A/N: Today's chapter is slightly shorter, because the one following it will be (I think) on the longer side. For the purposes of flow, I've cut this one short.
Chapter 22
Nothing is revealed from Enthir's decryption that I didn't already care to know. Mercer Frey desecrated the Twilight Sepulcher, stole the Skeleton Key, and has been filching from the Guild even prior to that. The revelations mean nothing to me, though I'm forced to exercise my acting skills in pretending otherwise. Karliah's plan from here is simple: approach the Guild with Gallus' journal, serving as proof of Mercer's betrayal. After which, she is quite adamant that the Guild decide his fate, though I'm sure that's just another way of expressing that she wants him dead. Given her self-righteous attitude, - I understand that she has suffered much as a result of the Guildmaster's actions, but I just can't find myself sympathising with her misfortunes - I assume that she'll want to return the Skeleton Key back to the Sepulcher.
I'm not losing either of them.
Returning to the Thieves Guild was a simple enough task, given we have Cain to vouch for us. Honestly, I don't even understand how they could have possibly thought me to be a traitor; there is absolutely nothing to be gained from my turning on the Guild. The resources, the income, the company - though I suppose the my favourite of which no longer remains - aren't things I have any reason to throw away. Perhaps the group is easier fooled than even Mercer gives them credit for.
Delvin, Vex and Brynjolf use their keys to unlock the vault, and I'm filled with an enormous sense of esteem for the Guildmaster. It's an affirming display of skill and manipulation, being able to sweep the Guild of the entirety of its assets and future plans. Truly, I expected nothing less.
Brynjolf sets the Dragonborn with the task of breaking into Mercer's estate, Riftweald Manor, in order to retrieve any clues relating to his location. The sombre change in his tone almost suggests a feeling of disappointment, as if his alliances still lay with the - now former, I suppose - Guildmaster, and he's only sending Cain on the trail because he feels it's necessary. Knowing Cain, he is also less than thrilled about having to bring Mercer to justice. Good. I can use this.
As the Guild finally settles, - Cain will be looting Mercer's house late tonight - I make my way back to my workshop. I need to concentrate on what I intend to do next. Everything seems in order, Volendrung, the Mace, the two staves and the ring are all here. I assume that the Ebony Blade is intact and with Mercer; I'll get it back eventually. All that's left is to go through my research notes and-
Empty.
The chest in which I normally keep all of my records, the very same place I stored the Black Star before leaving for Snow Veil Sanctum, completely empty. I can't believe this is happening. Why is this happening? Inside the only remaining book in my workshop - Thief, by Reven, of all things - is a single slip of paper:
One step ahead.
- Mercer