The War of Domination

The Problem North

Mallory finished writing her report in the dim candlelight. She took a long sigh then a drink from the half empty tankard.

Windhelm was now permanently retaken. Dawnstar belonged to Skyrim again, and Winterhold was joining the process. The reports regarding the sudden magical outbreak had her concerned, but she was waiting for one more report before her decision. Her current report was almost done.

Tenyssa was once again in the dungeons. This time no one new would be allowed without Mallory present to watch. A recent package delivery of severed heads gave the feeling of relief to the Commander as she crossed off a few names. Even if the problem if payment still lingered. Eventually she would need the large sum of coin, despite never discussing a definite price.

Writing down the final details she sealed the report, handed it to the scribe, then sent him off.

Mallory sat there for a moment and wondered what to do. Eventually she'd receive the order for marching north to Winterhold, but for now she had some free time. She got up, grabbed the list of names, then aimless walked away from her temporary office while thinking on what to do first. Galmar was in the dungeons also, the Companions needed to be checked on, Rikke and Lisse were off in different places and she wanted to see both again. The list went on.

As she approached the throne room, her decision was made. Mallory walked past everything and went to the kitchen.

The thick, sweet scent of fresh sweetrolls invaded her nostrils as she walked in. The cooks and chefs were just finishing up before they noticed her.

"No one's allowed in the kitchen." One said.

"I won't be long." Mallory responded. "What's all this for?"

"Jarl Brunwulfs having a feast for the Imperial Officers." Another cook answered.

"That's quite a bit of food for them isn't it?"

"Yeah, we're to also make some extras for anyone at the Candlehearth." A third said.

"Good, part of the reason I came down here." Mallory said as she looked over the stocked shelves and pointed to one. "What's in that bag?"

The cooks looked at the direction.

"Salt." One if them scoffed.

"I need it." She practically ordered as she pulled out ten coins.

One of the cooks snatched the coins then grabbed the bag and set it infront if her. Mallory hoisted the bag on her shoulder and made her way to the dungeon.

It was another walk across the throne room and down some stairs when she reached the end. Despite Windehelm being a massive city, the dungeon was only a medium sized room. There were only a few cells carved out, being cramped and dark and in full view of the interrogation section. Which compared to Whiterun was lacking and compared to Solitude was outright pitiful.

But to her sadistic delight, Tenyssa was once again in a helpless position and covered in her own blood. And even better, Galmar was in the cell right across from her.

Mallory walked over to the cell and set the salt bag right next to it. Then she walked over to Tenyssa.

In the candle light her interrogator was pale in the face. He kept his head lowered and he made a constant low rumble in the back of his throat. Almost as if he was about to vomit. Mallory only raised an eyebrow as she observed the torturer.

"You can't be serious." She thought to herself just as he started vomiting. "Aren't you supposed to be used to this?" She asked aloud.

He spat then wiped his mouth with the blood covered glove.