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

Chains and Cures: part 2

{AN: In this chapter, I will be introducing the first Khajiit character(As seen above). Please be advised that this chapter includes themes of slavery, harsh conditions, and mentions of sexual situations. While these elements are integral to the storyline, they may be distressing for some readers. I will try not to describe those scenes in great detail, reader discretion is advised.}

Aeyrie, Loche, and Jenassa entered The Bannered Mare, the familiar bustle of the inn greeting them. The warm, inviting atmosphere of the main hall seemed to contrast sharply with their mission. As they made their way through the crowd, Hulda, the innkeeper, spotted them and approached with a practiced, warm smile.

"Welcome Thanes!" Hulda greeted them, her voice rich with feigned warmth. "I am so thankful you have returned. I never properly thanked you for dealing with Saadia. I certainly do not wish to be guilty of harboring such a dangerous war criminal."

Aeyrie's smile was polite but her eyes were sharp. She beckoned the mature woman closer, lowering her voice into a whisper. "Cut the act and take us to the operation beneath your inn. We have purchases to make." As she spoke, Aeyrie discreetly slipped a coin purse into Hulda's apron pocket, a gesture meant to grease the wheels of their dealings.

Hulda's smile remained unwavering as she accepted the bribe. "Absolutely, this way to your rooms, please." She led them down a narrow corridor, away from the lively main hall. When they reached a side room, Hulda closed the door and the pretense fell away. Her demeanor shifted to a more guarded, professional tone.

"It's just through this trap door here," Hulda said, pointing to a wooden panel partially obscured by a rug. She lifted the panel to reveal a narrow staircase leading down into shadowy depths.

Hulda eyed the trio with a curious gaze. "I certainly didn't think you'd be the type to visit a brothel, let alone buy slaves."

Aeyrie's expression remained stern as she met Hulda's gaze. "We're not here to buy slaves. We're here to free them. And if that means lining your pockets with gold to do so, then that is a price we are willing to pay."

Hulda's eyes widened slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing her face before she quickly masked it with a calculating glance. "Very well," she said, her voice dropping to a hushed tone. "Follow me."

As Hulda, Aeyrie, and Loche descended the stairs, Jenassa remained above to wait to aid any unfortunates unable to climb the dark stairs on their own. The faint light from above receded, and the oppressive darkness of the underground tunnel ahead enveloped them. The air grew cooler and more musty, thick with the scent of damp earth and stale air. Each step echoed softly against the stone walls, amplifying the sense of urgency and gravity that accompanied their mission.

The flickering glow of Aeyrie's and Loche's torches cast long, wavering shadows, revealing glimpses of the grim reality hidden beneath The Bannered Mare. They braced themselves for the horrors ahead, determined to bring justice and freedom to those trapped in the shadows.

Hulda came to an abrupt stop and pushed open a wooden door, revealing a dimly lit stone chamber. The room was filled with a scene that left Aeyrie's stomach churning: women, some scantily clad and others completely nude, attended to men and women alike in various compromising positions. The oppressive atmosphere of debauchery hung heavy in the air, a stark contrast to the dignified lives Aeyrie and her companions were accustomed to.

With a firm step, Hulda guided them toward the back of the chamber, where a mature woman sat behind a caged counter. Her presence was commanding, and Aeyrie immediately recognized her as Haeria.

"More customers, sister?" Haeria inquired, her voice carrying a hint of surprise.

Hulda shook her head. "Not ones for the brothel," she assured her.