Chapter 3 Skooma

I wander back to the secret entrance deep in thought. Would the Guild be in on the skooma trade? I really don't like how helpless the addiction makes people, even if that is partially motivated by how vulnerable Khajiit are to it. Regardless, they've been fair and upfront with me, so it's time to be fair and upfront back. I search, and before long, I find Delvin.

"Hey, old man."

He gives me the stink-eye that I've learned isn't anywhere as serious as it looks. "Respect your elders, little kitten."

I sit down on a chair next to his table, exaggerating my slouch to annoy him.

I don't know why, but it feels much more comfortable to joke around with grumpy Delvin than it does with the much more charismatic Brynjolf. Vex still threatens to castrate me every second sentence, although according to Delvin that's a sign she likes me.

I'm not sure whether I want to know anymore about that girl than I already do.

Regardless, attention to the present.

"Are you guys aware of the skooma trading going on in the docks?" They probably are, but I want to hear his opinion on it.

"Aye, we are. Skooma reduces how productive people are, so the guild doesn't trade it. We're thieves, not smugglers."

I send him an unimpressed look.

He shrugs "Well, most of the time anyway. Regardless, the current decision is that it's not worth the effort to end it, but we want to keep the option open, so we don't force them to cut us in. We can't afford a reputation to double-cross our clients, after all."

"So if I come into conflict with them and somehow all skooma trade ends?"

"Then you get a pat on the back, but you wouldn't get paid for it. Well, not by the guild anyway."

"You say not by the guild, but you have an idea who would?"

"Aye. It's been so obvious even the Jarl has noticed. Guards have tried to raid the trade, but apparently they paid off the right ones, so nobody got caught."

"So you're saying I could get the Jarl to hire me to do it."

"I think so, but you probably need a silver tongue for it." He looks to me in thought. "I think you can do that bit. But no guarantees."

"Sounds worth it to me. And I can practice sneaking when I scout the place out."

"Success then, kitten."

"Thanks, old man."

I return his grin at that last sentence and get up. If I am to go to the Jarl, I'll need some different clothes, and reward money waits for no one.

— A Dragon's Game —

This coat is scratchy. I'm sure it'd be fine on most people, but I got fur everywhere under it, and it occasionally pulls the hairs in the wrong direction.

I hate it when it's pulled in the wrong direction. It's like a permanent itch.

However, it's the coat I need. The standard outfit the thieves' guild uses is inconspicuous on the streets, but really won't do for a Jarl's court, even if I want to look like an adventurer.

I could of course enter without a weapon, but a quick lesson in courtly behavior from Brynjolf changed my mind. Instead, I have a simple but well-forged and sharp steel sword. Of course, I have to give it to the guards before I can get close to the Jarl, but it's better to have something to give up than to have nothing. Something about meeting expectations.

Since I'm not an acknowledged warrior affiliated with a hold, nor well-known in my own right, though, I should not carry a shield, so that one remains in my inventory.

Silly nords and their refusal to acknowledge magic the way they should.

I walk up to what's known as Mistveil Keep. The guard in front makes no motion to stop me, which means the main hall, at least, is freely open to the public now.

It was basically certain that it would, but emergencies happen.

I push the door open, happy that it feels light even though it looks like heavy oak.

I made sure to attend in the early afternoon, likely to not find them eating, but present anyway. A question to a guard points me at the steward, Anuriel. Traditionally, to approach the Jarl, it's considered good manners to ask the Steward. They would handle minor issues in the Jarl's name, or otherwise bring you to the Jarl.

Anuriel is of average length for a bosmer, which gives me about an inch on her. Her dress is conservative, but made of very fine materials, with significant embroidery.

"Steward?" I hold respect in my tone and keep a foot extra distance to give her personal space. It's respectful, but also sort of invites her to approach me, turning around the feel of the power dynamic.

"Welcome, Citizen. Or are you a trader?"

"Adventurer, actually. My name is J'samma. But while I was wandering through your beautiful city, I encountered something that my honor compels me to inform the Jarl about."

"Oh? And what might that be? I assure you, I will pass everything on to the Jarl, even if she's as busy as now."

"I have information about a skooma dealer in the docks."

I can see her sigh. "Very well. Please seat yourself on a bench. I'll send a servant to see to your needs while I discuss with the Jarl."

