Reunion and parting pg 15

Shyla felt my excitement and arched her neck and pranced sideways to the spot right in front of my Brother and Heart-Mother who had joined him. The rest of those them in a half circle behind them with three of the warriors sideways, watching behind us as much as all of us.  I looked but did not see my Birth-Mother and felt a lump in the pit of my stomach.

I got off Shyla and walked slowly up to my Heart-Mother, placing my hand on her cheek. She did the same then pulled my head down to hers, resting my forehead on hers.

" I missed your Wisdom, Mother of my Heart." She made a grunting laugh sound.

"We all missed your hunting until we got three days' fast walk from the Stronghold. The game was much more abundant. Those warriors who were on the fence, they have since changed their minds about staying, with you."  I nodded and then asked where my Birth-Mother was.

"She is in the Tent, her ankle is broken in such a way as to hurt much when standing on it." I headed for the tent and said we could buy either a wagon or some horses for transport. When I got to my Birth-Mother I knelt at her side, placing my hand on her cheek, like my Heart-Mother she put her hand on mine, but then pulled me so that our other cheek's rested against each other, an overt show of great affection.

Some of the Warriors, pulled up the sides of the tent, making it into a very large canopy, that way all would be out of the misting drizzle. I sat upon a chest so that all might see me as I spoke to them. The warriors at the back did not sit but stood in such a way as to be able to see in all directions.

"Son we wish to hear of your Stronghold, how far you have come in seeing it come to pass, and what you have to say about the differences you talked about." I nodded and stood to one side, a place that had been left open for me. Navistas, Shaimar, and Marcurio came to stand beside me, with many surprises from my "family".

"First I wish to thank all of you for bringing my Mothers and sibling this far. As for the Stronghold, I have the gold for the land purchase, though have not yet asked to buy." I held up my hand as I heard grumbles. " Yes, traditionally we Orcs just take the land and dare the Jarls to take it away. It is only because we have always taken land no one else wants..poor land for everything but mining, that they had not asked the Imperial Army to take the land back. I do not want that kind of land, for us." I paused to let that sink in, but as I did so Navitas spoke up.

"I have been with the Imperial Army, as many Orcs do. Kurdan is correct, they could take back all the Strongholds if they wanted, just by putting troops at our door and waiting to starve us out, it would not take long." I saw the Hunters nodding, they more than anyone but the Hearth-Wife knew how fast the gathered food went. She had made the point that they might not have believed from me.

" What I do want is a different kind of Stronghold, yes a Stronghold, no one will call us "city Orcs". We will be even more self-sufficient because we will have the support. We will keep to the tenants of Malacath, for he does keep us strong. With some changes, the first is that we all will have the right to take a mate and have children. This has not made the Nords weak and I think our way is making us so." I held up my hand when I heard grumbling, an Orc will complain about being hit with a new ax.

 "Navitas said it, Traditionally only the Strongest male breeds, but what is he breeding to?" I could see I had their attention. "Many of the strongest and most intelligent females, leave the strongholds to go into the Imperial Army or to some other place. Not all, but enough, enough that we are starting to get weaker as a people, though many do not see this. I want each of us to have the right to choose our own mate, to not have to fight for that right. I want our females to want to stay, to not have to be traded off to another stronghold, because they are "too close in family", that is the real reason, for the trading. The only females IN a stronghold are generally related to the Chief. "

I knew I had them and I went on to explain about finding farmers and craft people to help round out our Stronghold. Plot's for wheat and other staple plants, pen's for animals, near a river for fish. If they were not Orcs, well, they would teach us and we would protect them. Then I had to get to the most complicated part, Leadership, our people were used to an iron fist ruling them, with no say, the disaffected leaving.

"At first we will have a Tribunal, Myself, Navitas, and Marcurio, with My Heart-Mother as first Adviser and my Mother as Chatelaine, which will be the same thing she does as Hearth-wife. Eventually, we will find a Steward, who has contacts in the area he or she will be able to get those thing's we can't make or grow. Eventually, the Tribunal will be voted on and will be supported by advisers who are people from different areas of the stronghold, chosen by those who work with them. So Hunters will choose a Hunter as their adviser," that was enough of an explanation for now. Each of them would decide if my vision of a Stronghold was for them, or they would move on elsewhere.. they could not go back.

I would plan on leaving in the next day or so, but I needed to give them time to think. I talked to my Mother's and Brother and told them that I had asked Shaimar to take them to the house of Navitas's friends. My Mother's were disappointed but when I explained why, they understood.

Two days later as we left Markarth,  With my Birth-Mother riding and newly purchased horses packed heavy with supplies. I watched them head south, very few of the Orcs had decided to go their own way, most said they at least wanted to see what I could do and if it would work.

Marcurio, Navitas, and I headed toward Mor Khazgur, we still had a book to track down for the Librarian, but we were now not in a hurry. We were also careful, the hills and peaks were full of Forsworn and they would attack us are readily as anyone else.

As we sat around the campfire, Navitas asked me why I had not asked her to take my Mothers to her friend's home. She sounded somewhat angry about it, so I choose my words with care and tried to explain what I had in mind.

"Navitas, did you notice how many young Orc males were with My Mothers? Including my brother." Marcurio got it before she did and started chuckling. Her brow furrowed, then I could see when she really figured it out. "Yes, she's a sweet young thing, but I much prefer a woman who's old enough to know her own mind. With all those young bucks, she ought to find one that she likes, if not, then at least she will have some leadership ability by the time she gets to the house, and until we get there, My Mother's will see to that."

I saw her cheeks grow a darker green and a quirk to her lip's that let me know, she understood what I was saying, but now was not the time.

"So you hope that she will find herself with your Mothers to show her?"

" I told my Mothers who she is and what they wanted her to be and that it wasn't her choice. They agreed to help her grow into the kind of Strong female Orc that our Stronghold needs, the kind that you are."

"Kurdan, I am trying to figure out why me as part of your Tribunal?" Marcurio spoke up for the first time, a frown on his face.

"Marc, I chose you, well because you are human, Navitas because she is a strong female Orc. I want the males and other females to get used to the idea and might as well start as I mean the Stronghold to go on. You may step down when you train your own replacement. Your replacement must not be Orc, but a human or another Mer is fine. Navitas, your replacement needs to be female, Orc, Mer, or human. I will have to decide how to pick my replacement, as I do want an Orc male. I have some ideas, but I need to think about them more." With that, I stood up and stretched.

"Marc, you take the first watch, I'll take Midwatch, Navitas, you can have the morning watch. Because you cook the best and I like my morning meal not to turn my stomach!" Marc threw a small piece of wood at me, which I batted away.

"It was only once! and how was I to know the eggs were bad, they didn't smell!"

I chuckled and held the tent flap for Navitas. Marcurio was placing runes and a circle ward around our camp, as I fell asleep.

Bandit's, Taxes and Family... pg 14

"Kurdan, have you given a thought to how your charter is going to read?" Marcurio's voice reached me as we rounded a bend in the road.

"Charter? I'm afraid I don't understand."

"How is the Stronghold going to be set up, the charter needs to be written so that the Jarl knows what kind of holding you have. Think of it like a contract, which it is, the Jarl's part is the selling of the land and anything you are entitled to. Your part tells him what kind of holding you are looking at. A mining operation, farm, family holding, village... that kind of thing."

I motioned Shyla to a stop and watched the commotion going on at the palisade that crossed the road. From the looks of things, a group of Chiss were taking exception to the bandits in the fort. The others lined up beside me, with Marcurio on my right and Navitas on the far left, Shaimar between us.

"Hmmm well, I would rather be a village, if we have to put anything." I shaded my eye's with my hand and realized it wasn't a two-way fight, but a three-way. " To get more Orcs to come I know it will have to be set up more like the strongholds they know, but I think a Tribunal and as the Stronghold gets larger then add in counselors, so the people have a say.  But why is all this necessary?" I turned Shyla back down the road and headed for a shallow water crossing, no point in being attacked from three different sides.

"Taxes.", I looked  over  at Marcurio

"What? Taxes?!  Why?"

"Well, depending on how your charter is written is how the Jarl will expect you to pay taxes. Obviously, a Mine is a business, and a farm is also, but taxed differently. A Village is set up so taxes depend on individual people."

I grumbled to myself, I could not remember our Chief paying taxes, but then again He held the stronghold through might, constantly at war from without and within. I wanted our stronghold to be strong, stronger than those of "traditional" Orcs.

A bandit jumped out from behind a boulder and I relaxedly drew my sword and kneed Shyla towards the man, one slice of my greatsword and his head was rolling back down the hill we had just climbed up. Shaimar and Navitas, off their horses, ran past and took out two more bandits, while a spike of Ice took out the last. We looted the bodies and left them to rot, the scavengers would feast well.

Once we were back on our way to Markarth, I thought of the courier that had intercepted us on our way back with Urag Gro-Shub's books. The Fort one of the books had been in had been infested with Necromancers, the other with Bandits, neither was much of a challenge. I re-opened the letter that my Heart-Mother had sent.

Son of my Heart, Kurdan,

 We are just arrived in Markarth, your Heart-Mother had a mishap in the mountains and we had to make camp until she could be moved. A hunter found us a cart that we pulled until we bought a horse from a traveler. Your Mother is healing as well as my skills allow. We will camp here until we hear from you and you can arrange transport to the house of your friends.

 We are safe and out of the weather, our hunters and guards have all said that they wish to stay. That is they are all young and wish to join your Stronghold. They think you are not only strong but wise and will test you to see what each one of them thinks is most important. Do not lose your temper with them or treat them as children and that includes your Brother.

