I apologize in advance – I really don't know a whole lot about horses or horse stuff or the terminology. Whenever I talk about horse stuff, I'm constantly referencing Google for diagrams and whatnot. Sorry!
Also: child death mention/dead child's body later on. It's there for quite a while.
Thank you, The_Quickpeeps, for bugging me about updating. I'm sorry it's taken so long for me to do so.
I stopped at the village of Ivarstead on my way to Riften, listening for rumours. It had not escaped my notice that the village was at the base of a mountain, but I had not known what lay at the top of it.
"The Dragonborn was called by the Greybeards. Didn't you hear it?" The innkeeper looked at me as if I was a fool. "It shook the air. I'm surprised it didn't cause an avalanche, to be honest."
"I have heard of the Dragonborn Emperors, but I do not think that is what you are speaking of." I sipped at my drink, sitting at the bar.
"The Dragonborn can absorb power from dragons they kill, and can learn to Shout from them. I don't mean regular shouting, anyone can do that, but some kind of magick thing they do with their voice."
"And that is all that is known of the mysterious Dragonborn?" I raised a brow, and he shrugged.
"That's what's common knowledge. You could probably find more information in books somewhere." The man was hailed by another customer, and I was left alone. I frowned into my ale. Was that what had happened with Mirmulnir? I had taken something from the dragon, I did not doubt that. He had called me 'Dovahkiin', the same word the voices on the air had shouted. Was I the Dragonborn? I shook my head and rose to my feet, leaving a handful of septims on the counter. It did not matter if I was or not; I had a responsibility to my Family.
The same dark-haired Nord in need of a bath stood near the main gates, just as he had the last time I had been in Riften. He narrowed his eyes at me as I walked past him. I inclined my head slightly, but said nothing. Astrid's directions to the Ratway's entrance had been clear, and I had no trouble finding it. There were a handful of layabouts within the tunnels, but they were little trouble. I could smell nothing aside from the stench of the sewers, but my ears led me to my destination. Barely a handful of people sat in the Ragged Flagon, as the old and worn sign declared its name to be. Obviously, this was only the face of the Thieves' Guild. A marge man with a war hammer strapped to his back glared at me as I made my way to the bar. A blonde Nord woman scowled at me, while an older Breton man studied me. It was this man I approached.
"Delvin Mallory?" Silence fell over the room.
"Who wants ta know?" He asked, curling his lip at me.
"The Dark Brotherhood requires your services."
"So you say. Anyone could walk through that door and make that claim." He shook his head at me. "I ain't a fool."
"Astrid would have sent Veezara, but he was injured recently and was unable to make the trip himself." I sat down in the chair across from his at the table. Mallory leaned back in his chair, and the others in the room relaxed.
"All right. What d'you got for me?" I tossed the amulet down on the table. The man's eyes widened and he let out a low whistle as he examined the amulet.
"I don't think I want to know where you got this." He shook his head. "You know what this is?"
"'Tis an amulet of the Elder Council. I know that each of them is unique, and as such are valuable. What will you pay us for it?"
"You want me to buy it?" He grinned, and it widened when I nodded. "Just… give me a moment…" He gestured to the barman, who brought over a few pieces of parchment, ink, and a quill. Mallory nodded his thanks and began to write. "This… is a letter of credit… Astrid's the only one who can use it. It's good for any items or services I can provide, up to fifteen thousand septims." He flash-dried the ink with a small blast of a fire spell before folding and sealing it with a glob of wax from a nearby candle, imprinting it with a ring he wore. I reached for the parchment, but he pulled it back slightly. "I don't like doin' business with people when I don't even know their name."
"Lycoris." He nodded and handed me the parchment.
"Nice doin' business with ya."
I did not know what sort of financial straits Astrid might be in, and so I made my way back to Falkreath immediately. She was very pleased with Mallory's offer.
"Gabriella's on her way to Solitude for Vici's wedding." She informed me. "She thought it would be a good idea to scout out the area a few days in advance." I nodded my understanding and agreement with the Dunmer woman's logic. "I've also learned the identity of the 'high-ranking military officer' that the letter mentions; one Oritius Maro."
"That did not take long." I commented.
"Enough money will make anyone talk." She smiled. "Anyway, his son, Gaius, is his second in command, and will be checking the security of all the cities in Skyrim in preparation for the Emperor's visit."
"As I previously stated, I do not wish to be further involved with this contract." I frowned, crossing my arms.
"I'm not getting your hands dirty, just trying to bounce ideas off of you. As you said, you've been doing this for a long time."
"Very well, then. What did you want my opinion on?"
"The Penitus Oculatus base is in Dragon Bridge, a village in Haafingar hold. Near Solitude." She added when I raised a brow. "Whoever I send to do this one will have to get Maro's schedule and follow him. In a larger city, he'll be discovered sooner."
"You must have some plan in mind. Simply killing the son will do little." I pointed out, and she nodded.
"I'm having a letter forged which will implicate him in a plot to assassinate the Emperor."
"Soothe their fears on one hand – they will think that the danger has passed – and distract, at the very least, the father on the other." I put the pieces together, and Astrid's smile widened.
"Precisely."
"I would recommend avoiding Solitude for this part of the contract. With Vici's death, the guard presence in the city will be heightened. If I were the one assigned to this contract, I would avoid Legion-allied cities. A city such as Riften or Windhelm, for example, would take far less issue with an Imperial agent dying on their streets."
