Chapter 8

Alik'r and Talking Dogs

With Renee...

It was the morning after being named Thane and Renee was waking up in her usual way: on a patch of grass out in the wilderness. While J'Kiir was gaining the favor of Mephala, Renee took the majority of the day to return to the one place she never thought of returning to: Helgen.

Since it took over a day to reach Whiterun from Helgen, as it was one in the afternoon when Renee placed her head on the intended chopping block, Renee made her way back to Riverwood. Not wanted to spend what little septims she had on a horse, especially with Hagravens about, Renee walked the path back to Riverwood and kept going onward, following signposts until she was near the gates of Helgen once more. By that time, dusk had claimed the rest of the day and Renee spent the remaining daylight hunting for her meal, which were venison and wild plants…again.

As she made her venison roast, Renee looked to Helgen. No doubt that, after the dragon attack the day before, the local bandits would make Helgen's carcass their new home. Not wanting to deal with bandits before Orphan Rock, Renee kept her distance from the town gates, making sure her fire wouldn't attract unwanted attention, bipedal or otherwise.

When morning came, a cold mist covered the sky and the forest around her. The wet dew made Renee curse for not bringing a tent.

"Damn. I had forgotten how misty some Skyrim mornings can be. Better find that Hagraven and get back to Whiterun on the double."

Clearing her campsite, Renee kept an ear out for any signs of life. The most common she heard were deer and small game. Occasionally, she could hear a pack of wolves attacking a deer for their breakfast. Deciding to continue onward, Renee took out the remaining piece of cooked venison and started biting into it as she followed the trail, leading her away from Helgen.

It wasn't until she was a quarter of a mile from Helgen that she could see who was there. A pair of women dressed in black.

"The mistress is working on another dead Spriggan. I wonder what she's going to do with it."

"Who cares as long as it doesn't involve our blood. You remember what she did to Aunda? Blew her up with her Firebolt spell and used her blood for enchanting that Forsworn's bow. Just for asking questions about that dagger she made from Spriggans."

"I better chant for good luck on our part tonight." "Just remember to do it quietly. Don't want to become a Forsworn weapon, do you?"

Even without the conversation, Renee knew exactly what these women were: witches. Renee had encountered witches before and knew that some witches were apprentices of Hagravens. And this 'dagger' they were talking about must've been Nettlebane. Once again, Renee thanked the gods that she remembered a shield and left the brush. Upon seeing the Nord, the witches became hostel and after a third witch had joined them, the triad began to cast various Destruction spells at her. This wasn't the first time Renee had to deal with witches. In fact, she knew a couple of spells herself for when the need arise. But those, as far as she's concerned, were her last resort weapons.

With her shield defending her, Renee rushed at the witches, careful so as not to have her back exposed to them. The only other weapons witches carried were daggers, so it was quick work for Renee to kill the three witches. The first she rushed at she impaled in the gullet. The second witch, who wielded ice magic, Renee crushed with her shield against a wooden pike at the base of Orphan Rock. The third witch was tricky, as she casted lightning magic. The Nord had plenty of experience to know that metal and electricity don't mix well and quickly cut of the head of the last witch.

After looting the bodies for gold and things she could sell for more septims, Renee followed the path up the hill and from across a fallen log, she saw it. Hagravens were considerably ugly creatures. Legends say that Hagravens were women who sold themselves to dark magic. Hagravens, even with different facial features, had similar appearances. All Hagravens looked like old women, thin and frail, with talons and feathers all over her body, erasing any idea that these creatures were human once.

Seeing the Warrior, the Hagraven shrieked and started casting a powerful Destruction spell. To avoid the spell, Renee hid behind the stump of the fallen log and caught her breath. There was no choice but to rush in and kill the hag quickly. Climbing onto the slippery log, Renee dashed across, her shield taking on heavy damage as the Hagraven continued to cast her spell. Then, with one fell swoop, Renee's blade sliced through the Hagraven's gullet, slicing her in half.

With the Hagraven dead, Renee began to loot the body. Nestled in a makeshift sheath made of deer leather was a knife. The blade of the knife was curvy and the metal was black, probably made of ebony ingots as well as Spriggans. As Renee held the knife, nausea struck the pit of her stomach. This had to be Nettlebane. The Nord could sense why the great tree would coil away from it.

