I have prepared my stronger bolts just in case we were to run into some unexpected encounter. Skyrim is full of those and honestly, I'm astonished that not a single dragon or frost troll have come to decorate mine and Kharjo's endeavor. A pack of wolves did nothing to deter us from our path which, taken into consideration how much travelling I have done, the distance from Heljarchen Hall to the Hall of the Vigilant isn't very far at all, so running into very little problems isn't a far fetched notion at all. Though I have the feeling I will be running into problems pretty soon since I'm not on a jovial business meeting with the Vigilant of Stendarr members. The message I received in regards to this faction insinuates that a physical altercation would be inevitable. I could've abstained from accepting this, but considering that my rapport with The Companions still stands, I don't see why I shouldn't.

"It might be a trap, Dragonborn." With his steed stopping on its tracks, Kharjo gets off, setting himself on the ground before crouching. "But I have a feeling that it doesn't really bother you if it is."

I find it peculiar that as a Khajiit he adheres to stealth but he dons a heavy dragon bone armor that is not the most adequate for preemptive tactics. While Kharjo's armor doesn't spell sneaking tactics, Advark doesn't entirely help me if I am in dire need of stealth. The flames of this undead horse would warn enemies a few distances away. Though given most circumstances, I don't adhere to stealth as fervently anymore; I usually prefer if my enemies see me, but certain tasks require some allegiance to the shadows. This is one of those said tasks. As I slide off Advark, his existence retracts back to whence he came. I take note of Kharjo taking hold of his bow and I myself grabbing Avarice, loading a bolt and getting ready for a confrontation. Speaking of stealth, the black smoke starts to engulf me so that the magic of muffling my movement and camouflaging me is now activated.

"The note had the gray fox's symbol on it," I say in a low tone as I crouch myself, hiding behind a tree while keeping my eyes on the small building that Stendarr's followers reside. "It was an urgent message from one of their members that required my assistance."

"And you did not question it?"

"After the Nightingale incident, the corruption in the higher ranks of the Thieves Guild somewhat diminished. I have very little reason to question such an urgent message, Kharjo."

"Somewhat, you say?" Kharjo's tone is more than laced with some annoyance due to the fact that one of the three who holds the rank of Lady Nocturnal's blessing isn't exactly the most virtuous fellow in Skyrim. "From what the people have been saying, Dragonborn, the Nightingale has never been so tainted."

Part of me really wanted to entertain that thought since I am more than knowledgeable of what Kharjo is talking about, but the door opens and we both know that it wasn't the time for more trivial talks about opinions. Still hidden within Boethia's gift, I move slightly closer, now being mindful that a Vigilant has come out. With torch in hand, he scans the surrounding, probably watching out for someone like Kharjo and myself. I turn to my comrade who hides himself well despite the ivory tint of his dragon armor; I myself can conceal myself rather easily because of a few factors.

"Nothing, yet," he signals his comrades.

"Remain vigilant brother." Another one comes out, and he has mace drawn out. "They will come for this one soon enough."

I already knew who he was talking about since the message did mention that one of the reveled member of the Companions had been taken captive. Though I didn't quite believe the name written on the message, but having the visual not too far away from me refutes any sort of doubt I had. The Vigilants of Stendarr have indeed captured Aela the Huntress.

"I'm guihng fhu kihnnn ahnnn ufh uhuchfhnehch chuunhch!"

Being part of The Circle, Aela have always had a tough command presence; The Companions have no leaders but they do have some people to look up to and Aela is one of those figures. It's no wonder that even if she is being dragged on a chain leash, she still tries to keep her presence to its strong and fierce composure. Though I would imagine that being pulled like some pet with her hands bound by wrists and elbow isn't exactly helping out her cause one bit. The bar strapped on her ankles and keeping her legs shoulder width apart makes the simple task of walking quite strenuous from what I can tell. Keeping her uncomfortable is the idea so that she wouldn't be able to find a way to get back at them. Stripped of her weapons and barely keeping the modesty of her attire, which, she barely had honestly, but now she won't be really able to assist her bosoms from being revealed if for some reason, her 'modest armor' decides to malfunction any moment at all.

"Wehn I gehfh fceh! I'm guihng fhuuuuu-!" Her protest through her bit gag is cut off by an abrupt pull from her captor causing her to stumble. Not only is that gag meant to make her complaints incoherent, but it's most likely silver imbued with some kind of spell to deter her from transforming into her bestial form.

"Keep moving, creature! We have some ways to go."

Aela lets out another disgruntled groan through her gag as her captors have no qualms on making her work for every step. Wherever they are going, it seems that they are planning on making her walk; more salt to add on her wounded pride I suppose. I take a note of Kharjo who has the same thoughts as me: we need to find out what is going on before rescuing her. Though I'm sure if Aela ever finds out that I am taking my time to free her, she would attempt to give me a lesson in swordplay. Taking small steps, I ease myself forward, keeping close watch on how many others might be stepping out of that door. Dealing with six armed Bretons and Nords isn't going to be a problem considering I have Kharjo with me, but whatever unknown factor lies ahead, I'm not the biggest fan to face it without the best knowledge or course of action. Though given my record, the unknown factors are usually the things I tend to find. That or something else that is…

"AAAHH!" One of the Vigilants drop lifeless; an arrow of ebony material had piercesd through the enchantment of his robe.

"They're here! Gaa-_aaakkK!" Another arrow shot and this time right into the mouth.

With the two Vigilants dead, the others start to scramble, the one pulling on Aela drops the leash and retreats; strange for a Vigilant since bravery was always part of their code. I pay little attention to him as I keep myself aware of the arrows that are still firing. Judging from the consistency, it's only one archer, and this said archer is only aiming for the Vigilants of Stendarr.

"Dragonborn," Kharjo comes out of his hiding and releases an arrow himself at another Vigilant coming out of their hall. "The archer ruined our plan."

There was an obvious irritation in Kharjo's voice and I know it will only increase tenfold the moment he finds out who this archer is. Regardless, I fire a bolt, hitting one before rolling out of the way and reload. By now I'm making my way towards Aela who is glaring at me furiously, she wants nothing but her freedom given to her. The process of freeing her would be easier, but more Vigilants emerge from the hall. It appears that they have regained their number since the onslaught the Vampire Lords gave them. Each of them are also equipped with the infamous Dawnstar crossbows and they start retaliating fervently, forcing me to halt my rescue attempt. By now the Vigilants are now upon Aela, as if they are indeed protecting someone important to her. More or less she would be used as hostage, and she doesn't like that idea as she tries to convey that through words, which are obviously just mere grunts and growls. I fire another bolt, barely missing one of them before taking cover. Kharjo is across from me; he himself is taking defensive position as he readies his bow.

"Curse that archer!"

"You'll get the chance yourself." I reply with a bit of sarcasm. "The Nightingale sends their regards, it seems."

Right after I say those words, the sound of hoofs hitting the ground echoes and a few more arrows are shot, halting the Vigilants' retaliation. I recognize the arrows… also the sound of that horse; Shadowmane.

The horse that was once mine lets out her battle cry as she runs pass a few Vigilants, letting the rider get his shots in with his blade before going towards our general area. The rider, garbed in the black attire of the Nightingale, jumps off, letting the horse of the Dark Brotherhood vanish into the darkness of the distance. Sheathing his blade quickly, Judas, the newest Nightingale member, prepares his bow as well. If it wasn't for the hood, I'm sure Kharjo and I would be able to spot the pompous grin on this Khajiit's face.

"Glad you came, Onyx." The words are both grateful and also amused.

To Be Continued.