"Both good points." Astrid acknowledged. "Thank you."
"How is Veezara?" I asked, changing the subject. "Are his injuries healing?"
"Your healing helped. Without it, I don't know what might have happened." She shook her head. "His internal injuries are almost all healed, it's just the surface that needs more time."
"That is good to hear. Do you think he would accept further healing?"
"You can ask." Astrid shrugged a shoulder. "I hope he does. I'm going to need everyone before this contract is over, I think."
"Then if there is nothing else…?" She waved a hand in dismissal, and I left her room. Veezara was sitting in his usual place in the main chamber, meditating.
"Greetings, Sister." He opened his eyes as I drew close. "You and Arnbjorn are not the only ones with a good sense of smell." His forked tongue slipped out from between his lips, as though in evidence.
"How are you feeling?" I asked, stepping closer.
"Well enough, I suppose." He shrugged slightly. "Babette is the closest we've had to an actual healer for some time now."
"Would you like further healing?" I brought the spell to hand, the golden light swirling about my fingertips.
"I would appreciate it. It'd be nice to get back to work." I gave him a small smile and bathed him in magick. Its effects were immediate. Veezara sat more comfortably and his breaths deepened. I found no sign of infection in his blood, which gladdened me. "Thank you."
"You are welcome. If you have any further issues, do not be afraid to seek me out. Or, if you wish, I could teach you a basic healing spell."
"I don't want to be any trouble." He demurred, and I shook my head.
"It is no trouble to ensure that my Family lives on." I sat with him and taught him a few Restoration spells, which he took to quickly, much to his surprise. Once I felt he had learned enough for the time being, I sought out Cicero. However, he had barricaded the door to Mother's shrine in the Sanctuary, from which I gathered that he must be taking care of Mother. Arnbjorn was in Markarth, getting contract information from Muiri, and Festus was working on the Emperor contract. From what I understood, he was attempting to suss out the Gourmet's identity, or someone who knew the chef's identity. Babette was out feeding, and so there was little for me to do within the Sanctuary. I left a note for the Keeper and informed Astrid that I was leaving.
"Where are you headed next?" She asked, and I shrugged.
"I know that I will not be heading to Solitude. I feel t'would be dishonest of me to join the Legion while involved in a plot to assassinate the Emperor. Perhaps Winterhold? That is where your Mage's College is, correct?"
"Yes, that's true." She nodded. "When you go outside, stop at the waterside. Someone will meet you there shortly. Don't worry, it's nothing to do with the contract. Just something I thought you might need, what with running all over the damn province."
"If I wished to have a horse, I would have acquired one." I frowned over at her.
"Just… take a look at this one. If you don't want it, don't take it."
"As you like." I shook my head and exited the Sanctuary. The water was not hard to find, only a few paces away from the Black Door itself. I listened for an approaching rider from the road, but I heard nothing. The water at my feet began to bubble, drawing my attention. I took a step back from the water as the bubbles began to froth and form small waves. The water gushed skyward, like a geyser, and when it settled a night-black horse with glowing red eyes stood in the water. "Shadowmere!" She whinnied in greeting as I stepped into the water. It came halfway to my knees, but I did not care. "I had thought you might have been slain." I murmured, running my hand down the bridge of her nose. I leaned my forehead against her neck and breathed in her scent. "I missed you, my girl." I climbed onto her bare back and guided her with light touches of my knees in Falkreath's direction. With a nudge of my heels, she moved from a walk to a trot, then into a canter, and finally into a gallop. I laughed aloud and threw back my hood, letting the wind fly through my hair. I trusted Shadowmere as I had no other steed, and she had always proved worthy of it. I guided her into the village, where I learned that Falkreath's blacksmith had a few ready-made saddles and bridles, as well as the pieces necessary to have them crafted. I bought a ready-made saddle and bit-less bridle as well as a saddle blanket, but left very detailed instructions on the design of the new saddle and bit-less bridle that I wanted him to craft.
"It's not going to be cheap." He warned.
"Which means that this project is going to require your utmost care and attention." I countered. "I cannot give a specific time frame for my return, for which I apologize. I do not expect to be able to return until well after they have been completed, however. I will pay you handsomely upon my return should they meet my standards."
"Of course, ma'am." He bowed his head. I whistled for Shadowmere and she came running. I ran out to meet her and reached upwards for the saddle horn, swinging myself into the saddle. The ends of the reins were still wrapped loosely around the horn where I had left them, so she would not have to worry about stepping on them when I let her roam. Guiding Shadowmere had never required constant use of the reins, unlike other horses. Outside of emergencies, I allowed her to have her head. Thirty years had passed since I had last laid my eyes on her, and yet it was as though we had never parted. The smile on my lips did not leave until I came within sight of Whiterun. Irileth would have told the Jarl what had happened as soon as she had returned. Balgruuf had not asked me to return, but the man would likely argue that I had simply been expected to return. I slowed Shadowmere down to a canter and pulled my hood back up. We were going to draw attention regardless of what I did, but I could act as though I did not see the guards' attempts to flag me down. At the first cry of 'Dragonborn', however, I dug my heels into Shadowmere's ribs and laid near flat on her back. One of the guardsmen must have recognized my armour. I had not given my name to any living within the city, but all it would take was a messenger to Riverwood and a detailed description. Between Sven and Faendal, Balgruuf would have my name if he wished to. I wanted nothing more to do with dragons, not if I could help it.
