Chapter 4

Turdas, the 30th of Rain's Hand, Year 202 of the 4th Era

Despite the heavy drinking of the night before, Daenerys still had Sofija wake her at dawn to practice with Vilkas. She knew that she would never be a warrior, but Shouting drained her magicka quickly. She needed a backup. Combat skills had saved her life during her duel with Thaena. She simply couldn't rely upon magic alone. It also didn't hurt her standing with the Companions. While they had drank and feasted in her honor, she still didn't fit the mold. Being seen training in physical combat showed that she was trying to be the kind of hero the expected, and morning was the best time to be seen. While Companions could be found training on the practice ground throughout the day, almost all of them started the day with at least a couple of rounds of dueling before breaking for breakfast. Although there weren't many Companions present this morning. Skjor and Aela were dueling. Farkas was coaching Ria and that was it. Usually, most of the Companions could be found training first thing in the morning. Although considering the heavy drinking the night before, she should have expected the smaller turnout. It was interesting that the entire Circle was present. Apparently being a werewolf helped with hangovers.

Vilkas was waiting when she arrived at the practice ground. "About time you got down here. You're no longer a newblood, but you still have piss-poor combat skills for a Companion. I'm only going to be harder on you now."

"What, you were going easy on me before?" The boastful banter that delighted Nords did not come easily to her, but she was getting better at it. She strapped on her buckler. The small shield wasn't that good for blocking, but it had the advantage of being strapped to her left forearm. That left her left hand open so she could still cast spells. Vilkas had agreed that she was a spellsword and spells were part of her weaponry. For safety reasons she stuck to casting Shove while dueling. Vilkas made a point to avoid the spell anyway because in real combat she would likely be casting a much more lethal spell. Although she had yet to connect with her spell.

Vilkas opened by attacking as usual and it was all she could do to keep up. He wielded his two-handed sword as if it weighed no more than a toothpick and pressed his attacks relentlessly. It was all she could do to block his blows. The few times she tried to cast Shove, he immediately batted her arm aside with a blow to her buckler. His control was inhuman. When she failed to stop a strike, he would halt his blow and barely hit her. Their practice duels also demonstrated over and over that if a warrior could get within sword range of a mage, then that mage would likely be dead soon. Of course, mages knew that. Battlemages wore full plate armor, and mages in general preferred to fight from a distance.

After their opening daily duel, Vilkas shifted Daenerys to practicing with Sofija. That was a much fairer fight, but Daenerys was still outmatched in hand-to-hand combat by her housecarl. Sofija's conjured blades hit hard. They were also the reason she used a steel buckler instead of a wooden or leather shield. While Sofija was not a member of the Companions, Vilkas also offered her some coaching and advice while Daenerys sparred with her in the mornings. He did the same for Lydia the one time she had trained under Vilkas in the evening.

Lydia missed the morning lessons because she was usually sleeping. Sofija and Lydia had agreed among themselves that one of them would be awake to guard her at all times. Lydia watched over her until the second hour of the morning when Sofija traded places for her. A part of her felt this was unnecessary, especially within the halls of Jorrvaskr. However, Fultheim believed that the Thalmor would certainly send assassins after her sooner or later, so it was better to practice vigilance even when it seemed unnecessary. After all, she was not surrounded by thousands of fanatically loyal Unsullied on this world, and even on Planetos assassins had still made attempts on her life.

The sun was well over the horizon, and Daenerys was drenched with sweat when she noticed the approach of a young girl wearing a tattered dress.

"Lady Dragonborn! Lady Dragonborn!" cried the urchin. "I have a letter for you! It's from Jesper the guard. He gave me two whole septims to see that I delivered it to your hand!"

Daenerys backpedaled from her fight. When Sofija nodded and lowered her weapon she turned to face the beggar child. She looked familiar. "Lucia?"

"You remember me!" She dropped an awkward curtsey and almost fell over.