As she plucked the Hagraven's feathers and removed her talons for J'Kiir, Renee wondered if this was the right thing. Was this what Kynareth wanted? Placing the knife in her satchel, Renee looted the rest of the witches' camp before returning to Whiterun.

With Rahm-Ku…

Meanwhile in Whiterun, Rahm-Ku was finishing up with a delivery for to the blacksmith when he was approached by a man with reddish-brown skin. A Redguard. And judging from his red and brown ragged clothing, he was defiantly not a native Skyrim Redguard. If the Argonian could guess, the man might be from as far as Hammerfell.

"You there. We're looking for someone in Whiterun, and will pay good money for information."

Rahm-Ku found this suspicious, especially with the man's tone. Keeping a tight grip, on his delivery, he spoke.

"Who are you looking for?"

The man answered him while gesturing to the Redguard behind him.

"A woman. A foreigner in these lands. Redguard, like us. Has a scar over her left eyebrow. She is likely not using her true name. We will pay for any information regarding her location."

Rahm-Ku shook his head.

"Sorry. I haven't met any Redguards other than you two as of yet. But if I do find this woman, where can I find you?"

The man answered the Argonian, keeping a lookout for something.

"We are not welcome here in Whiterun, so we'll be in Rorikstead if you learn anything. Find a Redguard that has the same uniform as us and responds to our name 'Alik'r."

"I'll keep that in mind." Rahm-Ku answered.

As the Redguards left him and out Whiterun's gates, Rahm-Ku began to wonder what this was all about. Handing his delivery to the blacksmith, Adrianne, Rahm-Ku decided to ask the smithy a question.

"Do you know of any Redguard women in Whiterun? I've had a run-in with some Redguards who were looking for someone with a scar over her left eyebrow."

"The only one that fits that description is Saadia at the Bannered Mare. She's the only Redguard that lives here that has a scar like that." Adrianne answered as she worked on some steel.

Thanking Adrianne and receiving his pay, Rahm-Ku headed to the Bannered Mare. Had he been there the day before, he could've met up with J'Kiir when he learned about Nelkir and the boy in Windhelm. As he entered the Bannered Mare, the Argonian Mage managed to spot the mysterious Saadia entering the inn's kitchen.

Making sure not to draw attention to himself, Rahm-Ku made his way to the kitchen and approached the woman. Looking up, the Redguard was startled at Rahm-Ku's sudden appearance at first, but calmed down as she stirred a pot of the day's soup while she spoke.

"Can I help you, sir?"

Not wanting to beat around the bush, Rahm-Ku told the woman what he had heard.

"Did you know that some Alik'r warriors are looking for a Redguard woman with a scar over her left brow?"

The woman's reddish skin suddenly became a pale color as she spoke in fear.

"Oh no! They've found me? I need your help!"

The sudden demand surprised Rahm-Ku as the woman ushered him up the stairs of the inn, where the innkeeper and the staff would sleep.

"Please, come with me. I need to speak to you privately."

Rahm-Ku couldn't get a word in edgewise as he stumbled and tripped on his way up the stairs. He prayed that no one was watching this and getting the wrong idea.

But as he regained his footing, Saadia passed him and unlocked the door to her room. As soon as the two of them entered the room, Saadia turned around and pointed a knife at the mage's throat, a fierce look on her face.

"So, are you working with them? You think you can take me? You so much as touch me, and you're going to lose fingers. I mean it! I'll…I'll cut you in half!"

Shaking his hands in defense, Rahm-Ku voiced his answer.

"Relax, ma'am! I'm not going to hurt you!"

Though wary of the Argonian, Saadia lowered her weapon, but kept it out.

"Then I need your help and there isn't anyone I can trust in the city."

"What? What is all this about?" Rahm-Ku demanded as Saadia placed her dagger down on her table.

"I am not the person the people of Whiterun think I am. My real name is Iman. I am a noble of House Suda in Hammerfell. The men who are looking for me, the Alik'r, they are assassins in the employ of the Aldmeri Dominion. They wish to exchange my blood for gold. I need you to root them out and drive them away before they find me and drag me back to Hammerfell for execution."

Rahm-Ku folded his arms, suspicious of the woman before him.

"And how am I supposed to get rid of them?"

Saadia answered him.

