The Truth
"Assumed it's weather we're right or wrong
We're doomed and there's plenty for all"
I Get It, Chevelle
…...
The soldiers approached Riften with caution. Even though they were disguised as normal adventurers, anything could happen.
"So, if Riften is home to the Thieve's Guild, why is it so shocking about the shady deals?" Rexus asked.
"Well, they do operate like a business but for a steward to be having special deals? I imagine it's more complex than them having shady deals. There is more to the story. It's probably exempting certain citizens."
"Oh, you Nords are more screwed up than I thought." Rexus joked.
"It's very complicated."
They approached the gate.
"If you want to enter the city, you have to pay the visitor's tax." The guard said as he halted them.
"Visitor's tax? That's a thing?" Falx asked.
"It wasn't a thing before…" Zion was growing very suspicious at this point. "I'm from the city. There's no such thing."
"It's a new law."
Zion gave a sarcastic laugh.
"No it isn't."
"What's it to you? Either pay or keep walking."
"This doesn't seem legal but," Falx said as he reached into his pocket for some gold. "How much?"
Zion put his hand over Falx's. "This is a shakedown. It's in fact illegal. What if the Jarl heard about this?"
The guard backed away.
"Alright, alright. You can go in. Don't tell the Jarl, please."
The group walked through the gates.
"Damn Zion, how'd you know?" Falx asked. Zion turned to him.
"Seriously? It was obviously one of the shady deals."
"You know, I did hear that the Guild was not doing too great. That true?" Rexus asked.
Zion nodded.
"Possibly. So, for them to make a name for themselves again, they need permission from a higher power. Just be careful when walking around. They probably have many scams."
"How are we going to confront the Jarl's steward?"
"That's a good question…"
The group stepped aside.
"Me, Asbjorn, and Rexus can go to the Keep and see if we can snoop around. Asbjorn, you're good at sneaking, right? You could probably get into the Jarl's quarters through the balcony."
"Now, hang on here…" Asbjorn started. Hjar then jumped in.
"You sneak off all the time." He said coldly.
"Ignoring the mouth on him, I believe in you." Zion said.
He turned to the rest of the group.
"You guys can ask around town. See if you can get someone to tell you something, anything that may link the Guild with the Jarl. Get as much detail as possible without exposing yourselves."
"Yeah, we know. Just make sure Asbjorn keeps up with us and does not retreat to the other side."
"Hey! Knock it off." Zion said angrily. He turned to Asbjorn and then back to the group.
"We'll meet up in the market within one hour, alright?"
"Ok." They broke apart.
"How am I supposed to sneak up onto the balcony?" Asbjorn asked. Zion turned to him.
"That's going to be the tricky part."
"I suppose I can scale up some trees, without being seen. I can jump onto the balcony. But what if I am caught inside?"
"Be calm and do not reveal yourself. Just comply with them. The best option is to just try not to get caught. I think I know you well enough, you can do this. See if you can find a note or something. There's gotta be some sort of contract in there."
Asbjorn nodded slowly and took a deep breath. He then separated from the group.
"I could really use Mojdar's help right now…" he said to himself.
He walked around the keep into the courtyard where some of the guards were practicing their swings.
Asbjorn took a deep breath as he approached, without trying to be too obvious. He managed to get to a tree and climbed up unnoticed.
He looked down as he watched the soldiers. He stood up carefully and stepped out on the limb carefully, and quietly. He prepared to jump and barely reached the ledge.
"Shit," he slipped. He managed to pull himself up and ducked down behind a pillar. He peeked around the edge to see if anyone saw him. "So far, so good."
He turned to face a door and opened it slowly, making sure he could enter without being caught. He crept down the hallway. As he was about to turn the corner, he heard footsteps.
He managed to hide, sidle against the wall behind a metal statue. He waited as the guard walked by and snuck into a bedroom.
