, she kept trying to persuade herself. "Well…the news doesn't make me happy that his bandits were causing harm to your people just to seek revenge against the Companions…" She added in a smaller voice, "I'm just glad we were able to do something before anything worse could have happened."
"Yes, yes you're right." But as the Jarl glanced upon the Companion, he could tell she was distraught by this information. Stepping in front of her and kneeling, Siddgeir placed a hand on her shoulder and said, "You have my thanks, Serah of Whiterun. You have risked your life to ensure those that live here. We will forever be in your dept."
Nenya, Helvard and the captain were asked to return, in which Serah watched as the others spoke of politics regarding what should happen with Falkreath for the time being. Siddgeir asked for Serah's opinions several times, and answered with a personal opinion, not wanting to interfere as she was not a citizen of the region. They didn't speak for long, and as Serah relayed that she was going to pack and head back to Whiterun, Siddgeir provided the Companion with a gold and ruby-studded diadem from his personal collection.
"Your courage has led to the safety of the people. This is simply my thanks you to, Serah of the Companions." She graciously accepted the gift and promised that she would treasure it always. As she retrieved her items from the room she awoke from, Norin followed Serah outside to the stables so she could retrieve Star and begin the journey home.
"Serah, if I may," Norin asked as the Companion attached the saddle to her mare. "Why is it that you…altered the truth to the Jarl…?"
Serah smiled at her new friend. "I had a feeling that you heard everything from the other day. So, you are aware that those individuals in black were…" she lowered her voice. "From the Dark Brotherhood…?" He nodded. "Please…please Norin, can you keep this a secret?"
"But Serah, they're after you!"
"I know…" Pulling the We Know parchment from her pack, she held it open for Norin to see, whose eyes widened. "I received this in Riverwood not so long ago, and have been questioning parchment ever since. And before you ask, yes, two of my Shield-Siblings know about this as well…so I am not alone in this endeavor."
"What is it that they're wanting you to return?"
"I have no idea, Norin. But…that is why I am headed to Riften after I return to Whiterun – I need to find some answers." The soldier opened his mouth to speak the truth of his mind, but Serah simply held her hand up, silencing before he could talk. "I know what you're about to say, Norin. But this is something that I must do. I can't…" She turned her head away to avoid the tears that were threatening to fall. "I can't let anyone else be hurt because of me."
Smiling as gently as he could, Norin placed his hand on her shoulder and squeezed, attempting to reassure her that everything was going to be ok. Sitting astride her faithful horse, Norin promised he would visit her in Whiterun if he ever had the chance, and he made Serah promise to call upon his help if she ever needed it. The smile that fell upon her face stayed during the rest of her trip. The Companion was happy to have made a new friend, but she was desperate to go home to find some answers.
But mainly to see Farkas.
The journey was quicker home than it was heading to Falkreath; since she had left earlier in the morning, Serah knew that she'd be home before dark. If the situation was different, she would have gladly stopped in Riverwood for the night to see Alvor and his family, but the Companion couldn't risk wasting even one second. She needed, and wanted, to get to the bottom of this mystery that had suddenly thrusted into her life.
On her journey home, Serah tried not to think too much about her current situation, and the threat that had placed put upon her very life. Since passing Riverwood nearly twenty minutes ago, Serah was very eager to be heading home, as she could see Dragonsreach within the distance – even the top of Jorrvaskr stood amongst the stone and wood fortifications. A smile etched onto her face, and as she turned Star's reins around the curving path, something amongst the pushes to the side of the road caught her attention. Pulling Star to a stop, the Companion took several moments to look across the slightly snowy terrain, questioning what she saw. Serah was about to move on when she suddenly veered her head backwards, the swoosh of an air penetrated the space her head had just occupied.
Serah had just managed to suck in a quick breath before another attack pierced her arm, leaving the Companion hissing in pain. Rolling on the ground as she jumped off of Star, Serah slid to her feet and grasped a sword from her hip, her eyes aimed straight into the culprit. The attacker turned and ran, but wasn't expecting Serah to follow quickly behind. Though her leg was weak and still very sore from her previous injury, she pushed herself as hard as she could, and when she had a chance, Serah pulled a small dagger from her boot and hurled the weapon straight into the back of the attacker's neck.
The man thus fell to his death.
Dropping to one knee, she unsheathed her blade from the man's neck, wiped the blood on her trousers, and place it back inside her boot. Pushing her attacker onto his back, she immediately knew that he was a hired mercenary and searched threw his pockets, her breath increasing for she knew what she would find. And within the inside of his breastplate, a folded piece of parchment held the answers. Once unfolded, the Companion held her breath as she read the contents of the letter, for which she already knew what it contained.
Description of target:
Nord female, ebony black hair, green eyes; goes by the name Serah and is a member of the Companions. Uses multiple swords and daggers, and is skilled in the ways of magics. DO NOT underestimate her abilities, for she is crafty. The agreed amount is five-thousand septims. You are to capture and bring her back alive. We have no problem if you inflict injuries, but death will fall upon you if she is not returned alive.
Do not disappoint us.
- - Astrid
Forcing herself to not rip the parchment into shreds, Serah stood and folded the paper before tucking the evidence away into one of her packs. Slowly making her way back towards Star, the Companion held her head steady; one thought after another raced, the poor girl could've form a single thought. As she mounted her horse, Serah stared across of the openness of the Hold as her gaze held onto Whiterun in the distance. Softly nudging her steed, Serah continued her journey home, knowing that she would be there within the hour. Taking a deep breath, Serah was finally able to juggle the thoughts within her mind before landing on one in particular, one that caused her eyes to narrow and her teeth to clench so hard, she bled from biting her cheek.
You wanna play a game, Astrid? Fine, I'll play. Come get me, I dare you.
~ oOo ~
So happy for everyone who continues to read this story. Any comments or feedback would make this write very happy.
Chocobocolina :3