Daenerys held back laughter. While the child was undoubtedly cute, she obviously wasn't thriving on the streets. Her cheeks had lost the roundness of youth and she had hollows under her eyes, clear signs that she wasn't getting enough to eat. "Sit down. Have some of our food, there is plenty of it." That was certainly true. The Companions ate well. The servants made sure food was always present both in the dining hall and on the patio behind Jorrvaskr that overlooked the training grounds.

"Really?!" gasped the child. "Oh, thank you!" She rushed the table and started grabbing food as if she was afraid it might disappear.

"Just this once," said Vilkas in a gruff voice. He approached Daenerys and lowered his voice. "Your heart may be in the right place, but we can't go feeding the beggars or they'll swarm our table."

Daenerys nodded. "I know." She had more gold now, but she also had more expenses. She didn't go around feeding every beggar in the street, because she couldn't afford to do it. Still, while she couldn't help every street urchin, maybe she could help this one. "I'll speak with her."

"Good. As long as it doesn't happen again. Same time tomorrow?"

"No, I'm afraid not. I'm making a trip to Riverwood. I'll be gone for two or three days."

Vilkas frowned. "You and your errands. You need more practice time if you want to improve."

"I know. I thank you for the training, but I have many demands upon my time." She dropped a slight curtsey out respect. That wasn't a Companion thing, but she wasn't just a Companion. After Vilkas waved a goodbye in return, she went to the table where Lucia was still stuffing food into her mouth as fast as she could. "Lucia? You have a letter for me?"

"Mmm-hmm," she reached into a beltpouch and brought out a crumpled letter.

Daenerys took it and read the letter from Jesper.

Daenerys Targaryen, the Unburnt, Dragonborn, and Thane of Whiterun,

I have heard that you are recruiting men to fight dragons. I asked to leave the guard but was told by my commander that the jarl had forbidden it. I think Jarl Balgruuf's afraid the entire guard would desert and flock to your banner. He might be right. Still, I believe I have a man who would be interested in your service. I'm sure you have noticed the Redguards standing by the main gate. They're looking for some Redguard noblewoman, but don't have a warrant or any valid bounty to arrest her, so they've been denied entrance. One of them tried to sneak over the wall two nights ago and got caught. He's now languishing in the dungeon. I was on guard duty and spoke to him a little. Apparently, he is now dishonored because he was caught. Which means he can return to neither his mercenary band, nor his home. Doesn't seem like there would be any Redguards left in Hammerfell if they throw you out for one mistake. Glad I'm a Nord. The point is he doesn't have a home any longer. If you paid his fine, I'm sure he'd be glad to join your cause. What could be more honorable than fighting dragons?

Jesper

"Hmm, interesting." She handed the note to Sofija. "What do you think? I don't know much about Redguards." Malak, their spellsword instructor, was the only one she'd ever really spoken to, and even then only student to mentor. He did make quite an impression.

"Redguards do have odd ideas about honor and hold themselves to high standards. I doubt he was lying about not being able to go home. He may indeed be willing to join."

"Looks like we'll be paying the jarl's prison a visit." She glanced at Lucia who had finally stopped eating and caught her slipping some boiled eggs into her pocket. "After I have a word with Lucia."

Lucia jumped in her seat. "Yes, Lady Dragonborn?!"

"It's fine, Lucia. I just wanted to talk with you a moment. You told me that you were on the streets because your mother died, and your aunt and uncle abandoned you?" She was asking just to confirm. She wasn't likely to forget. Lucia's story stirred old memories for Daenerys. The servants who had raised her and Viserys had turned upon them within hours of the death of Willem Darry. They had looted all the valuables and abandoned her and her brother to the streets

"Yes, ma'am. After Mama died my aunt and uncle took over our farm. They threw me out. They said I wasn't good for anything."

"Oh, did they now?" She couldn't keep the edge out of her reply. Maybe she couldn't save every beggar child, but she could help Lucia. What was done to her wasn't at all in keeping with what she knew about Nord culture. Nords were known for many things. They were fierce warriors and liked to drink heavily. They placed a high value on honor and serving the gods, but they put just as high a value on family. Turning out a child who was kin was simply not in keeping with Nord customs or values. Although, now that she thought about it, Lucia looked more like an Imperial than a Nord.

