Chapter 9

Justice, Worship, and Princes

Renee

After obtaining Nettlebane from the Hagraven at Orphan Rock, Renee spent the next couple of hours walking back to Whiterun, carefully concealing the dagger from prying eyes. The last thing she wanted was to have trouble with a dark magical artifact.

"Ok. So all that's left is to deliver Nettlebane, and then I can go back to Jorrvaskr and let them know the job's done."

After passing Whiterun's gates, Renee headed up the first set of stairs to the Wind District and after passing a couple of houses, entered the Temple of Kynareth. There, the priestess, whom Renee had heard the people in the temple call her 'Danica,' was making use of the School of Restoration on some of the sick and injured. Even if she wasn't a practiced sorceress, Renee had to admit that the most useful of the Schools of Magic was Restoration. Even the most battle-ready Orc had to admit that it is useful to know at least one spell of Restoration in case they find themselves out of potions in the midst of battle.

Calmly, Renee approached Danica and cleared her throat, causing the priestess to take notice upon her return. Taking the Warrior aside to the center of the temple, where a mosaic circle of a dove shined in the sunlight, Danica spoke.

"So, have you gotten Nettlebane from those filthy Hagravens?"

Renee nodded and pulled out Nettlebane, careful not to cause a panic.

"Aye. Here it is."

As Renee tried to give her Nettlebane, the priestess backed away in anxiety.

"Sorry. I don't really want to touch that thing. But do you think you can handle the next step?"

Renee knew this was too good to be true. Let the mercenaries dirty their hands and leave the employer pure. Knowing that letting out her temper would only be bad for her spot in the Companions, Renee nodded reluctantly.

"You want me to collect some of Eldergleam's sap, don't you?"

Danica nodded.

"Aye. The Eldergleam Sanctuary is just east of here. Just a bit away from Darkwater Crossing, a small mining village at the border of Eastmarch and Riften. Use Nettlebane to retrieve some of the sap."

After Danica marked Darkwater Crossing and the sanctuary on her map, Renee was about to leave when a voice stopped her.

"Excuse me. Was I correct in hearing that you were traveling to the grove of the Eldergleam?"

Renee turned to find that the owner of the voice was a Breton man in simple traveling attire.

"Can I help you?" she asked.

The Breton answered her.

"My name is Maurice Jondrelle. I am a traveler. A pilgrim. I follow the voice of Kynareth wherever it can be heard. I've dreamed of seeing Eldergleam for years. Might I travel alongside you? I promise not to get in the way."

Now although she hadn't been back in Skyrim for very long, Renee knew that the forests and rocky cliffs of Skyrim's wilderness were not only home to wolves, bears, and Sabre Cats, but are also home to trolls, bandits, and the occasional thief. She wanted to go alone but her gut told her to bring him along, that he might be useful. Usually, Renee's gut was never wrong, so she complied.

"Alright. You may come. Just be prepared for what we might face on the road."

Maurice smiled and nodded.

"I thank you for you kindness."

And with that, Renee was on the road again.

Rahm-Ku

While Renee was off to the Eldergleam Sanctuary, Rahm-Ku was off to another location the opposite way. He wanted to confront this Kematu character and demand the truth about Saadia, the Redguard woman in Whiterun. Something about Saadia didn't appear right. Like with Renee, his gut instincts were telling him not to trust the Redguard.

The plains of Whiterun were vast and grassy, the plant life turning brown for the autumn. The only living things he encountered were wolves, deer and elk, and one Sabre Cat. He passed a couple of giant encampments as he headed east; smart enough to know never to approach a giant or their mammoths. Only the most skilled merchants have the capabilities to deal with these beings, paying or trading for mammoth milk and meat. He had heard from traveling merchants that often came to his mother's shop that giants were generally peaceful, so long as they and their mammoth herds are left alone. He'd pity the poor fool who would dare harass a giant.

It took no more than two hours to get from Whiterun to his destination by foot. It would've taken him sooner hadn't he kept stopping to slay attacking wolves and gathering herbs for medicines and potions. J'Kiir wasn't the only one who could concoct potions in their little group. But as he got close to the underground cave, Rahm-Ku stopped to look back at the southwest. Though a small hill was blocking his view, he still could sense the mountain that he and his companions still had to climb. The questions concerning the 'Dragonborn' and their ability to use the Thu'um were plaguing him none-stop, especially since he was an inquisitive person.