Keenya Gra-Olar



I folded it back up as we turned a corner in the road. My Heart-Mother, was never the most physical of females, often having given up her share of food for siblings and children. I urged Shyla into a fast jogging walk, a gate that would allow her to speed past the miles, while not exhausting herself, I did not wish to stop early.

We camped that night on a cliff overlooking the valley that lead down to Solitude and the Sea of Ghosts. I watched the fae lights sweep across the sea, ever-changing and I thought about the best way to get my Birth-Mother to the Cliff house.  It would have to be the long way around, via Iverstead, the shorter mountain trail would be much too steep and narrow for a cart or wagon.

I hear the swish of the tent flap being pulled back and the soft hissing sound of leather on grass and then a hand on my shoulder.

"Don't brood, you will give yourself a headache. Your Heart-Mother would have said if it had been worse, something as simple as a twisted ankle could make trekking up and down mountains impossible for one the age of you Birth-Mother"  I patted Shaimar's hand, she was correct, but I was still going to worry.

"Shaimar, I would ask a favor of you. As the only one of us born in Skyrim, could you lead my Family to the Cliff house?  I need to return those books to Urag and see if he has any further information. I would prefer to do so myself, but it will take a very long time to get there and I need the information."  She seemed to hesitate and frowned. " I am trusting you with my Birth-Mother and my Heart-Mother, it is no easy thing for me, but I have much to do. It will take twice as long if I have to make a huge circle of Skyrim." she looked startled, then frowned.

"Oh no I was hesitating because Navitas is the better warrior, but you are right, I know Skyrim better. I would be honored to take your family to the House and show the hunters the best places to hunt and perhaps take a trip to the area that you want the Stronghold to be in."

"Thank you Shaimar, It will still be a few days to get to Markarth, so we have time to discuss where the Stronghold will be and what may be needed in the way of supplies, but really we won't know until we see who it there." With that I said goodnight and went to get as much sleep as I could, I felt I would need it.

Three days later we crested a hill and could see Markarth a short ways off. As we hit the bridge I saw a gangling figure of a half-grown Orc male wave, then run to the Khajiit camp, less than five minutes later the figure came running back and this time stopped at the edge of the bridge, but I could see Orc's come out of the tents, It was not a Khajiit camp, but my family.

The Storm Break's on a New Day pg 13

I woke to the feel of a hand snaking down my chest towards my dagger, when it was almost at my hip, I reached up and grabbed and found a wrist, which I twisted and pulled across me as hard as I could, sending the person flying over me. The female screech told me I may have made a tactical error in flinging her. Marcurio lit up the tent with a spell and we all sat up to see Shaimar rolling to her stomach and trying to climb out of our baggage.

I exclaimed "What the..." as she got to her knee's, took one look at the three of us watching her and went a very dark green.  I could see it in her eye's, she was going to bolt, I yelled "Marc!", figuring he knew a spell that might stop her, but he launched himself at her and held her tight when she started wiggling and bucking.

 Navitas crawled over and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Sister, stop, your making it very...err difficult on Marc." noticing the strain on his face. "What where you doing?" Shaimar started sobbing, huge gulping sobs that were heart wrenching to hear.

" I  I thou..ght if I pleased him, he would ma..make me his fir..first Wife, not you." I closed my eye's and thought hard for a moment, but Navitas beat me to it.

"Now who said I was going to marry Kurdan? Who said he wanted to marry me in the first place? Hmm?" Well it's not the direction I would have went, but it was a good one. I crawled over so that I could sit next to Marc on the opposite side as Navitas.

"Shaimar, it will be year's before I even think to marry, the Stronghold must be built, self-sufficient  and all those with-in know that they are as important as I. The women know that they can marry as they choose, any male they choose and have children. The men to know the same and that they don't need to challenge to be Chief to do so. If I marry right away, it will look like I want the same things I left."

I put my hand on her chin and lifted her face.

" Never be shammed because you think you have to do the thing's your mother said.. that tradition dictates. I will take a wife, IF that is what you want after you do some growing and know your own mind, then I would not be ashamed to call you wife. That is year's from now and I think you need to quit squirming on Marc's lap or he may think your interested."  I had seen that Marc was biting the inside of his cheek and his face getting more and more strained.

Shaimar fairly leaped off Marc's lap and sat beside Navitas. " Urag said that he thought I should follow my heart to what I want to be the most." She looked at Navitas, "and that is to be like you, but I..well I don't think I could be a single warrior among men."  Navitas shook her head.

"Oh, Sister. You must not have understood, I have two Heart-Sister's  that would love you. When they get back, we will talk about you joining us, IF you want to." Shaimar tilted her head and had a very contemplative look on her face.

"I do not understand exactly what it is you mean by Heart-Sister, if they are not of your clan?" Navitas shook her head.

"Azul is an Imperial, Nic is a Bosmer, they went to the Imperial City to see if they could find a cure for the Vampirism that Azul caught. Then they may go to Valenwood to visit Nic's family. We started out in the same Imperial training company and have been together through vampire hunts, bounty hunting and many other things. We decided that if my mate can't except them, not necessarily as wife, but as Sister and the same for their perspective mates, then we would not marry." Shaimar's smile lit the tent.

"This is what I want, yes to have a family that Love's me for me, not because of my body proportions."  I coughed and got their attention.

"That is one of the thing's that I want in my Stronghold, the ability for everyone to do as they wish, not as tradition dictates. The only thing traditional I want is the Strength, Honor and sense of self that the Stronghold's give. Our people are strong, but they will not stay so, not with our strongest women leaving and sometimes it isn't the strongest male that win's, but the one with the most cunning."

" Our crafting skill's are among the best and highly sought after. But how many of our best smith's never return to a Stronghold? They don't want to be one wife among many, but they want children, so we call them "City Orc's" and all in the Stronghold's think them weak. I do not think City Orc's are weak and I think we will prove to the other Strongholds that "tradition" has many faces"

"For now Ladies and Gentleman, I think sleep is in order. Marc, I think it's your watch, wake me in three hours and I'll take over." He nodded and understood, I knew it would be a while before he'd get back to sleep, I had been in that state before.


The storm lasted another two days and in that time we went over the notes that we had written, reading them to each other, Navitas or Marc taking notes. Each of us coming up with idea's that would work with the concept that I wanted in a Stronghold. Tradition, tempered with innovation, Strength with honor and compassion. How we would go about making ourselves even more self reliant that most "traditional" Strongholds, they had blind spot's, that we would open to the light and chase the cobweb's out of.

I knew I had chosen rightly, having Marc along, having him as a core member of our Stronghold. Having Navitas and her Heart-Sister's was one of the most important thing's that I will work towards. I knew i needed the kind's of people that could do the thing's that a town or village could do. That was one of the major problem's with the "Traditional" Strongholds, the touted being self-reliant but had to get food-stuff's and cloth from outside. We would change that.

The Calm Before the Storm pg 12

We sold our loot in Windhelm and then got word of a bounty on the road to Winterhold, so we bought what supplies we might need and headed out. Some Bandits had taken over a Fort that was left with just a bare crew, because of the Civil War. When we got there we found some Chiss had already taken out the bandits. We had been hired to clear the fort and it really didn't matter who was in it.

It was a very hard-fought battle and even though we cleared the Fort, we were all wounded pretty badly. Marcurio healed Navitas but gave the rest of us potions, she was the least wounded and went off to find the Imperial camp that was close by and have them come and re-occupy the Fort.

Shaimar, Marcurio, and I piled the Chiss bodies on a pyre and Marcurio made sure it burned so that nothing was left but ashes. What Imperial bodies we found, we covered with tarps and took to the cellar so that they might be identified and sent back to their relations.

I set one of the room's up as a bathing room, using a huge mead vat as a tub, we built a fire that would stay well below the water line and melted blocks of Ice that we used the horses to skid in. When it was nice and hot, Shalimar tried it out first and then Marcurio and I.. changed out the water for when Navitas came back and she was more than thrilled to take a hot bath in the warm room.

We left early the next morning after getting the bounty paid off by the Captain that took over the Fort. It was still a couple days' ride to Winterhold. The ride to Winterhold was pretty uneventful after that, a couple Snow Bear's, that Marcurio threw calm at and one close flyby of a dragon, who decided that something along the coast was more interesting.

An Elf woman stood at the gate to the College and said that I could not pass unless I had something to offer the College. I told the woman I didn't know any spells and as far as I knew had no magic at all. I told her all I wanted was to speak to the Librarian and that if I could not go to him, could she leave a message with him to come to us at the Inn?

The next thing I knew Marcurio was pushing past the four of us, the Elf took one look at him and went, "Oh, the Orcs are with you?" Marcurio said yes, but that it shouldn't matter, it was a college, not a coven, unless they had changed over the years. The woman's skin went a darker gold, which I guess was the way Altmer blushed.

We followed Marcurio through the college grounds like a pack of wolves, some of the students flattening themselves against the wall as we passed by. I looked at one of the frightened students and smiled at her in reassurance, but she made a sound of a frightened mouse and fled in the opposite direction. Marcurio stopped and looked at us, he grinned like a fool, but in a firm tone said that we probably shouldn't smile at the children.

We got to the Library and talked to Urag Gro-Shub who had much to tell us when I finished explaining what it was that I wanted. Shaimar had a very contemplative look on her face, she asked Urag many questions as he walked around gathering some books. He was very patient with her and answered everything. When he was done walking about he set the book's on the counter and said that these were all he had on our people.