"Are your aunt and uncle Imperials?"

"Oh, no ma'am. They're Nords, like my Papa was. My Mama was Imperial like me."

Daenerys nodded. That made sense and was likely another reason they had turned out their niece. "Do you know if they own their land, or who they're sworn to?"

"I think they own it now. I remember Nazeem wanted to buy the land, and Mama wanted to sell, but my aunt and uncle said no."

She remembered Nazeem. He was a Redguard noble who had fled Hammerfell and settled in Whiterun. He had done well enough to be a landed noble sworn to Jarl Balgruuf. He was also a braggart and a bore, but he would be the perfect solution to this problem.

"Would you like to take another message, Lucia? I'd like to meet with Nazeem. He might be at Dragonsreach, or out at his farm, so it could take a lot to find him. I'll pay you for it."

"Oh, yes, Lady Dragonborn! I'll find him. He's probably up at Dragonreach. His wife, Ahlma, is a priestess of Kynareth, and I've heard her talking about him. She says he's usually stuffed up the jarl's backside."

Sofija let out a strangled laugh at that remark.

"Yes, well, be polite at Dragonreach. Don't annoy the guards, and don't repeat that remark." Wait a few moments and I'll write you a letter. Quill and paper were easily found, and Daenerys quickly wrote out a letter for Nazeem. "Off with you now. Check Dragonreach first. That's where I'm heading and if Nazeem is there we can meet this morning."

"Yes, Lady Dragonborn!" Lucia darted off at a run before Daenerys could even pay her.

Daenerys couldn't help smiling after Lucia left. She couldn't save every street urchin, but she would save this one "Looks like we're going to be talking to two Redguards today, Sofija"

"Yes, Lady Dragonborn," replied Sofija dryly.

Daenerys glanced over at Sofjia unsure for a moment if that was Nord humor or if Sofiia was being entirely serious. Sofija stared back at her impassively for a moment and then smirked. When Daenerys burst out laughing Sofija joined in.

.oOo.

The Whiterun jail was located next to the armory and adjacent to the barracks. It was a very efficient setup. In addition to the guards actually on prison duty, there were numerous guards off duty only a shout away. Daenerys took advantage of being a Thane of Whiterun to ask about the prisoner and his crimes. Although the respect she was shown probably had more to do with her being the Dragonborn than a mere thane. She quickly confirmed everything Jesper had said.

"So, if I pay his fine of 100 septims, you'll release him to my custody?"

"Yes, Thane. He will need to be outside of the city walls before nightfall."

Daenerys nodded. "I don't see that as being a problem. I'll escort him outside myself, provided we can reach an agreement. Can I speak with him now?"

"Of course, right this way."

The guard led her to a cell where a dirty man knelt on the floor apparently in prayer. He looked like a typical Redguard: dusky skin and wearing loose clothing and a turban. He looked up at her. "What are you looking at?"

"A warrior, trapped in a cell. Would you like to be free?"

He rose from his kneeling position in a fluid motion and took one step toward the bars. "You had better not be mocking me. I have dishonored my brothers by being captured, and so they have left me here, but I have no wish to die in this gods-forsaken land. What do you want from me?"

"Do you know who I am?"

"Don't know. Don't really care about you wetlanders. I only care if you can get me out and what you will want in return."

"I am Daenerys of the House Targaryen, the First of Her Name, the Unburnt, Dragonborn. The gods have laid a burden upon me to stop the dragons that are plaguing Skyrim, but I cannot fight them alone. I need warriors who are brave enough to stand and fight a dragon, skilled enough to actually harm one, and disciplined enough to follow orders."

He scowled. "So not only do I have to risk my life to fight dragons, but I also have to stay in this land?"

"You don't expect me to pay your fine for nothing, do you? I won't ask you to swear to me. I'm hiring mercenaries as well. Sign up for a year and day. Food and board, a fair salary, and a share of the spoils – your fine to be deducted from your cut."

"Hmm, what is a 'fair' salary?"

They dickered for a little over price but quickly reached an agreement. "I have to pay the guards, and I'll try to get your weapons returned. What's your name?"

