Chapter 13

Day 39

It's been almost a month now since I had awoken in the world of Tamriel. I've been through some intense things so far and I'm really surprised I have been able to survive this long. I never would have thought that I would be seeing the sun rise each day. That first night I had spent outside of the ruins was terrifying and each day forward I had been afraid of not waking up at all when I lay my head to sleep. I still have that fear but there are times when I can relax a little. But I was wanted by the empire and thalmor, the stormcloaks believed I was a spy, and I had no leads on any group of summoners or mages.

I settled back against the headboard as I stared at the door to my room. I had been able to pay for my room and eat comfortably but I was running out of gold and chopping wood could only get me so far. Luckily for me most inns in Skyrim supposedly paid for the labor of others to get their firewood. It made me wonder why so many people went in debt for not paying for their drinks. Why didn't they just go out, chop some wood and have it be even?

It was foolish of me to try and think about what others do or how they think about things. I needed to concentrate on the task ahead. I already picked up my dagger and sheathe as well as some more supplies that could last me a few days on the road. I opened up my map and spread it across the bed. I needed to find a route that could lead me to a place to hide out for a time. I needed to be out of this city, not just for the fact that I was under careful watch by the stormcloaks but it seemed to me that tensions here in the city where reaching their peaks.

I looked over the map and cursed my luck. I knew that there was a village at the base of the Throat of the World but it wasn't marked on my map. I couldn't remember the name of the village either so asking around would be pointless. I believed I knew the general area where it could be though and so I could just need to get around there and I was sure I would be able to see it. I lightly circled the spot I thought it was and waited for the ink to dry before rolling back up the map and stuffing it in my satchel. The village should be relatively safe enough from the war going on. I hoped so anyway.

After checking through my supplies I summed up that I could make these last around four days if I was careful. The biggest problem I could foresee would be bandits on the roads. I had always known the game to be famous for the abundance of bandits throughout the land of Skyrim. I would need to tread carefully if I were going to avoid any while I traveled.

As I set out early morning I noticed that there where a few others on the same road as I. They where four Khajiit that carried large packs and carts. I caught up to them and assured them I was no threat when they drew their weapons.

"I haven't traveled much myself and was wondering if you might allow me to travel with you a while?" I asked but regretted it as I realized how travelers and merchants must be about allowing others with them. It would mean adding another person's troubles onto theirs and adding more risk to the already dangerous roads.

"Where are you headed traveler?" A female Khajiit with black fur came forward.

"I'm headed in the direction of Riften. I'm trying to reach a village just near the pass that brings me to the throat of the world but I can't recall the name of the village." I remembered this group as a Khajiit caravan so I knew it would be okay to tell them my destination. I remembered in the game there where three caravan'' in total but I couldn't remember which one this was.

"Ah, we know of the place you speak of. Now I am going to ask why you would want to travel with us?" She asked. The others looked nervously around them and at me.

"There is safety in numbers. I don't ask that I be taken care of. I can pull my own weight, even carry a cart if you wish. I just don't want to travel Skyrim alone." I realized I must have sounded like a helpless child as the Khajiit gave me a sympathetic look. Had they traveled alone before and wished to travel with another? What where their histories? I had never really looked them up other than to try and find their routes online so I knew nothing about them.

"We are heading to Riften. There is a split in the road that will lead you to the village that you are searching for. We can travel together as far as that split." She turned to the others and nodded. They all nodded back and moved their goods to the side of the road and motioned me over.

"It would only be rude to travel the weary roads of skyrim and not know one another." A male Khajiit explained as he put down his pack. He wore heavy plate armor and had a steel mace strapped to his belt. His fur was black and silver, a unique blend of colors on fur.

"I am Darius. A stranger to these lands but new to traveling." I bowed my head slightly and smiled. Not sure if that introduction sounded strange. It had sounded better in my head.

"I am Kharjo a guard for this caravan." He bowed his head back as another came up. This one had gray fur with some black stripes and had light armor with steel plates on it.

"I am Dro'marash I suppose you could also count me as a guard for the caravan." He bowed his head then turned to another khajiit who was covered in black and dark brown fur. Her clothes where those that merchants wore in the game with a dark blue tint. "This is Zaynabi. She doesn't speak much unless she really trusts you. Which is no one." Dro'marash added the last part with a sad look. Did he have something for her? If so then he was really bad at hiding his feelings.

"I am Ahkari. Head of this caravan." The black Khajiit I had first spoken to bowed her head and smiled. "It is a pleasure to meet you Darius. Now, we should continue moving. It would be best to make as much distance as we can before nightfall." She motioned to the others to resume their labors in carrying things and continue walking. I adjusted my own packs to a more comfortable position and followed behind them.