Skyrim: The West

The West *2

The Understone Keep was calm as usual. Two guards, wearing fur armors in brownish-green colours, were standing on the watch in front of the entrance to the throne room. Thongvor Silver-Blood was standing there too, leaning against the wall.

'I wouldn't recommend you entering there now,' he said loudly, when he saw me. 'Jarl Igmund is granting an audience.'

'An audience?'

'Yes. Messengers from Karthwasten affirm that the Forsworn are gathering in the Red Eagle Redoubt and intend to carry out an assault on the village. They are asking for support. That's a nonsense.' He spitted. 'What would they seek in Karthwasten? Boondocks... There is nothing to find.'

'What about their silver mines?'

'The Forsworn are not the type of miners, lass. I highly doubt that they are interested in silver. Wealth is the least thing they care about.'

'Maybe... Maybe they don't plan to attack Karthwasten but...' I got pensive.

'Are you suggesting Markarth?' Thongvor burst into laughter. 'Don't make me laugh. Yes, they are savages – but not suicides. They know perfectly well that they couldn't take over even our stables.'

I frowned.

'As far as I know, the King in Rags and half a dozen of his Forsworn were enough to break out of Cidhna Mine and force the city gates.'

Thongvor cursed.

'Madanach was in luck. That damn old man had been planning this since they closed him in the Mine. Screw the King in Rags and his Forsworn fools!'

'And what if he intends to carry out an assault?'

Are you listening to me at all, lass? There will be no assault. There is no interest in occupying Karthwasten. I bet that's just Ainethach's another trick. This fool never lets it go.'

Karthwasten has belonged to Breton family for centuries, what was quite unusual, because the Reach was ruled mainly by Nords – after annexing the Reach to the Empire. Ainethach and his wife kept overseeing silver mines located there.

Suddenly the door of the throne room opened; Norse male and Orcish female went out of them. They didn't seem too glad. Nord passed, not paying attention to us but woman gave Thongvor a contemptuous gaze. Both left the castle.

Jarl Igmund was sitting on the throne, rubbing his temples.

'I am assuming that you have rejected their ridiculous requests, my jarl?' Thongvor said, approaching to a dais.

'I offered them four guards. I can't constantly ignore Ainethach's requests, even if they are unfounded.' Igmund sighed. 'That man used to raise false alarms so frequently that it would be hard to believe him in a truly critical situation. I must prevent it.'

'That is right, my lord, but I don't think that the Forsworn would ever threaten us.'

'They are scattered all over the Reach, Thongvor. If they would gather... I'd rather not even think about it. I have a task for you: notify legate Admand about my decision. Let him choose the right people and then come to me.'

'As you wish, my jarl.' Thongvor reluctantly bowed his head and walked away.

'By the gods, Ainethach's imagination is the last thing we need. Oh, Svalaug, my child,' the lord said, as if he noticed me only now. Jarl Igmund took me under his roof when his brother was killed during the uprising in Markarth and orphaned only daughter. 'What brings you to me?'

'Uncle, I'm going to accompany Vigdis Salvius and her son on the way to Old Hroldan. Won't you need me in the next few days?'

'Well, it seems I'll have to cope without my youngest advisor.' He grinned. 'Have a safe journey.'

'Thank you, uncle.' I smiled back.

'So a young Salvius is that lucky man?' He asked when I intended to go.

'Er... I think so,' I said calmly, but couldn't stop the blush appearing on my cheeks. I lowered my head slightly and clenched my teeth, expecting a negative reaction.

'He seems to be a good lad, not as hot-headed as his elder brother.'

I blinked in surprise.

'But... shouldn't I marry some influential nobleman to form alliances and ensure the wealth of the city?' I asked hesitantly.

'Yes, that would be highly recommended. But no one will punish you for bonding with a commoner. The society of Markarth is simple. Care about the interests and good of the city so they will think of you as a good ruler. No matter who do you sleep with. You have grown up in the throne room and you know our people well. You know what is best for them and for you.' He paused for a moment, then came over and put his hand on my shoulder. 'And I'd love to see you happy, though. I promised this to your father. He would be proud of you, Svala, you should know that.'

I didn't know what to say so I just smiled and hugged him. Not often Igmund mentioned his brother. Despite all these passed years, he still couldn't accept the loss.

'Thank you, uncle. I appreciate that' I said.