We were not allowed to take them out of the Library, Navitas, Marcurio and I spent the next week reading the books and taking notes. Shaimar sat next to Urag and asked many more questions, when she was not asking him questions, he would ask her questions, which lead to her asking more. I think she learned as much about our people now, as we learned about our people's cultures and how each differed and each was similar.

Urag asked us if we could do him a favor and collect some books that had been "borrowed" and not returned, we could send them back by courier if we had no plans to come back soon. He would write to the Librarian in The Imperial City and ask if they had any further information about Orc culture. We agreed and set off the next morning to retrieve some books, the payment, and information, which was priceless.

We traveled the coastline and had made it a day past Dawnstar, with Solitude still two or three days away, when Marc said we needed to make camp early and gather as much firewood as possible. He pointed out to sea, and I noticed the waves, grey heavy looking and rolling in huge swells beyond the breaks, but the sky was a clear blue, the wind almost non-existent.

I shook my head but then noticed a thin line blacker than the water, a thin blur on the horizon. It got bigger as I looked. We headed at a faster pace up to the tree line, where I could see some large boulders above the highest of water lines. When we got there I could see they were just large enough for both tents to be set up. After stripping the packs and saddles off two of the horses, I gave some direction to get us all moving.

"Navitas, take the horses back to the spring we saw I think if you go a bit upland, it will flow faster and be clear. Shaimar go with her but see if you can use your bow and get us some fresh meat, we have a lot of dried stuff, but fresh will go over better. Marc, you and I will set the tents, first let's dig a pit and line it with some of those stones."

 Marc and I set to and got the fire pit dug and set the tent's up to face each other with the pit in the middle. Both sides of the tents were close to the boulders, but one side was far enough off to get the horses through one at a time. After thinking about it, Marc set up a privy in the horse's tent, as we had not put the floor down, he also put up a ward to keep the top of the overlapping tent canopy's from burning as we had put in half log's first and you could see the flames spread out along the ward.

The women came back with water and a deer, which would hold us through the worst of the storm with fresh meat, the storm would supply some water, even if it had a slight salt tang. We were all set, after that, we threw sand up against the ends of the tents and then some beach stones. Navitas and I then headed up with Shyla and quickly cut some of the tall grass, piling it in two canvas pieces then rolling it all up and placing it like a pack over her back. It would keep them for a day or so, hopefully, the storm would blow out before then.

We got Shyla into the tent and the final "wall" up between the tents,  just as the storm hit. We all hunkered down and I finally had a chance to ask Marc how he know about the storm. His mouth Quirked to the side and he said, " I would love to say magic, but truthfully, I spent time as ships mage as an apprentice. One of the things that I learned was the signs of a storm at sea, the bigger the storm, the longer one has to prepare or go around. On shore, it isn't exactly the same, but some of the signs are there."

We ate dinner and decided to sleep early, each of us taking turns keeping the fire going.

Book's and Reading pg 11

Atub called us to the alter the next morning, as we were heading out. A different Warhammer was sitting on the altar and Atub said that she thought we should take it. I took it down but then handed it to Shiamar, she got a huge smile on her face and she took off her harness and adjusted it so that the new one would fit.

She and Navitas walked out of the Stronghold admiring the workmanship on her new weapon. I thanked Atub and Gularzob for their hospitality and walked out to where Marcurio was holding Shyla, both women already in the saddle.

"Navitas, how are our funds? Do we need to work on a bounty or treasure hunt?" I had let her keep track of our gold, as she seemed to be better with the merchants than I was. She laughed.

"That's depending on how fast you want to buy your land. We have about half the money, the Chiss carry some very valuable items."  I caught the "we", as far as I was concerned that was fine.

"Half the money huh? Well, then we need to get a bit more. How many more chiefs do I need to talk to?"

"Three more, but I also had an idea, we should talk to the Librarian at the College, he's an Orc and knows our history better than anyone." Navitas looked over at me with a happy look, but just beyond her shoulder, Shiamar looked a bit confused.

"An Orc... Librarian? Books, you mean he can read? On Orc?!" Shiamar sounded very surprised, Navitas looked at me and narrowed her eyes in warning, and I wisely stayed quiet.

" Kurdan and I both can read, I can read  Nord and Imperial, Kurdan reads Nord and Orcish...."  Navitas had not even finished her sentence when Shiamar started speaking over her.

"My father had always said that books were useless, that there was nothing in them that I could not learn by listening to our Wise Woman, and that anything she did not know, I did not need to know."  Navitas started off with Shiamar right beside her the two of them had their head's as close as it was possible while on horseback.  I looked at Marcurio and shrugged, he shook his head and we rode in silence.

Later that evening we sat at the entrance of a Dwemer ruin only it didn't look much like it was in ruins, just disused. We debated on camping inside or outside but ultimately decided that it would be safer for us and the horses if we camped outside. The ladies were off to the side, talking quietly to each other. I pulled out the Chiss letter and opened it, then the ring and put it on, the ink on the paper was still a jumbled mess I could not read, so I handed it to Marcurio.  He opened the letter but shook his head, then I handed him the ring and told him what it was.

He read the letter and I could follow along because he mouthed the words as he read. He looked startled when he finished.

"How many times have you been attacked?"

"Because of the bounty on Navitas? That is hard to say, we have been attacked four or five times in the past couple of months, but twice by what we could term assassins or bounty hunters. Here, this is the first letter I pulled off of those that attacked us. I didn't give it to the Dunmer that read that letter to us, but if you're going to be part of us, you need to know." I handed the letter across to him and he opened it up. He read through the letter quietly and then looked up grimly.

" This one says that Navitas is to be brought in alive, for questioning if possible, dead if not."   It was as much as I figured, but did not make me any happier. Marcurio went to hand me back the ring and I told him to keep it, it didn't do me any good and he could read all the letters and journal's that we found.

We gathered a lot of Dwemer metal from the ruin, all of it loose or pieces of automated creatures, that had attacked us. Weapons, gems, and other things that Marcurio and Navitas said were worth money to someone. After two trips back to the surface to bring up our loot and to sleep, the last room had nothing in it of note, but a couple of the rooms right before that had much in the way of dinnerware, which Marcurio and Navitas both said we could sell for a very good price. I liked the look of it and maybe not these, but I would like to get a set for my table.

We headed to Windhelm to sell all our loot, the horses loaded down, so that we walked into town, stopping in a small town to camp. I said nothing when Navitas took Shaimar off to the side each night with a book and the two of them talked in hushed tones. It was good that Shaimar wanted to learn to read. Navitas told me that one of the Orc Strongholds was just up the path from the inn we stopped at, but that we should wait and go up after we had visited Windhelm.

A Different kind of Tribe pg 10

We spent the day in Windhelm at the Candle Hearth Inn, Navitas needed some time to heal and rest, the horses needed new shoes and I used the time to mend and upgrade our armor. I also worked on some new Armor for Navitas, it would not be done by the time we left here, but I crafted all the pieces that I could and the links to piece them together. I went and inquired about hiring the carriage to Riften, that would be easier on Navitas and I could work more on her armor.

The end of the week saw us at the Riften Gate, as it was early evening, we decided to spend the night at the Inn instead of heading straight to Fort Dawnguard. Navitas talked to the Innkeeper and rented us rooms and a meal and asked if I was still interested in hiring a mage. I nodded yes and told her that I thought the old Dunmer's idea of fighting magic with magic was not a bad Idea. She got up from the table and walked over to an imperial in fancy robes, they chatted for a moment and then walked over to our table and sat down.

"Kurdan, this is Marcurio, he's a wizard. Mercenary by trade" Navitas looked at the Imperial and nodded toward me.

"With the Chiss around, I won't contract on as a single guard, it's just too hazardous. A great many of the merc bands have either left or been absorbed into a city guard, they don't want more than one wizard right now. Navitas says that you want to start your own Stronghold, very admirable and something that I would not mind helping with." he paused for a moment, looked me with an odd look, and then finished with " If you are willing to allow a Human as a full member of your tribe, I would be willing to use my skills both now and in defense of that Stronghold."  Before I could answer Navitas started talking again.

"Kurdan, I never outright said that I would join your Stronghold, mostly because I won't be a part of a "traditional" one. My Heart-Sisters are a Bosmer and an Imperial, I could never be a part of something they were not.  You seem to have some ideas that are not traditional, does that extend to non-Orc's being part of the Stronghold, not just tolerated as "blood-siblings" but as full members?."

I looked down at the table for a moment and thought quickly, I knew I did not want "traditional", but allowing non-Orcs as full members of my Tribe. I looked back up at Navitas and realized, that was exactly what I wanted and more to the point, needed. I needed the diversity that many different peoples would bring.

" Marcurio, you have yourself a new home, when it's built of course. Welcome to the Tribe. Navitas, you and your Heart-Sisters are more than welcome, even if Azul does not manage to cure her Vampirism, of course making snacks out of her family would not be nice. You may marry or not as you wish, I can only ask that you bring in a male that will contribute to the good of the Tribe."

The trip to Fort Dawnguard and back to Riften was quiet and mostly uneventful. Marcurio was ready to go with us by then, having found and bought a horse. We headed to Largashbur, as Navitas had heard that they were having some difficulty and that the Chief was not inclined to listen, had in fact told all the Tribe on threat of exile that they could not leave the stronghold.

We met with Atub and she said that she needed some supplies to perform a ceremony to find out why Malacath was angry with them. Navitas had already informed me of what she would need, because the Chief would not allow us back in once we had those things, better to bring them in the first place.

