The Second Councilor was waiting just where Captain Veleth said he'd be. Upon seeing me walking down the road, he seemed to relax a bit.

"Thank you for coming," he said to me. "After everything you've already done for Raven Rock, I hate to ask for more, but I can't risk Councilor Morvayn being killed."

"He's in danger? From what?"

"The Ulen Family of House Hlaalu, a rival House, has placed a deathmark on the councilor's head," he explained.

"Why?"

"It's a private matter. Let's just say they seek revenge for the execution of one of their own, ordered by Councilor Morvayn himself. The problem is I don't have any solid proof that anyone from House Hlaalu is hidden among us… only my suspicions."

He might have just been paranoid, but in my experience being careful was always better than simply brushing it off.

"All right. Your concern might be justified."

He shook his head. "It may be justified, but it certainly isn't appreciated. Councilor Morvayn simply feels that I'm being paranoid. I'm afraid that one day I'll awaken and discover him dead, and I don't want it to come to that."

I frowned. "You feel that they're going to attack the Councilor soon?"

"I do. I've received some information from my sources that there could be elements of House Hlaalu already in Raven Rock."

"So why haven't you acted on this?"

"Raven Rock is a small settlement, so it's hard to accomplish anything in secret. If any of them are from House Hlaalu, I wouldn't be able to make a move without them knowing."

I nodded. "Which is why you want me."

"I had a feeling you'd be willing to listen to me," Arano said with a smile, though it was somewhat strained.

"What do you want me to do?"

"I need you to start out by being my eyes and ears. Search Raven Rock and see if you can root out these traitors. The best place to start would be Geldis Sadri over at the Retching Netch Cornerclub. If he provides you any leads, check them out before bringing them to my attention. I can't afford to make any mistakes."

"Back so soon? My Sujamma that good?" Geldis asked when I walked back up to the cornerclub's bar.

"I can't argue with that, but no." Leaning closer, I said quietly, "The Second Councilor said you might be able to help me with something."

Geldis laughed. "Well, well. Adril's got himself a spy, does he? Azura knows he needs all the help he can get. He's been chasing the Ulens for years now."

"You think he's mistaken?"

"No," he said, shaking his head. "I just think he's going about this the wrong way."

"And you have a better idea?"

"Actually, I do. If you want to catch those slippery slaughterfish, you need to let them come to you." At my questioning look, he explained, "There's an Ulen Ancestral Tomb near the Temple. Someone's been leaving ash yam offerings on the altar inside. If you were to wait inside for whoever that is, I'm betting they'll have some of the answers you're looking for."

I frowned. "Why haven't you told Adril about this?"

"What makes you think I haven't? Any time Adril and the Reodran Guard made a move, the Ulens must have been one step ahead and didn't show up."

After a moment of hesitation, I asked, "Why did Councilor Morvayn execute an Ulen?"

Geldis sighed and shook his head. "Back in ninety-five, Vilur Ulen came to Raven Rock with a plan to take over our town. The fetcher thought he could stir up the locals and use them against the Redoran Guard and then murder Councilor Morvayn when we weren't looking."

"He did this alone?"

"He arrived alone, but spread enough coin around to start changing people's minds. Half the bloody town joined his side. Can you believe that?"

I could. "How did he get caught?"

"He underestimated the Redoran Guard. They were organized and brought a swift end to the coup. Vilur tried to run, but he was caught by Captain Veleth himself. Vilur Ulen was executed a short time later and his remains placed in the Ulen Ancestral Tomb."

"All right. Thanks for the tip."

He snorted. "You can thank me if it works. Until then, I'd head to the tomb and wait until your visitor shows up."

I left the cornerclub and down the main street to the end of town nearest the bulwark. There, at the base of the temple, was the Ancestral Tomb Geldis mentioned. I slipped quietly inside and looked around.

There was no sign of anyone. Deep shadows surrounded the main room, countered by the glowing braziers surrounding the altar at the center of the room. I saw the ashes of the dead Dunmer laid to rest there inside the altar's circular pit. There were none of the ash yams he'd mentioned, which meant that the mysterious visitor hadn't shown up yet. Backing into the shadows, I waited for someone to appear.