Shadowmere kept her pace well into the night; not slowing 'til we had come 'round Lake Yorgrim's northern edge and passed into Winterhold Hold. The Hold lived up to its name well enough. Even using my vampiric Night Eye ability I could scarcely see the road before us.
"Stay on the road, darling." I murmured, running my fingers through her mane. "Follow the road, and you will have a warm place to sleep the day away." I cast a Fire Cloak spell to surround Shadowmere and myself to keep us warm and to hopefully ward off any aggressive wildlife in the area. I did not think that many bandits would ply their trade so far north, and I seemed to be correct. Upon arrival in what was left of the city, I could see that there were no true stables for Shadowmere. Instead, I led her to an old abandoned house. I patched up the holes in the roof and the walls with magick as best I could. The barriers would remain for twelve hours before fading. I removed Shadowmere's tack and brushed her down. "It is not as warm as I promised. I apologize." I murmured to her as I ran my fingers through her mane. "I will visit you in the morning afore I head up to the College. I do not expect us to stay long." Shadowmere exhaled through her nose, catching the side of my face. I smiled and patted her once more before heading to the inn.
It was too late when I arrived to make my way up to the College, and so I rented a room and waited for the morning. As I had promised her, I checked on Shadowmere and renewed the barriers. My task complete, I walked up the ramp leading to the College. An Altmer woman stopped me and would not allow me to pass until I had proved my capability as a mage. I summoned and dispelled a Fire Atronach as she requested.
"Once you're inside, speak to Mirabelle Ervine. She's in charge of organizing classes." The woman told me, leading me up the ramp. There were some places where we could not walk beside one another, as the ramp had disintegrated.
"I came here to make use of your library, not to become a student." I informed her.
"In that case, head inside through the main doors. Once you're in the entryway, either doorway will take you up to the second floor. Urag gro-Shub is in charge of the Arcaneum. Don't damage the books or try to leave with them, and you should be fine."
"Thank you for your help." I nodded to her and made my way up to the courtyard. As I entered, I saw a woman in mage's robes arguing with an Altmer in Thalmor robes. I pulled my hood further down my face before making my way towards the College itself. Upon entering the building I lowered my hood entirely. Leaving it up would have drawn more attention, after all. There were doors on my right and my left, as the woman on the bridge had informed me there would be. I chose to use the door on my left. Climbing up the stairs brought me to a large, open library, within which were a handful of people. A small smile graced my lips as I looked around.
"You are now in the Arcaneum, of which I am in charge." A bearded Orsimer stood close by, and it was he who had spoken. "It might as well by my own plane of Oblivion. Disrupt my Arcaneum, and I will have you torn apart by angry Atronachs. Now, do you require assistance?"
"What books do you have about dragons?" I asked.
"Most of the books we have are fiction. There are three books that are based more on facts. You're looking for The Dragon War, There Be Dragons, and The Book of the Dragonborn." The Orsimer explained. "Just wait a moment, and I'll get them for you." He went off in search of the books, and I looked around the library. It had been many years since I had set foot in one. A young Dunmer woman glanced up from her book at me, and I pretended not to notice. "Here you are." The Orsimer placed the three books on his desk. "Now. No eating or drinking while reading. No casting spells while reading. And these books don't leave the Arcaneum. Is that clear?"
"I understand." He grunted and walked away, leaving the books on the desk. I took the three and found myself a seat and sat down to read. The first two books, while interesting, did not tell me much. The Book of the Dragonborn was much more informative. When I reached the end of the book and its prophecy, I frowned and re-read it. Twice. I fished through my pack and found my notebook, but my quill was snapped. I looked up and saw the Dunmer girl was still in the library. "Do you have a quill I can borrow?" I asked her. She looked up from her book and blinked.
"Yes, I do." She closed her book and handed me a quill. "I haven't seen you around here before. Are you a new student?" I chuckled.
"No. I am only here to make use of the library." I wrote down the prophecy carefully, making sure it was word for word, then began to write my theories.
Misrule takes its place/eight corners – Jagar Tharn?
Brass tower –?
Time is reshaped – the Dragon Break
Thrice-blessed –?
Red Tower trembles – the Red Year?
The Dragonborn ruler loses his throne, and the White Tower falls – the Oblivion Crisis
When the Snow Tower lies sundered, kingless, bleeding – Ulfric killed the king
The World-Eater wakes, and the Wheel turns upon the last Dragonborn.
I put the quill down and stared at the notebook. I closed the other books and took them back to the Orsimer.
"Does the term 'World-Eater' mean anything to you?" The man sighed.
"I'll get you the books." He returned carrying two books; The Alduin/Akatosh Dichotomy and Varieties of Faith in the Empire. Both books assumed that this 'World-Eater' – this Alduin – was nothing more than a shadowed face of Akatosh. My instincts told me that such a simple thing was not the answer, could not be the answer. Not with a prophecy, written in a book nigh on three centuries old. I returned the five books to the Orsimer and went to collect my notebook. When I picked it up, I saw another's writing beside my own.
Misrule takes its place/eight corners – Jagar Tharn?
Brass tower –? Numidium, probably.