"Salim Bashir."

.oOo.

Daenerys had Sofija take Salim to their encampment outside Whiterun while she went to meet with Nazeem. Lucia had indeed found him at Dragonreach, and was quite agreeable to meet with the Dragonborn. He was just as pompous as she remembered from her brief meeting with him previously. He even sneered at Salim Bashir and deliberately mistook him for a servant. That probably wouldn't have ended well for him if Salim had been armed. However, he was very much interested in the plan that Daenerys offered.

"Let me see if I understand this correctly. You're going to convince Ottar and Gita to sell their land to me, give half to that scruffy child there, and all I have to do is to place… Lucia with one of my tenants until she's of age?"

Daenerys realized her plan was flawed. Nazeem would not have Lucia's best interest at heart in placing her with a family. She improvised on the spot. "No, no, that wouldn't do, a man placing a girl with a family? I think it would be best if your wife arranged that piece of things."

Nazeem's mouth twitched to a frown. "You'll have to talk to her about that then. She doesn't want to have anything to do with the estate."

"That's not a problem. We can stop by the Temple of Kynareth on our way out of town." While a part of her was annoyed by just how much time it was taking to save one child, a single glance at Lucia who was barely restraining herself made it worth it. "Let's be off."

"What, now?" asked Nazeem. "This will take most of the day."

Daenerys found herself agreeing with Nazeem on how long it was taking. She was only trying to save one child. How hard could that be? When she ruled, she could have just given an order. Justice would have been done, and someone would have seen to Lucia. Arranging it herself meant dealing with all the little details that rulers didn't have to worry about. However, every time she saw the smile on Lucia's face or received another hug from the child, she knew it was worth it. "All the more reason to start now. Do you want the land or not?"

"Oh, I do. It's good land and adjacent to mine. Very well, let's be off. You're certain you can make them sell?"

"Oh, I can be very convincing."

Nazeem's wife, Ahlma, was as gracious as Nazeem was boorish. She readily agreed to find a family that would foster Lucia, and said it would not be difficult if Lucia received half the proceeds of the sale of the farm. "Have no worries on that account. It's not hard to find someone willing to take on an extra girl when she has a hefty dowry. I'll take care of it."

While Nazeem was only a karl, he was a wealthy one, so naturally he owned a horse. Daenerys didn't even try to argue him into walking. Buying horses was on her agenda already. They were too expensive to use to pull her wagons, even if they were faster than oxen. Horses were simply too expensive. Especially when a wagon train would likely attract dragons. However, she wanted to mount her scouts on horses so they could cover more ground. Horses would also allow her to make short side trips, like the one she planned to Riverwood, in less time as long as she was willing to travel with a smaller party. She had planned to buy three horses for herself, Lydia, and Sofija for side trips, and for her scouts the rest of the time. However, she had not planned on buying horses today and didn't have enough coin on her. Given the way that trade between holds had all but died off, she was hoping she could come to a deal.

The stable master was dark-haired Nord with a close-cropped beard by the name of Skulvar Sable-hilt. He was absolutely thrilled to have the Dragonborn looking at his horses. He also obviously thought she was a fool.

"This is what you bring me? This horse is nine years old and a mare. She's built like a plow horse and favors her right leg. Is this the quality of your horses? Or was this a deliberate insult?"

"No, my lady, no insult was intended. I just heard you travel by ox-drawn cart and I didn't think – "

"That I would know a good horse from a bad one? Thought you would sell me your old nag for the price of a young stallion?"

"No, no, I just thought you needed a less spirited horse. My mistake. I'll bring you another horse." He rushed away. "Jervar! You idiot boy! This is not the horse you show to a noble! Bring me Nightwind, and hurry."

Nazeem looked at her with new respect. "I didn't know that you could ride, let alone that you were so knowledgeable about horses. You really put that one in his place."

"My first husband was Khal Drogo. You don't spend months riding with a Dothraki Khalasar and not learn a few things about horses." Even her handmaidens loved to talk about horses. The Dothraki would not approve of the horses of Skyrim. They were shaggy rather than sleek and built for endurance rather than speed. Although Nightwing turned out to be not that bad.

