"Maybe we'll pay you a visit tonight, little spy. We have ways of finding out who you really are," Rolff sneered, leaning into Suvaris' personal space. To her credit, the dark elf did not back away, glaring between the two men blocking her way into Candlehearth.
"That's enough," Rendarion declared, stomping over, the snow crunching beneath his boots. "Rolff, do you want another night in the dungeons for harassment?"
Rolff turned, his lips twisting into a nasty sneer. "Well, if it isn't Ironhide. Heard about your recent return from Serpentstone Isle. Too bad the ice wraiths couldn't take your tree-licking hide." He spat on the ground.
"Harassing citizens is against the law, Rolff," Rendarion stated firmly, ignoring the insult. "Don't make me fine you, both of you." His blue eyes cut over to Angrenor, who watched with a slight frown.
"These gray skins aren't citizens. And if it wasn't for your father, you'd be an outsider too. The way you treat your own kind makes me wonder sometimes if your mother may not have—" Rolff's words were abruptly cut off.
"Enough!" Galmor's voice echoed off the stone walls. "Boy, what are you still doing here? Get outside and join up with the ranks."
"Sir!" Rendarion thumped his fist against his chest and trotted away towards the twin black towering doors that led into the city of Windhelm, giving Suvaris a reassuring smile.
"Both of you find somewhere else to be," Galmor shouted behind him.
Rendarion's heart swelled with slight pride as he slipped through the doors. The snow and ice crunched beneath his fur-lined leather boots as he joined the formation beside his fellow Stormcloaks.
"Thought for a moment you got swallowed up by old Stone-Fist," Ralof said, bumping his shoulder into Rendarion's.
Rendarion gave him a wide grin. "Rolff and Angrenor were harassing Sulvaris again, making threats about visiting her at night."
Ralof shook his head. "You're not a guard anymore, Ren. Leave that stuff to them. We're heading to Korvajund. Those places give me the creeps, full of dead bodies. Not the kind of place to be prowling about."
"Don't worry. If we come across any bone walkers, one look at your face and they're bound to take off running," Ren laughed at the jab Ralof delivered to his ribs with his elbow.
The chattering of their fellow soldiers stopped, and both of them shut their mouths, snapping their gaze to the front of the line where Galmor glowered at their formation. His steely gaze traveled down the line of ten men and women, briefly pausing on Rendarion. Ren thought he saw a softening around Galmor's eyes, but it was fleeting. Galmor's voice shouted over the howl of the wind.
"Sons and Daughters of Skyrim! Today we march to Korvajund. Our mission is to retrieve the Jagged Crown worn by King Borgis himself! This crown is worn by the true kings and queens of Skyrim! We will not allow the Imperials to get their hands on it. We will not allow those damned elves to put it on the brow of their damn puppet!"
Ren tuned out Galmor's speech, having heard it before while standing in attendance, listening to Galmor explaining the logic of obtaining the crown to Ulfric. It made sense in a way; obtaining the Crown of Kings would legitimize Ul
fric's claim to the throne. If anything, the Jarls of Skyrim stood on tradition, most of them.
"Move out!" Galmor shouted.
They roared as one in response, turning in near-perfect unison to begin marching down the road.
"Ironhide, a word," Galmor beckoned.
Ren nearly tripped on his own feet trying to stop, causing Ralof to bump into his back. Ren mumbled an apology before stepping out of formation, and Ralof gave him a nervous look as he passed.
Galmor waited until the others were a good distance away.
"Boy, don't forget what I told you," Galmor said sternly.
"Sir?" Rendarion furrowed his brow, trying to recall the specific thing Galmor was referring to. Over the past few days, Galmor had said a lot.
"Out here, I'm not your uncle. I'm your commander. You do what I say. Expect no favors."
"Sir!" Rendarion quickly responded.
Galmor stared at him, causing Rendarion to feel uncomfortable. He shifted his weight slightly.
Galmor licked his lips. "Boy, what Rolff said about your mother, know he's full of piss. Elara never left Bjorn's side. Both your folks would be proud to see the man you've become."
Ren swallowed hard. "Thank you, Sir."
Galmor grunted. "Enough of that. Move out."
Rendarion saluted and felt the doubts that had swam in his head no longer matter.