Destiny Has a Ring To It

Instead of walking, I used a good chunk of my winnings to arrange for a carriage to take us to Riften. It would save me a lot of time and let me catch up on some much needed sleep. Or at least I thought it would.

Despite my sternest disapproving scowl, or maybe because of it, Jenassa and the driver, Bjorlam, kept up a lively conversation the entire trip. The man found Jenassa's dark attitude funny and refreshing. He laughed at most of what she said, even the parts about lurking in the dark and hunting your enemies to the ends of the world. I was pretty sure he was going along with her for a better tip. Whatever the reason, their banter kept me from getting any decent sleep.

At least Bjorlam was able to reacquaint me with the people and workings of Riften. The Black-Briars still ran things with Maven as the head of their organization. It was common knowledge they were in charge of the Thieves' Guild so if I was going to make any inroads, it would have to be through them.

We arrived at the Riften stables near dusk. Before I exited the carriage, I changed out of my light armor and donned the clothes I had taken from Helgen, save for a new pair of boots I acquired in Whiterun. The clothes still smelled of smoke. Jenassa, I noticed, had no qualms of watching me undress. I handed Bjorlam a generous tip. He thanked me profusely then began singing a song about Ragnar the Red, in homage to my hometown. I smiled but averted my insulted ears. A bard, the driver was not.

"You are quite free with your money when you have it," Jenassa observed after the driver had trundled off. "Do you think that is wise? You claimed on the way here you were saving up to buy a farm."

"My old family farm, yes." Jenassa was not the only one who never forgot things. I never forgot a lie. It was the main reason I was still alive. "I spend money where appropriate. Septims are simply tools used to acquire more substantial wealth such as gold, gems, and real estate."

"And Bjorlam?"

I grinned. "Acquiring that wealth may sometimes call for a quick ride out of town with little explanation. A friendly driver is a quick driver. Now let's find an inn and a soft place to sit. That carriage could do with some cushions."

"Just a reminder then, sera. That five hundred septims bought my services for a week only. After that, it will be another five hundred if I choose to accept it."

I smiled. "I have a feeling things are about to change for old Lokir. By the end of the week, I'll have enough to offer you a permanent position."

"Permanent is not a word I find appealing, sera."

"We shall see, my grim friend." I continued on to Riften.

I was again stopped at the main gate by a guard, just like in Whiterun.

"Hold there. Before I can let you in, you have to pay the visitor's tax."

"Tax? What's the tax for?"

"For the privilege of entering the city. What does it matter?"

"How much?"

"One hundred septims. Each."

I whistled, "Two hundred septims? All we have is the money owed by Viscount Trewind to Maven Black-Briar for his outrageous gambling debts. I suppose when I tell her a guard at the gate demanded the appropriate taxes-"

"Maven? All right, all right, keep your voice down. You want everyone to hear?" He approached the gate and unlocked it. "There, you may enter. But I'll be keeping an eye on you."

Once inside the gate, Jenassa clamped a strong hand onto my shoulder to stop me. I winced as she spun me around.

"What was all that talk of gambling winnings for the Black-Briars?" she asked.

I rotated my shoulder and smirked towards the guard. "It was nothing. There is no tax. He was lying to get a few septims to line his pockets with. So I volleyed a lie back at him, but with a few important names dropped in."

"You seem to be throwing that viscount's name around a lot."

"As much as I can. I've got a bit of a score to settle with that rich skeever prick."

"That is all well and good for you. But from now on, leave your lies to yourself. Do not include me in any of them. Understand, sera?"

"Fair enough," I said. "You surprise me, however. You said you grew up with a disreputable crowd. Surely you know it is a necessary evil to bend the truth sometimes to avoid a greater danger?"

"You do not bend the truth so much as twist in the wind to avoid touching it at all."

"I am quite the verbal contortionist."

"That is not a pleasant image. Let us go before I lose my appetite."

Riften was relatively small compared to places like Whiterun, despite having its own harbor. I suppose it helped the Thieves' Guild keep a low profile and fewer citizens made it easier to keep track of who was in town. Mistveil Keep looked quite spacious, perched overlooking the town. I had never been inside, but there were wings off to either side and a second-

"I don't know you. You in Riften looking for trouble?"

I slowed to take in who was speaking. A tall, rough looking man leaned against a post. His thick arms were folded over heavy steel armor.

"If it pays well, trouble can come looking for me."

"Don't say something you'll regret. Name's Maul. The Black-Briars run this town so you stay out of their business and don't give them a reason to find you."

"What if I'm interested in making their acquaintance? I think we may have similar interests that could benefit each other."

