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The Forsworn weren’t going to give up their jealously-guarded secret of Red Eagle easily, but Freyda, Bishop and Karnwyr made a lethal combination, and the camp beyond the ascent was eventually cleared.  At the top, near two towers, Freyda took a beautifully-made sword from the lifeless hand of a Forsworn Briarheart warrior.  Etched with red flame symbols and glowing faintly red, this had to be his sword. On a table next to the warrior were books and notes all about Red Eagle.

And a map!  Nearby, just to the south, was a cave. Excitedly, she led Bishop and the wolf across country, dispatching a group of three wolves that stupidly tried to attack them, and into the cave.  There, bathed in light in the middle of a shallow pool of water, was a cairn with a slot in the top.  Wordlessly, she placed the sword in it and a slab of rock lifted up ahead of them.  Beyond was a chamber, vast, with ancient tombs and carvings all around.  From the biggest at the far end, a black-clad undead lord rose, clutching an immense sword.  Red Eagle! Loosing off shot after shot, Freyda and Bishop showered the advancing revenant, and even the power of its undead form couldn’t stop death finally claiming it.

Freyda took the huge sword from his dead claws and Bishop located a treasure chest beyond the coffin. It made their trip worth it…

Later, they stayed at nearby Rorikstead where Freyda persuaded the innkeeper to allow his son to take up mercenary work rather than till the land; Erik, the young man, was clearly frustrated at his life.  He was very grateful to Freyda for helping him realise his dream, and she even donated money to his father.  Bishop scowled and complained about her stupid generosity.  Freyda poked her tongue out at him.

On the road to Falkreath, she spoke to him at length about her dreams.  He didn’t speak much, rather walked in silence and grunted from time to time.  She supposed it was him just being a man; she could tell him how much she adored his eyes, the way he smiled at her, how it lifted her heart, how she admired his protectiveness, his fierce loyalty, the kindness he showed to Karnwyr which showed he did have a heart.  And all he might say to her?  ‘Nice behind.’  Men.