Daughter Of Alduin | A Skyrim inspired novel

Chapter 9 | The Blacksmith of Solitude

With Odahviing still recuperating from his injuries, Shea and her companions set out on a journey to Solitude, the grand city perched on the western coast of Skyrim. Their path was long and winding, the road fraught with both physical and emotional challenges. They pressed on, determined to reach their destination and find the help they needed.

Upon arriving in Solitude, the team quickly found themselves in a bustling marketplace, where the sounds of haggling merchants and the scent of exotic spices filled the air. As they navigated through the crowd, their eyes searched for the renowned blacksmith of the city, a man named Beirand.

They finally located Beirand's forge near the entrance of Solitude, an area known for its artisan trades. The forge was ablaze with heat, and the rhythmic clang of metal striking metal resonated through the streets. Beirand, a sturdy Nord with a beard flecked with silver, was hard at work, his face set in a scowl of concentration.

Shea, Nivan, and Valen approached the forge, but Beirand's gruff demeanor was apparent even from a distance. "What do you want?" he barked without looking up, his irritation evident in his tone. "I'm in the middle of something important. Speak quickly or get out of my way."

Valen stepped forward, his voice calm but firm. "Beirand, it's Valen. We need your help with an important task. It's urgent."

Beirand paused his hammering, his eyebrows knitting together in confusion as he looked up. Recognition dawned on his face, and his expression softened. "Valen? By the gods, it's been years. What brings you to my forge?"

Valen quickly explained their situation. He described the enchanted gem they had acquired and their need to forge it into a weapon that could help them on their quest. Beirand listened intently, his initial irritation replaced by a look of interest and concern.

The forge was alive with the clang of hammers and the glow of molten metal. Beirand meticulously examined the gem, his seasoned eyes taking in its glowing facets. Shea stood nearby, her anxiety palpable as she awaited his assessment.

"This gem is quite remarkable," Beirand said, turning it in the light. "I'll need to handle it with care to forge it properly."

Just as Beirand was about to return the gem to Shea, a small, nimble figure darted through the crowd. In a swift, practiced motion, the figure snatched the gem from Beirand's hand and disappeared into the bustling marketplace.

"Hey! Stop that thief!" Shea's voice rang out, sharp and commanding.

Without a second thought, Shea chased after the figure, weaving through the crowded streets. The thief was quick and agile, darting between vendors and slipping through narrow alleys. Shea's frustration grew with every step, but she pressed on, determined to retrieve the stolen gem.

The chase eventually led them to a quieter part of Solitude, where the hustle and bustle of the market faded into the background. Shea, her breath ragged, cornered the thief against a wall. She grabbed the small figure roughly, pulling back the hood to reveal a young Khajiit girl.

The girl's fur was matted with dust, and her wide, fearful eyes looked up at Shea with a mix of terror and defiance. Shea's grip was firm as she stared at the girl, her irritation boiling over.

"Why did you steal the gem?" Shea demanded harshly. "What were you planning to do with it?"

The Khajiit girl flinched, her voice trembling. "I—I'm sorry! I didn't mean to cause trouble. I just... I needed the money. I wanted to sell it so I could find a place to stay. I'm an orphan, and I don't have anywhere to go."

Shea's anger faltered as she heard the desperation in the girl's voice. The harshness in her gaze softened, replaced by a look of empathy. She glanced back at Beirand, who stood silently behind them, his expression one of curiosity.