Kael pushed open the heavy wooden gates of Whiterun, his body aching from the trek back from Halted Stream Camp. The loot from the bandits weighed down his bag, the weapons clinking softly with each step. The guards at the gate gave him a cursory glance before waving him through. Inside, the city bustled as usual, with merchants shouting their wares and children laughing as they darted through the crowd.
His first stop was Warmaiden's, the blacksmith shop near the city gates. The clang of metal on metal rang out as Adrianne Avenicci hammered away at a glowing blade on her anvil. Kael hesitated at the door for a moment, watching her work. There was something almost calming about the rhythmic motion of her hammer, the sparks flying in bursts of light.
"Can I help you?" Ulfberth War-Bear called from inside the shop, snapping Kael out of his thoughts.
Kael stepped in and swung his bag onto the counter, its contents clattering heavily. "I've got some weapons to sell," he said, meeting Ulfberth's gaze with a small smile. "Took them off some bandits north of here."
Ulfberth raised an eyebrow but began inspecting the pile without comment. "Hmm. A bit rough, but nothing I can't clean up. They'll fetch a decent price."
Kael leaned on the counter, watching as Ulfberth laid out an iron sword and a steel mace. "How much are we talking?"
"For the lot? Let's say… eighty septims."
Kael chuckled, shaking his head. "You've got yourself a deal."
The clink of coins was a satisfying sound as Ulfberth counted them out. Kael pocketed the gold and gave the man a nod. "Appreciate it. If I find more out there, I'll bring it your way."
"We'll be here," Ulfberth replied with a grin.
Next, Kael made his way to Belethor's General Goods. The door chimed softly as he entered, and Belethor's dramatic voice greeted him immediately.
"Ah, a new customer! Everything's for sale, my friend. Everything!" Belethor declared, gesturing grandly. "Even if I had a sister—"
Kael cut him off with a chuckle. "Let's stick to the tusk and gemstones for now."
He pulled the items from his bag, laying them on the counter. Belethor's eyes lit up as he inspected the mammoth tusk. "A fine specimen! And these gemstones…" He held one up to the light. "Exquisite."
"Two-fifty," Kael said, crossing his arms.
Belethor feigned offense, clutching his chest. "Two-fifty? You wound me! But… fine. Two-fifty it is."
Kael grinned as the coins were handed over. "Pleasure doing business."
The steps to Dragonsreach loomed before Kael, each one feeling steeper than the last as he climbed. The grand palace was a marvel of Nordic design, its intricate wooden beams and carved stonework a testament to Whiterun's strength and history.
At the entrance, a guard directed Kael to Commander Caius, the man in charge of the city's military forces. Kael found him near the central hall, poring over a map with several soldiers.
"Commander Caius?" Kael asked.
The stern man looked up, his sharp blue eyes scrutinizing Kael. "Who's asking?"
"Name's Kael. I took care of the bandits at Halted Stream Camp. Came to turn in the bounty."
Caius frowned, clearly skeptical. "You? Alone? You expect me to believe that?"
Kael held his ground. "Believe what you want. I brought down the bandit leader and their mage. If you want proof, send someone to check."
Caius studied him for a long moment before nodding. "Fine. I'll send a patrol. Come back tomorrow, and if your story checks out, you'll get your coin."
Kael nodded and turned to leave, feeling the weight of Caius's gaze on his back as he walked out of Dragonsreach.
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Later that evening, the atmosphere in Dragonsreach was tense. A soldier, his face pale and his hands trembling, stood before Commander Caius. The man had just returned from Halted Stream Camp, and his report was anything but ordinary.
"Commander," the soldier began, his voice shaky, "it's… it's true. The camp was wiped out."
"Details," Caius demanded, leaning forward. "What did you see?"
"The bandit leader… his chestplate was completely caved in. It looked like he'd been hit with a warhammer, but there wasn't one anywhere in the camp. And the mage…" The soldier swallowed hard. "The mage was unrecognizable—like he'd been crushed. I've never seen anything like it."
Caius's frown deepened. "And no sign of a group?"
The soldier shook his head. "None. Just him. Whoever did this was alone."
Caius leaned back, silent for a moment. Then he stood abruptly. "Find Kael. I want answers."
———————
The common room of the Bannered Mare was lively that evening, filled with laughter, music, and the smell of roasted meat. Kael sat at a corner table, nursing a mug of mead. He wasn't much of a drinker, but the warmth was welcome after the long day.
The door swung open, and the room hushed slightly as Commander Caius entered, his imposing figure cutting through the crowd. His eyes locked on Kael, and he strode over.
"Kael," Caius said, his voice low. "We need to talk."
Kael sighed, setting down his mug. "I take it the patrol came back?"
Caius nodded. "They came back terrified. Care to explain?"