"They're mercenaries, only in it for the money. They're lead by a man named Kematu. Get rid of him, and the rest will scatter. I don't dare show my face, lest they recognize me, so you'll have to find out where they are."

Again, Rahm-Ku wasn't convinced with her story. If she needed his help, she shouldn't have pulled a dagger on him without figuring out what side he's on. But for now, he had to play along.

"Any suggestions as to how I find them?" He asked.

Saadia answered him.

"I heard one of them was just arrested trying to sneak into the city. If he's locked up in the jail, perhaps you can get it out of him."

Seeing that the mage was suspicious of her, the woman spoke again.

"Please, I know I'm asking you to do something difficult, maybe even dangerous. I just don't know who else I can trust."

"Then why haven't you gone to the guards about this?"

"These men are ruthless. Cunning, deceitful…they'll pay off whoever they can. I can't trust anyone here in Whiterun. Guards and jarls can be bought. And the Alik'r are close; I'm running out of time, so I'm choosing to trust you."

"But why are the Alik'r after you?" Rahm-Ku asked.

"I don't know for sure. I spoke out against the Aldmeri Dominion publicly; I suspect that's why these men were hired to hunt me down."

Sighing, Rahm-Ku spoke.

"Very well. I will see to this."

Saadia sighed as she sat down in her chair.

"Find me the moment the Alik'r are taken care of."

After leaving the Bannered Mare, Rahm-Ku returned to Dragonsreach. But instead of the Grand Hall, Rahm-Ku headed to the right, toward the dungeons. There were many benefits of being Thane as Rahm-Ku found out, for the guards hadn't given him trouble as of yet. By far, Rahm-Ku found only one prisoner in the dungeons, a Redguard. As Rahm-Ku approached the cell, the Redguard took notice of him.

"What are you looking at, lizard?"

Ignoring the 'lizard' comment, Rahm-Ku spoke to the prisoner.

"I need to find Kematu. Where is he hiding?"

The prisoner looked at him in surprise.

"You have a death wish, then? If you know that name, you must know to meet him would meet your end."

But then the prisoner decided to use this to his advantage.

"But it seems we have needs, friend. Perhaps we can help each other out."

Rahm-Ku expected this. Nothing in this world is truly given for free.

"What is it that you need?"

The Redguard answered him.

"I have dishonored my brothers by being captured, and so they have left me here. My life with the Alik'r is over now, but I have no wish to dies in this gods-forsaken land. If I can be released from prison, I may start over. See to that, and I'll tell you what you need to know."

"In other words, you want me to pay your fine if I want to get anywhere with finding Kematu in Skyrim." Rahm-Ku announced.

The Redguard nodded.

"Now we see eye to eye. My fine is a hundred septims. Pay it to the guard, and I can tell you where Kematu is hiding."

Nodding, Rahm-Ku turned to the guard and pulled out his money pouch.

"I wish to pay for that man's fine."

He then pulled out the septims and handed them to the guard, who took them.

"As you wish, Thane Rahm-Ku. Try to convince him to stay out of the city while you're at it."

As the guard left, Rahm-Ku turned his attention back to the Redguard.

"I paid your fine. Now tell me about Kematu."

The Redguard nodded.

"Very well. Kematu is west of Whiterun. It's an unassuming little cave called 'Swindler's Den.' You do realize if you set foot in there, you're never coming back out. They'll kill you."

As Rahm-Ku turned around, he spoke one last time to the prisoner.

"I'm not going in there for a fight. I'm going to get some answers."

After leaving the dungeons, Rahm-Ku decided to purchase a few things while he was in Dragonsreach. Speaking to Proventus Avenicci, Rahm-Ku purchased bedroom furnishings, kitchen furnishings, and an alchemy room. With those being delivered, Rahm-Ku headed to the market and purchased three more maps of Skyrim before setting out for the Swindler's Den.

With Hiccup and J'Kiir…

With Renee returning from Orphan Rock and Rahm-Ku on his way to the Swindler's Den, Hiccup and J'Kiir remained the only ones who were staying in Whiterun. After receiving the word that Rahm-Ku was going off on a little errand and wouldn't be back for hours, J'Kiir took this as an opportunity for a break from work and decided to see to Hiccup, who was waking up at midday from talking to Farengar. So far, no one had questioned the Khajiit on where he got the Ebony Blade, which suited him just fine. The last thing he wanted was another lecture from the Argonian Mage on dealing with Daedra.