Maul turned to one side, put a finger to one side of his nose, then unleashed a snot comet into the grass. "The Black-Briars are more likely to make an acquaintance with that, than they are of you. The last thing you want to do here is draw attention to yourself."

I glanced at Jenassa. She did not seem impressed by the man's theatrics, though her hand was resting on the pommel of her sword. I did not want any turmoil before I even got a chance to sit, much less do business.

"I'll keep that in mind, my phlegmy friend. Forget I said anything."

"You need dirt on anyone, come back and see me. I can tell you all that goes down here, for a price."

I nodded then motioned for Jenassa to follow.

"If you ask me," Jenassa said to me, "I'd say he's got enough dirt on his face for everyone here."

I chuckled and glanced back to make sure he did not hear. I gave the elf a playful nudge then got one in return that nearly toppled me.

We stopped at an inn called the Bee and Barb. Inside was a monk talking about the return of the dragons. He insisted Lady Mara sent them as retribution for everyone's drinking and debauchery.

Was I never going to get away from being reminded of those dragons? I wanted to forget them but everywhere I turned, it was all people talked about. Even Bjorlam had claimed to have seen one flying around a mountaintop.

Fortunately, the monk left after being scolded then hooted at by a few patrons. We were able to enjoy a quick meal of chicken stew and apple turnovers. My treat, of course. With our bellies full and a few bottles of ale sloshing around in my stomach, we returned to the Riften marketplace to see if anything was still open for business, or if there were any prosperous nighttime activities to consider.

Although the sky was beginning to darken, the marketplace was still bustling. The simple wooden booths were arranged in a sunken stone circle. There was a jeweler, a common goods merchant, another selling foodstuffs. The beggars were kept at a good distance to the outside of the market. They were no doubt waiting their turn to swipe and pilfer from any unsuspecting traveller.

A man approached me as I reached the edge of the market. His red hair was brushed back and his goatee was short and neatly trimmed. His blue clothes and leather boots were of fine quality.

"Your pockets seem a bit light on coin, lad," he said.

I forced a smile. "No harm in browsing, is there? Besides, how could you possibly know that?"

"It's all about sizing up your mark." He placed his hands on his hips and looked me over once. "Judging by your wrinkled clothes I'd say you've been traveling and have had those packed away. The leanness of your face suggests your meals are few and far between. But there must be something to you to have at your side such a fine woman."

Jenassa unfolded her arms. "I am nobody's woman. We are here on business."

"Business and other lucrative opportunities," I said, stepping in front of her, "and my wealth is none of your business."

"Ah, that's where you're wrong, lad. My name is Brynolf and wealth is my business. Perhaps you'd like a taste?"

"My schedule is currently open, assuming what you have in mind is not too unsavory for my taste. My name is Rikol."

The corner of Brynolf's mouth twitched upwards. "I've an errand to perform but I need an extra set of hands. Hands that can lift delicately, if you get my meaning. I'm willing to pay for help."

"What did you have in mind?"

"Simple. I'll cause a distraction. You lift a silver ring from Madesi's strongbox at the jewelry stand. Once you have it, I want you to place it into Brand-Shei's pocket without him noticing. He's that Dunmer over there."

I glanced over to spot the mark. "Any reason I should know about?"

"Let's just say there are some people that want to have a private conversation with him, after a few days in prison. That's all you need to know. Are you in, or should I give my coin to someone else?"

I laughed. "Putting jewelry into someone else's pocket is a novel idea. Count me in."

"Fine. Be ready when I start."

Brynolf walked away. I started to follow but Jenassa grabbed my arm.

"No offense, sera, but are you sure you can trust that one?"

"I don't trust anyone in this city. Thing is, I doubt anyone trusts anyone else. That puts it all on an even playing field. You know, this looks like a job for one person. If you want to wait somewhere else, I think I'll be safe in this crowd."

"Fine with me. I do not care to get caught up in any of this deception anyway. I'll be at the blacksmith's when you are finished. A blade can never be too sharp, nor a shield too stout. Remember, Rikol of Wherever, if you are caught, I'll be on my way back home."

My smile faded as Jenassa sauntered away. I had not thought of that. How much trouble could I get in? I wasn't keeping the ring. I found it and thought it was the elf's so I was merely giving it back to him, saving him the embarrassment of having lost it. Sure. Sounded good to me.

"Come and gather around, friends," Brynolf shouted from his small open air dislay, "I am here to offer you an elixir that will solve all of your life's problems."

Too late to back out now. The show has started. I casually made my way around the converging crowd, careful to look no one in the eye. Just a traveler on his way through town.

"What are you selling now, Brynolf? Looks like the same snowberry water you've been hawking for months."

