I stood in an alley between two houses down the street from Caius Cosades home. It was really in the very corner of town. I'd been arguing with myself for an hour or more. Why was I going to the Empire? What could I possibly have to gain? The more I thought about it, the worse I felt, but something held me from going back. Was I really just that curious? Maybe it was because of how unique my situation was. Why would I be released at all if I was just going to be tricked into capture or execution. I had to find out what was going on.

I rubbed some warmth back into my bare arms and reluctantly walked to the house's front door. I knocked, deciding to act weak and submissive. If he underestimated me, that would give me a small physical and intellectual advantage.

The man who answered the door was bordering old age. His hair was turning gray, but it still covered his whole head. He wore only pants, but his upper body had an amazing physique. His drowsy eyes were red rimmed in a familiar way. I realized what it was by the smell on him. Skooma smoke. It was the same smell my jailor had.

He stood defensively, as if expecting trouble. "Can I help you?"

"I have a package for Caius Cosades." I refused to meet his eyes and spoke timidly. "Is th-that you sera?"

He sighed. "Do you have any idea what time it is?"

"I-I'm sorry sera. It's supposed to be urgent."

"Very well. Come in." He held the door wide while I shuffled in obediently and held out the envelope. He looked at the broken seal and his face went from tired to angry. "You tried to read it?"

I'd forgotten about that. I cowered and tried to cover up my mistake. "I'm so very sorry. I was just curious is all. It was all in code though."

With an angry grunt, he turned from me and read the papers. I waited, pretending to be afraid and look inept. He didn't once turn to comment while reading, his face a mask of stone. When he finally turned to face me, he wore a look of surprise. "The letter told me who you are and what you've done. You were told to follow my orders yes?" I nodded, doing my best to look scared. "My orders from the Emperor are to recruit you to the Blades and have you work under my supervision."

My facade fell away faster than I could curse. "What is he, insane? Who does he think he is?" I stood up straight, matching Caius' height and yelled at him. "He thinks that just because he released me from prison that I'll simply follow his orders? He's mad! You're mad!" He withstood my tirade stone faced.

"Then why did you come? You could have gone anywhere. Vvardenfell is a big island after all." I opened my mouth to retort, but I had no idea what to say. Caius went to a chair and sat down much more calmly than I liked. "Look," he asked in a placating voice. "You have two options. Follow my orders or go back to your cell. You can of course, try to run, but you'll be a wanted elf. Judging by your past, that's probably the conclusion you've come up with. You could probably live in the wilderness and avoid the Imperial guard for a lifetime." Taking on a more practical tone, he continued. "Then again, you could run some errands for me once in awhile. Does that really sound so bad?"

I glared at him. I hated Imperials. So condescending and weak at the same time, but somehow, they had the most powerful government in Tamriel. I took a deep breath and nodded. "I understand my position. What kind of work do you want me to do?"

He cracked a smile. "That's the attitude." He stood up and knelt next to a chest by his bed. "Actually, I don't have anything yet. You're arrival took me by surprise. I'll need a few days to work on my own orders. Meanwhile, you'll need to develop a cover story." He chuckled. "I guess with your past, that shouldn't be a problem."

Despite myself, I felt a flutter of excitement. I did want to get back into subterfuge. The work the guilds offered was sure to be straightforward and mundane, but the Blades would surely be full of intrigue. However, I quickly buried that excitement, reminding myself that I had to get back to Cyrodiil as soon as possible.

Caius pulled a sack of money from his chest and counted out coins. "First, you'll need some better gear. Take this." He indicated a large pile of coins and I shoved them into my satchel. "Get yourself a proper weapon, maybe some armor. Then I want you to find some work. Get to know people and make friends."

"I've already made contact with the local guilds."

"Perfect. Now leave, I've got a lot of work to do. I'll send for you when I need you."

He ushered me out the door against my protests. "But you don't even know where I'm staying."

I stepped heavily out onto the dark street and turned back to him. "Don't worry," he assured me. "I know." He closed the door, leaving me confused. I turned to leave when he opened the door again. "Oh and Han-lu."

"Yes?"

"Welcome to the order." He closed the door again and locked it. I stared for a moment before wearily heading back to the Fighters Guild.

"What have I gotten myself into?"