It wasn't long before I heard the tomb's door open followed by the sound of footsteps on the stone floor. A moment later a Dunmer stepped into my line of sight. She wore a green dress adorned with a number of glittering stones and her snow-white hair was slicked back. In her arms, I saw several ash yams, which she proceeded to place on the altar. As I stepped out of the shadows, she turned with a start of surprise.

"Oh, excuse me!" She said. "I didn't realize there was anyone else here."

I watched her carefully. "What are you doing here?"

"I presume the same thing you're doing; leaving an offering for the departed. Forgive my surprise, it's just that I wouldn't expect that sort of behavior from someone who isn't Dunmer."

"Been around them my whole life. Eventually you pick up some things. I'm Mara, by the way," I said, holding out my hand to her.

She took it. "Tilisu Severin."

"I thought this was an Ulen family tomb."

She released my hand and said sharply, "Since there aren't any Ulens left on the island, I've taken it upon myself to leave the traditional offering in their stead."

"I'll leave you to it, then."

"Oh, no bother," she said, her tense manner relaxing a bit. "We all have a right to be here. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'd like to meditate a bit."

I left the tomb and went back to the Second Councilor. When I arrived, he said, "I hope Geldis proved useful. Have you made any progress."

"Yes. I suspect Tilisu Severin."

He stared at me. "Tilisu? Are you sure?"

"I saw her in the Ulen Ancestral Tomb."

"So Geldis's plan worked, eh?" Adril chuckled. "Every time we tried it, no one would ever show up." He sobered a bit as he went on, "If Tilisu's involved in any sort of plot to harm Councilor Morvayn, I'm going to need hard evidence to prove it."

"Search their house, then."

He shook his head. "I'm not kicking down anyone's door until I have solid evidence in hand. If you're wrong about Tilisu, things would quickly go downhill around here and the real culprits might slip away. I can't afford for that to happen."

"So you want me to do it instead. What if they try to stop me?"

"If you have evidence and it places your life in peril, I would expect you to do whatever you must to keep yourself alive. Be careful: if the Severins have betrayed us, then they'll be well-armed."

"Understood. Before I go, what can you tell me about the family?"

"Tilisu is wife to the family patriarch, Vendil. They have a single child, a daughter named Mirri. They arrived here ten years ago, and have been nothing but a benefit to Raven Rock ever since."

"How?"

"They're quite wealthy and they've been quite generous by sharing their fortune with the community. They've contributed coin, food, supplies… even helped repair a few of the buildings in town with their own hands."

That reminded me of what Geldis said about Vilur Ulen buying the peoples' good will.

"There was nothing unusual about them? Nothing at all?"

Adril shrugged. "People have mentioned it's a bit odd about how close in age Mirri appears to be to her father, but that's hardly a cause for alarm. Just make sure that you find solid evidence. If I accuse them without it, I'll be the laughingstock of the colony."

"I will. Don't worry."

It was very late when I went over to the Severins' house. It was near the edge of town, isolated from the rest of the buildings. It was of nicer build than many in Raven Rock, I supposed due to the family's wealth. The front door was, unsurprisingly, locked. It didn't take long before I got it picked and carefully opened the door.

Tilisu and another womer, I assumed Mirri, argued by the fireplace on the other side of the room. As I made my way down the stairs leading down to the house's lower level, they abruptly went quiet.

"Did you hear that?" Tilisu asked.

I hurried into one of the rooms off the hall as I heard footsteps on the stairs. It was a storeroom. I ducked behind some of the barrels in the back corner, held my breath, and prayed. A moment later I heard the footsteps hesitate.

"I guess it was nothing."

Though I heard the receding footsteps, I stayed in my hiding spot. If she was smart, she'd wait to see if there really was anything. Sure enough, I heard more footsteps a few minutes later, this time going all the way back up the stairs to the upper level. The women resumed talking for a few more minutes before what sounded like both of them leaving the house.

I needed to hurry.

Climbing out from my hiding spot, I hurried out and down the hall. The double doors at the end led into the massive master bedroom. I glanced around. If there was evidence tying them to the Ulen family, where would they hide it? That was when I caught sight of a heavy metal safe. Perfect.

Kneeling down, I carefully picked the lock. Once it was done, I opened the door and peered inside.

There was the usual money and a few pieces of jewelry. There was also a note. I pulled it out and opened it.