But as he turned to face the den, he noticed something to the north. A dragon circling a mountain before landing at its peak.

"Another one already? What in the name of the Divines is going on?"

He made a mental note to inform the others about the dragon. If they are 'Dragonborn', surely a dragon would be their business. And besides, he couldn't defeat one dragon alone. Last time, he had the aid of the Whiterun guards as he battled his dragon at the watchtower.

Shaking his head, Rahm-Ku muttered to himself.

"No time for that. First, Kematu. Then, the dragon."

He then entered the cave, a fire spell in one hand and a light in the other. Upon entering the cave, Rahm-Ku could hear voices coming from down the tunnel. Crouching, the Argonian Mage quietly walked until he reached the end of the tunnel and the entrance of a larger chamber. In the chamber, two men, whom Rahm-Ku figured to be bandits because of their clothing, were conversing amongst themselves, only a few words Rahm-Ku could hear involved the Alik'r.

Not wanting to cause a commotion, Rahm-Ku crept past the men and made his way down another tunnel.

"I knew sneaking out of the house at night would do me good one day."

Rahm-Ku thought to himself as he remembered times when his parents would ground him and he would sneak off when no one, not even his sisters were looking. Only a few times he was proud of this skill, this day would be one of them.

He shortly came upon another large chamber, one with a ridge looking over the rest of the cave. And of course, bandits inside. Seeing these bandits, he wondered if Saadia was indeed being truthful about the Alik'r being assassins. Unfortunately, no matter how many times he tried to process that thought, Rahm-Ku couldn't shake the feeling that Saadia was still hiding something.

Creeping past an overly exposed chamber with a larger number of bandits than the last chamber proved difficult for Rahm-Ku, especially since there was a bandit looking down from the ridge. Rahm-Ku made a promise to himself to read up on the books Farengar gave him as payment for Hiccup's knowledge about non-Tamrielic dragons.

Then, it suddenly dawned on him. He had one of those books and the one he got from Bleak Falls Barrow in his satchel for a bit of light reading. Perhaps it could grant him a spell that would help him sneak past the bandits easily. After reaching the next tunnel, Rahm-Ku found an alcove where a skeleton was lying on a bale of hay, reaching out for a bottle of ale long before he died. Carefully avoiding sitting on the bones, Rahm-Ku took out the book.

The book was a violet cover with the symbol of Oblivion on the front. A Conjuration book. He only knew only two Conjuration spells from his past: Bound Dagger and Bound Sword. This book, however, told Rahm-Ku on how to summon an actual Daedra from Oblivion called a 'Flame Atronach' and controls it. Rahm-Ku studied the spell hard and when he felt that he memorized the whole spell, he tucked the book into his satchel and continued onward.

Once he was close to the larger chamber, Rahm-Ku quietly casted the spell. He used his magic to conjure from the planes of Oblivion, putting much energy into bringing forth a Daedra. Suddenly, a violet portal appeared in front of him and something came out. It looked like a woman made of fire and possibly black armor. While it looked beautiful, the heat coming from the Daedra reassured Rahm-Ku that this 'woman' was quite deadly.

It was a Flame Antronach.

The Flame Antronach awaited its orders from its summoner. Once he realized that the Daedra was under his control, Rahm-Ku gave his orders as he pointed to the chamber's opening. "Defeat all of the bandits in that chamber!" Understanding the Mage's instructions, the Daedra made its way into the chamber with grace. Rahm-Ku waited quietly as he heard bandits scramble and scream, either in agony or in retaliation. He peeked into the chamber once, only to jump back to avoid a fireball from incinerating him.

Then…silence.

As soon as he heard the silence, Rahm-Ku entered the chamber and saw the destruction that the Daedra caused. Several small fires speckled the cave in a lovely glow, the bandits were either singed beyond recognition or turned to ash completely, and the Flame Antronach danced like a serpent until Oblivion claimed it back. Overlooking the destruction, Rahm-Ku released the breath he was holding a spoke as he looted the bodies and the chamber of valuables.

"Note to self: Never get between an Antronach and its prey. Also, swallow my pride and learn how to sneak better from the Khajiit."

The next chamber was empty, probably because its residents were smoldering embers in the larger chamber, so Rahm-Ku walked on until he was over the previous chamber and made his way down one more tunnel. Crouching down, he tried to sneak through the water-filled chamber until he heard a shout.

"Alik'r, hold!"

The voice then called down to Rahm-Ku from the waterfall ahead of him.

