4E, 9th of First Seed...
Gwen sat with the other Companions enjoying a hearty feast of a breakfast, just as Vireina said she would. Everyone shared their tales and caught up on what had happened since she left, then they all walked her to the stables and bid her a fond farewell just as they had when she had finished her training.
Feeling rejuvenated, Gwen and her mare took the road leading to Rorikstead, reaching the small town in just over six hours. Gwen watered and fed Ayasha before they returned to their journey, going another four hours before reaching Karthwasten and turning down the road towards Markarth. Within nearly another four hours, they reached the stables and Gwen got Ayasha situated before going up to the main city gates and stepping into the largest time capsule she had ever seen outside of Windhelm.
Asking for directions to the inn, she secured a room then made her way up to Understone Keep to speak with Jarl Igmund.
"My lord, this woman comes seeking an audience."
Jarl Igmund looked up from his throne at his housecarl, Faleen, as she brought forth the young woman at her side. "Thank you, Faleen." He looked at the young woman. "I am Jarl Igmund. What is your name and what brings you to Markarth?"
Gwen bowed to the older man. "I am Gwenethra Mae of the Companions my lord. I came to offer my assistance with the bandits that have been attacking caravans passing through Dragon Bridge."
"A Companion, eh? You look a little young to be a Companion, lass."
"With respect, my lord, I recently turned eighteen. I joined the Companions just a few weeks prior to this and trained with Vireina, Borind, and Giskur the Unbroken."
"Giskur the Unbroken?"
"Yes, my lord."
"Giskur is an old friend of mine and a skilled man. If he was indeed your mentor, then perhaps I can make use of your skills." Igmund said. "Tell me, what do you know of these attacks?"
"I only know that the bandits have holed up at Dragon Bridge Overlook, targeting Imperial caravans that pass through Dragon Bridge. The biggest issue that I've noticed is that since Dragon Bridge is north of the border that separates Haafingar Hold, the Reach Hold, and Hjaalmarch Hold they could pose a problem for any caravan, not just Imperial caravans. As such, it would prove both difficult and beneficial for any of the jarls of the three holds to deal with the bandits. You could just let Haafingar Hold deal with the attacks on Dragon Bridge since it sit within their hold, but since the bandits are holed up at the overlook which sits in the Reach Hold then it would fall to you to deal with the bandits. If they're getting near the Stormcloak camp, you could let the Stormcloaks deal with the bandits themselves. But then your problem there would be that the rebels are taking action against bandits attacking Imperial caravans and gaining access to their goods, leading some to believe that you support the rebellion. If the attacks occur along the road while in Hjaalmarch Hold, you could leave it up to Jarl Idgrod Ravencrone to deal with the matter."
Igmund listened carefully as Gwen gave her impression of the situation. His uncle, Raerek, spoke next.
"What would you suggest then?"
"If I may be so bold, my lord, I would suggest that you deal with the problem yourself. It would show that you will defend your hold, regardless of the trouble, and it could gain you further favor with the holds."
"And you come offering assistance at behest of the Companions?"
"I do indeed, my lord. The road through Dragon Bridge is a major one that caravans from all over the province use. As a member of the Companions, my main concern would be in the interest of Whiterun Hold and the provisions we receive from Solitude and other cities along that road. I would not wish to see other holds facing difficulties in receiving or sending provisions and wares with everything going on right now."
"That is a very wise observation." Igmund thought for a moment. "Very well, then Companion. I will accept your offer."
"Thank you, my lord. I shall leave first thing in the morning tomorrow to deal with them. If you have any further need of me, you may find me at the Silver-Blood Inn."
"Good luck."
Gwen excused herself and returned to the stables to find the nearest courier.
"Excuse me, could you deliver this to Windhelm?" She asked the man. "I have two parcels, if you don't mind."
The courier looked down at the names on the envelopes and nodded. "Of course, madam. Usual fee."
"Of course." Gwen paid the courier and thanked him as he took off to deliver the messages for her. As she checked on Ayasha, she noticed a pen with a number of dogs. She went over, looking through the pen's gate- seeing varying ages of dogs from pups to three years.
"Are you looking to buy?"
Gwen looked at the man approaching her. "Are they for sale?"
"Indeed they are. Name's Banning, my family and I have been breeding and training war-dogs for the jarl and for our own personal use."
"War-dogs?"
"They are trained primarily in combat and protection, but they make good hunting dogs, too."
Gwen looked at the dogs, noticing one in particular who seemed just as interested in her as she was him. "What about this one?"
"Good eye, there. He's still young, just over a year, but he's one of the best of his litter. We haven't found a name that suits him, yet."
"How much?"
"Five hundred."
Gwen smiled. "I'll take him." She paid Banning and waited while the man let her new dog free. She knelt, letting the dog sniff her hand. "Good boy." She thanked Banning and walked back towards the main stable. "We need a name for you, boy." She thought a moment. "How about 'Thadis'?" She laughed as the dog danced around her. "Thadis it is then. Come on, let's go introduce you to Ayasha."
Once Ayasha and Thadis were acquainted, Gwen made her way back to her room at the Silver-Blood Inn- grateful that they didn't seem to mind a dog in the inn. With a warning that he best behave himself, of course.
Gwen lay back on her bed, Thadis next to the bed on the floor, and she thought about how she was going to approach the bandits and deal with them without injuring anyone unnecessarily. She was wary about dealing with bandits again, having avoided those types of job with the Companions ever since Mistwatch.
"Whatever we decided, Thadis, let's just be careful."