A/N: Hello, hello! Here's the next chapter and I hope you all enjoy. Take care and have a great week!
Aine took a breath and slowly released it, feeling some of her anger dispel as she recognized the intelligence of Delphine's words. She stepped forward and pressed her hands to the tabletop. The Blade had gone back to the journals and she flipped through the pages with absorption.
"Understood, I guess. And I had no idea Seamus was cutting himself off so soon."
Delphine nodded her head and then looked up a moment later. She extended the single yellowed parchment.
"Did you have a chance to look these over?"
"No, I just grabbed them because they seemed important," Aine took the parchment which was evenly lined with handsome handwriting, "There really wasn't much time for anything. Elenwen seemed suspicious of me from the first."
"She's a paranoid woman; that doesn't surprise me. Read that."
Aine held it with both hands and read the letter.
First Emissary Elenwen,
We anticipate a breakthrough in our efforts to uncover the party or parties behind the dragon resurrection phenomenon. An informant has identified a possible lead, whom we have brought back to the embassy for a full interrogation. The subject is obstinate, but by all indications is holding back the information we seek. I have authorized Intermediate Manual Uncoiling - I do not expect more will be necessary, unless you feel time presses.
I know you prefer to be present for the final questioning; I will inform you immediately when the subject is fully receptive. Two days to tell the tale.
In the meantime, if you wish to audit our technique, your expertise is welcome, as always. I have placed the prisoner in the cell closest to your office stairs, for your convenience.
-Rulindil, 3rd. Em.
She looked up at Delphine to find that the Blade was already watching her. Putting the letter back on the table, she tapped her finger against it.
"I saved this man. His name is Etienne, but I had no idea what this letter said. He was being tortured when I found him and they were wanting to know the whereabouts of a man named Esbern. Etienne told me he was headed back to Riften where he was picked up in the first place; and he told the Thalmor that that was where he had heard of a man hiding out who matched this Esbern's description."
"So the Thalmor know this?"
"They did for a few minutes, at least," Aine shrugged at Delphine's frown, "I killed the only two who heard it, but Etienne is already long-gone."
Delphine gave a single nod and went back to the journals. She had propped one open with a paperweight and she passed a second to Aine. She didn't say anything, just dropped her gaze back to hers and Aine began reading once more.
Status: Fugitive (Capture Only), Highest Priority, Emissary Level Approval
Description: Male, Nord, late 70s
Background: Esbern was one of the Blades loremasters prior to the First War Against the Empire. He was not a field agent, but is believed to have been behind some of the most damaging operations carried out by the Blades during the pre-war years, including the Falinesti Incident and the breach of the Blue River Prison. His file had remained dormant for many years, an inexcusable error on the part of my predecessor (who has been called to Alinor for punishment and reeducation), in the erroneous belief that he was unlikely to pose a threat due to his advanced age and lack of field experience. A salutary reminder to all operational levels that no Blades agent should be considered low priority for any reason. All are to be found and justice exacted upon them.
Operational Notes: As we are still in the dark as to the cause and meaning of the return of the dragons, I have made capturing Esbern our top priority, as he is known to be one of the experts in the dragonlore of the Blades. Regrettably, we have yet to match their expertise on the subject of dragons, which was derived from their Akaviri origins and is still far superior to our own (which remains largely theoretical). The archives of Cloud Ruler Temple, which is believed to have been the primary repository of the oldest Blades lore, were largely destroyed during the siege, and although great effort has been made to reconstruct what was lost, it now appears that most of the records related to the dragons were either removed or destroyed prior to our attack. Thus Esbern remains our best opportunity to learn how and why the dragons have returned. It cannot be ruled out that the Blades themselves are somehow connected to the dragons' return.
We have recently obtained solid information that Esbern is still alive and hiding somewhere in Riften. Interrogation of a possible eyewitness is on-going. We must proceed carefully to avoid Esbern becoming alerted to his danger. If he is indeed in Riften, he must not be given an opportunity to flee.
"Let me guess, friend of yours?" Aine quizzed when she finished.