"Stay your hand, mage!"

Rahm-Ku held still as he looked to where the voice was coming from: above the waterfall.

"It's no secret why you're here and you have proven your skills in combat. Let's talk a moment, and no one else needs to die. I think we can all profit from the situation in which we find ourselves. My men will not attack you, so lower your magic."

"I only want answers." Rahm-Ku called back. "Why are you after Saadia? Are you truly assassins as she claims?"

The voice, whom Rahm-Ku figured belonged to Kematu, spoke in surprise.

"Assassins? No, nothing so crass. 'Saadia', as you know her, is wanted by the noble houses of Taneth for treason. She sold the city out to the Aldmeri Dominion. Were it not for her betrayal, Taneth could still have held its ground in the war. The other noble houses discovered her betrayal and she fled. They want her brought back alive. The resistance against the Dominion is alive and well in Hammerfell, and they want justice."

Even though he couldn't see Kematu, Rahm-Ku knew he was being honest. He had read up on most recent events that have been happening in Tamriel before he set foot into Skyrim. While he wasn't fully prepared for the civil war in Skyrim, he knew well of the resistance in Hammerfell. Only a traitor would allow the Aldmeri Dominion to order them around like dogs.

'Saadia' had been lying to him the whole time.

"I see now. That's why she nearly slit my throat when I mentioned the Alik'r was looking for a Redguard woman." Rahm-Ku then looked up to the waterfall. "My apologies for taking out your 'hired help.' What do you need me to do to help?"

"Come on out of the waterfall so we can talk face to face." Kematu replied.

Rahm-Ku obeyed, removing his magika from his hands. In front of him a ramp and at the top were nine Redguard men, the one in the middle had no hood, indicating Kematu. As soon as Rahm-Ku was up the ramp, Kematu spoke.

"Alright. She trusts you, at least to some extent, She sent you after us, and has no reason to think that you'd do anything other than that. Convince her that we'll be coming for her, and she needs to leave. Lead her to the stables outside Whiterun. We'll be waiting to take her into custody. I'll gladly share a portion of the bounty in return for your efforts in seeing proper justice done."

In agreement, Rahm-Ku left the cave and headed back to Whiterun, his pace quickened to avoid unwanted distractions. When he got to Whiterun, it was dark. He then hurried back to the Bannered Mare, knowing that his little 'jog' would help convince Saadia. Once inside the inn, he made his way to Saadia, who was in her room. She looked at him expectantly.

"Any news of the Alik'r?"

Panting, Rahm-Ku spoke his lines.

"There were too many of them. They're on their way here."

"What? How? I thought they weren't allowed within the city!" Saadia spoke in shock with a hint of rage.

Rahm-Ku answered her.

"They've found a way in. We need to get you out of here. Now!"

"But where will I go? I can't keep running forever!" Saadia exclaimed.

Rahm-Ku went on.

"Before I entered the city, I went and hired a horse for you. It can take you as far as Morrowind or Cyrodiil. I'll make sure you're safe."

Saadia spoke angrily.

"After all this, I have to pick up and leave again? If you really think this is the only way, I trust you. Let's not waste any time."

Rahm-Ku nodded and followed Saadia to the stables. But as they got to the bridge, Rahm-Ku tripped. He didn't know if the Divines were with him or his own clumsiness paid off, but he took it to his advantage.

"Just keep running!"

Saadia didn't even look back. She dashed to the stables and turned the corner.

As soon as he got up, Rahm-Ku walked to the stables. When he turned the corner, he found Saadia frozen by some sort of spell. Kematu left the shadows and approached the Mage.

"Well done, mage. Now, we'll take our friend back to Hammerfell, where she will pay the price for her treason."

"She won't be harmed?" Rahm-Ku asked.

Kematu shook his head.

"Not on the way back. Once she gets there, it's not up to me to decide what's done with her."

He then tossed the Mage a small sack of septims and a curved sword that Redguards were known to carry.

"Here's your portion of the reward. Spend it wisely, and if I may… Don't allow yourself to be fooled by a pretty face. You're better than that, I can tell. And I am leaving you with one of our spare scimitars just in case."

Rahm-Ku nodded as the Alik'r took their prisoner away. Upon his return to Breezehome, he counted five hundred septims in the sack after he placed the scimitar on a crate. Pretty good coin for what he had gone through.

Now, all Rahm-Ku would have to do was to wait for Renee and the others.