Time is reshaped – the Dragon Break
Thrice-blessed –? The Tribunal of Morrowind – Almalexia, Sotha Sil, and Vivec.
Red Tower trembles – the Red Year?
The Dragonborn ruler loses his throne, and the White Tower falls – the Oblivion Crisis
When the Snow Tower lies sundered, kingless, bleeding – Ulfric killed the king
The World-Eater wakes, and the Wheel turns upon the last Dragonborn.
If you want more information on Numidium, ask Urag for The Arcturian Heresy. It's the only book I've found in Skyrim that has good information on it.
I looked around, only to find the Dunmer girl gone.
Shadowmere seemed happy to see me once I was finished at the College. I dispelled the barriers and we made our way to Windhelm. I had modified the Forsworn armor when I had stopped at the Sanctuary, and planned to wear it when I confronted Ulfric. I slew Ennodius Papius and changed into the Forsworn gear at his camp. . The armour itself was little more than a breast cloth and a pair of smalls, while its headpiece was intricate and necessitated putting my hair into a bun. The gloves came to just past my elbows and the boots covered my feet and rose to my knees. With a mild Flame Cloak, I did not need to concern myself with the chill. I drew the cloak that Sadri had given me over it as well. The point of wearing the armor was to surprise Ulfric, after all. If I were to enter the town wearing only the armor, my surprise would be ruined. I stabled Shadowmere and entered Windhelm. I had just passed Candlehearth Hall when I heard a scream. I followed the sound to the city's graveyard, where a woman's body was laid out on a gravestone. Her body was cut open, and on quick inspection I could tell that the cuts were almost surgical in nature; a manner that one would normally expect from a mortician or priest. A woman in rags appeared to have been the screamer. She stood close by, almost hysterical. I attempted to calm her as two other approached. An older Nord woman wearing Arkay's robes came out of a building not too far away and an older Imperial man came from the western end of the graveyard. It was he who fetched the guards. The analytical part of my mind filed this information away for future contracts. The Imperial man brought a single guardsman back with him, who collected statements from the four of us. The guard seemed disinterested in the woman's murder, and did not deny it when I questioned him.
"This isn't the first one. Susanna here makes the third in the last few months."
"Do the women have anything in common?"
"Young, pretty. That's about it." He took a closer look at the corpse. "This one looks like it might be a little less cut up then the others were, though."
"Do you remember nothing else?" I asked, holding my temper tightly. The man had a serial killer on the loose, and he did not care. He turned to face me.
"If you think you can do a better job, go talk to Jorleif before doing anything else."
"I certainly cannot do a worse job." I sneered. The name was familiar, but it was a few moments before I placed it. Jorleif was the Jarl's steward, according to the letter I had found in Aventus' house. That meant the man would be found in the Palace of the Kings. I did not want to be recognized by Ulfric before I was ready to speak with him, so I cast a mild Illusion on myself. It would make me less noticeable unless I drew attention to myself. I kept my head down as I walked through the main hall, stopping only to ask a guard where I might find the steward. He directed me to a man standing near the throne. "Steward Jorleif?"
"Just Jorleif is fine. How can I help you?" The man was tall, like most Nords, and had a large moustache trailing down both sides of his mouth.
"One of the guardsmen sent me to speak with you concerning the recent string of murders."
"Talos preserve us, there was another one?" He rubbed his face with his palm. "We've had to reduce the guard presence here in the city what with the war, and the ones we have here are apparently next to useless."
"I would be willing to lend assistance, if you would allow it." I offered. Yet another item to casually throw in Ulfric's face.
"Anything you could do would be appreciated. I'll make sure that the guards know that you're working with my authority."
"I will get to work, then." I turned on my heel and left. I returned to where Susanna's body had been discovered, where the guard told me that the Priestess of Arkay, Helgird, had taken it to the Hall of the Dead. I entered through the door I had seen her exit through earlier, and with the assistance of a Detect Life spell, found her easily enough. She had not had much time yet to examine the body, and so I waited for her to finish.
"Much like the other girls, organs, sinew, and tendons were harvested. The killer tried to disguise their removal by destroying and moving around other organs, but it's hard to hide it from someone with an experienced eye." She explained. "The cuts were made with old embalming tools, much like my own, judging by the length, width, depth and angle of the cuts. And before you ask, no, I'm not the killer. I wouldn't be telling you all this if I was the one responsible."
"I was not going to accuse you." I informed her. "Do you know of any mages within the city?"
"Only one I can think of is Wuunferth, the court mage. I've never seen the man leave the Palace of the Kings, though."
"I have no more questions for you. Thank you for your time, Priestess."
"I noticed something earlier that you might be interested in. Leading west past the graveyard is a blood trail. It might be worth checking out."