I see the walls basically filled with benches, so I sit down. A servant offers me wine, mead, or water, of which I take the last.

According to Brynjolf, this will make me seem to be aware of my station, not presumptive, and not there just to profit from the Jarl's generousness. It should make them take me more seriously, but to be honest, I don't really have the feeling they are.

Five minutes later, Anuriel brushes past me to inform me that the Jarl will see me in half an hour. By that point I'm certain they're just making me wait because they can, but there's nothing I can do but sit and play their game, no matter how much it rankles me.

Which is interesting. I wasn't impatient… before it happened. Ok, before my parents died. I can say it. I've cried myself to sleep two nights ago, when I finally relaxed and it all came crashing down on me. It's a miracle I've functioned as long as I have. But I'll make them proud of me.

In the end, it doesn't feel as long before I'm called, but I have some nerves. I feel like this audience is going to be important.

Anuriel brings me to the Jarl, and speaks first.

"My Jarl, this the adventurer J'samma. He says he has information for you about a skooma dealer in the docks."

"Very well." Jarl Leila says. "Please inform me and explain how you got by this information."

"As you command, Jarl. While walking through the docks, I met an addict. After I'd aided her with a healing potion, she divulged to me that her supplier was Sarthis Iden, and which warehouse he operates from."

"Yes, we've been aware of a dealer there. However, he has proven elusive so far. You haven't really offered any information I can act on beyond what I know."

"I am offering my time, Jarl. I am aware of how hard it can be to act discreetly against such vermin. But where even a city guard as strong as yours can fail, a single man may sometimes succeed. If you would be willing to put a price on the man's had, I will do my utmost to collect. I am sure we both know how vulnerable my fellow khajiit are to this poison."

"Ah, I see. Very well. I can do that. If you slay Sarthis, I will pay you one thousand gold. If you capture him alive, I will pay fifteen hundred." She turns to her steward. "Anuriel, get me a copy of the key he'll need."

After a quick curtsy, the mer leaves, returning a minute later.

"Do this well, Adventurer J'samma, and I will remember your service to Riften."

I bow slightly. "It will be my pleasure, Jarl."

Anuriel approaches me, and I accept the key from her as she speaks to me.

"I assume you know the exact warehouse?"

"I do, Steward." I turn back to the Jarl. "With your permission."

She nods, and I turn, leaving the keep.

That was surprisingly easy. A bounty for a thousand gold would be very nice, I got the key towards that warehouse, and a bonus if I can deliver him alive.

I go to the warehouse straight away. According to Wujeeta, they were present only in the evenings. I hope to have a few hours and ambush them from inside.

Without problems, I reach my destination, and the lock easily opens to the key I received. I lock it behind me as I plan to ambush them. I scout around for any clues I might find.

The upper floor is empty. There are some bags with mostly spoiled foodstuffs, though some potatoes still look fine. I also find a pickaxe, which I put into my inventory. You never know when you need to mine something.

There're some stairs down, and I find a locked door there. It takes me almost ten minutes to pick the lock, but I get in, and I find a note:

Sarthis,

Just got in a shipment of Moon Sugar from Morrowind. We're refining it now, and the skooma should be ready by the time you get to Cragslane Cavern. Bring the gold or don't show up at all.

Kilnyr

Ok, they were actually really stupid to leave this note behind, with their address on it an all. Anyone could have found this.

Regardless, I pocket it, and go to the upper floor, looking for a good place to ambush from.

The ceiling looks promising. Nobody ever really looks up, so if I'm close to the entrance, I'll be fine.

My claws allow me to climb up the wall, and onto a timber beam used to hold up the roof. It looks ready to make an attic, but like nobody ever bothered to build one.

And now comes the boring part — waiting for an hour. I draw my sword and start alternating casts of Heat and Chill.

— A Dragon's Game —

I kept my mana high, casting either spell only moments before it would fill up completely. Unluckily, I didn't even manage a single level before the dealers entered the room. Either the Jarl's permission for me hadn't leaked, or they weren't impressed. Either way, they were mine now.

Regardless, two dunmer entered, one in full steel plate, and one in chain mail over leather.

