A Fool's Blade

Chapter 23 - Wounded

A brown bearded man threw his door open, staring gobsmacked. "Hadvar? By the gods, what happened to you, boy? Sigrid! Come quickly!" He ushered the two inside, propping the brunette up against the headrest of the bed.

"Hadvar? What are you doing here? Who is this woman?" The dirty blond said coming up the stairs.

Hadvar grunted, "We stopped in Helgen...there was...a dragon...black as midnight...burned the place down. If not...for her, I might...have not made it out of there."

Hadvar's uncle stared at the black haired woman, "Have I seen you before? You look familiar."

Before Jade could open her mouth to reply, Hadvar answered for her. "That's not... possible, Uncle. She's from Cyrodiil... got caught... coming across the border...walked right into our ambush."

Sigrid gave Hadvar a bottle of pink liquid. "Hush now, here, this will make you feel better. Rest now."

He gave her a small nod of gratitude, and drank down the health potion, swiftly falling asleep.

"I thank you for saving my nephew. I apologize for my earlier comment. You just remind me of a girl who used to live here with her parents. She was my niece. Well, not by blood." His uncle said to Jade.

Jade gave a sad smile, "I hate to inform you, but the girl that Hadvar was talking about died in the dragon fires. However," Her facial expression became brighter, "it's interesting to know that after all this time, Gerdur is the only one whose been able to recognize me by name. Although, it really has been a long time since I've seen you Uncle Alvor, Auntie Sigrid."

After the couple shared a stunned look, Sigrid ran forward and embraced her. "You've grown so much! Tell me what have you been doing all this time?"

"I've been working at Nightgate Inn. Far north of here."

"Far north? You don't get too cold up there, do you? You're mother's blood should keep you pretty warm, but would you like me to pack you a few extra blankets? I'll make some apple dumplings and maybe a few sweetrolls." She ran over to the small fire and cooking pot. "I know how much you love them."

"Oh Sigrid, I'm sure Jade will be just fine. Just look at her! A fully grown woman. She doesn't need us to try her shoes, teach her how to ride a horse, or wipe snowberries off her face anymore." Alvor turned to Jade rubbing her head, slightly messing up her hair. "So how long are you planning on staying?"

"Actually...I have somewhere I need to get to. If I have the time, maybe I'll come back a visit for a bit. I promise to see you soon. Goodbye." She slipped out the door and walked along the road until she reached another house, stepping into the warm cottage.

"You have the ingredents right?" Gerdur said hopefully.

Jade nodded handing her, a blue mountain flower, wheat, and a rock warbler egg.

"Thank Talos."

"How is he?"

"He's not bleeding out anymore thanks to your spell, but he still has a high fever." She looked worried over to her brother, who was shaking violently despite all the furs covering him. "He hasn't been consious since you brought him back." She bit her lip nervously.

"I'm sure Ralof will be just fine under your care. Just give him a few weeks and he'll be back out on the battlefield in no time. You go make the potion, I'll look after him."

Soon the potion was made and given to Ralof. Gerdur sat worridly, and Jade gave her a ressuring hug before telling her she had to go. "I hate to do this to you, but I really need to get going now."

"What? But you just got here." She said half whining.

"I know but, I have a...package... to claim. I promise I'll be back soon."