The Perfect Kingdom

Chapter 11

"What's Markarth like?"

They were sitting on top of a carriage with Shane holding the reins to Ghost. They had scarves wrapped around their heads – seemingly to ward off dust and protect them from the cold and sun – to conceal their identities. They had left Windhelm at the break of dawn, slightly before Shawn. Shane pushed the loyal horse as fast as it could go until they were out of the mountain range around Windhelm and no longer freezing.

"I think the best way to describe it is to explain how the city is constructed. Whiterun and Riften are built using wood because there are forests around them. Windhelm, being surrounded by mountains and not much vegetation, uses stone. Markarth is also surrounded by mountains, but they're rich with ores and minerals. Many things are made with metal in Markarth, and they have some of the finest blacksmiths there," Shane explained. "For example, you remember how we used silver utensils when dining with the king, but simple steel ones at home that were already very expensive? I think you probably used wooden ones in the past?"

Jessica nodded. Back in the farm, they made do with wooden utensils they made themselves with a stone grinder to smoothen the surfaces and a simple lacquer.

"Markarth uses copper for everything: utensils, fixtures, furniture – anything it can be used for. They simply have that much metal," Shane replied. "Unfortunately, this means they have long a history of forging weapons, so the people respect fighting and use it to settle disputes. The jarl is chosen by fighting. Anyone can challenge the jarl and the winner earns the title. I'm friends with the jarl because we have our similarities."

"Is that why Shawn said you have to be the one that goes to Markarth?" Jessica asked.

Shane nodded, before he wrapped his hand around his chin in deep thought.

"Gwen is from Markarth," he finally said. "I almost forgot."

Jessica raised her eyebrow. She didn't expect that revelation.

"Is that why you didn't let her come?" Jessica asked.

"Not really. She genuinely doesn't care about her family now. What she cares about, and enjoys more, is working with metal and I thought it'll be better for her," Shane replied. "We really need armour and weapons for the upcoming fight and I trust Gwen more than some random smiths who I've never met before."

It was a two-and-a-half-day trip. On the first day, they had to cautiously skirt around Whiterun and then find a hidden alcove in a forest to set up a campsite. Being the centre of the Skyrim, there was no way for them to avoid Whiterun entirely. On the second day, they ventured into unknown territory for Jessica. As they moved further away from Whiterun, she noticed the houses appear more rundown, the people look emaciated, and a lack of soldiers guarding the settlements. Occasionally, children would swarm their carriage and beg for gold or food. Jessica's heart called for her to help, but Shane refused to pay them any attention and continued riding. More than once, they saw a body covered by a sheet on the side of the road. At one point, Shane instructed her to hide inside the carriage and she peeked out to see a group of riders on horses tailing them until Shane brandished his halberd to scare them away.

That night, they reached the mountain range that acted as a wall between Markarth and the rest of Skyrim. They were going to spend the last half-day to travel around it. Shane spotted a cave and they spent the night inside, lighting a fire to provide light, warmth, and protection from wild beasts.

"Is this how things are like away from the major cities?" Jessica asked, hugging her knees to her chest by the fire. Shane stood a distance behind as he wiped himself with a wet cloth and then sat opposite her.