"Dunno why you keep telling me I need to be here, Sarthis." The chain mail wearer says. "Nothing ever happened, and in those few hours here I could just have some fun with a whore. By the time we're done here, all the good ones will be taken."

"This is what I'm paying you for, Orini." My primary target answers. "To guard me whenever I'm not behind a locked door."

I smirk. Damn right you need a guard. Shame one won't be enough. I charge up an Ice Storm in each hand, and drop to the floor. I bend through my knees to reduce the impact, but I'm still heard. Well, it was more about speed than stealth now, anyway. I release both Ice Storms as one, aiming to hit them both. It works, and the closer one, Orini, looks severely hurt by the frost, moving slower and grasping for his eyes. I launch two Ice spikes at him, straight through the chain mail, and he drops to the floor.

Sarthis draws his sword, and tries to charge me, severely slowed by my spells. I shoot an Ice Spike high, and he moves to block with his shield.

While he can cover his head and torso with the shield, most of his legs is exposed, except for his armor, of course. The Ice Spike I send bounces off as well, but the firebolts I follow it up with bring a curse of pain out of him.

Sure, dunmer are resistant to fire, everyone knows that. But unlike frost, it can't bounce off, and steel armor is kind of counterproductive against it.

Since he can't see me well from behind his shield, I jump aside at the last moment, and shoot Ice Spikes at the backs of his knees. One bounces off, but the other one goes straight through, causing the dark elf to drop to the floor in pain.

I step close and kick his sword away. I reach to the front of his helmet, and hold a claw in front of his eyes.

"We can do this one of two ways. Either you surrender, I disarm you, and give you to the guards, or I blind you first and then do all that. What's it going to be?"

He freezes, and whispers, "surrender."

"Smart elf. Now take off your shield and toss it to your left."

He obeys, eyes still focused on the nail in front of them.

"Now, realize that I have magic, and you are disarmed. When I lift my claw, you will roll over and put your arms behind your back for me to bind."

"Yes."

I remove my hand, and he obediently rolls over. I tie his hands together with a robe I pulled from a sack of spoiled food and tie his hands together. Then I bring him to one of the standing beams holding the roof and tie him to it.

That went a lot better than I was expecting. I even got 156 out of 360 Mana left. 140 of that was spend on the Ice Storms, and I even regenerated some since..

Is it weird that tying up Sarthis took four times as long as the fight itself? I almost feel like it should.

I pick up Sarthis' sword and shield, and put it in my inventory — outside his sight. I kind of want his armor, but then again, I probably wouldn't use it.

I feel being sneaky fits me, even if I don't know whether I'm into thievery.

Fighting skooma dealers and bandits feels more… fitting to be doing.

I didn't use to be this prideful — I wonder what changed.

Regardless, I go outside, lock the door, and return to Mistveil Keep. I need to report a capture, get my reward, and decide what to do about this Cragslane Cavern.

— A Dragon's Game —

I arrive at Mistveil early in the evening. Unlike the afternoon, the guards near the door stop me.

"What is your business in Mistveil Keep?"

"I am J'samma the adventurer. I have captured a bounty the Jarl offered me this afternoon. I need to report to someone to retrieve the prisoner, and inform the Jarl of my success."

The guards exchange a glance.

"Does the Housecarl know of the task the Jarl set you?"

I blink. "I… do not know. I spoke with this to the Jarl and the Steward. If she told the Housecarl, I wasn't there."

They exchange another glance.

"Wait here. The Jarl is having dinner now and doesn't want to be interrupted. I will ask the Steward and the Housecarl about it."

"Of course."

The guard opens the heavy door with a good pull with most of his weight behind it, and enters. The wait takes around ten minutes.

Your reputation with Anuriel has increased by 10 (10 total).

The guard comes back with two other guards, and a nord in elven armor who has at least a head of length on me. The tall nord speaks to me.

"You're J'samma?"

"Yes. I have captured Sarthis and tied him securely to the wall in the warehouse. There was another present, but I was forced to kill him in self-defense when they fought me."

"Very well. I'm Unmid, Jarl Leila's Housecarl. May I have the key of the warehouse?"

I hand it over. "I will retrieve the prisoner. Please enter and speak with Anuriel. She'll know that my absence means your success."

"Of course."

"Thank you. You've made Riften a safer place."

"It is my honor."