Nightwind was indeed a better horse, but Daenerys looked over several other horses before she decided on the three she would purchase. Then she got down to haggling. After Skulvar tried to pawn the nag off on her, she was in a mood to drive a hard bargain. She started haggling for just the stallion, and when he wouldn't lower the price further, she revealed that she was interested in three horses, not just the one. That opened up the bargaining again. When it stalled again, she threw in that their business would certainly increase just because the Dragonborn bought from him. Skulvar didn't even bother to argue the point.

"Agreed," she said once they had finally reached the price. "Unfortunately, that is a lot of coin. More than I carry around on me. I'll have to go back into Whiterun to get my coin, but… would you accept payment in dwemer-metal ingots?"

"Dwemer-metal? I heard you brought back a fortune of it, but I can't approve that. I can't sell for anything but septims. You'll have to talk to the owner, Lillith Maiden-Loom, and she's not here right now. She should be tomorrow morning."

"Fine," agreed Daenerys. "I'll come back tomorrow on one condition."

"Oh, and that is?"

"You let me borrow Nightwind and the sorrel horse for a ride. I'll have them both back in a couple of hours. I'm not about to turn horsethief on you."

"Well now…" He frowned and looked from her to the horse.

Daenerys waited patiently. She was confident that in the end his desire to sell three horses would outweigh the risk of the Dragonborn suddenly turning horsethief.

"Very well, I see no harm in it. Take him for a ride. Lilith should be here early tomorrow morning. You will have to speak with her about the dwemer-metal trade."

"Thank you, Skulvar."

Lydia was scowling. "My thane. I am not a good rider and I don't really like you traveling beyond the walls with only me for protection. Sofija should really be here as well."

Daenerys nodded. "I understand, Lydia. It will be a short ride by horse, and we'll be well in sight of Whiterun. This is safe territory, now that the dragon is gone." She could tell Lydia still wasn't happy, but she had already spent a large chunk of a day in errands. On a horse she could finish this today, so she could buy horses and ride to Riverwood tomorrow. "I'm decided, Lydia. You either come with me, or wait here. I'll be back in couple of hours, probably less."

Lydia dipped her head. "As you will, my thane. I will protect you with my life."

Daenerys looked over to the cause of all this running around. "Lucia, do you want to ride behind me? You're light enough. You'll have to hang on tight."

"Oh yes! May I please?"

"Yes, climb on up. Hurry now, Nazeem almost has his horse saddled."

Nazeem didn't mind racing, but refused to wager on it. "Maybe if I hadn't seen you barter with the stable master. You're on a fast horse and you know horses. I did not get where I am today by throwing away my money on foolish wagers."

"Very well, let's see just how fast this horse is." Daenerys hadn't been on a horse in quite a while. It wasn't the same as riding a dragon. It didn't really compare, but Nightwing was fast horse, and riding him was a joy. She easily beat Nazeem.

She climbed down and tied the horse to the gate when they arrived. Then she helped Lucia down. "Lucia, I want you to stay back. Hold your tongue no matter what your aunt and uncle say. You deserve to see this, but they brought this down upon themselves by their actions."

"Yes, ma'am, Lady Dragonborn."

The house looked like a typical Nord farmhouse, wooden walls with some stones stacked around the foundation for support, thatch roof, and only a few windows. It was a humble but sturdy structure meant to protect the family from the harsh winters. Chickens ran around freely in the yard. A barking dog greeted their arrival, but it shifted from angry to excited when Lucia approached it. It started wagging its tail and jumped up on her to lick her face. That was clear proof that this was her home - not that any proof was needed.

"Who goes there?" A stern woman appeared in the doorway. She was dark of hair with wisps of grey. Her skin was worn by years of labor. She regarded them with suspicion and held one hand behind her back, probably holding a weapon. "Nazeem. We told you we weren't interested. Oh, you brought the brat, and hired muscle." She raised her voice. "Ottar, where are you?! We've got unwanted guests!"