"This better be it," he said. He walked over to a desk and noticed a note, "Please be it." He opened it and sighed in relief. "Thank the gods." He put it in his pocket and started to walk out.
"You are assigned to the guard the Jarl's quarters. Walk the halls. What? Like someone gonna sneak in through the balcony…hey wait a minute. Wasn't this door open before?" The guard walked over to investigate. Asbjorn panicked and hid under the bed.
The guard stepped into the room and looked around.
"Maybe the door was shut. Who knows?" He walked back out, leaving it open. Asbjorn waited until he could hear the guard turn the corner.
He managed to sneak back outside. He climbed down the tree without being seen and headed towards the entrance of the Keep.
Zion looked over to see Asbjorn enter the Keep.
Asbjorn nodded to Zion. Asbjorn approached Aunriel, the steward.
He held the note up so she could see.
"Want to explain something?" He asked. Aunriel stood up.
"Follow me." They walked all the way to her bedroom. She closed the door. "What is it you want?"
"What would happen if this were made public?"
She gasped. "You wouldn't."
He leaned in, "Try me."
His voice was threatening. She took a step back.
"If you promise not to say anything, I know of a wagon that is heading north."
"What's in the wagon?" He asked, acting all tough.
"I am not stupid. I'm not telling you the rest until we have a deal."
He groaned and stepped closer, "Aunriel is it? Tell me what is in the wagon. I'll give you your note back and I'll be on my way."
"As intimidating as you are, I can snap my fingers and the guards will be here."
"Fine, we have a deal." He handed over the note, drawing his sword. "What's in the wagon?"
She reached behind her back and pulled out a dagger.
"No need for that."
She turned and tried to make a run for it but Asbjorn pinned her down, with his blade to her throat.
"I know people in high places too. What's in the wagon? Scream and I will cut your throat."
"What point would that be? Then you won't get what you wanted."
"True, but I could find the wagon and see for myself."
"It may not be worth the trip."
"Listen, we all know the Rift supports the Stormcloak rebellion. And as the son of-,"
"Asbjorn get off of him, NOW!"
He looked down to see his blade about to slash Rhalyf's throat. All of a sudden his anger turned into fear.
He slowly backed away. He's never attempted to murder before.
If his mother hadn't shown up, he would've cut his throat.
He quickly backed off.
"Weapons and supplies for soldiers. Gold too. Lot's of it."
He looked at her.
She turned away, "Go. Just get out of here."
He nodded and walked out, shaking off whatever that just was.
"Well, I have some information," he said as he confronted Zion and Rexus.
"Good, let's talk outside. We still need to reconnect with the others."
"So, what kind of information?" Rexus asked.
"There's a carriage heading north, it's loaded with supplies and weapons."
"We could use that against them." Asbjorn nodded.
"I say we track it down."
"Shouldn't we report it first?"
"And waste time? No. We should go after it."
"Or send Hjar to report it." Zion laughed and turned to Asbjorn, "You know? It'll give you a rest from him insisting you're a Stormcloak soldier."
Asbjorn shrugged.
"I'm not gonna let it get to me anymore. It is what it is. I know what I am and what I'm doing. And that's being a legionnaire."
They continued walking through the market, looking around for Hjar and the others.
"Where'd they run off to?"
"They couldn't have gotten far…" Rexus said as he looked ahead.
"They better not have." Zion said.
There was a loud crash sound. They all turned to face it.
"Thief! Thief! Someone please help!" They all started running towards the thief.
Some guards were running fast, ready to shoot their arrows if the thief didn't comply.
The thief scaled up into a roof ledge.
Rexus drew his bow but the thief ducked behind a spire. "Damn it!"
Asbjorn followed the thief. With his quick reflexes, he managed to block the thief as he leaped from the roof to the ground.
"Stop, now!"
The thief stood there, with his hood over his head, shadowing his face.
Rexus and Zion approached from behind him.
The thief was getting nervous. Asbjorn watched his actions and movements. He could swear he's seen him before. Just then, Falx, Hjar, and Siddan approached.