Renee

While Rahm-Ku was returning from his little excursion, Renee was at the entrance to the Eldergleam Sanctuary with Maurice. The only wildlife that bothered them were the usual pack of wolves and the occasional Sabre Cat. They had nearly missed the cave until they saw the mining community of Darkwater Crossing. Thankfully, they didn't have to double-back and found the cave off to the east side of the road. It was sheltered amongst a cluster of trees, making the entrance barely noticeable due to the shadows.

Upon entering the Sanctuary, Renee placed a hand on the sheathed Nettlebane. While she was not exactly a religious person, the Warrior had her respects to the Divines and was not looking forward to extracting the sap from Kynareth's tree. Her focus returned to the Sanctuary as she heard Maurice exclaim.

"Beautiful."

Indeed, the Eldergleam Sanctuary was far more beautiful than anything the Nord could come up with. Even in the middle of autumn, the plants in the Sanctuary were vibrant green and vibrant colored flowers blossomed. A waterfall could be heard nearby as the two pilgrims followed the manmade path to a bridge, where a man was sitting at the edge of the waterfall's earth, taking in the exotic beauty. As they followed the path outside the center of the Sanctuary, they found another person, a woman, lying on her back and taking in the same beauty as the travelers and the man at the waterfall. And at the top of a hill in the Sanctuary was a gigantic tree with pink blossoms shining in the setting sunlight, its gnarled roots large and entangled with one another.

It was the Eldergleam.

Renee's heart pumped faster as she made her way to the first set of roots of the great tree. But as she pulled out Nettlebane, Maurice stopped her.

"Here now. What exactly do you think you're doing?"

Renee turned to the Breton and answered.

"The priestess, Danica, has asked me to bring her some of the Eldergleam's sap in order to save the Gildergreen in Whiterun."

This came as a shock to Maurice.

"You would violate this marvel of Kynareth's glory to fix that half-breed stump in Whiterun? That's abominable! Barbaric! I'll have no part in this! Why didn't you tell me what you intended?"

Renee folded her arms as she spoke to Maurice, cross.

"Do you have a better idea?"

Hearing the question, Maurice calmed down and answered her.

"Well…yes… There is something. It won't repair the tree back at the temple, but we could bring them a new one."

This caught Renee's interest.

"What exactly do you have in mind?"

Maurice passed her as he spoke.

"Follow me. I think I can convince the tree to help us."

This confused Renee as she allowed Maurice to lead the way. As the pilgrim approached the roots, he placed his hands together and prayed to Kynareth. To the Warrior's surprise, the roots responded to her charge and parted, allowing them passage. Curious, Renee walked behind Maurice as he approached the Eldergleam. As soon as he was a couple of feet away from the tree, the pilgrim got down to his knees and prayed again. Moments later, a sapling with its roots kept safe in a small bag appeared.

"The Eldergleam has blessed us with a sapling. You should take it to Whiterun. Danica will want to see that the true blessings of nature lie in renewal, not slavish maintenance."

At least it was better than cutting the holy tree with an unholy weapon according to Renee.

"Thank you. But what will you do now?"

Maurice answered.

"I will stay here and continue to pray. May the Kynareth's winds carry only the sweetest scents."

Leaving the pilgrim to his prayers, Renee picked up the sapling by the roots and started on her trek back to Whiterun. By the time she returned, night had fallen and at the time, Rahm-Ku was lying to Saadia. Upon returning to the temple, Danica spoke to the Warrior.

"Have you collected the sap?"

Renee shook her head.

"No. I've brought a sapling instead."

Danica was surprised as she looked at the sapling.

"But, I can't run the temple without the support of people who are inspired by the Gildergreen. How can this little tree bring worshipers?"

Renee had the answer.

"Maurice, the man I left with, said that renewal is more important than maintenance. And I, too, believe this is what Kynareth wants."

Danica was about to argue, but stopped.

"I… You're right. It can be hard to hear the words of Kynareth when all you can hear are the rabble in the temple. Death feeds new life."

Danica then took the tree.

"I'm sure that in time, this little sapling will grow into a new Gildergreen that will tower over Whiterun. Thank you, Companion."

With that settled, Renee left the temple and headed to Jorrvaskr, where only Farkas remained in the main hall.

"Well?"

Renee gave the Companion her report in detail while Farkas listened. The woman hoped that the result wouldn't hinder her already weak status in the Companions as she told Farkas. Once she was finish, she held her breath and waited for the results. What she got was totally different from what she expected as Farkas answered her.