"I know Esbern very well. That dossier is absolutely true and I had heard rumors that he was holed up in the Ratway in Riften a few years ago," Delphine nudged the other dossier at her and went on, "He's… a bit eccentric and I wasn't ever sure that it was true. Esbern's brilliant, but like a lot of brilliant people, he has an enormous capacity for paranoia. I thought the rumors were his own doing and he was probably about as far from Riften as possible. The Thalmor do not take unnecessary chances and if they believe Esbern's in Riften, then they'll head to Riften. I know what you said," She held up one hand when Aine's lips parted to argue her point of killing the only two that knew, "This dossier would have been shared with Elenwen's trusted circle and you can bet that she will send men to Riften just to cover their bases. There would be no mention of it here otherwise."
Aine glanced down at the table and forced her curiousity away when she caught Ulfric's name on the other open dossier. She also noted that Delphine's free hand was covering the third and she thought she knew why. Putting it aside for the moment, she met the Blade's gaze.
"So your plan is for me to race the Thalmor to Riften?"
"Elenwen will not waste time and neither should we. Was anything done in Solitude that may hold up their response?"
"Half the embassy burned when Etienne and I escaped. Malborn used some of my… methods to buy us time."
Delphine's look of grieved approval soothed some of Aine's anger over her rather detached response to his death. She pushed her hand to the tabletop.
"He was a good man and will be greatly missed. But that works perfectly for us. Elenwen will send her men, no mistake about that, but the chaos there should buy us our own time here. If you leave for Riften right away, you should be well ahead of them."
"Going to Riften? That's a shitty idea."
Aine turned at Seamus' voice and saw him leaning rather heavily against the door frame. He was still very pale, but his eyes were clearer and he gave her a slow smile when she approached.
"You shouldn't be up," She answered in a half-hearted scold, slinging his arm around her shoulder and helping him over to the big chest. She eased him down to it and watched rather severely as he leaned against the wall behind him, "Really, Seamus-"
"I'm fine, Anni, the worst is over. And why the hell are we talking about going to Riften?"
"I really don't think you should be involved with this anymore, Hady, given your history. Your help in Kynesgrove was very appreciated, but it'd be best if we end this here."
Aine rolled her eyes and turned to face the Blade, hearing Seamus' weak laughter.
"These are my tasks, Delphine, and you should know by now I'm not going to be the least bit swayed by Seamus. I decided to leave the choice to him whether or not he wants to follow me and this will be the same, as far as I'm concerned," She forced her voice to stay calm and even, though she felt her temper start to build, "He knows I hate his usage and you really don't have anything to fear about me becoming a slave to it. Leave Seamus to his own devices."
Delphine looked ready to argue and then changed her mind.
"I guess there's no way I can prevent this, not with both of you against me. I leave it in your hands then, Aine. Now, like I said, Esbern is paranoid and I don't know anymore than the fact that he was last rumored in Riften. The one thing I can tell you that the Thalmor do not know, is that a man by the name of Brynjolf may be able to give you more information."
"Brynjolf? Really?" Seamus started forward and his face went even paler. He sat back and waved at Aine's concerned look, "If he's kicking around, you're really going to ask him?"
Delphine glanced at Seamus.
"Is there a reason I shouldn't depend on him?"
"He's - well, you could say he's one of the masters of the 'sticky fingers' gang. I didn't think you'd be willing to stoop to the level of enlisting that rank and file."
"You are still here, aren't you?"
"Enough, both of you," Aine could hear the exasperation in her own voice and wondered how the hell she ended up in the position of mother hen, "What else, Delphine?"
"Esbern likely won't trust you if you do find him. Mention me and ask him if he remembers where he was on the thirtieth of Frostfall. He'll know what that means."
Aine exchanged a quick glance with Seamus.
"The thirtieth of Frostfall?"
Delphine nodded.
"What the hell does-"
"Not now, Seamus. It doesn't matter, just so long as it works with him," She hadn't looked away from Delphine, "If I do find him, what then? Back here?"