We ended up agreeing to help the Chief clean some giants from Malacath's shrine, which I would have done anyway, but it seemed a test of the Chief's honor, but we agreed to meet him at the cave entrance. We camped for the night but noticed that the Yamarz and another Orc left in the middle of the night.

When we got to the cave entrance, Chief Yamarz was already there and my eyes almost fell out of my head, when I saw the female standing next to him. The bits of metal she was wearing could not really be called armor and barely covered her considerable assets. I must have been staring more obviously than I thought because Navitas came up from behind me and thumped me on the shoulder and said I was going to end up in a fight over a female with the Chief if I didn't quit drooling. Marcurio coughed as Navitas went by us both and said, " If ever there was a female Orc to drool over, she would be it."

We made it to the chief who put his arm around the girl and gave me a look that said "Mine".   I shrugged my shoulders, the girl had the right to be with whoever she chose and obviously, she was with him at the moment.  I had the feral urge to knock the smug look off his face as they turned around and walked into the cave.  I could not help but notice, the lack of... of... well anything but a couple leather straps, that held the bits of metal to the front, as she walked away.

"That is one fine ass". Marcurio whispered to me. I grunted and silently cursed the part of my anatomy that noticed how the leather disappeared between the muscled curves of that very fine ass. He had not whispered low enough, Navitas came up between us and smacked us both on the back of our heads.

"Hey, I didn't say anything!" She looked at me in disgust.

"It's not what you didn't say, it's what you were thinking! Males.. that girl is barely old enough to be out hunting, but her father gave her to Chief Yamarz like a prized heifer!.

"Fine, he comes out of this alive and I'll kill him for you and you can invite her into our tribe as another Heart-Sister, to come and go as she pleases." Marcurio was snickering.

The look she cast over her shoulder, had it been a fire spell, would have left me one crispy Orc. We followed her into the Cave and killed a couple Giants in the first area. The girl was standing on a ledge, looking deeper into the cave, and we could see Chief Yamarz nowhere. At our footsteps, she turned and looked at us.

" He left me, He drank some kind of potion and was gone.. he left me to fight that giant all by myself. I am glad you came in when you did, it was more than I could handle by myself." Navitas walked over and gave the girl a hug.

"You can come with us, we promised to help him clear the shrine, but the promise was more to Malacath than to the Chief.  Why are you here with him? I know your father sent you to Chief Yamarz, but you don't look like a trained warrior." She looked down and her shoulders drooped.

" I know, I look like a Chief's favorite wife, his young play toy, the one every other wife hates. I can not help the way my body is formed." she plucked at the armor, " Chief Yamarz said he would allow me time to learn a warrior or guard's profession if I would wear the armor he brought and watch his back this day."

Naviatas dug into her pack and pulled out her hunting armor and handed it to the girl. " It isn't as protective as full armor, but it will probably be warmer than what you are wearing. You can use that hammer yes? Oh, and we can't just call you girl, what is your name?"

"Thank you, yes I can and my name is Shaimar."

"Well Shaimar, I am Navitas and this is Kurdan and Marcurio."

Shaimar proved that she could use her Warhammer, in fact, she was very good with it. The Armor Navitas had given her, did not hide all of her umm charms, but they did cover them much better. We killed four or five giants with no sign of Chief Yamarz, Marcurio said he must have taken an invisibility potion. When we finally saw him, he was standing on what looked to be the final trail down to Malacath's Shrine.

He wanted us to kill the last Giant, but I refused, not for any amount of gold, this was his challenge from Malacath himself, not ours. We stood on a ledge overlooking the pocket valley the Shrine was in. Shaimar had her hand fisted and against her mouth, I looked at Navitas and then at the girl and she walked over and put her arm around her. I edged Marcurio and I a small distance from the women and heard Navitas start talking to Shaimar in a low tone.

The Chief failed, we did not, but all of us let the girl get the last blow in. Malacath started talking to us and said that we should take Shagrol's Warhammer back to Largashbur. I told Shaimar that she could carry the hammer back, she was happy to do so, but upon giving it to Atub, who rewarded us well. Atub said that Shaimar could stay as a warrior or first wife to the next chief if she choose to. She shook her head and said no.

" No, I think I will travel with my new Heart-Sister and become a member of Kurdan's new Stronghold."  I smiled at the girl when she turned and looked at me.

"Welcome to the tribe Sister."  She gave me a coy look through her lashes.

" I would not go that far...Chief".  It seemed I had at least eight members of my new stronghold and it wasn't even built yet.

A bump in the Road pg 9

We were not even a half a day out of Dawnstar when  the snow started falling, it wasn't a blizzard, but decreased our visability, we were in the tree's when they hit, three of the Chiss. The mage was the biggest problem, throwing spells at us faster than we could dodge, the sharp coldness of ice spikes slowed me down as I went after the mage. The other two disappeared into what looked like a cloud of black birds and reappeared one on either side of Navitas.

I had to turn my concentration to the mage as he hit me with another powerful spell, I had a thought and ducked behind a tree for a moment and felt in my pouch for one of the rings that I had looted and that the Priest of Mara said was an amulet of magic resistance and then I dug down deep inside and called all the rage energy an Orc has and ran at the mag as fast as I could.

The Nordic Greatsword I had taken off of one of the Bandit's lopped off the mages head in one slice. I then ran back to Navitas, who was on the ground, both Chiss closing in. I placed myself between them and her, it was hard to keep my eye's on them, as they used some kind of magic to cloud themselves. I ignored where they went and concentrated on where they wanted to go, I stayed by Navitas.

Luck held as a patrol came across us, two members of the Dawnguard and a Vigilant of Stendar. When the Chiss attackers were dead, the Vigilant went over to Navitas and offered her a potion and used a healing spell and she soon looked a little less pale.

I and the two Dawnguard members rummaged through the dead Chiss and then went back to where Navitas and the Vigilant were sitting. The Vigilant laid out a cloak and we dumped everything except the bloody armor and weapons, those we placed beside the cloak.

One of the Dawnguard, a Dunmer that looked old enough to be a contemporary of my Father, which meant old enough to have known my Great-great Grandfather, picked up all the letters and upon opening one grimaced and then pulled a ring out of his pouch. At the same time the Vigilant waved a hand over the small items, which included a lot of jewelry, she gasped then started sorting things out in different piles.

When the Dunmer was finished reading he asked if I would like to read the letters myself or just wanted him to give us a brief summary. I told him he could read the letters, he laughed and said just as well, he wasn't sure the Translation ring would work on someone with little magic.

"Well ...hmmm. " He looked at Navitas and asked if that was her name, when she replied yes, he went on. " It seems your traveling companion really made the Chiss Admiral  angry and angry may be to mild a word. He has put out a "death on sight" bounty to all Chiss, but only to his own people so far. Young Lady you need to tell Isran about this, I know you have been put on special projects, but he still needs to know. They have already attacked some of the Dawnguard and Vigilants, but from what I have heard anyone is fair game to these people. "

The Vigilant explained which jewelry was enchanted and with what, their was a translation enchant on one of the rings, so I kept that one, even if it didn't work for me, I could get someone else to use it. We split the value of the items between us, though because of the horses, Navitas and I took the weapons and armor.

The third Dawnguard member had been setting up camp, the tent they had plus ours, was big enough that we could share and had a partition so that the ladies could have a bit of privacy.  Around the fire that night we talked about these invaders and where they might have come from. Navitas told the story of how she had helped a young Chiss girl get away from the Admiral, she had been a spy posing as a servant girl.

The Stendar Vigilant gave us some of her observations about them, that they always traveled in groups three or larger and almost always had a mage or spellsword type with them.  Her advice was to hire a mage, because it was often the case of the best way to fight fire, was with ice.

We helped with cleaning up the camp the next morning and then left, making it to Windhelm just before nightfall.

Nightmares Chapter 8

Navitas made the suggestion after we had taken care of the house to travel to Dawnstar and talk to the Jarl that owned the land in the area I wanted to put the Strong hold in. I figured we could find a bounty or two in that Hold maybe another kind of job. It was short trip up the mountain to get to the house, it sat on a trail that was near Iverstead, so that might be a good town to do some trading in, order supplies from the local hunter.

Two days saw the house to rights, Navitas said that we had it as clean as we could, we draped the furniture in dust cloths again and left. The trip to Dawnstar took two weeks, bandit's  attacking slowed us down, but assured we entered town with enough loot to add coin to our purses. We traded that off and bought some better furs than we had come north with, the thinner ones we had selling right away to a group that was heading to Solitude for a wedding.

The Jarl would not speak with us, the steward saying that all business other than the Civil War was to be put on hold until such a time as someone did something about the Nightmares everyone was having. So we went to the Inn and rented a room, with two beds, then went out and listened to some of the local women complain about their nightmares to a Priest.

We watched them walk away, not happy with the answers he was able to give. I picked up my dinner and walked to our room and ate at the table in there, I wanted to think without the local Bard caterwauling in my ear..

From what the women had said, the nightmares just started, they had not mentioned anything that would cause people to have bad dreams, so. The Priest was giving them the run around, not really answering their questions, just reassuring them. He knew something, but what? Not a Divine... huh, a Deadric Prince? Yeah, that sounded about right, which meant he had a solution or something that he wanted to try, but maybe needed a strong sword arm for. I would ask him in the morning.

I found out the next morning and wished I had not asked, because this Priest of Mara not only wanted my help, but as we stood in front of the place he called Night Caller Temple, he told me all of the truth he had hidden the day before and also said that Navitas could not come with us.

