The Knight (A Skyrim Inspired Series)

Six

I'd paid off the last of the reconstruction regarding Pelagia's farm, and by that time, the owner, Severio had stopped by to have a few words with me. Nimriel had yet to be released from the temple, and he was visibly upset about that, our exchange rather tense because of it. I managed to shut him up with more gold and promised labor when I returned from Ivarstead. Perhaps during my absence he'd forget about my promise and hire more farming hands with the gold I'd paid him.

Still, he was the least of my concerns. Balgruuf's patience had run thin after constant rejection. Over the two days I spent packing, he sent guards to my door which I always sent back to him with vague answers. I suppose word eventually got to him of my departure, because while loading up the carriage outside of the city, he paid a visit himself.

"Deviihnture." Serana warned, grabbing my arm as I lifted a roll of wood onto the carriage.

I turned to meet the face of an angry Jarl. With him, two guards and his housecarl, Irileth, a dark elf much too eager to pull her blade as they approached.

"Knight!" he hollered.

I sighed as I grabbed another bag from the ground.

"I have called for you far too many."

"And I didn't come." I answered, tossing up another load.

"You answer the Jarl when you are called." Irileth glared, marching up with her steel.

I turned to her, warning her with my eyes before Serana pushed her hand into my chest.

Balgruuf frowned, "You owe me. You owe my city. I did not permit you to leave."

"I don't need permission. I served my time. I paid for your farm."

"We have unfinished business."

"It can wait." I repeated.

Irileth put her sword to my neck as I turned to face the carriage, and the two guards restrained Serana from stepping in.

"Wait! Wait." she defended, lifting her hands towards Irileth and Balgruuf.

"Another move and I put a bounty on your head." he threatened.

I widened my nostrils and eyed the edge of the sword, and with slow redirection, was made to face Balgruuf as he crossed his arms.

"I don't need your money. I need your loyalty."

I gritted, "And you have it."

"Do I?" he eyed my carriage, "Because I gave orders and you ignored me. Your sword arm belongs to this city. That was the oath you made when becoming my thane, when becoming Harbinger, when making the truce."

"I promised my loyalty to defend my people. You gave me a home when I had none, and you are my Jarl, my brother. But I belong to no one."

"You don't belong anywhere but underneath the prison, Knight. A dozen deaths, multiple injuries, the loss of an entire industry, food shortages, constant violations. You forget that this is my city to protect. And you've become one of the biggest threats to it."

I stiffened as Irileth further pressed her blade into my neck, "What is it that you want, Balgruuf?"

"The empire states that Ulfric has eyes on the Pale. Men are camping there."

"I don't work for the Empire." I glared.

I pushed Irileth's sword from me and sucked my teeth before looking at the guards.
"Let go of my wife." I ordered, watching as they looked between me and the Jarl unsurely.