The Wolf Queen Awakens

Chapter 43

Windhelm loomed up in the mists as the boat docked, and Elisif clambered out, turning to help Madanach, never at ease on the water at the best of times, out of the boat. He didn't fall in, although he did stagger as he landed on the jetty and clung on to her for balance... although Elisif suspected that was at least partially intentional on his part.

"Come on, let's get you inside," she whispered and Madanach nodded, following after her.

Movement as they emerged on the dock, and Elisif saw a grey-clad woman – Sapphire in her hooded armour most likely – slip away back into the city, while the various citizens all stopped what they were doing and sat up. The Forsworn warriors standing around on guard also starting moving towards them, clearly worried for their king... and Borkul, Farkas and Argis were all sitting round a brazier, clearly having decided that when news about their charges came in, they wanted to be the first to know.

Madanach straightened up at once.

"You are supposed to be – have been evacuated!" he roared, glancing at the Penitus Oculatus still watching and deciding revealing the teleportals could wait for another day. "Not sitting on the docks where anyone could have a go at you!"

"Don't answer to you no more, I work for her," Argis growled, getting up. "El, what happened?"

"I don't..." Elisif realised she didn't even know where to start explaining it all, and certain conversations were going to have to wait until they had more privacy. But she could set his mind at rest on some matters.

"The Emperor gave his blessing to the Windhelm arrangements," Elisif managed to say. "Madanach's still Jarl."

Madanach nodded, grinning as all three men relaxed and the watching Forsworn backed off, visibly relieved

"And it gets better!" Madanach announced. "In return for loyal service to the Empire and defence against its enemies, he's agreed to recognise the Reach as an independent Imperial province! If the High Queen signs off to it obviously."

"I need to get Mooted first," Elisif said, and for the first time it occurred to her that the Moot might change its mind about making her Queen once this got out. On the other hand, Ulfric was dead, they'd just had a war, and in order to refuse her, they'd need to find an alternative candidate, and who was there, really? Madanach had Windhelm, Nepos the Reach, they'd both support her. Maven would be Jarl of the Rift most likely, a woman who routinely favoured pragmatism over principle and coin over either, and who needed the Empire's money to rebuild her Hold. She was in no place to make her own claim and was unlikely to care who ruled the Reach as long as the coin kept flowing. Winterhold would likely fall into line with Madanach, Brina wasn't a Nord and wouldn't have the same emotional reaction to losing a Hold a Nord might, and Idgrod... who knew. She had a feeling Madanach might get on with her though. She'd have to suggest a visit to Hjaalmarch, or an invite to Windhelm. Siddgeir... oh gods, Siddgeir, the man made her skin crawl. But he was knee-deep in the Empire's pockets, she had a feeling he'd follow the coin too. Which just left Balgruuf. Balgruuf, whose Hold actually bordered the Reach. Oh gods. Balgruuf. What was he going to say to this?

She was barely aware of Argis hugging Madanach, and then Argis was hugging her and whispering 'thank you!' which did at least get her attention. Then he let her go almost as quickly and had turned to embrace Farkas, who looked surprised but delighted and cheerfully returned the kiss.

Borkul patted her on the back too and then the King in Rags was embracing his bodyguard.

"Knew you could do it, boss, I knew it," Borkul growled. "Any man who could beat me in a fight had to be capable of doing anything."