A Tale of Could-be Heroes Book 1: Hero, Dragon, Elf

Cloak and Favor: A Thane's Rise in Whiterun: part 2

Aeyrie hoisted herself onto Sterling's back, settling comfortably on the stallion's broad, powerful frame. The horse remained calm under her, a testament to the connection she had quickly established with him. Uthgerd, meanwhile, mounted the bay horse that Loche had prepared for her, adjusting herself in the saddle with a nod of satisfaction.

"Here, Uthgerd, take Frieda's lead," Loche said, handing over the rope attached to the goat.

Aeyrie turned to him, one eyebrow arched in mild amusement. "You named the goat Frieda?"

Loche smirked, a playful glint in his eye. "She seemed like a Frieda. She won't answer to anything else."

Aeyrie shook her head with a small chuckle. "Alright then. Ready, Uthgerd?"

"As I'll ever be," Uthgerd replied, her voice steady and resolute, as she took hold of Frieda's lead and prepared herself for the journey ahead.

Aeyrie squeezed Sterling's sides with her heels, and they set off, their mounts' surefootedness allowing them to reach Riverwood in record time. The moons hung low in the sky by the time they arrived, casting shadows over the deserted streets. Despite the silence outside, the sounds of laughter and clinking mugs echoed from the direction of the tavern, signaling a lively night within.

They dismounted in front of the Riverwood Trader, and Aeyrie knocked firmly on the door. It swung open almost immediately, revealing Lucan, his face set in a familiar look of irritation.

"Where have you been, Aeyrie? I've been waiting all day for you," he grumbled, crossing his arms.

Aeyrie brushed past him, stepping inside with purpose. "I'm sorry, Lucan. We couldn't risk moving it in broad daylight—there were too many patrols around our newly established residence."

Lucan exhaled sharply, rubbing his temple in frustration. "Fine, just... get it out of my shop."

He led her to the storage room, unlocking the door. As Aeyrie stepped inside, she could hear the faint, muffled growl of the Draugr from behind its gag. Its unnatural voice sent a chill through the air, even bound and dismembered as it was.

"Do you mind if I use one of those large burlap bags?" Aeyrie asked.

"If it gets that thing out of my shop faster, take it," Lucan muttered.

Wasting no time, Aeyrie grabbed the bag and quickly stuffed the creature's remains inside, securing it tightly. She then hauled it back to the cart and tied it to the makeshift harness Loche had rigged for Frieda, who bleated contentedly, seemingly unaware of her grim cargo.

Aeyrie mounted Sterling once more, giving Lucan a nod of thanks. "Thanks again, Lucan."

"Just go," Lucan replied, waving them off as he hurried back into the comfort of his shop, eager to be rid of the strange burden that had been troubling him.

With the Draugr in tow, Aeyrie and Uthgerd set off down the road, the wind howling faintly in the distance as if echoing their quiet thoughts. The ride back to Saggitar's took no longer than their trip to Riverwood, their mounts carrying them swiftly through the night. By the time they arrived, Loche was already waiting, having anticipated their return. As he moved to secure the horses, Aeyrie gave Sterling a firm but affectionate pat, whispering, "Behave, boy." Only then did Sterling allow Loche to handle him without protest.

Aeyrie and Uthgerd wasted no time hauling the Draugr inside. The eerie creature's faint growls had grown weaker with time, its dismembered body no longer posing a threat, yet the unease remained. Saggitar had prepared a large, empty wooden chest for them, its heavy lid creaking as Aeyrie opened it. Together, she and Uthgerd shoved the Draugr's body inside before slamming the lid shut and locking it.