I get a respectful nod from the Nord, and he leaves the keep's outer walls, two guards behind him.

The remaining guards have heard the entire talk, including the permission to enter, and they don't stop me when I enter.

The tables in the U-shape I saw before are now filled with plates of food, and it appears the Jarl's entire household is eating. Anuriel sits between a woman in robes who I presume is the court wizard, and an empty chair. She notices as I approach.

"You were successful?"

"Yes. Sarthis is captured, although I had to kill his bodyguard."

"It sometimes cannot be avoided. Have you eaten yet?"

"Honestly, no, but I don't want to intrude…"

She waves my complaints away. "Nonsense. Please, sit down." She takes the plate, goblet and cutlery in front of me, and piles it up. She turns around, catching the eye of a servant girl, and orders a new set. "You have worked for the good of Riften, and it is only right that Riften in turn takes care of you."

I sit down. "There was something else." I take the note out of my inventory, and give it to Anuriel.

She's silent as she reads it.

"How confident are you that this is accurate, and not a false lead?"

"It was behind a solidly closed lock. It took me over fifteen minutes to get it. I do not believe that any false trail would be laid there — there was some skooma present that I smashed on the floor."

Anuriel nods. "The Jarl will need to know, but Cragslane is far away. I am not sure if we will be able to respond to this immediately…"

"I have some previous experience, and I would be willing to give it a try to remove the problem, but at that distance, I could take no prisoners."

"That won't be an issue. Sarthis will probably end up on the block, anyway."

"Probably?"

Anuriel shrugs. "Despite our best efforts, the thieves' guild sometimes breaks out a prisoner. They don't like skooma dealers, though, so I would be surprised if they get him out."

She seems kind of casual about that. Well, not my problem.

Your reputation with Unmid Snow-shod has increased by 20 (20 total).

Ah, someone arrived and found the prisoner. Nice.

The rest of dinner passes swiftly, as I eat a modest but not insultingly low amount. After dinner, Anuriel asks me to follow her, and we go to the Jarl just as she's getting settled on her throne again.

"Ah, yes. I've heard you've captured the dealer, J'samma. Riften thanks you."

At that moment, I hear the doors open, and Unmid comes in.

Your affection with Leila Law-giver has increased by 15 (15 total)

Your reputation with Anuriel has increased by 10 (20 total)

Ah, he must have somehow confirmed my success.

"Jarl, there is something else you need to know. I already gave the information to your steward…"

Anuriel hands the note to the Jarl, whose face loses the smile it had, until Anuriel speaks again.

"My Jarl, J'samma has offered to investigate and hopefully attack this operation in Cragslane Cavern."

Leila Law-giver looks at me sharply. "You would attack a nest of bandits on your own?"

"I've fought some bandits before — and I'm confident I can do it."

She leans back in her chair. "I would very much appreciate it if they were taken out. You're not known enough for a title, but I could offer you a substantial reward for this."

"Jarl, if I may be so bold — " she nods " — there are things more important than gold, to me. I am interested in learning magic. If I could, say, borrow your court wizard for an hour a day, one week long, to teach me, then I would much prefer that."

"A very unusual request. But I like the idea. I will of course have to discuss this with Wylandria, of course, before I can give you an answer. But I promise you, even if we can't make it happen, I'll have something for you."

"That is all I can ask, Jarl."

"There is someone who might help you. She considers herself a protector of Riften, but has refused to join the guard. The woman used to be an adventurer… Anuriel, what was her name again?"

"I believe you are referring to Mjoll, who calls herself the Lioness?"

Leila snaps her fingers. "Exactly. She has a bit of her own crusade against the thieves' guild, but she might aid you. I don't know how you fight, but keep it in mind."

"I will consider it." I tell her. "I think it should be enough if I leave on the morrow?"

"I would very much appreciate that. Could I offer you lodging here in the keep?"

"Thank you very much, but there is no need to intrude. I already have sleeping arrangements."

She nods. "Very good."

— A Dragon's Game —

I decide not to invite this Mjoll woman. While I'm sure a good fighter would be welcome, it might be awkward knowing that I'm thieves' guild which she has her own private crusade against. Besides, I really want to try using Fireball, and that's hard when there's an ally in the midst of the enemy.

I inform the thieves' guild what I'm planning.