"I had not noticed that. Again, thank you." I gave her a small smile and she turned to her work. I left the Hall of the Dead and quickly found the trail that she had spoken of. The trail had been disturbed, but whether it had been intentional or not I could not tell. I followed the scent of blood, which no amount of disturbance could erase, which led me to a house north-west of the graveyard. Upon inspection, I saw that the lock was a recent addition to the house. I broke a half-dozen lockpicks in my attempts to open the door, but was eventually successful. The dust in the air made me sneeze upon entry until I halted my breathing. I made my way through the house, inspecting all that I came across. It seemed an ordinary abandoned house at a glance. I scented blood on the air, however, and knew otherwise. A small end table in a back room had a stack of warning posters penned by a Viola Giordano – the woman whose ring I had returned for Sadri, my first time in the city. Buried beneath them was an amulet, one I had hoped to never lay eyes on again. The last time I had seen it, I had given it to my predecessor at the Cyrodiilic Mage's Guild, Archmage Hannibal Traven. The Necromancer's Amulet. I did not even wish to touch the thing, but I could not leave it where it lay. I picked it up and dropped it into a leather pouch at my hip. Now this was far more than just another issue to throw in Ulfric's face. I shuddered and moved on to the next room. The smell of blood was far stronger in this last room, but nothing stood out to me. I tapped on the walls, looking for the hidden room that must be there. The room was far easier to find than its door, which was hidden in the back of a wardrobe. A female skeleton lay on an altar of sorts in the back of the hidden room. I threw a bone across the room with a blast of Telekinesis, and when no traps went off, I entered it. I retrieved a journal from the altar and took a quick look through it. It detailed a recipe and ancient instructions. From that I gathered that the killer was attempting a resurrection. I tucked the journal away and piled everything else within the room on the altar using Telekinesis spells. Once the floor was bare, I used my most powerful fire spell to burn it all away. Once the killer's handiwork was ashes on the floor I extinguished the flames and left the house. I made my way back to the Palace of the Kings and asked after the court mage's quarters. One of the guards actually took me to the mage's chambers, which I had not expected.
"Not many people seek out Wuunferth 'the Unliving' these days." The mage grunted. He sat in a chair against the wall.
"How does one acquire that appellation?" I queried, closing the door.
"Apparently, one doesn't live as long as I have without 'cheating'." He chuckled dryly. "What do you want, girl?"
"You have heard of the murders recently, have you not?" I asked, and he nodded. "Have you noticed any pattern to them?"
"I have, in fact. I haven't got any proof, but I suspect that necromancy is at work here."
"I have found your proof." I tossed him the leather pouch containing the Amulet, as well as the journal. "I found these in an abandoned house north-west of the graveyard and destroyed the remains that I found within." He blanched upon opening the pouch and seeing its contents, and did not bother looking at the journal. "I do not think that this will stop the killer, however."
"It'll definitely slow them down, though." He tied the pouch up tightly and put it on the table. "How did you recognize the Amulet?"
"It is well-described in many texts." I answered, which was not a lie. The mage grunted, but left it at that.
"If you hadn't destroyed the remains, I would have said there wouldn't be an attack for another fortnight, at least. But now… I can't say." He gave me the amulet, but kept the journal. "I don't want anything to do with that. You said you found them in the abandoned house?"
"Yes. The killer did not hide their trail very well."
"Let's go talk to the Steward, then." We made our way back into the main hall. I was glad to see that Ulfric was not present at the moment. Wuunferth told Jorleif what he and I suspected, and recommended that there be guards at the house. "But they can't be out in plain sight, where anyone can see them. You want to ambush the killer, not scare them away."
"I'll get some men put on that." Jorleif promised. Wuunferth and I walked back across the room, and stopped at the door leading back to his quarters.
"Now that we've at least told them, they can't say we didn't try."
"I am going to watch the house as well." I informed the mage.
"I thought you might. Stay safe, now." He clapped my shoulder and went up the stairs. I made my way back to the killer's lair and climbed the neighbouring house to sit on the roof, putting my Invisibility spell to use. Two guards arrived a few hours later and hid themselves near the house. Four hours after that, the pair were relieved by another pair of guards. Another four hours, another pair of guards. After I had been sitting on the roof for almost fourteen hours, someone who was not a guard walked past the house I was perched upon. The owners of the other houses in the area had long since gone home, which meant that this man was the killer. I drew my bow and nocked an arrow, following his movements. The man waved a hand, and I saw the glint of magenta in his eyes that told me he had cast a Life Detect spell. Thankfully, I would not appear to someone using that spell. However, I knew that the guards would. The man snarled and raised his hands to cast another spell, and I loosed my arrow, which caught him in the throat. I heard one of the guards curse as the man fell to the ground. I climbed down the building that had served as my perch, only to be confronted by the pair of guards.
"Was that you who shot Callixto?" The man asked, gesturing towards the body. "We could have handled it."
"He had cast a Detect Life spell and was about to kill you." I answered flatly. "Did you not see his eyes?"
"I saw something." The woman offered. "I didn't know what it was, though."
"What you should do know is search him. Find the key to his home and search it, as well. I did not see all of the things he would have required for his necromancy here. The rest is probably at his home."
"Then you're coming with us." The man stated. "It's not like either of us know what we're looking for."
"Very well." I found the key, and the guards led the way to the man's house. At first, we did not find much. Then I found a fall-down ladder that led upwards, and climbed it. A locked chest was above, and it would only open with one of Callixto's keys. "I found what we are looking for." I called down. I used Telekinesis to get the chest down to the main floor of the house. "The journal within is a match to the one I gave to Wuunferth earlier, and I do not doubt that the writing will also match. Wuunferth should come and look through these things later. Some items used in necromancy are dangerous, and cannot just be burned to dispose of them." The guards nodded, and we left the house. The male guard went back to his rounds, and he woman elected to escort me to the Palace of the Kings. We went down a street that I was unfamiliar with. I saw a small girl huddled up in a corner and frowned. "Hold a moment." I spoke to the guard, who nodded. With a flick of a finger, I cast Detect Life. The girl's body did not shimmer with light. I sighed heavily. "Do you know what her name was?" The guard let out a sigh before she answered.