Dear Councilor Saldin,

In a manner of days I believe we'll be ready. Our forces hidden within Ashfallow Citadel have been training night and day, ready to strike when we give the signal. With Captain Veleth distracted by the ash spawn attacks, the timing seems perfect. I've waited nearly a decade to exact my revenge upon Lleril Morvayn for the death of my ancestor and I long for the moment my blade will be drawn across his throat. The next letter you'll receive from me will include his head in a sack. Display it proudly in the halls of House Hlaalu, brother.

Vendil Ulen

So it was Vendil Ulen, not Vendil Severin. That made sense. I pocketed the note and shut the safe again before hurrying out of the house.

When I returned to Second Councilor Arano with the evidence against the "Severins," he sent a couple of the Redoran Guard ahead to the Ashfallow Citadel mentioned in the note while a few others and I searched the town for Vendil, Tilisu, and Mirri. There was no sign of them anywhere.

"They're already there," Adril groaned.

"I'll go. See if I can catch up with them and help the guards, if I can."

"See that you do. We can't afford to let these traitors slip away. Ashfallow Citadel's been abandoned for a long time. Be ready for anything."

I trekked out to the ruin. It was some kind of old fortress, half-buried in the ash that covered the landscape. On the stairs leading up to the entrance laid the bodies of the two Redoran Guard that Adril had sent.

A figure covered head-to-toe in black chitin armor stood over the bodies. The knife in his hands dripped with blood. He looked up at the sound of me drawing an arrow.

"Never should have come h–"

His threat cut off with a gurgle as my shot connected with his throat. He fell back with a thud and a cloud of ash went up at the impact. Walking over, I looked down at him. He was one of the Morag Tong, probably. Not Brotherhood. Not in Morrowind. I stepped carefully around the assassin's body and into the citadel.

There was no sign of anyone. The arrival of the guards had likely made them all go on the defensive. Wonderful. I nocked an arrow and kept walking.

Most of the ruin seemed to consist of one long hallway. Iron bars blocked the passage halfway down. Nearby, another of the assassins sat in the shadows, barely visible. I shot them and they slumped over against the wall. At the sound of their groan, I heard footsteps and a door along the hall opened. Two more of the Morag Tong agents came out. I fired, taking down the first. The second dodged my next shot, but was unable to avoid my third arrow. It hit her in the leg and she stumbled. Drawing my sword, I walked over and stabbed her through a weak spot in her armor.

I pulled the chain on the wall near the first dead assassin, and the bars slid down into the floor, allowing me to pass through.

The room at the end of the hall was circular, with a domed ceiling. At the center was a pit filled with water. On the far side of the room I could make out two figures garbed in the same black chitin armor as the others, except they wore no helms. One was unfamiliar, but I recognized the other as being Tilisu.

She crumpled a moment later, one of my arrows embedded in her forehead. The other looked up and hastily ducked behind a stone pillar. The shot I'd aimed at him hit the wall and clattered against the floor.

Switching to my blade, I hurried into the room.

"You will pay for interfering," the mer cried. "House Hlaalu will have its revenge!"

"We'll see about that."

He raced out from behind the pillar then, running right at me. In his hands were twin, razor-sharp glass daggers. I barely held his vicious swipes at bay, and one actually slashed across my arm. I grimaced.

"I've been trained by the Tong, fool!" He cackled.

I Shouted, knocking him back against the wall. I heard a loud crack when he hit, and he crumpled to the floor. When I approached, I saw that the chitin plates on his back had cracked from the impact. I stabbed through, breaking them apart and embedding my blade in his back.

"I join you in death, father…" he groaned before laying still.

"Well, what happened?" Adril asked when I returned to Raven Rock alone. "Were you able to track down Vendil? Out with it!"

"He's dead."

The Second Councilor's shoulders sagged with obvious relief. "Then… it's finally over. What of the Redoran Guard I sent to the citadel?"

"Slain by the Morag Tong. I got there too late."

"Damn it. I was hoping to protect out people by sending them, not end up with casualties. To think that Vendil would stoop so low as to hire those fetchers… I'm glad you killed him."

"I did what had to be done," I told him flatly.

"Wonderful, simply wonderful! Councilor Morvayn will be quite pleased when he hears about this. Follow me and I'll take you to the Councilor so you can speak to him yourself."