Your reputation with the Thieves Guild has increased by 5 (10 total)

I got another five on completion of my first job. No pay this time, though. They appreciate what I'm planning. They aren't bad people, really. Not those I've had contact with, anyway.

Except perhaps Vex. She still threatens to castrate me.

I pack some more potions, food for the journey, and I leave right as dawn breaks. It should take me a little over two days to reach. Then one day to fight and loot, and two more days to return.

The first day of travel was easy. I left Riften at dawn, crossed Fort Greenwall around noon, and then reached Shor's Stone around nightfall.

Annekke recognizes me and refuses to let me pay for a room. But she interrogates me about Sapphire's status.

Before I know it, the uninterested Verner joins along with her excitable daughter Syglja.

The girl's lust for stories prompts me to tell her about my current task.

"So it's almost like you're going on an important quest. That sounds so amazing."

"Quest quest…" I shake my hand in a symbol of doubt. "It's just a bounty for the Jarl. I handle some skooma dealers so that her guards won't have to, and in return I get paid and learn some magic."

She tilts her head playfully, putting a finger on her cheek.

"Sounds like a quest to me, oh noble knight J'samma."

I attempt to swat the back of her head, but she ducks laughing.

I turn back to Annekke, whose hand is in front of her mouth as if to hide her giggles, but it only amplifies it.

I put my nose in the air and play the ultimate teenager card.

"Nobody understands me."

Syglja lays an arm over my shoulder, the slim but corded muscle reminding me that she does work in a mine all day. "Oh, you poor little kitten."

I drop the act. "If anything, I'd be a mercenary, but that doesn't sound… accurate either."

Syglja drops the arm from my shoulder, causing me a strange feeling of regret. "Or just an adventurer, like mom."

"That reminds me." I turn to Annekke. "You ever been to Cragslane back in your days?"

Affection with Syglja increase by 5! (35/100)

"Now, now, it's still my day. I can still swing a sword, as you've seen when we cleared out the mine. As for your question, not personally. But I've heard about it from others."

"I'd be very interested to hear any details you may remember."

"Let me see… entrance hall, then a corridor, and then two chambers. It's actually pretty small for a hideout. When I heard about it, the back room was for prisoners, and the front room was where the bandits slept. The band specialized in kidnappings and ransom. They had a reputation of actually returning the victims if the ransom was paid, but of course someone still claimed the bounty sometime. They always do."

"So since it's drug smugglers this time, it'll probably be different."

"Aye. And just skooma doesn't make enough money to support a complete group of bandits. So I think it's likely they diversified, and before you ask, there's no ore there."

"So no mining. Well, I guess I'll find out when I get there."

"Good luck."

— A Dragon's Game —

I leave shortly after dawn. The road slowly lowers elevation, heading for the geothermic vents of the flats south of Windhelm.

However, I shouldn't reach them. Cragslane Cavern, which I should reach around nightfall, should overlook them.

It's two hours to noon when I reach Shor's Watchtower, but I don't see a guard standing there.

Curious, I decide to go check it out.

It's a bloodbath. There isn't even a door in the tower, but just inside, I see the corpses of two stormcloak soldiers tossed on top of each other. I slowly ascend the stairs, my spells at the ready.

It isn't necessary, since whoever did it is long gone. There are two more dead guards on the top floor of the tower. It looks like sword wounds, and everything of value is taken, except for their armors.

Nothing to do about it. I'll inform Shor's Stone when I pass them on the way back. If they are heading there after here, I would never catch up anyway, but I would be surprised. The bodies are cold and I saw no one on the road.

I continue traveling. As I predicted, dusk is setting in when I find the path which I have been told leads to Cragslane Cavern.

I was initially planning to camp here, and then go attack tomorrow, but I don't feel tired, so I'll be going in now. After all, my night vision may be an advantage.

I Sneak close to the cliffside, and approach the Cave as stealthily as I can.

It seems to still be pretty far, now that I'm going so slow trying to hide my approach. Night has fallen when I reach it. There are metal cages outside, along with some tables and a guard.

I'm not sure I can hit Ice Spikes from this distance, so I sneak closer. The guard isn't really paying attention to the path, instead looking into the valley ahead. I can't help but agree that the sight is beautiful, but I also won't give him any slack for it.