"Yes, if you find him," The Blade cocked her head and studied Aine rather closely, "But I don't doubt you, Aine. Really, I'm learning that's a damned foolish notion."
"About as cheerful as ever," Seamus observed drily as they slid from the mounts at the Riften stables.
The walled village was perched on a little rise at the base of an eastern mountain range. Clouds hung heavy in the late afternoon sky and made everything seem even more grey and gloomy. They started up the hill to the gate and Aine looked up at Seamus.
"You okay?"
He opened his mouth to give her one of his immediate responses and stopped when she leveled her gaze on him. Lifting his shoulders almost sheepishly, he tipped his head one way and then the other.
"Sure, you're here with me. I won't fall into the usual traps, right?"
She gave him a smile and nudged him with an elbow.
"You could do it on your own, sooner or later you'll have to, but it's great that you've done this, Seamus. And you're right, I'll keep an eye out for the traps."
If Aine was being honest with herself, this was something she had seen before. Seamus had, on several occasions, broken his habit and then found himself back on skooma within weeks, and Aine was lying if she claimed this hadn't crossed her mind at least once. But there was a look in his eyes this time that made her believe it would stick. He was more determined than ever and she held out hope it was for good.
Her thoughts were interrupted when the guard at the door stood forward. His armor was a bit worn, but he appeared official enough. His dark eyes went over both of them and he straightened his shoulders with a sudden interest that didn't sit well with Aine.
"Apologies, but I'm afraid I have to ask you for a visitors' tax to get into the city."
Aine brushed Seamus' arm with her fingers and arched her brows at the man.
"Tax? What are you talking about?"
"For entering the city, yes, lady."
"This is obviously a shake-down," Seamus spoke rather loudly, catching the subtle movement of Aine's fingers and well-aware of what it meant, "You must be an idiot of rare caliber."
Aine moved in a blur. She twisted the man's arm behind his back and held a blade to his throat. His eyes bugged and he was entirely caught.
"Like I said."
Seamus waved his hand at Aine with another shrug.
"Your move, sir," She said pleasantly, making sure he felt the bite of her blade, "What do you say?"
"I - I was a little h-hasty. Go on in."
"Thanks."
Aine released him so abruptly he stumbled forward a bit and had to collect himself for a second before he remembered the gates were locked. He opened them and Aine and Seamus stepped into the village. Half-timbered buildings lined both sides of the cobbled street and a hum of voices from the village center greeted them.
Riften was partially constructed over Lake Honrich, a large rather shallow lake perfect for fishing, and a portion of this rested under the pier of the village center. Sellers hawked their wares, the Bee and Barb turned a good profit as the only inn; but the town had been ruled by the Thieves Guild for years and its current populace of miscreants and criminals was a great testament to this. Maven Black-Briar was the rather unofficial jarl of the village, owner of the Black-Briar Meadery which employed a very large portion of Riften's locals; and those the Guild did not intimidate, she did. It was rumored she had tied herself to the Guild some time ago, but it was hard in a place like Riften to know what was truth and what was merely conjecture.
"So, any idea where Brynjolf will be?"
"In the center, I would think," Seamus answered, leading the way, "If not there, probably the inn. I just hope he's not in the Flagon."
Aine started to ask him what he meant when there was a sudden outbreak of noise from the collection of stands in the center.
A Dunmer jumped to his feet and whirled on a small Breton girl hunkering behind a stack of crates. He grabbed her by the wrist and yanked her to her feet, knocking a few of the crates over and yelling at her about pick pocketing. He went into great detail about what he did to unsuccessful lowlifes like her and Aine heard something clink nearby. She turned her attention from the commotion and saw a gleam of silver on the ground. Bending swiftly, she scooped up a beautifully ornate ring and held it in her palm.
The Breton was shoved back into the crates and her face flamed. The Dunmer had turned away and Aine stepped forward, catching the Breton's wide gaze. She shook her head and her eyes flashed to the Dunmer's retreating back.