"You did well, and this was your first task in the Companions. We are mercenaries, but not mindless brutes. We all have our morals and beliefs. This is once place where the White-Gold Concordant has no power, so Talos worship is allowed. Good job."

The result was a surprise to Renee, who wanted to get in the Companions like her friends in the Sabre Fangs did long before her. It was quite a relief and a confusing result, but one she'd happily accept.

After thanking Farkas and receiving her pay, Renee left Jorrvaskr and returned to Breezehome at what she figured was 8 o'clock at night. When she entered her Whiterun home, she found her fellow roommate, Rahm-Ku, sitting at a long table at the back of the first floor, counting coins. Setting her sword and shield down, Renee spoke to the Argonian.

"Good day at making coin, I see."

The sudden sound of Renee's voice startled the Mage as he turned his attention to the Nord.

"Xuth, Renee! You scared me."

Renee gave a laugh as she sat down across from the cursing Argonian.

"Sorry about that. I didn't think that you would be so focused on coin."

His heart calming down, Rahm-Ku returned to his calculations.

"My mother taught me and my elder sisters about the value of coin and how to manage it."

Giving an amused snort, Renee spoke again.

"Not to be racist or anything, but it sounds like you were better to have been born a Khajiit than an Argonian. You would make quite the merchant."

Rahm-Ku, focused on the coin, narrowed his eyes and his nostrils flared. Seeing that even the mention of Khajiit made him mad made Renee curious.

"You know, I would understand if you carried a hatred of Dark Elves, but you know that Cyrodiil kept most possible wars from happening between Elsweyr and Black Marsh, so the chances of an Argonian hating Khajiit are slim, especially since the two races were Dunmer slaves once."

The Mage turned his glare at the Warrior. Although he was taught often to be courteous, the Nord woman somehow knew how to push his buttons. Seeing that the conversation wasn't getting any better, Renee held up her hands and spoke.

"Look, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to say such bad history. But since we're going to be living and traveling together for a time, I'm only asking that you and J'Kiir make peace, maybe even actually say his name. The less hostility, the better."

As much as he wanted to disagree, Rahm-Ku knew that Renee was right. As much as he wanted to go to the College of Winterhold, what had happened at the watchtower kept picking at his mind. When he was at the Swindler's Den, the Mage had debated on using his newfound power against the bandits. There were indeed times when he wanted to use his Voice to fight, but halted when it came to the questions that came with it. In the end, he decided to wait until his questions were answered before he can use the Thu'um.

He was not the only one. Rahm-Ku knew that despite their differences, the Voice was something that he and J'Kiir both needed answers to. And he could see that Renee was tired of acting as mediator along with Hiccup.

"I guess it must be the merchant's blood within my veins. Mother always told me and my egg-sisters to keep an eye out for con artists."

Renee was surprised at how easily Rahm-Ku reasoned with her. Maybe it was because it was getting late. Sensing a yawn coming, Renee covered her mouth and let herself perform the action.

"(Yawn) Is at least one of the extensions done?"

Rahm-Ku pointed to the ceiling as he spoke.

"You go ahead and take the upstairs room. I'm going to finish counting and then I'll read for a while before I hit the bedroll."

"Just don't wait too long. Mages need sleep, too." Renee replied as she stood up and headed to the stairs.

Rahm-Ku laughed.

"Yes, Mother."

As the Nord went up the stairs, Rahm-Ku looked out at one of the glass windows and gazed at the moonlit sky.

"Speaking of the- I mean, J'Kiir, I wonder where he and Hiccup went."

Hiccup and J'Kiir

Rahm-Ku had every right to wonder. Because the day wasn't quite the picnic for them either. After reuniting with Toothless, the duo struggled to stay on the dragon during flight while carrying Barbas, the talking dog, so that he would not fall. Upon seeing Hiccup's mount, Barbas complained only once.

"Again with the flying lizards?"

After convincing the dog that this was the fastest way to Haemar's Shame, the two Dragonborn and the Daedric dog were in the air on the back of the Night Fury. Barbas gave the directions and Hiccup followed with Toothless, while J'Kiir fought in trying not to fall of the dragon. The passed over Helgen and landed at a snowy mountain pass with a cave entrance at a corner of the cobblestone path that connected Falkreath and, according to J'Kiir, the province of Riften. Barbas wagged his tail as he saw that cave.

"That's it. Haemar's Shame."