"You dirty thief."
"If you even try to run, I will cut your throat." Hjar said.
"Easy there, Hjar. We have him surrounded, he's not going anywhere."
"Look, I'm sorry. I-it's a friend of mine. He…he's sick. I need the elixir." He put his hands up.
"Why not just pay for it?"
"Does it look like I come from money?"
"Remove your hood!" Hjar shouted, pointing his sword at the thief.
The thief slowly removed his hood. Asbjorn stepped closer.
"Voron?"
The thief turned to him.
"So, it really is you."
"You…know each other?" Falx asked.
"Yeah, we uh…were childhood friends."
"Interesting…" Hjar said. He looked at Zion and the others.
Asbjorn stepped forward to Voron.
"I haven't seen you since…since that day…" Voron said.
Asbjorn looked down.
"My parents were scared, Asbjorn. They thought you would…"
"You do not have to say anything. My mother explained everything. I just wish…that we could have had our goodbyes."
"Damn Asbjorn. I never thought I'd see you again. Rumors spread around, saying you died."
"Ahem." Siddan stepped forward and cleared his throat. "Pardon to interrupt this reunion but uh…you did steal…"
Asbjorn turned back to Voron.
"You need the elixir?"
Voron nodded.
"Yeah. Remember Gustav? He's very sick, Asbjorn. He took me under his wing after my parents…after they... I can't lose him too."
"I'm sorry to hear that."
Voron looked at him in confusion.
"Wait, you didn't know?"
"Know what?"
"Um, the elixir. Your crimes?" Falx said.
Asbjorn reached into his satchel and pulled out a fistful of coins.
"Here," He put the coins in Hjar's hands, "Pay with this."
"What? Asbjorn, you can't just…"
Asbjorn turned to him.
"I'll pay for it. Now there wasn't a theft." He looked back at Voron, "Where is he?"
"Down in the Ratway."
"That's not a good place to be…" Zion said.
"We had no where else to go."
"If you need a place to stay, I could help you out."
"That's kind of you, really. But we're managing. It's hard, but since my parents…" He started to choke up.
"Voron, what happened to them?" Asbjorn asked. He was beginning to think that perhaps there was more to what happened that day.
"You really don't know?" Voron asked looking at him.
Asbjorn shook his head. He pointed to the elixir, "Perhaps we should get that medicine to Gustav."
Voron nodded.
"Yeah, we should. Come on."
"Asbjorn," Zion called to him. "Asbjorn!" He turned around. "What are we doing? We have that carriage to track, remember?"
"This will only take a moment." Asbjorn responded as he followed Voron.
Zion sighed and they all headed down into the Ratway.
"Really, this is not a place to live." Zion said.
Falx gagged as he tripped over a Skeever.
"That's nasty."
"It's not that great, but we've been living."
"Not very well."
"So, Voron, is it? How do you know Asbjorn?" Hjar was purposely trying to get him to confess something.
"Here we are…" Voron said as they approached the cell door. He was ignoring Hjar. They stepped into the room.
There was a cough.
"Gustav, I have your medicine." He approached the older man who was lying on the bed, struggling to sit up.
"Thank the Gods," He took the elixir and drank it. "Thanks, Voron." He looked up to see the group. "Visitors?"
"I uh, bumped into them outside. They were going to arrest me but," he looked over at Asbjorn. Gustav's head perked up.
"Hey! It's the Jarl's son. How's it going? It's been years!"
Everyone turned to Asbjorn, who was now screaming on the inside. Everything was going to be revealed. No way can it stay a secret now.
"Jarl's son? What is he talking about?" Falx asked.
"He's uh…" Asbjorn tried to come up with an explanation.
Gustav finally sat up. "What brings you here, kid?"
"Fighting in the Legion sir."
"The Legion? Heh. Well, I suppose I don't blame you. How is your mother? Are your parents still together?"
