[center][img]https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/7d462bf9-74df-4fc2-a16a-43b22e9cbf14/dbyn3jv-199fa29e-93d4-4a84-ab06-cfb17d589853.png/v1/fill/w_1024,h_576,q_80,strp/skyrim_kolskeggr_mine_by_spartan22294_dbyn3jv-fullview.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7ImhlaWdodCI6Ijw9NTc2IiwicGF0aCI6IlwvZlwvN2Q0NjJiZjktNzRkZi00ZmMyLWExNmEtNDNiMjJlOWNiZjE0XC9kYnluM2p2LTE5OWZhMjllLTkzZDQtNGE4NC1hYjA2LWNmYjE3ZDU4OTg1My5wbmciLCJ3aWR0aCI6Ijw9MTAyNCJ9XV0sImF1ZCI6WyJ1cm46c2VydmljZTppbWFnZS5vcGVyYXRpb25zIl19.fbRmDZAANUthvodFAF3sA-wWZwq3AC0plec6Dl7wLBI[/img]

[b]The Reach, 10th of Sun's Dusk, 4E 205[/b][/center]

The first part of the travel had gone rather smoothly, more so than Holgarth had even expected. After gathering their supplies and arming his employers with iron swords, they were able to persuade the guards that they would be fit to travel and took their leave from the city. From there they traveled along the northern road, keeping a vigilant eye and only taking breaks when necessary. It was almost a shame this journey was requiring such extreme caution. The road was situated between a sprawling forest mountain, and a quant river of clear water rushing by. In a different time, this would have been a peaceful trip that showed the true beauty Skyrim had to offer. But they were not allowed to slow their pace and take in the magnificent scenery. Any sound that was heard over the flowing water, every rock and pebble that tumbled from the otherwise still cliffs could spell danger for the party.

They had even abstained from basic conversation to try and keep as low a profile as possible. No point in alerting a potential ambush that they were coming with idle chatter. But once they reached the bridge passed Kolskeggr Mine, Holgarth halted his steps and signaled for the other two to do the same. He gazed towards the mountain range in front of them as he quietly pondered what he should say to the others. After a few seconds, the Nord took a deep breath and turned to face the couple. They too had been staring at the path ahead. As natives to Markarth, they no doubt already knew where they were, and what was lay ahead of them

“Once we cross this bridge, we will be directly under Blind Cliff.” Holgarth said, keeping a stoic composure. “If we stay close to the mountain side and move quickly, we should be able to get through here without being seen. But, if the Forsworn spot us, then you must run. Drop your backpacks and anything else that may be weighing you down and flee. Do not stop until you reach Karthwasten. If they catch you...” He paused in his speech, the next words were not easy to say. “Let’s just say your swords will be more merciful than the Forsworn.”

Holgarth was not surprised at the couple’s reaction. Both grew pale at the thought of what would happen should the worst come to be. Theore’s head lowered to look at the sword that hung from his hip, while Calinna placed her hand over her mouth to hold back whatever rations were trying to make their way back out. But their shock only lasted a few moments. Once Theore saw his wife in distress, he reached for her other hand and held it firmly. 

“Whatever happens, we’ll face it together.” Theore whispered. They looked into each other’s eyes until the fear was overcome by their determination. 

“We’ll make it. I know we will.” Calinna smiled at her husband before facing their escort. “Lead the way, Holgarth.”

The Nord nodded with a smirk. He was impressed with how quickly they rallied themselves. With love that strong, Mara herself must have been watching over them. 

“Alright then. Let’s go.” Holgarth waved his hand for them to follow as he stepped onto the stone bridge and continued forward.

It only took a few minutes for them to cross the bridge and reach the bend in the road. Though their pace did not slow, the party could feel their steps grow heavy, uncertain what would happen during their final stretch through the Reach. As they rounded the bend, their eyes gazed upon a truly gruesome sight. 

The road before them was littered with bodies. The corpses of Forsworn and Stormcloak alike scattered along the path with no signs of life to be found. Had the Stormcloaks foolishly attempt to take the Forsworn stronghold? Or did the Forsworn let their overconfidence push them to ambush a heavily armed patrol? Whatever the cause of this battle, the grim result was a victory for neither. 

Holgarth cautiously moved closer in and kneeled down at the first body he saw. It was a Stormcloak soldier, slain by a Forsworn arrow to the neck. The body was undisturbed, meaning they were likely the first ones to see this. The blood from the wound had also stopped running, but it was still wet to the touch. This battle was recent, maybe even from this morning. It was a dark thought, but this skirmish actually gave Holgarth hope for his party.

“This battle must have only been a few hours ago.” Holgarth called back to the Breton couple who hesitantly approached him. Their eyes darted between all the still corpses around them. “If there were any survivors or witnesses, they’re long gone from here to inform their superiors. Which means we have a window before more come. If we hurry we can-”

“Wait!” Calinna interrupted. “I think I just saw something move. Behind that rock over there!” She pointed with an unsteady hand to a large rock on the side of the road, easily big enough for someone to hide behind.

Without hesitation, Holgard pulled his warhammer from his back and crept towards the rock. 

“Who's there? Show yourself!” He demanded in a booming voice that echoed against the stone cliff. As he closed in on the rock, he held his hammer back, ready to swing should anything jump out.