I followed him to a large, stone house built near the water. At one end was a tower that rose several stories above the other buildings. He hurried inside, and we stepped into what seemed set up as a kind of simple throne room. A rug covered the flagstone floor and a red banner displaying the symbol of House Redoran hung on the wall. A Dunmer dressed in blue and brown robes sat in a chair at the far end of the room.

Adril made a short bow to him and said, "Excuse me, Councilor Morvayn? I have some wonderful news."

The Councilor got a quizzical look at that. "Adril… I haven't seen a smile on your face like that in a long time."

"This visitor has single-handedly dealt with a threat that could have ended your life," the Second Councilor said, gesturing to me. "Vendil, Tilisu, and Mirri Severin weren't who they appeared to be. I'm afraid they were here to avenge Vilur Ulen's death."

"Vendil? But he's done so much for Raven Rock… How could this be possible?"

"They did it to gain our confidence, Councilor. They had us all fooled. I should have been more vigilant. I'm sorry."

"Don't say that. It's not your fault, old friend." The Councilor then gestured to me. "And you… step forward."

I did and he looked at me thoughtfully.

"What you've done for me – for all of Raven Rock – goes far beyond what I would have expected from a traveler to our town. For this, you have my deepest gratitude."

I made a short bow. "Thank you, Councilor."

"Now, I'm certain Adril was prepared to reward you appropriately for everything you've done. However, since a bit of coin hardly seems like enough, I've decided to provide something… more substantial."

"Oh?" I asked, cocking an eyebrow.

"Since the Severin family, or whoever they were, turned out to be criminals, their property is now forfeit. As Councilor, I hereby award you Severin Manor and everything contained within. You've earned your citizenship here, and I hope you'll consider staying with us as a member of our community."

He was giving me that house. I could live in Morrowind again, if I chose to. The thought was… strange, to say the least.

"My doors are open if you wish to discuss matters involving Raven Rock," Councilor Morvayn added, cutting through my thoughts.

Well, there was one thing I wanted to discuss. That there had been many that resented the Empire's presence when I lived in Vvardenfell had been no secret. But the distrust I felt from the Redoran, who never seemed that much at odds with them…

"Why dislike the Empire so much?" I asked.

It was Adril who answered.

"During the Oblivion Crisis, gates to a plane of Oblivion opened all over Morrowind," he explained. "The Empire pulled most of its forces out of Morrowind to deal with the gates in their own homeland, leaving us virtually defenseless. We had no standing army at the time, just uncoordinated pockets of resistance."

"Then how did the Dunmer survive this at all?"

Voice filled with pride, he said, "House Redoran took charge and was slowly able to build an army. It took years, but it became a force to be reckoned with. When the Argonians invaded years later, House Redoran's army was able to prevent them from sweeping across all of Morrowind. It would be fair to say that House Redoran literally saved the Dunmer people from destruction."

"Now we're the mightiest of the Great Houses and we lead the Council, the ruling body of Morrowind," Councilor Morvayn cut in.

I frowned. The only rule I'd seen was a chaotic vie for power between the Houses. "There's a Council?"

He sniffed. "A group of powerful and influential Dunmer families have been ruling Morrowind for millennia. They embody a council made up of five Great Houses: Telvanni, Dres, Indoril, Sadras, and Redoran."

"And Redoran leads them?"

"Well, of course. With four other houses on the Council, someone has to keep the rabble organized. Our house leads the council by virtue of our preeminence in battle, wisdom, and ancestral glory."

Of course they did.

"If you're interested in pursuing the subject, help yourself to any of the historical volumes in my library."

"I'll pass for now, but thanks," I said. I made a short bow. "Again, thank you, Councilor."

He shook his head. "No, thank you. For everything that you've done."

I left the Councilor's house. As I walked down the street, I felt a tingle down my spine. Was I being watched? I looked back over my shoulder.

Sure enough, Gan stood in the Wretching Netch's doorway, his gaze fixed resolutely on me. I stared back. After a moment he turned away and vanished inside the cornerclub.

It gave me an odd, unsettled feeling seeing him again. It was Gan who'd set up my last job for the Guild. If it hadn't been for that one job, I'd never have realized just how wrong it all was. I'd almost taken the chalice, too, but stealing from a chapel… it woke me up. I'd wanted to put it all behind me.

Fate always has a funny way of ensuring that I can't.