"I though you said you didn't know your father…" Rexus said scratching his head.
Asbjorn sighed.
"My mother is doing well. And…no, my parents aren't together anymore."
"Figured. I knew it wouldn't last. Your mother was so kind. Your father, was, no, is a jerk."
"You're telling me." Asbjorn said as he looked away towards the group of soldiers.
"What exactly is going on here?" Siddan asked. Hjar stepped forward.
"Someone come clean, or," he drew his sword and pointed it towards Gustav, "Or I'll kill him."
"Hjar! Enough. We're not killing anyone but Stormcloaks."
"Asbjorn is lying to us. And I'm gonna prove it." Hjar said.
He turned to Voron and Gustav.
"Both of you know Asbjorn. Both of you have separate statement that imply things. Do tell or I will cut someone's throat." He pointed his sword at Asbjorn, "I'll kill the Stormcloak in the room."
"You are corrupt, Hjar."
"Am I though? Asbjorn has a dark secret and we're gonna find out what it is."
Asbjorn took a deep breath.
"You're right, Hjar. Put the sword down. I'll tell you everything."
"What?"
"Don't give in, Asbjorn…" Voron said. Asbjorn turned to him.
"He killed them, didn't he? Your parents?"
Without context, Voron knew where he was going. He looked down with a tear in his eye. He nodded.
"Yes, the same day the necromancers were killed."
"Wait, so they didn't take you and move? They were killed that day? I didn't know, Voron. My said…she received a letter saying that your family was moving…"
Voron shook his head.
"That's not true. Perhaps the letter was staged. I don't think your mother knew..."
He looked down and sobbed for a few seconds before continuing.
"He would've killed me too, Asbjorn. But I got away. I ran. I ran so far, Gustav found me and took me in."
"What is going on?" Falx asked quietly.
Zion shushed him so they could listen.
"Voron, you know that if I could, I would've intervened. I would've done everything I could to put a stop to it."
Voron choked and nodded.
"I, I know. You were always a good friend. But there was nothing that you could have done. You know that."
"I know." He looked down and they turned to everyone. He could tell they wanted more direct answers.
"What's going on, Asbjorn?" Zion asked.
With a sigh and another deep breath, Asbjorn was ready.
"Hjar is partially right in this."
"Ha! I knew it! Wait…what?" He was confused. What was he right about?
"What are you talking about?"
"I'm not who you think I am, well, not fully anyway. It's true that I came back to Skyrim from Cyrodil, but the truth is," he looked down and sighed, "I've only been in Cyrodil for a year or two…"
"So?"
He looked back up.
"I was here in Skyrim the whole time, mostly. I wasn't originally planning on joining the Legion…"
"Figures…"
"When news of High King Torygg's deaths spread, I had to do something. I came for my father."
"Your father? What?" Siddan asked. Confusion was expected.
"Just bear with me, ok?" Asbjorn asked. He took another deep breath.
"I have a dark and heavy past. I was confused as a kid and still am to this day. I was a called a murderer and was told that I was my father's son. But I am not."
"You committed murder" Hjar asked.
Voron stepped forward, quick to defend Asbjorn like he did many times before.
"It was an accident."
"Accidental murder? Damn Asbjorn. What in Oblivion is going on?" Zion asked.
Asbjorn turned to him and sighed.
"We were young and stupid. We were playing on the bridge of Windhelm and Rhalyf, a Dunmer our age, was a major asshole. But I suppose he was in the right with way Nords treated his kind…"
"No, he wasn't." Voron said. Asbjorn put his hand up, telling him to stop.
"He challenged me to a fight and I was told to never turn away from a challenge, stupid thing to do. At first, we were throwing punches but then we ended up dueling with blades. At first it was playful competitive but then it got violent…Rhalyf lost his footing…"
He closed his eyes as he remembered so vividly.
"Damn, Asbjorn…." Rexus said as he was processing this story.