It's him or me, and it sure isn't going to be me.

Then I suddenly hear loud barking. The cages weren't empty — there are wolves inside. The guard turns around, and I can see him looking for me.

Nord. Use fire.

I shoot two firebolts at him, but he dodges them, and charges me. I shoot a fireball at the ground.

I actually send him flying with the force, even if it's just a meter. Regardless, I follow it up with two firebolts, the concussive force of which pushes him over the edge of the cliff. I hear him tumbling down the slope.

It's pretty steep, and the sound doesn't end fast. He won't be trouble anymore. I should go down there to ensure he's dead instead of slowly dying, but I need to clean up the other bandits first — otherwise they'll either flank me, or escape.

I turn to the wolves in the cages. I wouldn't normally kill them, but I'm really annoyed that they gave me away.

It takes two firebolts per wolf, and the night is silent again.

I crawl slowly to the cave. Even if they heard the fight and the barking, nobody came out. Due to the darkness, I shouldn't be visible against the light when I enter, so I crawl in.

There's another guard, leaning back against the wall.

He's a stupid guard. After all, he's in the light himself, and probably won't be able to see into the dark.

And I have looked around carefully, and he's alone here. I carefully take aim and shoot an Ice Spike through his neck. He claws at it, but only takes him seconds to die, silently.

Sneak has improved by 1!

And apparently, attacking while undetected boosts my sneak skill.

Nice.

I sneak through the corridor. The sweet seductive scent of skooma is already up in my nostrils.

My treacherous nose tells me it's amazing, but my brain is disgusted by the mere idea of giving up control to a jumped-up potion.

I control myself, thank you very much.

Walking in, I see the first cavern that Annekke told me about. To the right, there is a bar area, with a barkeeper making and serving drinks. Then there're some tables around an arena where two wolves are fighting — a plain black and a bigger, light grey Ice Wolf.

On the left are two entrances, one to the arena and one just as a gateway. That one has an armed guard, though he's found himself a chair and is also watching the fight.

People are at the tables, cheering on the wolves. These must be some addicts.

Should I really kill them? They're on a high now, but perhaps they'd still see reason?

I can't delay, though. I'll let them run away if they try.

I'm on a raised wooden walkway. There are stairs to the right, which is where fleeing addicts will go.

I climb down on the left side. They aren't paying attention, anyway.

I start with a double firebolt on the one heavily armed dealer. I hear screams, but the man doesn't die, so I launch a second set. That should do the job.

When I turn around though, the gamblers and the barkeeper are charging me. Is it the skooma? I don't know that much about its effects.

And in my idea of mercy, I don't have an exit to fall back myself.

Lovely.

I hear a shout on the left, and a seriously well-armed nord in scaled armor is heading my way.

Making a split second decision, I launch an Ice Storm at the charging group of addicts and the barkeeper, following it up with a fireball in the thick of the group. They slow down, two already dropping from the Ice Storm, and the Fireball throws them apart, none of them getting up right away.

I turn around, and start throwing Firebolts like a madman, backpedaling around the arena to keep some distance between me and the nord with the battleaxe.

It's always a great idea to keep a distance between yourself and angry nords with battleaxes.

After what feels like the hundredth firebolt but can't have been more than the tenth, the nord goes down. I take out a sword.

Would he be faking?

I sneak closer, and then lunge, plunging the sword in his neck.

No reaction. I guess that means he's dead.

I look at the arena where the victorious wolf still stands, attempting to attack me but unable to cross the barrier.

I guess it won't really do anything to rescue it, so I better end its misery. A Firebolt ends the animals' life.

— A Dragon's Game —

I explore the back room. There are some bedrolls, and a stash of skooma. I smash every bottle, letting the poison leak away in the dirt floor. There are two cages, one containing another wolf, which I slay like the last.

There's also a chest. It takes me two minutes to open, but I find a nice stash of gold, some healing potions, and an amethyst.

I look at the cage. Shame to let it go to waste.

The nord with the battleaxe has a key, and I open the cage.

Funny, this is the first time I'm using this skill, even if it's one of the few skills I learned before I got this ability.

I skin the wolf, and harvest the alchemical reagents I can. I spoil one eye, but I get the other, it's liver, and some claws.

