Chapter 1: Busted

I packed the bag as well as I could. Hid the skooma under the pillows. Now I just have to get to Balmora.
Smuggling is common around Hla Oad in Vvardenfell, just getting it through the country is a challenge.
I had everything I need for my usual trip; netch leather armor and my iron dagger with two healing
potions. Traveling around the swamp-like area was barely a challenge. Mudcrabs and netchs
were probably the only foe in the parts. Recent news I've heard though was that imperial
legion officials are putting up heavier routes looking out for anything related to the illegal
substance of skooma.

I got off the small boat I took my trip on and stepped onto the creaky dock.
Hla Oad is a dumpy looking area, barely worthy of being called a town.
I took off my netch leather helmet, shook my long hair, and took a deep breath.

"Back in Vvardenfell. Home sweet home."

My trip from there to Tamriel was long and dull. Most I had to do on the boat was
drink matze, read some books, and do small amounts of fishing. I loved the ability
to talk anyone into doing anything for me. My imperialistic ways gave me a good
ability to lie to officials and go on about my business. I picked up my bag and
threw it over my shoulder and went on my way.

Off the boat felt good, but walking felt akward. I stumbled every now and then
and I would laugh quietly to myself. It must've been a hysterical sight for the
two guards and a few people. I made it to my path though and noticed how the day was.
Outside was foggy and cool, and the air was damp and muggy. I liked it this way though.
Silence and being able to think to myself felt good as everyday was business, mostly.

I was about half way to Balmora. I came upon a narrow area surrounded by trees.
I kept walking, thinking nothing of being caught, then within a sheer blink of an eye
four imperial guardsmen came around from the trees with swords drawn.
Two behind me and two infront of me. I equipped my dagger and helled
it in a defensive stance. One young guard addressed me.

"Stop right there criminal scum! Your skooma running days are over!
Either you come with us or pay the consequences, so what shall
it be?"

I didn't truly know how to react so I threw my dagger at the guard
that addressed me. I heard coughing and gurgling and I came to
my senses to see the blade purged into his throat. His dark,
burgundy colored blood ran down his beautiful patterned armor
and he fell to his knees in despair.

I realized within seconds I was going to kill or be killed so I ran
up to the dying guard and ripped my dagger out of his throat
and turned to slash the guards throat next to me. A flash of blood
flew across the air and it hit my face. I wasn't wearing my helmet
and I felt the blood running down my face. I'm not used
to combat at all because I grew so used to using my
words, not weapons.

One of the last two guards were shocked, so I took advantage
of that. I took one of the fallen guards swords and stabbed
him in the chest. He fell to his knees and squirmed as blood flowed
across the ground. I almost felt remorse for him but I had to do it.

The last guard took a swing at me, but in sudden reflexes
I ducked and dodged the steel blade. As soon as I had
the opening I tackled him and took my dagger to slice his
throat. I had no option, either years in prison or
be killed. There were puddles of blood on the ground
and the four bodies lay about.

I had to hide them before the next patrol.