"We tried pulling him up. At first, we had him…but then he slipped from our grips and he fell to his death below."
"Must've been bloody." Hjar said. Zion jabbed him in the side with his elbow. "How old were you?" He asked rubbing his side.
"Twelve. We were twelve. My father always told me never back down from a fight." He shook his head with a slight laugh, "Damn him."
Everyone was silent again, exchanging glances. Things were starting to come together.
"Wait a minute…" Falx started. Everyone had the same thought.
"The old man said something about you being a Jarl's son…" Rexus finished for Falx.
Asbjorn nodded and looked up.
"He did, didn't he? If you have not figured it out yet, this is the part I never wanted to share until all of this was over."
He took a deep breath and stared at the group before him.
"I am Asbjorn Stormcloak, son of the Jarl of Windhelm, Ulfric."
There it was again, the sound of silence.
No one said anything or even budged.
"Damn, I fucking knew it! I told you something was up." Hjar said, breaking the silence.
"Shut it, Hjar." Zion said. He looked at Asbjorn. "Shit, Asbjorn. That is heavy information."
"Asbjorn's a good kid, guys." Gustav said. They turned to him. "He's his mother's son."
"Why'd you lie?"
"There was no lie. I just refused to talk about it. Would you have let me continue on without reporting me for false accusations?"
"You're a Stormcloak." Hjar said.
"The name is baggage on me. But I will never side with the Stormcloaks! My whole purpose here has been a personal one. I came to encourage him to step down. I wanted to restore the peace, but I will not hesitate to put my blade through his heart like he did with High King Torygg. I will not allow him to ruin anything else."
Silence.
"Wait, so at Helgen. When you were about to be—chopped, he recognized you, didn't he?" Zion asked. Asbjorn nodded.
"Yeah."
"So, he knows you're here…"
"Wait, so back at Helgen, you knew he escaped? And you did not think to face him then?"
"I didn't know if he survived! I didn't know until things were cleared out. Besides, I would not have been ready."
"Well, I do not know if you realized this, but you are in a damned war! You have to be ready at any given moment!" Hjar yelled back.
"You would never understand!"
"Oh, I understand. You want to spare his life!"
"Hjar! Leave him alone. He's waiting for the legion's back up."
"You are going to defend him? Zion, are you a son of the Empire or a son of Skyrim?"
"I can be both. I am fighting on the side of the Empire, but a Nord would always be a child of Skyrim. We do not turn our backs on friends and families, like cowards."
Hjar laughed.
"Asbjorn had his chance, he's picked his side." He turned to the other soldiers, "Come, we have a carriage to track down."
Falx stood up along side Siddan.
"Sorry, Asbjorn, Hjar has a point." Falx said. He followed Hjar out with Siddan behind him.
Zion and Rexus turned towards Asbjorn.
"We've got your back."
"Yeah, Hjar's just a jerk."
"Thanks, guys. I am sorry I kept this from you."
"It's fine. We understand why you did, that's a lot of baggage for someone to carry."
"Just don't hide anything else, I wouldn't be able to handle anymore." Rexus said.
"Asbjorn,"
He turned to Voron.
"I don't blame you for anything. You've been a good friend to me."
"It was good seeing you, friend." He turned to Gustav, "You too Gustav. May the Gods watch over the both of you."
"Good luck out there, Asbjorn." Voron said.
"I'll see you around when this is over, alright?" He hugged his friends.
"Go kick some Stormcloak ass."
"Will do."
The three exited to catch up with the others.
The rest of the day was long. Everyone was quiet. Not a single word muttered. The group was divided within itself. Hjar, Falx, and Siddan kept their distance from the others.
As they proceeded down the path, they could hear voices.
"Wait, I hear someone." Rexus said. He climbed up over the rocks and snuck around. He watched for a few moments, as quietly as possible. He climbed back down and looked at the group. "Well, the wagon is on the other side of the hill. If we sneak around, we can catch them by surprise."