I decide to also skin and harvest the other wolves. I have enough food, so I don't butcher their meat.

I search the addicts, but they only have some coins, nothing more.

Behind the bar is some more skooma, which I destroy, a locked chest I open in fifteen seconds containing just a bit of gold, and a book, The Wolf Queen v1.

It describes some of the early history of Queen Potema of Solitude. She apparently had some lockpicking skill, made an impulsive decision that got her married off at thirteen, and got her started on her grab for power.

Your lockpicking skill has improved by 1!

So even just reading a book about something can increase a skill?

That's certainly useful to know. I put it in my inventory.

It's past midnight, with all the skinning that I've done, but I'm still not tired.

Weird.

Regardless, I'll start walking back to Shor's Stone. I'll make camp and sleep when I get tired.

— A Dragon's Game —

The sun has come up again, and I'm still not tired. I think back, but while I've certainly slept and enjoyed sleeping as much as I always did, I have never felt truly tired.

Perhaps I don't need to sleep anymore?

The thought it… alien.

But while I don't think I'll ever just stop sleeping, I do like the option to choose.

It's about noon when I pass by Shor's Watchtower again. The corpses haven't been retrieved, but the blood is all dried up. I notice there's scruff marks of animals having come in, but they haven't taken the corpses and neither did they get through the armor to eat them.

I barricade the entrance as best I can.

It's afternoon when I reach Shor's Stone.

When I enter the Inn, Annekke looks up.

"You're early. I expected you this evening at the soonest."

I shrug. I don't feel like explaining not needing to sleep. It's an advantage I want to save for when I need to. "It went well. I got them all, destroyed their stash."

"I'm glad to hear that. Did you get hurt?"

"No, actually. I separated them enough to keep my distance, and they didn't have bows."

"That's good. So what's your plan?"

"I was thinking to stay the night here, again, and go to Riften tomorrow, even if it's still early."

I notice she's looking at me intently.

"What are you thinking?"

"Are you serious about being an adventurer? Or are you going to pick something else to do?"

"I think I like the adventuring style. And I have a feeling I'll be good at it."

"Aye, no doubts about that. How are you with the sword?"

"Um… I know which end to put in the bad guys?"

"Well, I'm done for the day myself, until the miners come above ground, and we've got a few hours. How about I teach you a bit?"

My eyes widen. Of course she can teach me. I should have thought of this myself. I have 30 Reputation with her, so she's likely to aid me.

"I would appreciate that very much. But first I need to talk to a guard. The Watchtower back there has been attacked, and there's dead stormcloak soldiers there."

Shield Proficiency has leveled to 8!

Blade Proficiency has leveled to 7!

Piercing Proficiency has leveled to 5!

Reputation with Annekke Crag-Jumper has increased by 5! (55)

When we quit training, and Annekke goes to make a stew for the miners, I am sore.

I've also figured out that Blade proficiency is about making cuts with a weapon, while piercing proficiency is about stabbing.

And Annekke likes how fast I learn, but I could have expected that. I think how fast I can learn now is my largest advantage.

I also have an additional level in the Warrior class, bringing my Health and Stamina both to 500, still greater than my 360 Mana.

It's nice to be certain I won't die to a stiff breeze, though.

Syglja gravitates towards me, and I find myself regaling her with the story of how I defeated the bandits.

Affection with Syglja has increased by 5! (60)

During the evening, I chat with the others. I got a reputation boost of 20 with the entire village when I helped clear the mine so everyone is somewhat positive towards me, and they take the effort to include me. Despite their vastly superior experience with mining, I find myself able to sympathize with them.

When I leave the next day, the blacksmith asks me to deliver an ore sample to Riften, since they want to know what it exactly is. I'm to take it to Elgrim, an alchemist who lives there. He'll find someone to carry a message back if I can't go myself.

And to be honest, while the people here are nice, I don't think there's much to do here. The road to Windhelm isn't well-traveled.

— A Dragon's Game —

I reach Riften again after a day of traveling. I deliver the ore sample, since the alchemist is quite close to the northern gate I enter through. I decide to report to the thieves' guild first and sleep. It's already late, and I don't want to disturb the Jarl this late.

However, when I pass Haelga's bunkhouse, I meet an Argonian.

"It is our most favored company."