"Her name was Sofie. She sold flowers, trying to eat. She didn't remember her mother very well, but her father was a Stormcloak who died in battle."
"Her father was one of Ulfric's soldiers, and your Jarl could not find a place for her to sleep in that 'palace' of his?" I sneered.
"I… I don't know exactly. I just know what she told people." I knelt beside the girl and brushed her hair out of her face.
"I am returning to the Palace of the Kings. I would recommend that you not come with me. I am going to have words with Ulfric." The woman nodded and left. I picked up the girl – Sofie, her name was Sofie – and made my way up to see the would-be king of Skyrim. I used a touch of Alteration magick to hold the blankets close around Sofie, so that she would not be seen. Another string of Alteration, and the doors to the Palace of the Kings opened before me. Ulfric was seated on his throne, speaking with an older man wearing heavy armor with large pauldrons, and a blue tabard draped beneath them across his chest. One last tug of magick, and the door banged shut behind me. The noise drew every eye in the room. I recognized Jorleif and Wuunferth, but no others.
"Lycoris!" Ulfric greeted, smiling at me. "I had wondered when you were going to return." I walked up the hall, stopping just before his throne.
"My Lord Ulfric Stormcloak." I smiled sweetly. "I come bearing important news." He nodded for me to continue. "While your men were out playing war, women in your city were being murdered. Tonight, however, I put an end to that. The Butcher of Windhelm is dead."
"That's –" The older man began to speak.
"I am not yet finished." I glared over at him. "I also come with proof of something else."
"Proof of what?" The Jarl drawled. I dispelled the magick keeping Sofie covered.
"This little girl froze to death on your streets. Her father was one of your soldiers." I could hear some of the guards murmuring behind me. "What can the rest of your soldiers expect from you?"
"This is not the place to discuss things like this." Ulfric said quietly.
"What better place than this?" I laid Sofie down gently beside Ulfric's throne.
"There are much better places than this." Ulfric hissed, rising to his feet.
"This is not the first time you have killed a child, 'tis only the first time you might have to face the consequences." While Ulfric had lowered his voice, mine had only gotten louder.
"What are you talking about?"
"I have been to Markarth. I broke bread with Madanach, the King in Rags. Does the name Aethra mean anything to you? She was the child who begged you not to kill her father, and so you took her head in his stead. What of Euclid? You killed his beloved older brother, and he picked up a weapon in his rage. You killed him. What of Metea? Biton? Calais? Elpida? Gethsemane? I have many names to list, Ulfric. Do you recall any of them?"
"Why does it matter?" Ulfric snapped. "They were nothing but barbarians anyway."
"I did not think to hear Thalmor rhetoric in Windhelm." I raised my brows.
"FUS RO DAH!" As soon as I heard the first syllable, I raised a Ward. Large enough to be useful, but too small to be seen. Ulfric's Shout threw my cloak back, baring my Forsworn armor for all to see, but otherwise did not affect me.
"Now that I know you are an incompetent leader as well as a child-killer, I would like to withdraw my application from the Stormcloaks." I bowed slightly. "I thank you for your time."
"We're not finished here." Ulfric growled, stepping towards me.
"Yes, we are." I cast Invisibility and crouched. I gathered up my cloak and made my way over to Sofie. While Ulfric and his men looked for me, I stretched the threads of Illusion to cover her and picked her up. I looked over at Wuunferth and saw a gleam of violet in his eyes. He could see me, and likely suspected that I was a vampire, if not something worse. I waited, but he did not tell Ulfric where I was.
"I'm going to get something warm from the kitchens." Wuunferth announced, rising to his feet. No one answered him. As the mage passed where I was hiding, he spoke again. "Come with me, girl. Quick and quiet." I hesitated for a moment before following him. When we arrived in the kitchens, no one was there.
"Why are you helping me? Why did you not tell Ulfric where I was?" I demanded, dropping the Invisibility.
"Because I happen to agree with what you told him." Wuunferth replied. "I don't care who or what you are, but thank you."
"But you do know what I am, then." Wuunferth did not answer. "I apologize." I set Sofie down and rose to my feet. "I hoped I would not have to do this."
"Do what?" Wuunferth frowned. I walked towards him, opening my eyes wide and pushing out with my vampiric abilities. Wuunferth relaxed, all tension leaving his body.
"Lean towards me." I commanded, and he did. I pushed his hood back, baring his throat. My vampiric teeth descended and I bit his throat. I did not drink much before I stepped away.
"Mistress." Wuunferth's eyes were unfocused as I healed the mark upon his throat.
"Are there any hidden passages out of here?"
"Yes. The servant's entrance is nearby. Do you have any orders for me?"
"I do. You will remain here, and tell no one what you know of me. You will obey Ulfric as you normally do." I paused, thinking. "Should you hear anything involving war plans, or if Ulfric plans to move against me, send a courier to Dead Man's Drink in Falkreath for Lycoris. If Ulfric or another disparages me in your presence, hold your tongue. I need you to remain here, in good standing."
"Yes, Mistress."
"Do not call me that where others might hear you. If anyone asks of me, tell them we worked to discover the identity of the Butcher, nothing more. I did not even tell you my name."
