The Last Dragonborn

Chapter 5

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It was hot in the wizards rooms, but despite it taking him several hours to craft Mjoll's potion I never once felt drowsy. Sitting in the chair in the corner of his room, surrounded by his power I was acutely aware of how dangerous this man could be and that was enough to guarantee I was awake. My hands itched to rest on the hilts of my swords, but my swords were hidden under the mattress in our rooms at Candlehearth Hall. Instead I fiddled with the amulet that had given me away.

It took several hours before he was done. By the end of it my eyes were burning from exhaustion and I felt shaky. I honestly couldn't remember the last time I had eaten.

Wuunferth presented me with a small vial. I inspected it, holding it's contents up to the light, but the glass was dark green and I couldn't see anything beyond it being a liquid.

"How long before she can travel?" I asked.

Wuunferth arched a brow and for a moment looked surprised. "Immediately."

Now it was my turn to look surprised in earnest.

He held up his hand to stop me from speaking. "This will not heal her completely, but it will give her the strength she will need to return home. It's effects are limited, a day-two at the most. Then she will need time, as the priestess told you." There was a knowing look in his eyes. "No more dragon fighting for her." He watched me narrow my eyes and smirked. His smile was a slimy thing. "You think the Dragonborn could come to my city and I wouldn't have someone watching?" He grunted. "You think so little of me?"

My chest felt tight and my skin prickled. I wanted out of this room and out of this city. The thick stone walls of the palace and the city beyond had me suddenly feeling claustrophobic. I cleared my throat, but was still disappointed when my voice came out less strong than I wanted. "I thought this was Ulfric's city."

Wuunferth flashed me a predatory smile. "Be gone Dragonborn, see to your brave Lioness, get her on the carriage, but do not even think about leaving my city before your debt is settled."

I was outraged. "I can't send her alone and injured!"

The wizard shrugged as though to say it was not his problem. "Protection is available for a price. I believe Stenvar is sitting about the Inn, waiting for the next person who can pay his fee. He is more than capable of getting your little Lioness home." Then Wuunferth flicked his fingers at me and I was dismissed.

I wanted to open my mouth to argue but the door to his rooms opened with no one touching it and I took the hint. I was fuming. I slammed the door behind me and stomped my way through the palace. I couldn't imagine trusting a sell sword to keep Mjoll safe. I must have been a sight, because every guard paused to look at me and then quickly looked away.

I shoved open the door to the main hall with more strength than I realized. It slammed back against the wall making me jump and the occupants of the hall looked my way. I froze for only a moment when I realized both Ulfric and Ralof were among the group seated at the large banquet table eating breakfast. They both looked my way curiously and i whirled towards the main doors. I took long strides across the hall feeling as though their eyes on my back were a tangible thing. They had only gotten a brief look, I didn't think it was long enough for either of them to recognize me.

The guards didn't stop me from leaving and I practically tripped over my own feet as I fought the urge to run across the slippery cobblestones back towards the Inn. My prize was still gripped in my fist. I entered the Inn through the side door which led me to the main room. True to Wuunferth's words, sitting at one of the tables eating his breakfast,was a large nord mercenary.