Hiccup didn't know who was more nervous in meeting a Daedric prince: Him? Or J'Kiir? After landing next to the cave, J'Kiir and Barbas were the first to get off Toothless, Hiccup being the last. As they approached the cave, Barbas spoke.

"Now, the cave is too narrow for your dragon. Either he stays out, or one of you stay with him."

Not wanting to leave J'Kiir alone in the cave, Hiccup chose to go in, telling Toothless to wait for him and that he wouldn't be long. Or so he hoped.

Upon entering the cave, J'Kiir caught a whiff of something and snarled, his ears flattening against his head and some of his fur stood on end. Seeing J'Kiir's reaction, Hiccup took out the dagger he got from Whiterun and whispered.

"What is it?"

J'Kiir drew his bow and readied an arrow.

"Vampires."

Hearing this, Hiccup squeaked.

"Vampires?"

"Is there an echo in here? Yes, he said 'Vampires'." Barbas replied sarcastically.

This was not something Hiccup was prepared for. He had never met a real vampire, but he had encountered vampiric dragons in the recent past. But he has heard of human-sized vampires and was not looking forward to them. Thankfully, with J'Kiir and his deadly aim in the lead, Hiccup didn't have to worry about fighting the vampires as the Thief fired arrow after arrow and struck their targets dead.

After several caverns of vampires, the duo and the dog entered the final chamber, which held a large statue of a young man holding a horned mask. J'Kiir was swift and silent as he killed the remaining vampires, their thralls, as well as the master vampire. Once the master vampire was dead, Hiccup was given the signal to speak.

"J'Kiir. That was incredible. I've seen you use a bow before, but not with such stealth and precision."

J'Kiir gave a soft laugh.

"Well, I know how to fight vampires, not dragons."

It was then that Barbas spoke in surprised, looking at something hidden around J'Kiir's neck.

"Now I know why the sight of you and how you use your bow was familiar. That charm belonged to Nibarr Arendu, the Ash Viper of Morrowind!"

Hiccup looked at J'Kiir in confusion, wondering what Barbas meant, until J'Kiir pulled something out of his tunic. It was a gold sun within the center of a silver crescent moon. A multi-point star of platinum origin and the sun had a large diamond in its center gleamed in the torchlight.

"You know of Nibarr?" J'Kiir asked in a defensive tone.

Barbas panted as he spoke.

"You mean he hadn't told you? He was a favorite among Vile's list of champions. He was also the hardest mortal Vile had ever convinced to become a champion."

That made J'Kiir snarl at the charm, while Hiccup remained confused. Who was this Nibarr person? Again, Barbas answered him.

"I take it ol' Nibarr raised you?"

The answer was silence, but the saddened look in J'Kiir's eyes told the Viking that the Daedric dog was right. Tucking the charm back into his tunic, J'Kiir spoke, looking at the statue.

"Let's just get this over with."

His tone told Hiccup and Barbas not to ask any more questions. At least not for a while. Standing in front of the statue of the Daedric Prince, the Thief spoke.

"Lord Vile, we have a request of you."

To Hiccup's surprise, the statue answered in a mischievous voice.

"By all means, let's hear it. It's the least I could do, since you already helped me grant one final wish for my last worshippers."

Vile continued as the mortals looked at the vampire ash around them.

"They were suffering so from vampirism, and begged me for a cure. Then you came and ended their misery! I couldn't have planned it better myself!"

They then looked back to the statue.

"So, what's your heart's desire? What kind of deal can we strike? I don't even mind that Mephala got to you first before me, and I was looking forward to…'guiding' Nibarr's ward into my good graces first."

The Khajiit's ears pressed back in anger. Not wanting to anger the Prince, Hiccup spoke up.

"L-Lord Vile. We want you to take back Barbas."

Vile's tone change to one of a bitter sense.

"Ugh. That insufferable pup? Forget it. Request denied. No deal. I'm glad to be rid of him."

But he then spoke with slow realization.

"Even if it does mean I'm stuck in this pitiful shrine, in the back end of…nowhere."

The trio waited a few seconds before Vile spoke again.

"Well…perhaps there is a way he could earn his place back at my side. Maybe. No promises."

Hiccup looked to J'Kiir and whispered to him.

"Should we?"

"We have to if we want him to take back the dog." The Thief whispered back before turning to the statue. "Very well. What is your offer?"

Vile answered his mischievous tone back.