Two hours later I was even more unhappy with him, he was not a warrior at all, the mace he carried was more for show. The Bandit's that had been gassed to sleep along with the worshipers of Namira, were none to happy to see either of us. The Worshipers and Priests were as inept as Eurander and easy to deal with. The Orc Bandit's, they on the other hand were warriors and much harder to deal with.

He destroyed a Staff that had been used as a Locus for the Deadric Prince to spread nightmares and then said he would be more than happy to help me in any way he could. I thanked him and then headed out of the Temple, where Navitas was waiting.

"Well Kurdan, I love your new armor, it's all spiky, you could always run into any enemies and impale them on it." I grunted as I dug into Shyla's pack for a healing potion. " Of course you could have your old armor back if you want it, a bandit ran out of the Temple with a sack of loot, including your armor and sword. I'm not sure I even want to ask." I guzzled down the potion and grimaced at the foul taste, but I could already feel the small cuts knitting together.

"That Priest was no kind of warrior and it's Mara's own Luck that neither of us were killed." I looked over and grabbed the bag that Navitas was holding out and then rummaged through my gear for some underclothing. Damn only one set left and I know I had blood smeared neck to toe.  I stuffed my cloths in the bag with my armor and tied it to Shayla's saddle. " Navitas, I think a bath in Dawnstar before I put on my armor." with that I sung onto Shayla and headed to town.

"Sounds good to me" I could hear the laughter in her voice, It wasn't bad armor, the craftsmanship was excellent, but it was heavy and I had no where near the flexibility of my own armor. I would clean it then sell it.

We sat in one of the tubs, hot water to the neck, warm mead in tankards with food ordered for when we got out. The other tub's dirty water was draining, the Innkeeper had said to wash in one tub and soak in the other. While I was at it and after Navitas had finished cleaning and was soaking, I had washed myself and my underclothes. I would wear soft breech's and a loose shirt til the morning.

"Navitas, once we talk to the Jarl in the Morning and if he is agreeable to sell the land, I think it is time to start talking to the Stronghold chiefs. While I don't need their approval, I do need their good will so that I can draw in some good warriors." I heard her sigh and the water splash just a bit.

"Sound's like a plan, we can sell the thing's you looted and then get a good days rest while we re-provision and then head out the next day, barring bad weather.

Preparations pg 7

Kurdan Gro-Olar,
     I hope this letter finds you well. Your Birth Mother and I are almost at our wit's end, the males have taken to raiding     more and more. They are outside the Law, they say they wish     your brother to go on raid's, as a look out only, but still     they would take him outside the Law before he is at the age of   consent. 
      I have slowly shipped off all the females to other         strongholds to foster, that were young enough that your         brother could not arrange a marriage. The other females here     are all either Guards, Hunters or your Brothers wives. Those     that are guards and hunters are only staying because I ask. We   are asking that you find us some kind of home, something that   will shelter us and offer protection from the elements. The     guards and hunters will see us to this home and if their is     enough room, perhaps stay and keep to the duties that they       know best.
      If it is in a city, so be it, though we both would prefer   the wilds. We will make the best of it, until you are able to   build your Stronghold.
                                 
                      Keenya Gra-Olar,
                        

        I re-read the short letter and then passed it to Navitas to read. She grunted as she finished the letter and handed it back. I knew I did not yet have enough gold to buy one of the City homes, the Steward had quoted me a price on the one in Whiterun and it was a small home. 

"Kurdan? If you will, Nic inherited a home, it is not down on the plains, but up in the wooded cliff's. She suggested that it might make a good place for your family if they had to come before you build your Stronghold. As long as a few hunters and guards stay, your family would be safe. The home has wall's on two sides and mountain on the other two. "  I stood their looking down at her for a moment, thinking if this would be a good thing.

"But will Nic not want her home when she returns? I do not know how long it will take to win favor and buy the land for the Stronghold, let alone build the Stockade and at least one stone building where all may sleep."  I could see the twinkle in her eye's as she answered that.

"Oh yes, I am sure she will, but she and Azul will not be coming strait back from getting the cure for Azul. Nic wishes to see the Walking Tree's in Velenwood again and visit family.  It will be a while before they come back, you will have time to at least do the minimum. Besides which, she can  stay with friends here or at the Families Tree in Falkreath. "

" I will except the offer and say thank you to you...as your Sister of the Heart is not here. Do you think we should go look at it before I write to my Birth and Heart Mother's?"

"No, write them, send Gold with a courier and mayhap some supplies for their travels, but left at the Hunter's camp that you told me of. Then tomorrow we will go and look at the house and see to any repairs and cleaning that needs to be done. We can order food stuff to be delivered when you have a date around when they might arrive."

Mother of my Heart and Mother of my Birth,
                I have a house that you may come to and live, for a time until  I may have our            Strong hold built. Their is enough room for Guards and Hunters, though they may have          to share space. Come as you may, I will be leaving to do any cleaning and needed                  repairs  to the house. When you get to Markarth, please feel free to stay a day or so, but          send a courier to Whiterun and I will know to return and await your arrival.
                This courier has gold and has left supplies at a hunters camp I marked on the map    he will give you. Go to markarth, as I am afraid my Brother may take the money that I am        giving to him to give to you, I will leave enough there for you for lodging and food and to          make the trip to Whiterun. 
                 Please be safe and make your best speed here.

                                                                         Kurdan Gro-Olar


Navitas and I left for Nic's house, after I arranged with a courier for him to procure the supplies, along with a few pack horses and as I told him, gold that would be hidden inside the packs, so that when my Brother took the gold he would give to my Birth-Mother, she would have some. He would arrange for the supplies and pack horses in Markarth and then lead My Mothers back to Markarth from the Hunters camp.

The house was everything that Navitas had said, the wall's would not keep out a determined force, but it would still be easy to defend. It was large enough to work for a couple months to a year, but the longer it was the more strained it would be for the Ladies. I would work quicker, take more bounties, I wasn't sure but I had to do something.

More Bounties and a Letter Home Page 6

We sat on the step's of Half-moon Camp, all the bandit's were meeting which ever God they served. Our pack's were full of loot and there was still item's that we both knew we could sell for a good profit. Neither of us wanted to leave item's of value behind, but knew we could carry only so much. We had been debating the merit's of one item over the other, weight verses possible selling price and re-packing.

I finally got up and put all the excess items in a sack and hid them in a rock were we might be able to find them again and if not, not. Navitas handed me a plate of food and said better to travel in the stomach than on the back. I sat chewing on a piece of tender meat and looked out over the Tundra. This was the kind of view I wanted.

I thought of all the thing's Navitas had said, The men fought, strongest, most clever or meanest winning the right to be Chief and have multiple wives and children. The women though, the stronger ones left, leaving the weaker willed and lesser females to marry. This of course meant eventually even the males would become weaker, less strong willed and more likely less intelligent.

But our whole way of being, our culture revolved around the Strong-holds and Malacath's strictures. I'm not sure I could set aside the culture, family history and my belief's in Malacath to change so mush. What really needs changing though, bad breeding. Even the breeders of dog's know that strong male to strong female is the way to go, each having the trait's one desires. So if we are breeding strong males to weak females, then that is one of the main things that needs to change.

"Navitas, how much change do you think that a new Strong-hold can absorb?" She looked thoughtful for a few minutes and I let her think.

" I think a new Stronghold, with a strong leader, having picked the right followers from the start could absorb much more than an established stronghold. Why, what where you thinking?"

"I think you are right about only the weaker females staying with the strongholds, most  strong females leaving. So I would need to entice strong females, but I don't think one chief could have more than one strong willed mate, unless it was her choice. On the other side, only having one male and one female having children would soon make the Stronghold's population decrease quickly." I paused for a second and went on.

" That would mean more than one male with a mate, just those two things are a huge change. But I do want some things to stay the same, independence being  top of the list. We need to be a strong independent People, some of our traditions are good. We have the finest Blacksmiths and alchemist's on Nirn, but if the best of our women are leaving, then we will eventually loose the finest of our crafts people. " I gathered my thoughts and turned so that I was looking her strait in the eyes.

"So I am asking you, what would it take to entice a strong woman, someone as strong minded, battle tested and Intelligent as you to come back to or join a Stronghold?" I will not say I held my breath, but I watched her closely to make sure she wasn't planning on pulling her sword because I insulted her.  She did not look angry, which was good, just thoughtful.

"I am no smith to want to be Forge Wife, nor am I good enough with Herbs and Potions to be a Wise Woman, I have no desire to care for all the children in the Stronghold or spend my days in front of a hot oven, so Hearth Wife is also out. I do not have the disposition to be a Chief's plaything and last wife and quite frankly I can have lovers or a husband outside the Stronghold, so being a guard and celibate in one, also would not suit." She looked at me hard and then down at the steps between our feet.

" I think our traditions are good, though and would consider a Stronghold and husband that would let me be me, not have to worry about being something I am not. I would consider joining a stronghold that had traditional values, but with out all the restrictions that women are under. I think if you truly want a home for your younger Brother to prosper and not worry about fighting or being killed to prevent him from challenging and you wish a home for your Heart and Birth Mother's, you should build a stronghold."

"But I think you should start as you mean to go along. What I mean is, here you must buy or be granted land from the Jarl, with favors done for that Jarl, you can become a Thane, then the Land isn't like other Orc Strongholds, it won't be up for the strongest to win a fight. Of course I myself would never settle anywhere the Sister's of my Heart would not be welcome with their families, so I am not sure a Stronghold would be the place for me anyway."