Affection with Wujeeta increased by 50 (50)

She gives me a slight bow.

"My pleasure, Wujeeta. And Sarthis is gone for good, no need to fear any repercussion."

"I heard. Is there any way I can thank you?"

I smile. "No need. I went to the Jarl with the information, and she's paid me to act on it."

She smiles back. "If you ever need something, let me know."

"Will do."

After a few more minutes, I enter the cistern through the secret entrance.

So much better that I don't need to go through the Ratway.

Reporting to Delvin and Vex goes well, and though the guild isn't paying me, they do appreciate what I did.

I drop onto my bed. While I might not need sleep, I do still look forward to it.

Or is that just because I'm a cat?

— A Dragon's Game —

I enter the hall of Mistveil Keep when it should be about an hour after the Jarl's breakfast. I spot Anuriel and report the success to her.

"You defeated them all? Alone?"

"There weren't that many. Only six in total."

"Six bandits is still more than I expected. Is Mjoll okay?"

"Oh, I didn't invite her."

She looks at me sharply and I feel that she knows it's because it'd be awkward for a thieves' guild member to work with Mjoll. "Well, that's even more remarkable then. I feel that our guardsmen would be hard pressed to take on six bandits alone."

Is it really that many? Actually, six on one… yeah, that is actually quite a lot. "Thanks. I was greatly helped by my spells."

"I'll take you to the Jarl. She'll have time for you."

"Ah, J'samma the Adventurer. I trust you were successful?"

"I was, Jarl. I slew all bandits in Cragslane Cavern. I also have some news — the stormcloak soldiers guarding Shor's Watchtower were slain. I reported this to the local garrison at Shor's Stone."

"Thank you, and excellent work. Now, I believe you had requested a few hours of my court wizard's time?"

"I had, Jarl."

"We can do that, starting today, for seven days total. On top of that, I also award you a two thousand gold bounty."

"I thank you for your generosity."

"Nonsense. You have provided a great service for the people of Riften, and for me. This is no generosity, this is justice, like you brought justice to the bandits."

"In that case, it is my honor."

Reputation with Leila Law-giver increased by 5 (25)

"I am glad to have people like you in my hold. You give me hope for the honor that lives in the hearts of my people."

— A Dragon's Game —

It is three days after I return that Sapphire finds me and sends me to Delvin.

I wonder what the old codger got for me this time.

When I approach him, I see he's got a blonde nord woman sitting with him. She wears a red-black armor, which appears to be made of leather, and for stealth purposes.

Only her head is visible.

"Ay, there we have him. Astrid, this is J'samma. J'samma, this is Astrid."

I sit down. "Pleased to meet you."

"Pleased to meet you to." She has a pleasant, soft voice. "Do note that this isn't guild business. Delvin told me a bit about your exploits, and I was wondering if you might be willing to work for my family."

She paused, giving me her full attention.

"I am Astrid, the local leader of the Dark Brotherhood."

I blink. "Wait, you murder people, right?"

"Blunt, but not inaccurate."

"Why do you think I would want to join you?"

"Well, the excellent way you handled that skooma band, of course. I've even got a nice introduction test lined up right here, in Riften, if you want to try out, or even just have a sniff of the work we do."

"Just because I kill outlaws who actively rob and murder the people of Skyrim, doesn't mean I'm willing to murder innocent civilians."

"Ah, but that's the thing. In my experience, innocent people are rare. There's always a story behind it, and people don't hire the Dark Brotherhood for nothing." She smiles. "Even if only because we're to expensive for that."

"So you're saying they deserve to get murdered?"

"Generally, yes. For example, your trial target here in Riften. She is called Grelod the Kind, and she's the matron of the local orphanage here."

"You want me to murder a woman who has made it her life to take care of orphans? Are you insane?"

"By some definitions." She grins. "But things aren't always what they seem. Tell you what. You will spy on her for a week. In a week, I'll be back here. In that time, you can slay her. Or you can give me a full report on why she doesn't deserve to die, and I'll cancel the contract."

"So you won't murder her if I won't?"

"No."

"What's the catch? I doubt you have a habit of abandoning contracts."

"True. Accept the deal and you'll find out soon. Refuse the deal, and dear old Grelod will die before tomorrow evening."

Well, not like I have a choice.

"I accept."