"Of course, Mistress."
"Show me the servant's entrance, then get your 'something warm' before you leave."
I carried Sofie before me on Shadowmere as we rode to Falkreath. I had her smothered in Alteration and Restoration magick to keep her from decaying. I guided Shadowmere to the graveyard, where the priest of Arkay did his work. There were three people in the graveyard when I arrived; two Redguards, a man and a woman, and an Altmer in robes. When he was finished with the pair of Redguards the Altmer made his way over to me.
"I am Runil, Falkreath's priest of Arkay. Can I help you?"
"I have brought a body to bury." I informed him. "Shadow-love, lower your head." I patted Shadowmere's neck with my free hand, and she lowered her head. I swung my right leg over her head and took my left foot out of the stirrup so I could slide down her side.
"Another little girl. But this one looks like she died peacefully, at least." Runil commented.
"She froze to death in the streets of Windhelm."
"You brought her all the way here from Windhelm?" Runil asked, his eyes wide.
"I thought that a girl who had seen naught but snow and ice might like to be buried surrounded by grass and trees."
"How did you know her?"
"I did not know her at all. The first time I saw her, she was dead."
"Ah. No family at all, then?"
"None that I am aware of."
"Very well. Can I ask you to dispel your magick? I'll take over as soon as you have." Runil promised as I handed Sofie to him. I nodded, pulling my magick back. I felt Runil's magick wrap around Sofie as soon as mine let go of her. "I'll see she has a good resting place. You have my word."
"Thank you." Shadowmere came up on my right side, putting her head over my shoulder. I smiled up at the horse and rubbed her neck. "Here." I reached into a pouch on Shadowmere's saddle and took out my emergency funds. "There are five hundred septims here. I think you might need them more than I." I walked towards the building beside the graveyard and put the pouch on the small table beside the door.
"Arkay bless you, child." Runil gave me a half-bow.
"And you as well."
The blacksmith was not yet done with Shadowmere's equipment, so I made my way back to the Sanctuary from there. I needed to tell Nazir that I had completed the contracts he had given me, and pass along the handful of contracts that Mother had told me about. Nazir paid me well for the three contracts, and gave me a pair more.
"Lurbuk is, by common consensus, the worst bard in Skyrim. And that's saying a lot. He's in Morthal. Hern is a vampire, and a little closer to home. He and his… wife? Mate? Whatever. They live at Half-Moon Mill, just a ways north of here."
"Thank you. Is Astrid in?" I asked, and Nazir shrugged a shoulder.
"She should be around here somewhere. She might have been talking to Babette when you came in. She's taking care of the next part of the Emperor contract."
"Babette is?" I raised my brows. "Is this the slaying of Gaius Maro?"
"It is indeed. Festus thinks he's got a good lead on the Gourmet front, too. Once he's figured that out, I'll be sent on that one. Then Veezara will be on his way to Solitude as the Gourmet."
"And we will once again be the most feared organization in Tamriel." I smiled at Nazir, who grinned back.
"I can't wait." I left Nazir in the kitchen and sought out Astrid. She was speaking with Babette, as Nazir had thought.
"A little bird told me that you are heading out on a contract soon." I smiled at Babette. She let out a sigh and rolled her eyes.
"Nazir. Of course."
"While I have you, Astrid, I have a few more contracts for you." I handed Astrid a parchment detailing the names and locations of those who had performed the Black Sacrament.
"Only one part of the contract completed, and we already have more business than we normally do." Astrid smiled, taking the parchment. "Thank you."
"You are more than welcome. I wish to see our Family restored to the glory we once had, and this is how we do it."
"Absolutely it is." Babette agreed, nodding her head. "Now, if you ladies will excuse me, it's a long trip to Dragon Bridge."
"Hold a moment." I put a hand on her shoulder. "Dragon Bridge is close to Morthal, is it not?"
"Yes, it is. If you cut through the moor, they're even closer. Most people don't though, because there's chaurus in there."
"I have no idea what you are speaking of. But I just received a pair of contracts from Nazir, and one of them is in Morthal. Would you like to accompany me?" Babette smiled from ear to ear.
"Yes! I would love to! It's been a long time since I travelled with another vampire."
"Before you leave, you should at least check in on Cicero." Astrid pointed out. "He was very displeased that he missed you the last time you were here."
"I will make sure I do so." I promised, and looked back at Babette. "Do you have all of the things that you need?"
"I do. I'll wait for you near the entrance." Babette walked away, still smiling. I nodded to Astrid, who returned the gesture, then went to find the Keeper. I knocked on the door to Mother's chambers.
"Cicero? Are you in here?"
"Go away." Cicero's voice was muffled.
"I will not. You will open this door, Keeper, or I will do it for you." There was no answer, so I knelt and began picking the lock. I threw open the door and walked in. Cicero was buried beneath a pile of blankets in a corner of the room. "Cicero!" I snapped, and he jumped up.
"Listener! You're back!" He ran towards me, his arms outstretched. He threw his arms around me, and I cast a Lightning Cloak spell.
"No hugging. Not unless I give you permission."
"Cicero missed the Listener. Why were you away for so long?" Cicero pouted, and I rolled my eyes at him.
"I was doing business."
"But that's what Speakers are for." Cicero argued.
"Only some of it was Family business. The rest of it was my own."