"I'm on my way, woman!" came a cry from the fields. A man in his middle years holding a hoe came running up. He had a ruddy complexion and a long beard that stretched down to his belly. He was accompanied by another man, younger, and most likely his son judging by the similarity of his face. "Get off my land, Nazeem! I told you we're not interested. This is our land." He shifted the hoe holding it high and brandishing it as a weapon.

His wife emerged from the house and this time she brandished a dagger instead of hiding behind her back. "There, you heard it from me. You heard it from my husband. That's all who have a say. Begone."

Nazeem chuckled and dismounted. "I'm not the one you need to be talking to, Ottar. This is a matter of honor. I'm just here to help. You need to speak to the Companion." He waved a hand at Daenerys.

Daenerys stepped forward at that cue. "Ottar and Gita, you turned your brother's child out when his wife died. That dog has more honor than you. He recognizes family. You did not. I don't trust milk-drinkers like you to take care of her, so you will pay her what she is owed today - half the value of your land. If you don't have the coin to pay her share," she shrugged, "That is why I brought Nazeem."

"Companions," Gita spat on the ground. "Little more than hired thugs. You're here to cheat us of our land. That girl isn't our blood. She's not even a Nord. Look at her. She's an Imperial, just like her mother and just as useless. Mother's blood will always tell. We owe her nothing." She waved her dagger about in the air punctuating her rant.

"Put your weapons away. I'm here to settle this the traditional way, fist to fist. Which of you do I have to beat down? Will it be you Ottar? Or will you hide behind your wife's skirts?"

Ottar tossed down his hoe. "Companion? You look like a child wearing her father's armor. Come on then." He walked toward her with his fists raised. He didn't look like a warrior, but he didn't look soft either.

Daenerys stepped forward and aimed a punch for Ottar's belly. The man turned a bit, punched back, and the fight was on. As fights go this one was decided one-sided. Daenerys was wearing armor including gauntlets, she was also as strong as a man now. Daenerys let her armor soak the damage when he went for a body blow, only bothering to dodge when he swung for her face. His hands were quickly bruised and bleeding while she was unharmed. After she got in a blow to his belly, the fight was all but over. She wanted to stop then, but she had to see this through for Lucia. She kept punching him until he fell down and didn't get back up.

Gita rushed to her husband when he fell and cradled his head in her arms. "Such bravery beating up a man while wearing armor. This is our land. We're still not selling."

Privately Daenerys agreed with her about the lack of bravery. She was exploiting Nord traditions to save Lucia, but she wasn't proud of beating up a farmer. It hadn't been close to a fair fight. However, she held firm. This was the same as passing judgment on the bandits. She was just using her fists instead of a sword. "Throwing your goodsister's child out onto the streets was wrong. You brought this on yourselves. You'll get paid for the land, and you can even stay and work the land."

"As thralls!" wailed Gita still cradling her husband. "You're taking our home from us!"

"No, Gita. It's over. They've won." Ottar pushed himself to his feet. "It's no use. If you keep arguing, she will just beat you down as well, and it won't change anything."

"We'll take it to the jarl! He'll side with us."

"No, he won't. The jarl won't overrule a Companion on a matter of honor." He glared at Daenerys. "You give us no choice, but I hope you sleep well knowing you have turned a family of true Nords into thanes in service to a Redguard, all for an Imperial child... but your eyes. You're of mixed blood yourself. The Companions shouldn't even accept your kind. Not that it matters. I'll fetch the deed."

Daenerys went over to Lucia. She had to remind herself why she was doing this. No matter how much the family complained, they had been in the wrong. It wouldn't have taken much to feed Lucia, and they could have put her to work. They chose to turn her out to fend for herself. They did not deserve her sympathy. She found Lucia in tears.

"It's because of my blood? I don't want to be an Imperial anymore. Skyrim is my home."

Daenerys hugged her as gently as she could while wearing armor. "Don't worry, you'll have a new home soon, Nazeem promised."

"Can I stay with you instead, Lady Dragonborn?"

Daenerys smiled and shook her head. "I'm sorry, but I can't take you with me." Then a thought struck her. "However, there is something you can do for me. How would you like to raise ravens for me?"