It was only a few minutes after Hiccup woke up that J'Kiir returned with a package in his hands.

"What's that, J'Kiir?" The Viking asked.

"A delivery. And one that will pay well if the job gets done well. But I may need your help."

"With what?" Hiccup asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I want to make the trip short, so I was hoping to borrow you and Toothless for a while."

Knowing that they needed the money, Hiccup groaned.

"Where to?"

With a grin, J'Kiir placed one of the maps he received from Rahm-Ku before he left on the table, which was delivered a few minutes ago. He pointed to a land southwest of Whiterun. Land that looked very familiar.

"We're going back to the Falkreath province. We need to deliver to a blacksmith at the capitol."

Though drowsy at the same time, Hiccup was confused at J'Kiir's statement.

"Going back? What are you talking about?"

Realizing that Hiccup knew even less about Skyrim than he did, J'Kiir pointed to a spot on the map.

"Falkreath was where Helgen was. But we're avoiding it for a while until things calm down."

He then pointed to a symbol farther along from Helgen: A shield with a deer head on it.

"Falkreath, the capitol, is right here. It's in the middle of a dense forest, but it should be fine. And the trees would give Toothless plenty of cover until either the people of Falkreath accepts us all or when we leave."

Hiccup didn't like the idea of having Toothless as a black, scaly carrier pigeon. But with both Renee and Rahm-Ku gone, most likely that it would be up to the Viking and the Khajiit to make some money to finish up Breezehome and purchase supplies for the trip up High Hrothgar. And since this was an opportunity to explore more of Skyrim and avoid anymore of Farengar's questions, Hiccup decided to accept.

It only took a few minutes to let Lydia know that they would be gone for the day for a delivery and exploration and told her to keep watch on Breezehome and the latest news and gossip at the same people of Whiterun were still skittish of Toothless, but it was better than full-blown panic. After passing through the gates of Whiterun, the duo were able to take off and head towards the southwest.

With Toothless' incredible speed, it only took them minutes to reach their destination near Falkreath. Unfortunately, the landing wasn't as graceful as either Dragonborn intended, what with the thick trees and rocky terrain. Thankfully, when they crashed on the cobblestone road that lead to the capitol, no one was there to witness two teenagers and a dragon crashing in a comical way when there was a terrible threat of dragons looming over their heads.

After checking to make sure that the gear on Toothless didn't break like the last time, the duo bid their scaly friend a temporary farewell and walked the half-mile to Falkreath.

Falkreath was a hold that Hiccup didn't expect. Despite being a capitol, Falkreath was the size of a simple village, maybe an fourth of Berk in size. The trees surrounding the town were not only good in protecting the village, but it provided a livelihood for lumber mills, which no doubt provided a major business operation in the hold. But unlike Whiterun and Riverwood, there was a cemetery at the outskirts of the village. Hiccup wondered this as a guard, dressed in a dark uniform, approached the pair.

"You two. Did either of you see a dog out here?"

Both the Viking and the Khajiit were confused.

"I didn't see any dogs." Hiccup spoke.

J'Kiir shook his head.

"All we saw were wolves. But no dogs."

The guard sighed as he answered the duo's internal questions.

"Ah, well. The blacksmith is offering a reward for a dog he saw on the road. I was hoping you'd seen it. I guess I'll stay on the lookout. Keep your noses clean while you're here, outsiders."

Nodding in agreement, the pair walked into the village, this time not facing opposition for J'Kiir's race. Curious about the dog, and that the delivery was for the blacksmith, the pair headed to the smithy. After delivering the package, the blacksmith ask them the question the guard asked them.

"Did you see a hound on the road? A fine, strong creature that's been wondering near town."

Again, the pair shook their heads.

"No. Sorry. We didn't see any dog."

The blacksmith continued.

"There's one out on the road. I can't afford to chase him down but I could use a fierce, loyal beast to keep me company. If you were willing to retrieve him for me, I'd give you some fresh meat to attract him out on the road."

Shrugging their shoulders, the duo spoke to the blacksmith.

"We'll keep an eye out for it."

Thanking the pair, the blacksmith continued his work while Hiccup and J'Kiir walked away and whispered to each other.

"What do you think?" Hiccup asked.

J'Kiir shrugged his shoulders.