"What if something happens to you? What would Cicero do then?"
"You would continue to take care of Mother, so that she can select a new Listener from what Family we do have. But I am three and a half centuries old, Cicero. There are very few things that can get the better of me."
"But –"
"But nothing, Cicero. I understand that you do not wish me to come to harm. I wish the same thing. But I cannot and will not remain here with nothing to do but take up knitting, or some other hobby." Cicero opened his mouth to speak, and I cast a modified Silence spell. "No. I will hear no more of it. And you cannot keep yourself locked in here all hours of the day. It is not healthy." Cicero frowned and crossed his arms. "What if one of our siblings wished to come and speak to Mother? They cannot do so if you have the door locked." His eyes widened and he shook his head. "They are Family. They are allowed to speak with her if they wish. I do not expect it, except for perhaps Babette and Festus, but it is allowed."
"I forbid it! I refuse! Traitors, defilers, blasphemers! All of them!" Cicero snarled.
"What is the third tenet of the Dark Brotherhood, Keeper?" I asked quietly, and he swallowed audibly.
"Never disobey or refuse to carry out an order from a Dark Brotherhood superior. To do so is to invoke the Wrath of Sithis."
"Ah, you do know the tenets. I thought you might not, with how heartily you disagreed with my commands."
"But the others –"
"Are like children, and know no better. I expected better from you, Keeper." I curled my lip.
"Listener." My head snapped towards the Night Mother's sarcophagus. I held up a hand to silence Cicero.
"Mother." Cicero's eyes lit up and he jigged in place.
"Be careful with this one, child. He is more fragile than he appears. I understand what you are doing, and I approve. I only ask that you be careful."
"I will, Mother."
"I have a name for you." I smiled. It had been many years since I had heard that particular phrase from her.
"Cicero, fetch me writing tools." Cicero darted across the room and returned with parchment, ink and a quill. "Yes, Mother?"
"Her name is Dura gra-Naybek. An Orc female, living in the city of Solitude."
"Thank you, Mother." I smiled at the sarcophagus. I laughed aloud, smiling down at the name.
"Someone else with a contract, Listener?" Cicero asked, peering over my shoulder.
"Even better, Cicero. We will have a new sister."
While Cicero took immediately to the idea, Astrid felt differently about it.
"We know nothing about this woman. Outside of the fact that she's an Orc. How can we trust her?"
"Any person on the street can commit a murder… but not all of them can get away with it. This woman has done both, or Mother would not have given me the name." Astrid's brows rose as she looked back down at the name.
"I have to admit, that's rather impressive… especially for an Orc."
"How do you normally induct a new member?" I asked, sitting on a chair.
"It's not always the same. It usually depends on how we found out about them. How were you recruited?"
"I came to their attention when I was one hundred and thirty three years old. I had been living with a coven of vampires at the time, the ones who had turned me. My coven-mate and I were out hunting when our home was attacked. The rest of our coven was slaughtered by a group of mercenaries." Astrid blanched.
"I take it things didn't end well for the mercenaries."
"You are correct. We returned, full of blood and energy and good cheer, to find the mercenaries drinking and laughing just outside the cave. We slew them all. My coven-mate was grievously injured, and did not survive the night. I was ready to end my own life when Lucien Lachance appeared." Astrid let out a low whistle. "He extended me an invitation to join his Family. At first I refused, not wanting to replace those I had lost so quickly. He gave me a contract, told me to consider it. He gave me a Blade of Woe. It is in my home just east of Bruma, as a matter of fact. I was going to use it to kill myself. But then I thought of something – people do not contact the Dark Brotherhood for simple killings. This man must have done something to deserve death. I went to the Inn of Ill Omen and found the man. I sound-proofed the room with magick and woke him. He had attempted to rape a woman, and ended up killing her. And so I fulfilled Lucien's request."
"You had been a vampire for how long at that point, and you hadn't been noticed by them before?"
"I had been a vampire for three-quarters of a century at that point. We slew bandits and the like, which is why I did not come to their attention earlier."
"But those bandits and whatnot couldn't have been your first kills." Astrid protested.
"They were not. My first kills were in Morrowind, where the Morag Tong hold sway." I informed her, and she nodded.
"Makes sense. So can I ask who your first was?" Astrid grinned.
"My first kill was the man who had the audacity to call himself my master, and me his property." Astrid's brows rose.
"Oh. And I thought mine was bad." We fell into silence for a minute or two, then Astrid spoke. "Did the Night Mother tell you anything else about this woman?" She waved the parchment.
"Only her name and location. Babette and I are heading that way. I could look in on her while I am there, if you like."
"Actually, that might be for the best. I haven't known many Orcs, and I'd probably end up offending her by accident." Astrid chuckled. "Here, take this with you." She returned the parchment to me. "Just in case you forget her name."
"Can I come meet her, too?" Babette asked, bouncing on her toes.
"I suppose it depends on whether or not it will conflict with carrying out your part of the Emperor's contract." I told the girl, rising to my feet. Babette pouted, folding her arms across her chest, and I laughed. "Should she decide to join us, you will meet her eventually."
"I know." Babette sighed. We bade Astrid farewell and left the Sanctuary.
The armor that Ulfric and Galmar are wearing is the StormLord armor.
For those of you who might not have picked up on it, Lycoris made Wuunferth into her thrall.
