TITLE: What is Hidden in Snow
CHAPTER: 7
Matching stride for stride two men marched up the steps to Mistveil Keep. Although different in age, bearing, and complexion, their purpose is identical, to rescue Vika from Ulfric Stormcloak's control. Intent on rescuing his daughter, a fond memory surfaces for Brynjolf of the days gone by. There was a time when he and his men would simply kidnap her. However, those days are over and times have changed. Today, in a new world he helped build, to secure Vika's release required the Jarl's backing. Brynjolf and Rolf stride through the hall, ignoring the guard's challenge and startling the Jarl's supper guests as they approached the head of the table.
They could not know that Vika decided to rescue herself, and by her actions ensure the safety of those she truly loved. If Brynjolf knew his daughter's plan he would resort to kidnapping her and damn the consequences.
Ingun rose from the feasting table to join her husband. When he reached her place at the table, he took her hand and pulled her along so she could hear what he has to say.
"My Jarl. A word?"
Laila Law-Giver, the Jarl of Riften carefully folded her linen napkin and set it down next to her plate. She rose gracefully with a nod to the guards and a smile to her guests. She owed Brynjolf too much to waste time on anger at this puzzling intrusion.
Her friendship with Ingun has deepened over the months since Maven Black-Briar's arrest. The two women found much in common. Often spending the evenings chatting or quietly reading one the many books they traded with each other. It had been too long since Laila had a female friend and Ingun was happy to provide the companionship.
The Jarl stepped up to her throne with Brynjolf and Ralof behind her. With a wave of her hand, she indicated her Housecarl, Unmid Snow-Shod, to stand down. A maid offered the two men a cup of wine. Once seated, she gazed expectantly into the faces of the two men.
"You are Captain Ralof of the Stormcloaks. You have become known to us. You are loyal to Ulfric Stormcloak?"
Ralof glanced at Brynjolf and the older man returned the look, nodding to Ralof, encouraging him to give an honest answer.
"I am loyal to the Stormcloak rebellion, my Jarl. And a faithful son of Skyrim."
"Well said, Captain." The Jarl made a show of rearranging her skirts to hide her smile. That was exactly what she needed to hear from the young man. "We have heard of your bravery and now I see honesty is also among your virtues," she said, then turned her attention back to Brynjolf. "Your good lady grows fretful, Brynjolf. What assistance may we provide you and your family?"
Brynjolf took a deep swallow of wine. "My daughter completed a quest." Brynjolf knew better than to reveal the nature of the quest furthered the Blades' cause. He could only hope the Jarl didn't ask.
"Jarl, he continued, she obtained information about Ulfric Stormcloak. In fact, it's the Thalmor's dossier on Ulfric. When he was taken as a prisoner of war during the First War, they tortured him and when he broke, they made him an asset. The Thalmor don't want a victory for either side, they want to keep the war indecisive, and they're manipulating Ulfric to do it."
The Jarl frowned, "he keeps no Thalmor at this court."
Brynjolf pulled the small leather book from his shirt. "I present this to you, Jarl so you may judge its worth and decide what to do. Please consider my daughter put her life in great danger by infiltrating the Thalmor Embassy to obtain this document."
"Bryn, how did you come by this?" Ingun asked, her eyes wide with concern.
The Jarl thoughtfully read the first pages, with her brow creased with concentration.
"Vika passed it to me when I visited her in…"
"...Wait." Ingun threw up her hands, her eyes widening. "Do I even want to know?"
Brynjolf placed a hand on Ingun's hip and pulled her close. Tickling her cheek with his beard. "No one but Vika saw me, lass."
The Jarl drew his attention back by slapping the dossier on the arm of her throne. "This is unpardonable and cannot be ignored."
The small group grew somber. This was no small thing, the effects of the decisions made in the next few minutes would reach across Skyrim.
"Where is your daughter, Brynjolf?"
"With Ulfric, Lady. He doesn't allow her out of his sight."
"Do you fear for her safety?" The Jarl asked, concern written on her face and in the soft hand she placed on Ingun's wool sleeve. "Or, does she love him and wish to remain at his side?"
He didn't want to say this in front of Ingun, but the thought of his Vika emotionally chained to that monster haunted his days and left him searching for answers.
"I don't know," he answered honestly. "She's no longer blinded by her feelings for him, but I think she may be staying with him, as a guarantee of our safety."
Ralof nodded his head and stepped forward. "She said as much to me, Jarl." Then Ralof searched Brynjolf's face for answers. It wasn't his story to tell, but withholding anything only made things worse.
"Aye, lad. Tell her everything."
The young captain took a long breath. "Vika suffered physical abuse at the hands of her adoptive father. I saw such scars on her..."
"We were not aware you loved the Dragonborn."
"Yes, my Jarl." Ralof turned away to hide the emotions staining his fair complexion. "I-I do love her."
"We must alert the other Jarls and share the information contained in this journal. Brynjolf, your men are the best at moving quickly and silently across the landscape. Will you one to each Hold and let them know I, Laila Law-Giver, the Jarl of Riften, call a Moot to be held in Winterhold. It's time for this to end."
"Jarl. I fear for Vika. I cannot endure the thought of what he might be…" Brynjolf stopped himself and scrubbed his beard.
"Then take your lady wife and travel there, Brynjolf. No matter what Ulfric feels for you he could not refuse a visit from his intended's parents.