"You are talking something more like a military Fort, a Stronghold and a small village all mixed together?" I went on when she nodded. " That is not really a bad idea, the discipline of a Fort, the Training and hmmm make it non leathal, competition of a Stronghold and the community of a small village. I have stayed in villages back home that the people were mixed in the races, but each family true to their race, it was a very friendly place and it's what made me want something better. You have given me much to think on, "

We made it to Whiterun not long before the shop's closed for the night, but sold off everything without to much loss of coin, when we didn't haggle. We decided to wait til morning to see the Steward, as he might have another job for us.

The gossip we heard that night about the Chiss gave me pause about bringing my family here until our Stronghold was built and strong, but I would let my Birth-Mother know and she could choose the when of coming.

             Brie Gra-Olar
                    Beloved Mother of my Birth and Heart, I have made it to Skyrin and found the province full of potential, but also full of chaos, the perfect place for a strong Orc to make a name. I have not as yet made enough of a name for myself to ask the advice of the Chief's of the Strongholds here. I have met a female Orc and we  are helping each other while her Heart-Sisters are away to their homes. She is the kind of female that I would want for a Wife, but she like many of our strongest young females has no use for a traditional Stronghold.  In this I can not say that I blame her, as I think she feel's the same as you.
                   The land has so many dangers, that I am wondering when a good time will be to bring you here, I know I would prefer when the Stronghold defenses are at least built, better to live in-side the wall's in tent's than in separate buildings that are not completely defensable. Also, we will need at least one stone walled and fire-proff building, it seem's that dragons have returned and wood buildings would not be the best place for the frail and young to take shelter.
                    I have decided to buy the land and earn the right to do so from the Jarl's of this province. This seem's the best way for me to "own" the land and make the changes that I would like. I will write more, when I get further along.
                     You have my Heart and prayers, keep safe.
                                                                  Kurdan Gro-Olar

Collecting Bounties page 5

I had fallen asleep right in the middle of my thoughts, but that was fine, the next day dawned sunny and cold, but no ice lingered on the ground. We were able to leave the tower and head back to Whiterun. The pack's of loot we carried were heavy and I missed Shyla, but it wasn't a long walk and it gave more time to think.

I liked the Tundra, the wide open vistas, the grassland would be perfect for a small horse herd. I would have to see about some land, but first find the right area. Water, good soil for planting. a good ore vein for mining, wood for harvesting and easily defensible, that was very important. I would keep my eye's open.

We stopped as we rounded a bend, two mages were fighting each other, one throwing firebolts the other ice spikes. Navitas stopped right beside me and chuckled, then said five septim's on the fire mage wining. So we watched as the two went back and forth, neither seeming to get the upper hand. About the time we both started shifting, getting tired of waiting a roar from above drew our attention.

The dragon flew in from over the mountain and hovered above the two mages and spat a green goo at the two of them. The Ice mage as slightly quicker and put up a shield that caused the goo to pass around him, the Fire mage was covered and soon fell to the ground dead.

Navitas and I looked at each other and backed up slowly, trying not to draw the dragon's attention. We made it to a huge hollowed log when we heard the dragon coming closer, Navitas hurried into the log, pushing her pack ahead of her. I went in backwards and kept my pack in front of me in case the dragon landed, I could protect us at least partly.

When I felt her hand on my hip I stopped and hunkered down. When the dragon flew overhead, I watched and then crawled toward the opening and watched as it swooped down by the river and then kept flying in that direction. I sat down where I was and rested my head against the tree.

Navitas crawled up beside me and looked out. We both heard the dragon in the far distance, I moved to get out and then helped her out also. When we got to where the mages were we looked at them both, Naviatas elbowed me in the rib's and said the Ice Mage lasted longer, I laughed when she handed over the five septims. We hurried on our way to Whiterun, walls may not stop a dragon from flying overhead, but they would make us both feel a bit safer.

We sold off our loot, went and got the bounty money for the bandit's and told the Steward about the Chiss being there. He shook his head and said he would let the Jarl know, but was glad we had taken care of them, as they were worse than the bandit's.

I grunted at the prospect of another night on the floor when Hulda said she only had one room, but it would be warm and dry if not the most comfortable. We took our meal on the balcony that overlooked the common room and talked about what we needed to do. Running or hiding was not an Orc's way to deal with anything, but in that case it was the prudent thing to do, Navitas agreed with that, though I still felt the coward.

We decided to work on our armor and to get some charm's and wards against the things that we felt the dragons might use. Fire, Frost, Lightning and Poison, we had seen that one in action. Those would of course help us with mages also.

We came out from our bargaining with the Court Wizard and I had to laugh we both had more gold, silver and jewel's hanging off our bodies than a Chief's favorite wife. Navitas had even had her ear's pierced to get more charms. I felt the fool enough with what I was wearing, but the wizard said each charm had to touch the body and should not be to close to another. Well most mercenaries did carry their wealth around their neck's, what wasn't invested in armor and weapons. We were acting the Mercenary by taking bounties, so.

We left town with another bounty and hope that we would not run into anymore dragons. I had never seen any at home and how many of the large beast's could Skyrim carry and not be stripped of game?

Working Together pg 4

After speaking to the Steward and getting my bounty money, I stopped and talked to the Jarl's brother Hrongar. We discussed the arrival of these Chiss, he and his brother were both worried about them, though the Jarl had more pressing matter's on his hands. He and a few others were tasked with keeping an eye and ear out to see what they were up to, he asked me to do the same and let him know.

I was about to take my leave when a female Orc walked up, she was wearing the armor of the Dawnguard. Hrongar introduced us and when Navitas told him that is was actually me she wished to speak with, he took his leave. I asked what it was I could do for her.

She like I needed someone to watch her back, the Chiss were attacking travelers indiscriminately and it was getting so that they were more dangerous than the Vampires that she was hunting for the bounties. It turned out the her "Sister of the heart" had been turned and she along with another of her Heart Sisters had been bounty hunting, like me. The three of them doing very well, but now, the other two were headed for Cyrodill  Azul  knew someone there that knew of a cure, she did not trust the man in Morthal.

They would be back, but it might take some time, with the Empire stopping everyone at the border. We came up with a plan, they had already gotten a bounty, some bandits hold up in a fort that was meant to safe-guard the road where harassing travelers for a toll. The four of us would go clear the tower, but the other two would hang back and only help if Navitas and I needed the help.

A strange sight, we stood off at a distance and watched the Chiss attack the bandits. I rolled my shoulders and looked back at the Ladies and asked Navitas what she thought. She lifted one shoulder elegantly and dropped it, then said that we should give them a moment and then approach the tower, if they attacked, well the bounty did say "clear the tower".

And attack they did, even though I held my hand's up and tried not to startle the man turned, with his weapon drawn and came at me with blood in his eye for Orc. Navitas stepped out to the side  and put a crossbow bolt right between his eyes and then the real fight began.

The Nic and Azul hung back, Nic firing arrow's at the Chiss across the bridge in the other tower, Azul lobbed fire balls at them. My swords dripped red blood by the time not a Chiss breathed. I did not feel bad about it and helped the women to loot the corpses and pack up the items.  Nic and Azul took the lightest of the loot, as they had a far piece to travel.

Navitas and I hunkered down, the other two thought they could make Darkwater Crossing, before a storm we could see on the horizon hit. Then, they were heading  in the direction the storm was going, we in the one it was coming from.

I stood in the doorway and watched as the storm rolled in off the plains, it was fierce and I only hoped the other two made it to town or a good cave, the lightning was striking hard. Navitas had made us some dinner and I ate it with gratitude, but quickly as I could feel the air getting damp and cooler and did not want the food cold. When finished I thanked her and picked both our plates up and washed them in a bucket of water.

We both looked at the bed with a grimace, neither of us wanted to chance the vermin that might be crawling around in it. So I found an ax, battle axe and chopped it to pieces.  She had found a broom and swept the area and then threw some kind of herb around, said it would deter the bugs. We spread our bedrolls out and the storm hit, if felt like the temperature dropped to near freezing.

I walked back to the doorway and watched for a moment, what had started as a light rain, was now a mix of rain and ice. I thought for a moment and felt Navitas come up beside me and look out at the storm. We stood there for a good long time, she said she hoped her friends were warm and dry at an Inn. I looked down at her and nodded, when she said she thought it would be snowing before mid-night.

We might be dry, but it would be freezing before morning. I thought about that for a moment, the walls were stone, but the floors old dry half rotted wood. Obviously lighting a fire on the wood wasn't a good idea, but the first floor with the stone floor, was a stream. The fire needed to be off the wood, I had an idea. I gathered the items I wanted.

First thing I did was put down some leather and  some of the plates I found around down, upside-down, then nestled a large shield so that it was stable and the "bowl" was up. I filled that with water and placed a large kettle in the bowl, the feet kept the kettle out of the water. I lit the fire inside the kettle, which was not far from where our feet would be.

Navitas looked at the fire and nodded, saying that was a clever way to keep us warm. It left a warm glow in the pit of my stomach to know that she approved of my innovation, not everyone would.

"You are not a traditional Orc?" I thought about that for a moment, what was tradition.

"No, I don't suppose I am, not in the way of most Strongholds." But I wanted a stronghold of my own, didn't I? I mulled over that in the silence, watching the shadow's play on the ceiling as the fire flickered.

"So Kurdan Gro-Olar, why did you come to Skyrim?"  That was an easier question, but the answer was no simpler.

" I came to make a name for myself, so that I could provide a home for my Heart-Mother and youngest brother. I have no doubt that I could, in the traditional manner kill my older brothers, but I have no desire to do so. That is not what I want to do. " She was quiet a minute and then said.

