Chapter 12

Nirano had been back at the Sanctuary for a couple of days now. He found out that his reward was a beautiful bow, manufactured of some kind of material Nirano had never heard of before. Whenever he ran his hand over it, all he felt was the silky smoothness, yet he knew it was solid, rock hard, yet bendy to allow graceful sniping shots. He did not understand how someone would be able to create an item so unique and perfect, but he had learned to stop wondering. Magical objects were becoming quite frequent in his life.

Nirano had been reading more books than ever these days, trying to take his mind off of the moment a few days ago, where he had almost been assassinated. Close to being killed by the same game he played. He did not have many enemies…Well, he supposed everyone was his enemy now he was a Dark Brotherhood member, but he did not have any recollection of him telling another being about his new form of work.

Except for the other Assassins in the Brotherhood of course, but they could not betray him. They were all loyal sons and daughters of Sithis, the dread father. Their spiritual leader, and guide. The Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary was the only place he felt safe now however. Every time he stepped outside for some fresh air, he would never be able to take in deep, full breaths, always waiting for someone…Something to jump up from behind him and wrench a cold dagger through his stomach, ripping him apart. He would always find himself in the Sanctuary minutes later.

He knew it would soon be time to accept another contract. He had signed his life up for the Dark Brotherhood and he could not go back. Not until he had a full, complete career in the Brotherhood, and had permission from the Speakers and Listener to go into retirement. That time was not going to come in the next couple of days. Surely not in the next couple months. Absolutely not in the next couple of years. Perhaps in a couple decades, if he was still alive…

Nirano halted his morbid thoughts and placed his book down. He decided it was time to accept another contract. He went to Ocheeva's quarters and knocked on the rusty iron doors.

Seconds later, he heard the familiar, muffled sound of Ocheeva telling him to come in. He pushed the great doors open and strode in, a confident smile on his face.

"You want to accept another contract Brother?" Ocheeva asked, smiling at Nirano.

"Yes. I am ready for another." Answered Nirano simply.

"Before I do…Something is bothering you. I require knowing what it is, or no contract shall be given to you."

Nirano sighed, and knew there was no way to back out of this hole he was dug into.

"I was attacked on my way back here. I was drinking by the stream and someone shot an arrow into my shoulder. I killed the Assailant, but I worry that another may come for me, and this time succeed in taking my life. I am not afraid of death, but I certainly do not wish for pain and I do not want my life to end so early." Nirano confessed.

"I do understand…This has happened too many of our Brothers and Sisters lately." Ocheeva said, sounding exhausted.

She continued. "I do not know who it is, who seems to be so well informed on our whereabouts, but rest assured that we will find the villain. Until that time, do you still want the contract?"

Nirano thought about it for a few seconds. If this stuff had been happening to other Assassins, chances were there was a rat in the Sanctuary. This thought brought shivers down his spine and caused him great grief, for it could be anyone. He loved all the members of the Brotherhood, and to think of one being a liar hurt him deeply.

"I accept." He said.

"Excellent. There is a Altmer, his name is Termarg. He lives in Bruma. I do not know where. You will find him and kill him. If you do this, and kill no guards, you receive a reward." Ocheeva said.

"I will come back successful."

"I pray to Sithis that you fulfill your promise."

So, Nirano walked out of the Sanctuary on his second mission, with full intent of returning once more to his family.