Memoirs of Larz D'Ovakine ~ Trader in a Fix

• Posted by Guy Corbett January 5, 2012 - 805 views

  I'm too old for this, its my 65th year next spring and i thought i'd hung my travelling cloak up for good. I've not been out of the Imperial city in a good ten years, and that was just a quick trip to Skingrad to see an old friend. I've not done anything like this since my early days as a Imperial Caravan Trader and that was a good 20 years ago now. Since I bought my shop in the Market District I've had no need to leave the confines of the city.

  Larz's Emporium is my crowning achievement. Who would of thought I would end up owning one of the most successful shops in the entire Imperial city. It wasn't easy though, I have definitely earn't it and I'm proud to say the proper way. No back alley transactions, fiddled figures or "questionable" sources of stock. Straight down the line, as true as an arrow. I have records dating back to my first years in the shop. It's a nightmare they take up half the cellar now.

  But none of that would of been possible without the help of my wife and family. This however changed when my daughter and I can only blame myself for spoiling her met her beloved Altan Glowermane. A nord from the realm of Skyrim. Talked the talk but looked a little stunted to walk the walk. Ive never found out the true reasons he came to Cyrodill and the Imperial city but he played all the cards to win the affections of my daughter.

  They married to my dismay. But I hid my true feelings towards this imposter from the north from my daughter. Altan on the other hand obviously had other motives. When ever we were alone he immediately start to inquire about my shop. At first I thought it was just idle chit chat, the pompous idiot couldn't stop yammering. Even when I agreed finally to allow him to prove he was serious about the business he knew I couldn't run it on my own forever.

  So the agreement was that he would set up a big trade off with some merchant friends he had back over the Jerral mountains in Skyrim. 

  Instantly my reaction to this was plainly obvious to him and he quickly explained that there was nothing to worry about. He had organised for members of the Fighters Guild along with a couple of Companions (Skyrims equivalent to Guild members) to escort the caravan through the Pale Pass to Rendezvous just over the border at a shack in the Rift.

  I had reservations, the persistent little swine would probably just ride it all off to the next town and sell it on to line his own pocket. I told him i would think about it knowing full well that I was going to turn him down.

  My daughter knew this as well. She may of been spoilt but she was her fathers daughter and understood the risks and pleaded with me to give him this one chance to prove his honour and hopefully make us some decent coin off those nords in the north.

  The morning came for the Caravan to set off towards Bruma and then onto the Pale Pass leading to Skyrim. Everything loaded, this damn order had emptied half my stock, all the escorts had arrived. 

  I did the rounds, checking straps, securing supplies, chatting with the the fighters guild lads. I still could feel that buzz, the zing in the air when your about to start a long journey with unknown possibilities. I felt it the first time I went out with the Fighters Guild, a mere slip of a lad, the older veterans seemed so sure of themselves, their armour was thick and their swords sharp. I do miss it but its been so long since I swung a sword.

  I heard the town clock strike..........TEN! that bloody lazy coward. I knew he would pull something. No doubt he's had too much wine at the inn and couldn't possibly ride all the way to Skyrim. Nords they are suppose to be powerful foes. I've heard tales of them killing frost trolls single handed and hunting Mammoth for sport.

  Just then as I was about call the whole thing off my daughter came running out in tears holding a scroll. Sobbing she fell into my arms. In between the heaves and sobs the only words I could discern were "He's" sobbing and sniffing back her tears

  "Gone!!" she then continued her wail.

  I took the scroll out of her hand and unrolled it. The first page was some soppy drivel to placate my daughter. The rest was a complete contract and manifest for the trade. Signed by both Altan and another name Ralof. The only other bits of information were a map showing the location of the trade off.

  It was a good deal I couldn't resist. The septims I could make would secure my retirement maybe afford a nice place in Anvil. I had to go in his stead. 

  I dug out my old gear and climbed aboard the lead caravan and ordered the driver to get the caravan moving.

  So here I am shivering whilst I write this. Now I've never been this far north. I knew that it would be cold but By the Gods I had two extra fur lined cloaks wrapped round me before we entered the Pass. I thought writing this would at least take my mind off the chill that has penetrated into my bones. I've never felt cold like it, it seems to seep through no matter how many layers I cacoon myself in.

  Not for much longer we are nearly at the meeting point. It will be dark by the time we get there, these snow storms have slowed us down. Not the best conditions to meet strangers, I just hope this Ralof is friendly.

  STORMCLOAKS yes thats right STORMCLOAKS!!!! That fool Altan has only gone and set up a meeting with the Rebels of the civil war that is escalating across Skyrim. The supplies are for their troops.

  As we approached the shack, I could already see them in their torch light. From what I could make out this shack is in a small clearing at the foot of the pass that leads to Helgen, a mountain fort not far away. I wish we had arrived in the daytime it seems to be surrounded by beautiful white birch forest.

  Ralof was in sight and introduced himself and welcomed us into his camp of about 15 men. They seem friendly which I am eternally grateful for, I didn't come this far to be hacked down in a forest in the middle of no where. We have both agreed to finalise everything in the morning.