" Kurdan, at least you are thinking. Do you know what is most wrong with the Strong-holds? The Males fight, the strongest or most clever male is chief and has the right to take wives. But the most strong willed females, leave, sometimes to return, but more often than not the best of us don't"

I thought about that, she was right, how many Orc females left the Strong-hold, because they had no wish to be a third of fourth wife and treated like trash by their mate. I would not want that for a sister or a daughter, so where did that leave me? I got up and put more wood in the kettle and laid back down.

"Kurdan, other Mer and the Humans the males live together, with one chief or as they call them Jarl's, he rules but allows other males to have wives, if the woman will have him. I would not mind being part of a Strong-hold that allowed me to choose my own mate, weather it be the chief or a guard."

"That's a lot to think about, but I think you are right. All of my sisters left the strong-hold, most of my Aunts. My Oldest brother had two wives, both of them from other Strong-holds, neither very strong willed. My Birth-Mother and Heart-Mother were the most Strong-willed and they were both younger daughters of other Chiefs that had been brought up to want to be wives, have children."

She nodded and rolled over so that she was facing one of the doors and I rolled so I was facing the other. I didn't fall to sleep right away. I had much to think on, I wanted my Birth-Mother and younger brother to come to my home, but would she come to a non-traditional Strong-hold? I know it would be better for my Brother if he didn't have to fight me to get all those things we males were brought up to want to expect. If he was knew, because he saw, that he could earn those things on his own.

It would require much thought.... The Code of Malacath, this is something I would have to think about. We Stronghold bred and raised Orc's were the strongest of our peoples, of most peoples really. We fought for everything, that is the way we where raised, is it the right way. I did not want to change our people, I wanted them to be strong, but I also wanted a home that I could leave and not worry that I had to fight kin to get back into.

Huh.... that was something, my oldest brother couldn't leave the strong-hold unless he took the other two with him, for fear that they would set a trap on his return, but at the same time he had to take other warriors with him, that were loyal to him, so that neither brother could kill him. This is exactly the thing I did not want in my home.

Hmmm Also, my home Strong-hold was dying because the game had been over-hunted. My strong-hold or fort would need to be more self-sustaining. Just mining wasn't really working, Farm? Yes farm,  not just food to eat, but also food to sell and herbs. We Orc's had some of the best alchemists in our wise-women, why could they not, if they had enough ingredients , sell potions to help along with healing,

My First Days in Skyrim

I had been in Skyrim ten days, from the first look to now, the dangers had only gotten worse. And what a first look, one of the old barrow's, I had seen movement and thought that humans were down there up-keeping the tomb's of their ancestors. I was wrong, almost dead wrong, what I had seen was the walking dead. These Nord's should burn their honored dead and place the ashes in tombs, that way they stay were they belong.

I had removed their head's from their shoulders and then burned them, as I did not know which tomb they belonged to . The dead should stay dead. I never entered the Barrow, so I can only hope those dead aren't walking around.

Shyla and I camped not to far from the barrow, but as I had hoped far enough away that we were not disturbed during the night. Markarth was the closest town according to my map and that is where I had went first. I did not like the feel of the town and listened to the Innkeeper as I ate dinner and drank some ale slowly. I went over what I had heard as I lay on the hard bed, I did not like any of it. I did not think this was the Hold for me and my family, with one Orc Strong-hold already here and problem's with the people called Frosworn it did not look like a good prospect.

A civil war and two Set's of invading people, I had thought about joining the Legion, but I wanted more information on these others before I signed with the Empire. I got a description from one of the local Mercenaries, who also told me that doing bounties was a good way to make a name with the Jarls. He told me these Chiss, were as blue as I was green. This was an odd thing, as I had never heard of a people with a blue tinged skin tone.

Were these people from Atmora perhaps? It had been long, a century or two since the last invaders from there. I looked at my map first thing in the morning and decided that Whiterun would be the best place to go and listen for information, The town was central to the province, trade many travelers would go through the town. Plus I had heard that the Jarl was neutral in the civil war and he above others was trying to keep his people out of needless wars.

It was a beautiful land and I found the wide open space of the tundra to my liking, Shyla seemed to like it also, it gave her the room and flat land to run full out and she did, when I let her have her head. Her nose to the wind, her ear's flicking back and forth, listening for me to tell her to slow. I let her slow on her own, as we came up one of the watch towers and I didn't think a run into town was a good idea.

I put Shyla at the stables giving the man enough coin to give her grain for the next few days. I walked around the town and got the lay of it, listening to the locals talk. Their seemed to be at least two different guards here in town. I asked one of the men with what looked like the Jarl's crest on his uniform and he said the others where Dawnguard, they were specialized vampire hunters. Their would be more of them at night, but a few always on guard during the day, as a few different types of vampires could walk during the day.

That gave me food for thought, as that might also be a good way to earn a Name among the people. I hung around town for a day or two just listening to the peoples gossip and deciding what it is I should do. It was expensive though and I needed to get some work. I decided that the next day I would go and speak to the Jarl's steward.

The bounty the Steward gave me was simple enough and I found that some of my people had turned bandit here as well. The Bandit Chief I had been sent to eliminate was a fellow Orc. On my way out their I had noticed some Giant's and a couple Mammoths and having never seen either up close I decided to cut across the Tundra and get as close as those massive being's would allow.

Good choice or bad, I can't say, but as I got closer to them some people attacked me, they were four to my one and two of them were magic users.  I felt as well as heard the arrows that hit Shyla and her scream of pain wrenched my heart. I jumped off and  hoped that they would turn their fire to me as I hit her on the rump and she took off at a limping run.

I never got my sword drawn, as I was hit with two arrow's and two separate spells. As I started blacking out, I could only think of my Birth-Mother and younger brother and how I had failed them. I felt the ground shake as the Mammoth charged at the intruders to it's territory and hoped it would not trample me before I lost consciousness.

I woke to soft lips ruffling my hair and opened my eye's to see Shyla's head fill my whole vision. She whuuufed at me and I struggled to sit up. I looked around and saw by the sun that it was early morning, I had been out the whole of the night. Off a bit to my right I saw a huge bon-fire and one of the Giant's standing near it, I could hear the breathing of one of the Mammoth's close by.

I slowly climbed my way up Shyla's stirrup til I was standing, Using her has a crutch I walked around her and looked at the two arrow wounds. I pulled them out and she almost jerked me off my feet both times, but I persisted and then dug into my packs and got two bottles of healing potions out. I rubbed some on the wound's themselves and then made her drink the other, she was not happy about it. When I downed the other, I knew why, they tasted awful.

I saw one of the bodies laying on the ground and winced at the state of it, the man's head was crushed, as was his chest. Not much was salvageable from his pack, except a few trinkets and some papers, I put those in my pack and then went to the next body that I saw, it lay at the bottom of a huge boulder and from the blood stain high up, I could only assume that a giant or Mammoth had slung him there. I got more item's from her, but the armor and weapon's were broken and no good to anyone.

 I did not see the other two, the mages, but I didn't look in the direction of the Giant's camp and their was a good bit of ground in that direction where they could be or they may have gotten away. I leaned against Shyla and read the papers that I had found. They were looking for someone, that was evident, but it didn't say who.

I am not sure why these Chiss would attack me and I didn't want to stop one and ask them. I'm an Orc, we are outcast enough, I could see that I would need some one to watch my back, these people didn't mind an ambush and that is something I couldn't always be prepared for.

I lead Shyla back to town, I would get my bounty money from the Steward after I sold the item's I had salvaged. Then I would look around and find someone to watch my back.

Half the Journey pg 2

The next two days of rain and storm's passed quicker than I would have liked. My Birth-Mother and Heart-Mother both coming to visit. As Wise-Woman my Heart-Mother traveled a little meeting other Wise-Women and searching out herbs and other potion ingredients. She had much news and confirmed what I had just supposed,

She had just visited another Strong-hold and they told her of a caravan that was heading in our direction, but when she caught up to it, it had been attacked and looted. She had hurried on her way home, as she did not know that it wasn't bandits and though she had small magic's and some skill with a blade, she was also the oldest of my Fathers wives. She had beaten my Brothers in by a few minutes only and was as surprised as the rest that they had been attacked by bandits. She was a smart female and it didn't take her long to know that what they had brought in were all trade goods, with little in the way of arm's or the types of armor that bandit's would have.

So my heart was heavy with the burden of dis-honor to our tribe, but I also knew I would not defeat all three of my Brothers in one day and that is what it would take. I thought about it long and hard, but if I challenged my Chief, then my 2nd Brother would issue challenge and if I defeated him, then my 3rd Brother would issue challenge. My Brothers were Orc warriors, as am I, the fights would not be short or bloodless.

Even with that, the thought of dying did not disturb me, as long as I took all three of them with me. That would leave my youngest Brother as chief and with our Mother's to guide him, he could bring honor back to our tribe. But this this would also leave the tribe very vulnerable to real bandit's attacking, not to mention some other male Orc that might decide to challenge him.

No leaving to bring honor to my name, gain enough recognition from other Tribes to start my own Strong-hold and bring in good wives, that is what I needed to do. Then my Mother's and brother could come to my Strong-hold, as long has he was under-age, he would come with his Mother.  So three years at most, then he would be of an age to start hunting and my older brothers would think he meant to challenge.

The next morning dawned with cool drizzle  the Wise-woman had said that it would stop mid-morning, so I readied to leave. I had gotten up well before dawn to pack up Shyla and have everything ready to go. I ate my breakfast and then cleaned the cabin so that it was neat and clean. I neared the door and then turned around and looked around the place one more time.