"Falx and Rexus, you two sneak around with your bows ready." Zion said, giving the order. The two nodded and prepared. Zion turned to Siddan and Hjar. "You two sneak around on the other side, try to ambush them. Asbjorn and I will be here if they run this way."
"Why not send Asbjorn in?"
"Just stop it."
"When we get back to the camp, I'm reporting this to Legate Rikke. She'll have him removed instantly."
"Fuck you, Hjar."
"No man, fuck you."
"You either listen or do things your way. If you're not careful you're going to screw yourself big time."
"Man, you're just an asshole."
"Am I?"
"Just knock it off, guys. One's heading over here. I have a clear shot. On my signal, and…GO!"
They all charged into a fight.
"Scum!" Falx shouted as his blade went straight through the Stormcloaks chest.
"Die you Imperial dogs!"
Blades clanked against each other. Blood was getting everywhere.
"Ah!"
"Rexus!" Falx shouted as Rexus collapsed.
"Fuck!" Zion shouted he turned to Asbjorn and pointed, "That one's getting away!"
Asbjorn ran towards the rebel and cut his head clean off.
"He's dead." Hjar said as he checked Rexus's body.
"Check the wagon." Zion said.
"What about his body?" Falx asked.
"We need to check the supplies. See if we can use it." Hjar stated. He looked down at Rexus's body and then to Falx, "We will wrap him up with linen cloth and bring him back to camp. They will know what to do."
"The wheel's broken," Asbjorn said as he looked down. He turned to the group, "The supplies and weapon seem to be good. We just need to fix the wheel."
Zion nodded.
Asbjorn and Zion spent the next few moments fixing the wheel, while Siddan kept a look out.
"You know," Hjar looked at Falx as they wrapped Rexus's body, "I bet when we get back to camp, Legate Rikke will remove Asbjorn from the group, and the legion."
"Why? What makes you say that?"
"I talked to Legate Cipius before we left for Eastmarch. Told him that he may be a spy. He sent word to Tullius and I'm assuming the legate knows."
"What if we're wrong though?" Falx asked. He looked down.
Hjar growled. "You heard him. He admitted to being family."
"But he didn't have to come with us to track the wagon. What good is it for him if he'd be siding with the Empire and then killing his own side?"
"I don't know. Maybe it's part of some big operation. Maybe that's the plan. Maybe there's a giant uprising with soldiers. Perhaps when we march on Windhelm, there would be so many and we'd all end up out numbered."
"You honestly think that?"
"I do. And you understand it, don't you? He had his chance to kill Ulfric."
"I guess, but what if it's a mistake. We've seen him fight. He knows how to handle a blade. He knows how to maneuver and block. He's never missed a mark. If he leaves the legion, what if he does side with the Stormcloaks? He could manage to kill us all, leaving with only a scratch."
"Maybe that's what he's waiting for. I'd watch my back if I were you. He could stab it at any given moment."
The sound of leaves crunched. The two turned to face the sound.
"The wheel's fixed." Asbjorn said.
He turned around and started walking towards the wagon and stopped.
"I told you why I joined the Legion. It's the truth. If you want to think I will turn my back on you, you can do as you wish," he turned to face them, "Just remember, if you let your guard down too much, it'll give the enemy plenty of room to attack."
He continued walking.
Hjar and Falx looked at each other.
"What was that supposed to mean?"
"Let's just get back to camp." Falx said as he kneeled down at Rexus's body, "Help me lift him."
The two carried him to the back of the wagon and put him on it.
The group headed back towards their camp in silence.
By the time they returned, it was well passed sundown.
"Good your back!" Giddeon, a soldier said as he greeted them while on lookout duty. He looked at the wagon, "What's all this?"
"Well, turns out that this was on its way to Windhelm. Mostly supplies and weapons, but we took that to our advantage."
"Damn, so did the steward give in?"
