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

Chains and Cures: part 1

{AN: I know the ending of the last chapter left questions, I am going to answer those questions in this chapter.}

Aeyrie, Jenassa, and Loche sat together in their warm, well-lit sitting room, the crackling fire casting flickering shadows on the stone walls. They spoke in hushed tones, their voices weaving through the plans for the new land they had acquired and the business they intended to build upon it. The weight of their recent elevation to Thanes still hung over them—a title bestowed just a few days past on Fredas. Though the honor was fresh, their responsibilities were many, and they had already set about accomplishing what they could. However, the task that loomed large in their minds was one they had yet to complete: the purchase of freedom for those held in bondage.

They had not yet secured the means to free the enslaved, but their determination was unwavering. As they discussed the logistics, their thoughts kept returning to the mercenaries led by Uthgerd. They awaited their return, for there was much work to be done, and their strength would be needed.

The previous day had brought a grim reminder of the power their enemies still held. Vongis had come to their door, his face bruised and bloodied, his steps unsteady. The Companions, it seemed, had not taken kindly to his decision to speak out against them. They had tried to silence him with violence, hoping fear would keep him quiet. But Vongis, though battered, was resolute.

Aeyrie had taken him in, her heart heavy with both anger and compassion. She and Loche prepared a bath, adding healing herbs to the steaming water. Aeyrie stayed by Vongis's side, her hands glowing softly with healing magicka as she enhanced the restorative effects of the bath. The room was filled with the scent of lavender and sage, mingling with the subtle hum of her magic as it worked to soothe his injuries.

As she tended to him, Vongis spoke of the Companions' threats, his voice shaky but determined. "They think they can silence me," he muttered, the pain clear in his voice. "But I won't let them. I owe it to Ongen."

Aeyrie nodded, her expression one of fierce resolve. "We won't let them get away with this," she assured him, her voice steady. "You're safe here. We'll protect you until the time comes to bring them to justice."

Meanwhile, the town guard had arrested the Redguard woman who had been aiding the Thalmor. She had been handed over to the Alik'r, a fate Aeyrie and her companions had ensured would be carried out swiftly. The woman's betrayal had not gone unnoticed, and justice, in this case, was as swift as it was severe.

Yet, there was another matter that had come to light—one that had shocked Aeyrie to her core. Hulda, the seemingly benign innkeeper of the Bannered Mare, along with her sister Haeria, was running a brothel beneath the inn. Worse still, they were selling slaves from this hidden den of depravity. The knowledge filled Aeyrie with a cold fury, her mind racing with the implications.

"We have to act," she said, her voice low and urgent as she shared this revelation with Jenassa and Loche. "We can't let this continue, not in our city."

Jenassa nodded, her eyes narrowing with determination. "We'll need to be careful. Hulda has connections, and this operation is clearly well-hidden."

Loche placed a hand on Aeyrie's shoulder, his gaze steady. "We'll do what we must. But first, we ensure Vongis's safety. Then, we free those trapped beneath this city."

As they solidified their plans, the weight of their new responsibilities became ever more apparent. The road ahead was fraught with danger, but they were ready to face it, for the sake of those who could not fight for themselves.

When Vongis had stumbled to their door the day before, Aeyrie's first priority was to ensure his safety and comfort. She and Loche had led him to one of the old boarding rooms that Saggitar and his wife had once rented out to those in need. The room was spacious, filled with several beds, each separated by sturdy wooden dividers and heavy curtains that provided a semblance of privacy. This was where Aeyrie and Loche had planned to bring the freed slaves and servants, a place for them to recover in safety and relative peace.