"To the untrained eye perhaps. But this is my latest miracle formula."

I checked for watchful eyes then crouched down behind the jewelry stand. Through the lattices I could see the strongbox, but the sliding door was locked. Fortunately, I had picked up a few lockpicks in Whiterun from some seedy, sweaty fellow named Belathor. If I could claim a talent, it would be picking any lock with two simple iron implements. In moments I slid the door open. The strongbox took a bit longer to open but I managed without breaking anything.

"This elixir gives you not only energy but stamina, as well as a stiffening of the bed post, if you get my meaning."

"I'll take two!"

"Two it is for the desperate housewife in the back."

The strongbox popped open. Within I found the silver ring as well as a few extra shiny bits that someone had carelessly left inside. No sense leaving them behind. Some unscrupulous thief might take them. I locked everything back up and casually returned to the back of the crowd. As luck would have it, Brand-Shei was sitting on a barrel within easy reach.

"Not only is it good for your health, but it will take the rust right off your tools and put a shine on that dingy fork and knife. But please, keep it away from any open flames or fiery atronochs!"

I crouched down behind Brand-Shei and debated which pocket would be easiest. Suddenly a steel helmet appeared over the top of the low marketplace wall. A guard stopped to watch Brynolf's treatment. I hastily began loosening then tying up my boots. I continued until the guard scoffed at the performance and vanished again. I let out a long breath then returned to the task. The ring slid from my fingers and into the recesses of the Dunmer's pocket. It was more difficult to let go than I had anticipated. My payment better be worth more than that ring. I nodded to Brynolf as his eyes passed over me.

"That is all for now, my friends," Brynolf said. "Urgent matters require my attention but rest assured, I will return later and you may all have a chance to partake of this miracle recipe. Good day!"

The crowd dispersed. I backtracked then looped around to casually approach Brynolf as he fiddled with the bottles on his display. I leaned on an adjacent wall. He cast me a sideways grin.

"Looks like I chose the right person for the job. Here you go, your payment, just as I promised." He lifted the corner of a cloth placemat, revealing a stack of coins. A quick count told me there was at least one hundred septims. I palmed them off the crate.

"Easiest money I've made in days," I said.

"I'm glad to hear that. The way things have been going for my organization I'm surprised it went off without a hitch."

I took a closer look at my new business associate. His clothes were not as fine as I first thought now that I was closer to him. The hems were starting to fray and his boots had old mud stains that would probably never come out. "What's been going on?"

Brynolf shrugged. "Our organization has been having a run of bad luck. I suppose that's how it goes, but we'll manage. Even so, there's more coin where that came from, if you can handle it."

Now we were getting somewhere. "I can handle more than some petty pickpocketing."

The big man nodded. "Let's put that to the test. The group I represent has its home in the Ratway beneath Riften in a tavern called the Ragged Flagon. Get there in one piece and we'll see if you have what it takes."

"The Ratway?" I said, "Sounds cozy. How do I get there?"

"I've told you what you need to know. If I have to hold your hand, lad, maybe you aren't cut out for this after all."

I pushed off the wall. "Don't worry about me, Brynolf. I'll find this tavern. Just be ready for the bags of loot about to roll in."

I turned to leave but Brynolf lightly slapped my arm. When I looked back he was smiling and nodded his head to the side. Two guards approached Brand-Shei's stall.

"All right, Brand-Shei," one of the guards said, "Hand over the ring. We know you took it."

The Dunmer's face sank. "What are you talking about? What ring?"

"Don't play dumb. That's Harold's job."

"Hey!" said Harold, the other guard.

"Now turn out your pockets!"

Brand-Shei hesitated but did as he was told. "Really I don't know what you... wait, what's this?" He pulled out the silver ring. "How did this get here?"

Both guards drew their swords and crouched, ready to pounce. "You are hereby arrested for theft, Brand-Shei," said the first guard. "But please, feel free to make a break for it. There's a new healer in the morgue I've been anxious to see. They say she's fond of laying on hands."

"But...what...the morgue?" Brand-Shei gulped and put his hands over his head. "I'll go quietly."

I almost felt guilty, seeing the fright on his face.

"He had it coming, believe me," Brynolf said. "It doesn't pay to cross blades with my organization. Speaking of which, if I don't see you soon at the Ragged Flagon, I'll assume you've left town. If I see you in town tomorrow, I'll assume you want to bunk with Brand-Shei. Good day, lad."

I watched the Dunmer be led away, the guards taking turns shoving him from behind and laughing. I did not think his time in the jail was going to be pleasant.

If I did not make this work, I'd be right there with him. Or worse.