"There's an axe. An incredibly powerful axe. An axe powerful enough for me to have quite a bit of fun indeed. If you bring it to me, I'll grant Nibarr's ward my boon. No strings attached. No messy surprises. At least, not for you. As I recall, it's resting in Rimerock Burrow. Barbas can lead you right to it. The little mutt might even earn his place back at my side."

Then, the statue fell silent; allowing the trio to leave after J'Kiir collected the vampire ash.

As the Thief went to his craft, Hiccup spoke to Barbas while taking out his map.

"So what's the story with this axe we're sent to find?"

Barbas answered.

"The Rueful Axe. One of Clavicus' little jests. A wizard named Sebastian Lort had a daughter who worshiped Hircine, the Prince of the Hunt. When the daughter became a werewolf, it drove Sebastian over the edge. He couldn't stand to see his little girl take on such a bestial form. So the wizard wished for the ability to end his daughter's curse. Clavicus gave him an axe."

"Rather a cruel jest, isn't it?" Hiccup muttered as he looked to J'Kiir, who was done collecting the ash and was following Barbas to a closer entrance to the shrine.

"When it comes to Daedra, mortal misery, our misery, is entertainment to most of the Daedra. The only ones I suggest you trust are Azura and Meridia, although Peryite may be close enough. Now come on. We need to get that axe before nightfall."

As J'Kiir lead the way out, Hiccup decided to ask once more.

"Twos more questions: Who is Mephala and what did Clavicus mean that they got to you first?"

J'Kiir stood still. He knew these questions would come, but he never thought they'd come so soon.

"At least it's not from the lizard."

Turning around, J'Kiir withdrew the Ebony Blade for the first time since he equipped. He held it gently as he told Hiccup.

"Mephala is the Daedric Prince of Secrecy and Conspiracy. She's also known as the Webspinner, the Spider, and the Lady of Whispers. And I am her champion."

As they returned to Toothless and flew off toward Rimerock Barrow, J'Kiir told Hiccup (and an eavesdropping Barbas) about Nelkir and how J'Kiir became the champion of Mephala. By the time they've reached the entrance to the barrow, the entire story had been exposed to Hiccup.

"So now you're going to be Clavicus' champion WHILE you're Mephala's?"

J'Kiir shrugged his shoulders while he brought out his bow.

"Well, the Princes aren't exactly picky about possession of the same champion. It's been done before with other people. Just pray you don't get Mehrunes Dagon or Molag Bal, that's all I'm going to say with a crazed sorcerer inside a cave so close."

Remembering why they were at this place in the first place, Hiccup became quiet and pulled out his dagger and followed J'Kiir into the cave. It didn't take long to find Sebastian Lort. The ramblings of the crazed mage lead them on until they've reached a large chamber surrounded by fire beings while a man in black robes stood over a long table made of stone.

"What are those things?" Hiccup asked J'Kiir in a whisper.

"Flame Antronachs. A kind of lesser Daedra summoned from Oblivion. But they'll disappear once I shoot Sebastian. In a fight with magic, most of the time the Daedra that are summoned are bound to the summoner until the mage dies. Then they return to Oblivion."

J'Kiir then lifted up his bow and drew back the arrow. He aimed for the mage's upper back and fired. One shot was all that it took to kill the mage and the Daedra returned to Oblivion and granted them passage to the axe on the table.

"There. That should do it. Go grab the axe while I loot the place."

Rolling his eyes, Hiccup approached the table and looked at the axe. It was a double-bladed war axe with wolfish designs on the blade. It seemed like a normal artifact, but Hiccup knew better than to judge a book by its cover, or in this case, an axe by its design.

Leaving the axe as it is, Hiccup decided to help J'Kiir with his looting. But just as he reached the farthest chamber that was converted to a small bedroom where his fellow Dragonborn was, J'Kiir handed him something. A book.

"What's this?" Hiccup asked as he took the book.

J'Kiir answered.

"A book about the Daedric Princes. For future reference."

"But I still don't know how to read your language." Hiccup protested.

J'Kiir again had an answer.

"Me and the others will teach you. After all, you did plan on staying in Tamriel for a while, right? Now, let me put everything in the saddlebags while you grab the axe."

After Hiccup left, J'Kiir took out the charm and sighed sadly. Nibarr was not only his mentor when it came to the art of larceny, but he was there for him when the Khajiit's own father had died. While he loved his birth father, he grew to love Nibarr like a father as well, even if he was a Dark Elf.