My Birth-Mother was standing next to Shyla when I got outside, "Hearth-Mother, Mother of my Heart, please keep my house in my absence. Here is some gold and gem's that I collected, please use it to keep up the place and as you see fit." I said this loud enough that the guards would hear, their was no way my brothers could take the cabin over, with out being completely un-honorable in the tribes eyes.

"Be honorable in all your dealings, fair in all things and humble before the gods. May Malacath lend you the strength to protect yourself." With that she laid her hand on my cheek and her head on my chest. she stayed like that for a brief minute and then walked  quickly away into the Stronghold. I took one last look around and swung up on Shyla. I did not rush but set her to a quick walk, when we were far enough away, I changed direction slightly and headed to a pass a traveler had told me about, it wasn't the  one most travelers used.

Once I found the clear trail I set Shyla to a ground eating lope, after a time I would slow her to a fast walk then get off and trot along side her.  Late evening I found a small stream and a likely place for a good camp, I could see anything coming and I built a small fire to cook my dinner and then put it out, scattering the ashes around. I placed my bedroll on that spot after checking for embers and fell into a restless sleep.

The next morning I ate a cold breakfast of apple-tart's and a small flagon of berry juice. I fed Shyla an apple with a large bruise on it and the end of the bread loaf.  That day was pretty much a copy of the day before, except I killed a mud-crab  at a small pond and lit a very small fire to cook the legs, I ate one and put the rest in a storage bag tied to the saddle. I pulled out the map that I had made from copying the travelers, with some landmarks to look for written on the side.

I found the landmarks that he had said to look for and then thought a minute, nodding to myself I knew if I pushed some we would make it to the small hunters shack he said was at the base of the trail. I patted Shyla on the neck and told her that we would be running hard , but it would only be for a day or two. We kept up a ground eating pace all day and managed to get to the hunters shack a full hour before dark.

The hunter was more than happy to trade a few items with me. I gave him some salt and sugar and he traded my fresh meat and hides for some smoked venison, potatoes, carrots and snowberries. He gave Shyla some apples that were starting to turn and some hay. It was a pleasant night, the hunter giving me better directions and as it happened let me copy a map he had of Skyrim onto a piece of waxed paper.

" Are you heading into Skyrim to make a name for yourself young-one?" I laughed and said.

"Yes Grandfather, I had planned on doing just that". He chuckled as he wasn't all that much older than what my father would have been.

"Can I give you a small piece of advice?" I nodded so he continued, " The Orc's in Skyrim will consider you an outsider, as if you are not an Orc at all. So do not go strait to a Stronghold to seek acceptance or advice, for they will turn you away, until such a time as another Stronghold Orc of Skyrim makes you bloodkin..Or you make a name for yourself, then go and seek the Stronghold." With that the old Orc blew out the candle and rolled into bed, I to laid down on my bed-roll, but sleep did not come immediately.

I laid there staring at the ceiling, not really seeing anything. So, I would need to somehow make a name for myself before going to the Strongholds. As I thought of various different things I could do to make a name for myself, I drifted into sleep. The old hunter woke me before the sun had crested the mountains.

"Boy, if you need coin, hunt or do some bounty jobs" I started shaking my head, being a mercenary it was not always easy to pick the right side to be honorable, "No, Kurdan Gro-Olar listen, do bounty job's for the various Jarls. Most of them are honorable men and the job's they send you on would be to help their people, thus you can gain a name that is honorable among them by doing those types of jobs".

I looked at the old Orc and thanked him for his advice and hospitality. He walked away and I said loud enough to be hear, " Thank you Father for the advice, may Malacath lend you the strength to hunt well".

I mounted Shyla and hurried her up the path, we would sleep in Skyrim this night.

Hard Choices ( pg 1)

   I walked a weary horse into the Strong-hold, she was not the only one burdened with meat for the hearth though. The wise woman noticed my entry and walked to me, " I will go get the Hearth-wife, your mother, and let her know of your return", with that she hurried off. I put my pack on the ground and started unloading the horse, with each carcass she heaved a sigh of relief. I rolled my shoulders with the relief of my burden and rubbed Shyla down with a cloth when I had the saddle off.

  By that time the Hearth-wife, my mother, was walking across the yard, but she was not alone as two of my brothers were with her. "So the hunt was good?" she was looking at the carcasses with a frown.

" No Hearth-wife, the hunt was not good, the near game is scarce and young. I had to travel far to find even a few Elk and Deer with enough meat on their bones to make skinning them worthwhile." She started moving the wolf hides off the top of the pile.

"I see the wolves are out, is this why the game is scarce near the Stronghold?" I was shaking my head when one of my brothers started jeering at the lean deer I had caught two days' ride out. I held my tongue as I had no wish to fight this day. He quit his heckling as the Hearth-wife uncovered the Large bull, Elk. " This one is a fine animal, can it be that the game is returning to the area?" I started shaking my head again but said,

" No Hearth-wife, this bull I caught a good 4 days ride from the Stronghold." The wise woman started to speak but was cut off by my eldest brother, our clan Chief.

"If you were a better hunter, you would not have to travel so far and that horse would be in our pot, instead of the children going hungry of a night". He hated my horse, but she had no love of him either.

"Perhaps this is so My Chieftain, but do not others hunt? Where are the spoils of their hunt if the children have gone hungry in my absence?" I could see my other two brothers stiffen and knew I might have to fight one or the other of them this night.

" Your brothers ran into some bandits and brought back some goods that we can trade for coin". His tone said that he was happier with the prospect of the coin than that of what the coin might buy.

"Good, then it looks like Malacath has smiled on us all. The meat I brought should last a week, as long as one isn't feasting every night. I will head out again the day after tomorrow," I paused and looked at my brother, " On my horse." This was a challenge, but I knew as long as I was in the right, he would not issue that challenge. He had to worry that I might just tire him or wound him enough that one of our other brothers would issue a challenge to become Chieftain, which he knew I would not.

I walked Shyla over to the cabin I had built up against the stockade and put her in the small pasture of hand-seeded grasses, where instead of eating herself silly, she laid down and rolled on her back, kicking he feet straight into the air. I laughed at her and started hanging the wolf pelts I pulled out of my pack, I would tan them tomorrow. I grabbed the packet of rabbit meat and another of berries and was about to head inside.

"My son?", I turned and looked at my Mother and the wise woman, "My son, I think it is time that you left the Stronghold and went out to make a name for yourself. I know that you have been planning on doing so. Your Eldest brother, our Chieftain is a jealous man. It is time you go before you have to kill one of your brothers."

"Mother of my Birth and Mother of my Heart, I had planned on leaving with the spring rains, when the game would be more plentiful, not now in the Fall with a harsh winter ahead." My Mother shook her head, but it was the Wise-women that spoke up.

" Son, of my heart, I have no wish to watch you kill my Birth son and it would come to that before the end of the winter. Tomorrow will dawn bright and clear, but in the next two days, a storm will roll in. This will give you and your horse enough time to rest and recuperate before you leave. I have placed some travel rations in your cabin, use them and leave." With that, she walked over to me and placed her hand on my cheek, then turned and left.

"Kurdan, Son, make a name for yourself, build you a stronghold, that I may come and be your Hearth-Mother and  then assist your Hearth-wife when you find her." With that, she walked over and put her hand on my cheek, but also laid her head on my chest for a brief moment.

I went inside to fix the rabbit into a stew, I would eat in my own cabin as was my habit. I sat in my chair in front of my fire and mended my armor, thinking about how I could go about making a name for myself.  I could join the Legion, they were fighting in Skyrim and would need help and they were always happy to see an Orc.  I would travel to Skyrim and look at the war and see if it was an honorable thing for me to fight in, perhaps visit the Orc Strongholds there and see what they thought.

I spent the next morning picking grasses and doing some small repairs to the cabin. By Mid-afternoon the horizon was black with storm clouds, so I hurried over and grabbed some potatoes and carrots to place in a stew pot. My Mother gave me a small packet and said that it was some apple tarts, they were dry but still good.

I hurried back to my cabin as the wind's increased and thunder shook the ground,  lightning racing from peak to peak around us. I barred the door as the rain came down in sheets heavy enough to blind a man. I placed the packet of tarts on a protruding stone over the fireplace with a damp cloth on top. I scooped out a bowl of stew and then cut up more potatoes and carrots, put in a couple of snowberries, added some water, and put it back over the fire, but further away than before.  A mug of ale and some bread and I had a fine meal. Once the cloth started steaming, I picked up the tart, juggling it around til it cooled enough to eat.

As I lay in bed that night, listening to the thunder and rain, I made my plans. I would visit all the Strongholds in Skyrim and see what all the Chieftains thought of the War, see if there was anything I could do for them, and build up enough of a reputation with them that they might not mind a daughter or two being married to an outland Orc. I would decide from what they said, what I should do and even get a reading on starting another stronghold in the area.

That presented me with another problem to tackle. Did I really want a traditional Orc Stronghold, mining, and hunting were all good and well, but if the mine petered out and the game was scarce the Stronghold was weak. My brothers had said that they were attacked by bandits, I knew of no bandits in this area, but traders and other caravans passed by on the road not a day's walk away.

I frowned at the ceiling in thought, could my brothers have lost enough honor to attack innocent passers-by? Is that why my Birth Mother and the Wise Woman were pressing me to go. They could not do this without our Chieftain's knowledge, so he knew. Hmmp, my youngest brother was not yet of an age to go out hunting and not warrior enough to fight bandits, this must be why they were pressing as hard as they were.

 I had two days to pack and plan, two days to figure out the course of not only my life but that of my most loved ones.





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