Kael gestured to the chair across from him. "Might as well sit."
Caius sat, his gaze unwavering. Kael chose his words carefully. "The leader was strong, but I used his own weight against him. The mage? He didn't get out of the way in time."
"Is that all?" Caius pressed.
"That's all," Kael said, keeping his tone calm. "Look, I'm just a guy trying to get by. I'm not looking for trouble."
Caius stared at him for a long moment before pulling a pouch from his belt and placing it on the table. "Your bounty. Two hundred and fifty septims."
Kael picked up the pouch, weighing it in his hand. "Thanks."
Caius leaned back. "You know, we could use someone like you in the Whiterun guard."
Kael shook his head, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Appreciate the offer, but I'm not the settling-down type."
"Suit yourself," Caius said, standing. "Just stay out of trouble."
————
The next morning, Kael sat at his usual corner table in the Bannered Mare, finishing a simple breakfast of bread and cheese. The inn was quieter than the night before, the lively energy of the evening replaced by the hushed tones of travelers preparing for the day ahead. He was sipping a mug of water when a guard entered, his polished armor catching the morning light streaming through the open door.
"Kael?" the guard called, his voice firm but not unkind.
Kael set his mug down, glancing up. "That's me."
"The Jarl requests your presence at Dragonsreach," the guard said, his tone making it clear this was not a suggestion.
Kael's brow furrowed. "The Jarl? What for?"
The guard shrugged. "I don't ask questions. I just deliver the summons. Best not to keep him waiting."
Kael sighed, pushing back his chair. The thought of being summoned by the Jarl unsettled him. Adjusting his bag and belt, he gave a brief nod to Hulda, the innkeeper, and stepped outside.
The walk to Dragonsreach felt heavier this time, each step weighed down by a growing sense of curiosity and uncertainty. Kael had made this climb before, but this time it wasn't for a simple transaction. The towering palace loomed ahead, its wooden beams and carved stone glowing warmly in the morning sun.
He passed through the towering wooden doors and into the grand hall. The warmth of the central hearth greeted him immediately, its flames crackling softly. Guards patrolled the room, their boots echoing against the polished stone floor, and courtiers whispered among themselves as Kael was led forward by the same guard who had summoned him.
At the far end of the hall sat Jarl Balgruuf, his throne framed by dragon skulls mounted high on the walls. The Jarl's sharp eyes fixed on Kael as he approached, flanked by Irileth, his housecarl. The dark-skinned Dunmer stood straight and composed, her presence exuding quiet authority. Her crimson eyes watched him intently, as if trying to measure his worth with a single glance.
"Kael, is it?" Balgruuf's voice broke the silence, steady and calm but carrying the weight of his position.
Kael stopped a respectful distance from the throne and gave a small nod. "That's right."
"I've heard about your exploits," Balgruuf continued, his piercing gaze unwavering.
Kael gave a faint smile, his voice softer than usual. "Just trying to help where I can."
"Indeed." Balgruuf leaned forward slightly, resting his forearms on his knees. His tone softened, but his words carried gravity. "Men like you are rare. Capable. And useful. I have a task that requires someone with your… skill set."
Kael inclined his head, his tone perfectly polite. "What kind of task, my Jarl?" he said with a straight face, but inside, he was barely holding back a grin. The words felt so absurdly formal coming out of his mouth that he could practically hear himself giggling like a kid pulling a prank.
Balgruuf exchanged a glance with Irileth, who gave a subtle nod before the Jarl turned his attention back to Kael. "There's been trouble in the western plains. Travelers report strange sightings—unnatural lights, sounds, and worse. Several caravans have been attacked, their goods stolen, and their guards killed."
Kael's brows knit together. "Bandits?"
Balgruuf shook his head. "Perhaps. But reports are… inconsistent. Some speak of a mage, others of beasts. Whatever it is, it's more than the average guard can handle. That's why I'm asking you."
Kael met the Jarl's gaze, his voice steady but carrying a note of warmth. "If you think I can be of service, then I'll do what I can to help. But…" He hesitated, glancing toward the court mage's study, visible through the arched hallway to his left. "If I may ask, instead of payment, could I have some time with your court mage? I'm no mage, but there's something I'd like to learn."
Balgruuf's lips twitched into a faint smile. "An unusual request, but I see no reason to deny it. Farengar is always looking for someone to test his experiments on anyway. Consider it done."
Kael's expression lightened, and he gave a small bow. "Thank you, my Jarl. I'll head out immediately."
As Kael turned and began walking down the grand hall, Balgruuf watched him go, his thoughtful expression betraying a mix of curiosity and unease.
"What is it with all these strong people popping up everywhere?" the Jarl muttered, more to himself than anyone else. "First the Dragonborn, and now him?"