The sound of Hiccup grunting brought J'Kiir out of his thoughts and led him back to the main chamber. His eyes saw Hiccup struggling pitifully to at most carry the axe. Placing his loot on the table, J'Kiir picked up the axe. It was light. He looked at Hiccup and sighed.

"We may have to help you build up your strength as well. Maybe give you a sword instead of a puny dagger."

An embarrassed Hiccup grabbed the loot and turned around.

"Let's just get back to Clavicus and go back to Whiterun."

It was dusk upon the trio's return to Haemar's Shame and J'Kiir approached the statue of the Daedric Prince and the statue spoke.

"Ah, you've got the axe! And my dog. Splendid."

J'Kiir spoke with a solid voice and mind.

"We're back. Now fulfill your end of the bargain."

"Excellent work. A hero and his faithful companions, retrieving the ancient artifact for the prince. It's almost…storybook."

J'Kiir didn't like how Vile stalled on the last word. Knowing the Prince of Power's background, he had to be careful.

"Ah, but it almost seems a shame to give up a weapon like that away, doesn't it? I suppose I could be persuaded to let you keep it…"

The statue then brought out the other half of this new deal.

"…but only if you use the axe to kill Barbas. Simple as that."

With a stern look, J'Kiir gave his answer.

"No deal. Take the axe and take back Barbas. Besides, I'm a thief. A large axe would give me no profit, but give me trouble."

The Daedra was displeased.

"Hmph. You're no fun at all. Guess I'll have to make my own fun elsewhere."

Then a thought came to him.

"And with the pup back, I'll be restored to my full power. There's a whole world just waiting for me!"

As the axe disappeared from the Thief's hands, Barbas spoke to him and Hiccup, who was standing nearby.

"I knew I could trust you two!"

The shrine then spoke to the dog.

"Yeah, yeah, dog gets master, master gets cosmic axe, everyone's happy. Just get over here, mutt."

Barbas spoke to the Dragonborn one last time before joining his master.

"Don't worry. I'll make sure he sees the light. I trusted you, now you trust me."

Just then, Barbas vanished in a flash of violet and right next to Vile now stands a statue of a giant dog. The Prince spoke out again.

"Ah, that feels so much better! You forget how nice supreme power feels until you've been stuck in a cave for a few years. It's a shame you wished for something as dull as me taking back the mutt. Quite the lack of imagination on your part. A lack of ambition like that really out to be punished. Perhaps turning you into a worm, or maybe a few decades of…"

There was a pause as J'Kiir and Hiccup began to worry about what Clavicus might do, until the Prince spoke in a surrendered tone.

"Oh, fine. Have my boon and be done with it. I've got more interesting deals to make anyway. Then again, Nibarr always was a shrewd business man, even if he was a thief and assassin. Who knows? Maybe one day our paths will meet again. Hopefully by then you will have gained some ambition."

Another flash of violet light appeared and a strange mask appeared. It was similar to the curled horned head Vile had in his hand, only it was made of steal and not stone. As soon as they left the cave, Hiccup asked.

"A mask? All that work for a mask?"

J'Kiir answered.

"Not just any mask. I've heard of this particular mask before. This is the Masque of Clavicus Vile. A powerful Daedric artifact just the same. Legend says that the masque was created when a noblewoman, who had been severely disfigured by a spiteful servant at a young age, made a dark deal with Clavicus Vile. It didn't change her looks, but upon wearing the masque, the noble got respect and admiration. She even got married to a baron. But a year and a day after the wedding, Vile took back the mask and the woman's face was revealed. Disgusted, the baron banished his pregnant wife from his household. And twenty one years later, he was slain by their daughter."

"Not exactly as happy a tale as the story of the axe." Hiccup spoke sarcastically.

J'Kiir nodded.

"I will only use the masque only when necessary. I don't know when Vile will want the masque back, but I am going to try and avoid a similar fate. In the meantime, I'm going to keep it in my 'Daedric Artifacts Collection' when we get home."

Hiccup agreed and once they were out of the shrine, they flew immediately back to Whiterun. With night claiming the sky, they both knew that J'Kiir would have to make a profit in the morning. After unsaddling Toothless, who had to sleep outside due to his size, J'Kiir and Hiccup entered Breezehome and set the loot to the sides of the door before retreating to their bedrolls. Rahm-Ku was in his, fast asleep with one of the Conjuration books open and on his chest and snored lightly. Careful not to disturb the Mage, the Thief and the Rider got into bed and fell asleep.