"I am not sure. On one hand, it would be a great opportunity to earn some money. On the other hand, why go all this trouble for a dog?"

Curious, the duo headed out the north gate.

As they followed the path, J'Kiir spotted something up the road.

"I think I see something."

Jogging forward a few feet, Hiccup could see the form of a large, hairy wolfhound walking up towards them.

"He's heading this way." The Viking announced.

But just as they were about to devise a plan to apprehend the hound, the dog did something the pair never expected.

"You two are exactly what I was looking for."

The sudden sound of a voice startled the two foreigners as they pinpointed the sound coming from the dog.

"Did you just talk?"

The duo asked at the same time. The hound didn't express any emotion, but his voice made them think he was being a smart alek.

"Skyrim is now host to giant, flying lizards and two-legged cat-men…and you're surprised by me? Yes. I just talked. And I am continuing to do so."

The dog then planted himself in front of the pair and continued to speak.

"You see, my name is Barbus. And I have a problem I think you two can help sort out."

"What kind of problem?" Hiccup asked, still trying to figure out what kind of problem could a talking dog have.

Barbus answered.

"My master and I had a bit of a falling out. We got into an argument and it got rather…heated. He's kicked me out until I find someone who can settle our disagreement. That's where you two come in."

Looking at each other, the teens shrugged their shoulders and spoke.

"Sounds reasonable enough." Hiccup spoke. J'Kiir nodded.

"I agree."

Barbas then wagged his tail.

"Thank you. Now, since he's banished me, Vile's been rather weak. He can't manifest far from one of his shrines. I know a cult that worships him at Haemar's Shame. We should be able to talk to him there."

At the sound of Barbus' master's name, J'Kiir's fur went stiff.

"Did you say 'Vile?' As in…Clavicus Vile?"

Barbus nodded.

"Yep. That's him."

J'Kiir went on to mutter some Khajiit curses as a confused Hiccup looked to Barbus and asked him his question.

"Who's Clavicus Vile? Sounds like J'Kiir knows him."

"Of course he should. Vile is the Daedric Prince of Power, Trickery, Wishes, and Bargains." Barbus announced.

"And one of the Daedra you do not want to meet." J'Kiir added in.

Scratching his head, Hiccup looked at the map to find Haemar's Shame east of Helgen and spoke up.

"Look. While we're already doing this, can someone please tell me what a Daedric Prince is and why it's a bad idea to meet this 'Clavicus Vile' guy?"

Looking to Barbus, J'Kiir answered the dog's mental inquiry.

"He's new to Tamriel. He worships different gods."

"Ah." Barbus answered as J'Kiir turned his attention to Hiccup as they walked back to Toothless, going around Falkreath to avoid suspicion.

"To begin with, Hiccup, it's best if I tell you Tamriel's beginning-of-the-world story. We worship the Nine, or Eight as it is now, Divines. The represent the good gods of our land and keep domain over different houses. They are, as follows; Akatosh, the chief of the gods and the god of time, who takes the form of a dragon; Arkay, the god of life and death; Dibella, the goddess of beauty, Julianos, the god of wisdom and logic; Kynareth, the goddess of Nature; Mara, the goddess of love and the mother of the other gods; Stendarr, the god of mercy and justice; Zenithar, the god of work and commerce; and of course Talos, the god of war and governance.

"These gods were responsible for creating the world, with Talos coming later in the Third era. But, there are also immortal beings who did not partake in creating us and the world. The elves were the ones that called them 'Daedra', which means 'Not our Ancestor.' Daedra are considered demons, with seventeen of the strongest Daedra ruling over them. These are the Daedric Princes, and the reason we have come to fear them is because they have no solid sense of morality, making amusement at the thought of mortals being playthings. And one such example is Clavicus Vile.

"Clavicus Vile is, as the dog put it, the Prince of Bargains and Trickery. He is capable of granting wishes for those who seek him out. But those who do wish would often regret summoning him, as he is known to take back his deals at inopportune times for the summoner. Which is why no matter what you do or what you need, NEVER let Vile trick you into a fool's deal. Do so, and you'll become another victim of Vile's bargains."

Taking note, Hiccup decided to purchase a book about the Daedric Princes after this is over. Question is…What kind of negotiations can he and J'Kiir have with Clavicus Vile in order to make him take back his dog.