"Actually," Zion turned to Asbjorn and then back to Giddeon, "It was Asbjorn here who handled it. He never really said how but whatever he did, it worked."
Asbjorn turned away as he remembered.
"Regardless," Giddeon gestured towards the legate's tent, "I think the legate wants to speak with all of you, especially Asbjorn."
"Why me?" Asbjorn asked.
Falx and Hjar turned to each other.
"Traitor's going down."
"What did you do?" Zion asked.
Hjar walked to Asbjorn.
"I just told Legate Cipius about our friend here. He sent word to General Tullius and Legate Rikke was informed."
"Why would you do that? 'Asbjorn asked.
"Face it Asbjorn, your cover is blown."
"I am not a damned spy!"
"Maybe not, but maybe you're part of their team. Anything can happen."
"Fuck you!"
Hjar stepped closer to him.
"You're just mad because we caught you in the act."
Asbjorn gently shoved him away. Hjar laughed.
"And most importantly," he reached for Asbjorn's neck and pulled out his amulet, "And this!"
Everyone gasped.
"He's a Talos worshipper!"
"Come on, Hjar. Not fair." Zion said as he stepped forward.
Hjar held it high for everyone to see.
"He's been praying to Talos."
"That doesn't mean anything." Siddan said.
Hjar turned to him, "It's banned and for someone of the Legion to be carrying around like that. Are you too, a Talos worshipper?"
"No." Siddan answered.
Hjar turned to Zion.
"Are you?"
Zion stared back. He turned away, "No."
Asbjorn looked at Zion and then to Hjar.
"You're just an ass."
"Am I though? You're a traitor of the Empire. And the funny thing is, daddy can't even save you."
Asbjorn had enough and threw a punch at Hjar's face. Hjar wiped his mouth and punched back.
"Come on. Let's go!" Hjar shouted as both had their fists up. He took another swing as Asbjorn dodged. "Fight me. Come on. Me, a real Nord. You can't back from a challenge!"
"I'm not backing down, Hjar. I'm refusing to fight a fellow soldier."
"It's just a little banter. Come on."
Asbjorn groaned and punched in jaw again.
The two threw punches at each other for awhile. And then Hjar drew his sword.
"Let's make it more interesting."
Asbjorn looked at his blade and slowly drew it.
"The last time someone challenged me to fight like this, they died."
"Isn't that what you want? You want me dead, right?" Hjar asked, provoking him.
All the soldiers stood around watching them, most of them assuming it's just a friendly challenge, not alerting the legates.
"I don't want you dead, Hjar. I just want to be an equal."
"A Stormcloak, in the Legion? Never gonna happen."
Their swords hit and kept clanking.
"Come on, stop it!" Falx shouted.
It was no use.
"I've seen you fight. You do fight well. I'll give you that."
"So do you."
Hjar attempted to trip Asbjorn but failed.
"Nice play."
Hjar growled and tried again.
Asbjorn stepped to the side to force Hjar to lose his footing.
As Hjar tripped, Asbjorn pinned him to the ground, sword against his throat.
They looked into each others eyes. In the moment, Hjar was scared. He hasn't seen this side of Asbjorn before. A side that only came out when provoked.
"Enough, Asbjorn." Rikke said as she stepped over to him. "Get off of him, now."
Asbjorn slowly backed up and sheathed his sword.
"Did everyone see that?" Hjar asked as got up. He looked at Asbjorn, "I think that goes to say that he would, stab any of us in the back."
"You provoked him, Hjar." Siddan said. Hjar turned to him.
"It was only a friendly challenge. He didn't have to do what he did."
Everyone looked down.
Asbjorn looked at everyone in disbelief.
"Fine," he turned around and headed to Balder and climbed up. "I'll take my leave." he turned to Zion, "I thought you were better than this, Zion."
He turned his horse around and rode off into the distance, leaving the Legion behind him.
"Good riddance!" Hjar shouted at him.
…
End of Chapter