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

Chains and Cures: part 3

The first thing Aeyrie and the others saw when they got back to Saggitar's was that Uthgerd had arrived home. Aeyrie couldn't help herself; her face lit up in a huge grin. Despite the daunting task of assessing and caring for the freed captives, the sight of a familiar face brought her a moment of joy. But as her eyes drifted to the woman standing beside Uthgerd, clad in steel armor with short black hair, curiosity replaced her initial excitement.

There were also four wagons, full of people, lined up outside the stables, and a large group of horses waiting in the paddock.

"Incredible, I didn't expect them all to arrive at the same time," Loche remarked, clearly surprised by the sight.

"I don't think they did," Aeyrie responded thoughtfully. "They must have come separately and arrived in smaller groups."

Jenassa chimed in, "Aeyrie is right. I believe they're only waiting for the Lady and Lord of the homestead to return."

Aeyrie didn't respond, her mind already moving ahead. She led Sterling over to Uthgerd and the black-haired woman, eager to unravel the mystery of her new guest.

"Uthgerd, welcome home! How was the journey?" Aeyrie asked, her voice warm and genuine.

"It went as expected," Uthgerd replied with a genuine smile, the kind that spoke of hard-won satisfaction.

"Good to hear it," Aeyrie said, her eyes shifting to the unfamiliar woman. "And who is this?"

The woman inclined her head in a respectful nod, her tone formal and measured. "I am Lydia," she introduced herself. "I have recently returned from a bounty hunt and was summoned by the Jarl to serve as the Housecarl of Lady Aeyrie Vicerious, Thane of Whiterun Hold."

Aeyrie's amber eyes widened slightly in surprise. The title was still something she was getting used to, but the Jarl's efficiency left little room for her to process it. "A Housecarl," she mused, glancing back at Lydia with a mix of curiosity and appreciation. "Then I suppose we'll be working closely together."

Lydia nodded once more. "It is my honor to serve you, my Lady. I am at your command." Her words were crisp, her posture straight, exuding a disciplined loyalty that reassured Aeyrie.

With a final nod, Aeyrie turned back to the task at hand, her focus now split between the responsibilities of a Thane and the care of those she had just rescued. "We have much to discuss, Lydia, but first, we need to get these people settled," she began, her voice firm yet kind. "Uthgerd, you and Jenassa help get everyone inside and fed. Loche, Lydia, and I will take care of the horses and wagons, with the help of the other riders. Jenassa, if I could have the rest of the gold so I can pay the wagon drivers?"

Jenassa handed over the coin purse with a silent nod, her red eyes reflecting the dimming light as she quickly resumed her duties. "Be sure to separate the males and females into the two boarding rooms," Loche added, his voice carrying a note of urgency. As Jenassa and Uthgerd began ushering people inside, Loche continued, "Jenassa, make sure the Khajiit girl and the little elf with the lilac eyes stay together. I'll be inside to help the sick as soon as I can."

Jenassa paused, her gaze meeting Aeyrie's with a knowing look. She understood the importance of keeping the vulnerable together in such chaotic times. With a brief nod, she continued leading the group inside.

One of the elderly women on Sterling's back spoke up, her voice soft but resolute. "We'll stay with them, dear lady," she offered, her eyes filled with gratitude and determination.

Aeyrie turned to the woman, her expression softening. "What is your name?" she asked gently.

"Audata," the old woman replied, placing a hand over her heart.