Aine cocked her head and suddenly realized what the girl was trying to tell her. She shrugged at Seamus and then started forward, unable to help herself from having a bit of fun. It had been entirely too long.
The Dunmer had started between a couple of the buildings and she hurried after him. Her mind worked quickly and she decided against over-thinking her play here.
"Sir, sir, please," She spoke meekly, "I wonder if you have anything to spare."
"Leave me, wench, you're asking the wrong man."
It wouldn't take much to push him over the edge and Aine continued to prod, wanting a specific reaction.
"Please, sir, anything you have would be welcome. Anything."
She took a chance and reached out to touch his arm. The Dunmer turned on her, grabbing her by the throat, and shoving her roughly against the wall of the nearby building. Aine hadn't quite expected this and she choked for a moment when the breath was knocked from her lungs. His grip was tight and painful, and she worked to remember her goal here.
"I said, leave me the hell alone!" He hissed and gave her another shove against the wall.
Aine's head hit the wood rather sharply and when he let her go, she sagged, not part of the act. She coughed and reached up to rub at where he had squeezed. The Dunmer took off again and she felt rather than saw Seamus come close. His hands were gentle.
"Hey, what the hell?"
"You did it, didn't you, lass?"
The new voice made Seamus start and Aine straightened from the wall a bit. A Nord stood nearby, his red hair hanging to his shoulders save pinned back sides. His rugged face wore the dark beginnings of a beard and mustache and his pale eyes were almost the same color as Seamus'.
"Brynjolf! What fantastic timing," Seamus greeted and didn't move away from Aine, "You okay?"
"Fine," She answered and cleared her throat, dropping her hand. She cocked her head at Brynjolf, "You saw that. What was the point?"
"Why'd you do it?"
Seamus looked between the two, confused.
"This is a fun conversation."
Aine shook her head and Brynjolf came closer.
"I guess you could say I was bored and looking for a laugh. Your turn."
Brynjolf studied her with an intensity that made her rather self-conscious. He eyed her not without appreciation and respect, and glanced at Seamus briefly.
"It was a test. For joining the Guild," He tipped his head at her, "You know what I mean, lass. The girl stole the ring and was supposed to plant it on Brand-Shei, which you just did. That Dunmer needs to remember who's in charge in Riften."
Aine returned his study and was well-aware it could never match his intensity.
"Charming. Here I was just doing it for the fun of it, but since we've found you, there's something you could do for us."
Brynjolf looked rather intrigued and he lifted his heavy shoulders.
"I guess I kind of owe you one, lass. What is it?"
Aine felt rather odd speaking in the open and she glanced about before meeting the Nord's gaze again. He mimicked her movements and smiled at her, his pale eyes lighting.
"Is there-"
"Smoke and mirrors, Brynjolf. Can we talk somewhere private?" Seamus interrupted Aine with ease, "You'll find out why then."
Brynjolf arched his brows and folded his arms over his chest. He wasn't annoyed; his lips actually twitched in amusement.
"You're asking me to break custom, Hady. You know that?"
"It's what I do," Seamus returned, "And besides, Anni here just finished off a job for you and you already admitted you owe us one."
The Nord chuckled. He waved one hand forward and stepped past them.
"Caught in my own trap. Gods, I'm slipping. All right, you two, follow me."
They fell in behind Brynjolf and he led them through a few dark alleys to a steep flight of steps. These ended on a wooden pier, slick with the recent rains, where a few well-kept rowboats were moored. The Nord turned down to the left and then crossed a swaying bridge that connected their pier with another. In the shadows of the walk overhead was a heavy iron and wood door, and he glanced over his shoulder at them when he grasped the handle.
"I'm actually breaking more than one rule here, you know, Hady," He observed and his eyes glittered, "Hope you realize how much trouble you're getting me into."
"And when was the last time you turned down a request from a pretty girl? Come on, Jolf, quit stalling."
Aine elbowed Seamus rather harshly and he grunted in pain. Brynjolf's crooked smile made her face feel hot and she shrugged it away as best she could.
"Can we move on now? This is getting rather ridiculous."
"All business. Good lass."