Student and Mentor

Chapter 4: Student and Mentor

Noela was awake at five-thirty the next morning. Silently, so she didn't wake her other 'family members' who also shared the sleeping quarters, she slipped into her new Dark Brotherhood robes and packed her bag with some supplies she'd found lying around the Sanctuary the night before.

Fortunately, she had also had the chance to use the alchemy table, and with her stock of potions and supplies back up to their usual level, she slung the bag over her shoulder and headed for the kitchen downstairs.

Here, she found some random bits of food and stuffed those in her bag, before making her way toward the entrance.

The Sanctuary was completely still and silent, save for the sound of the waterfall as she passed back through the cavern and up the stairs to the room where she had met Astrid yesterday.

Going up the final stretch of stairs, she opened the black door and stepped into the chilly morning air.

It was probably just shy of 6 o'clock now, and though it was still dark Noela could see a faint band of light on the eastern horizon. The smell of pine was strong in the forest, and she walked over to the black pond to await the person who would be training her.

She only had to wait a few minutes though, before the black door opened again and someone stepped out.

But it was dark, and she couldn't see who it was. Part of her hoped it wouldn't be Arnbjorn, but she supposed if it came down to it she'd just have to put up with him.

The footsteps came toward her and the person said, "Noela, are you out here?"

Noela recognised the voice immediately, and she said, "Yep."

Holding out her palm, she swiftly cast Candlelight and the ball of light floated up to rest above her head.

"Astrid," said Noela cordially. "So you're going to be my mentor?" she asked with a certain degree of surprise.

Astrid was dressed in the same armour again, a small pack strapped across her body, and Noela was sort of glad to see that she had chosen not to wear the cowl.

The woman nodded, "I am. I usually ask one of our family members to train new initiates, but in your case, I decided to come along."

"I see," said Noela, though she did wonder why. Surely the leader of the Dark Brotherhood had more important things to do than train her? She doubted she even needed training anyway—she was the Dragonborn, plus an experienced thief. Killing and sneaking was her domain.

"Shall we head off then? We have quite a lot of ground to cover," said Astrid, before setting off along the path that led back up to the main road. Noela followed suit, walking beside her.

"So what exactly does this training entail?" asked Noela, injecting a little enthusiasm into her voice.

"Your training—consists of three assassinations. One each in Ivarstead, Anga's Mill, and Dawnstar. We're heading to Ivarstead first, and should arrive before midnight if we keep up a good pace."

Noela nodded just as her spell vanished. "And who're the targets?"

"Just a minute," Astrid muttered before Noela heard a swooshing sound. Suddenly, they were bathed in firelight, the light source a torch in Astrid's hand. "That's better. Now, yes, the targets. The first is a beggar by the name of Narfi. Second, Ennodius Papius, an ex-miller, and third, Beitild, who owns Iron-Breaker Mine in Dawnstar."

The flames danced about Astrid's face, casting light and shadow over the other assassin that gave her a sort of frightening veneer, and for a moment Noela was reminded that she was in the company of one of Skyrim's most accomplished and deadly killers.

"Okay. And how would you have me kill them?" Noela asked, wanting to know so she could plan out the assassinations.

"I do like your eagerness, Noela," commented Astrid lightly. "I'll admit I'm rather excited to see how you will murder your targets this time; see, I did enjoy the display you gave back in the abandoned shack… makes me wonder what you'll have up your sleeve this time."

Noela stared at the other woman for a second, her words having hit her somewhat out of the dark. She wondered if Astrid had come along just because she wanted to watch her kill people, or if there was some other reason. Being reminded of the shack incident though, made her insides squirm with a hatred that she was mildly aware of; the woman had forced her to kill, against her will, and that wasn't something she was going to forget anytime soon.

"You flatter me, Astrid, but I was merely doing as you ordered," said Noela a little stiffly.

The assassin laughed, "And you did that beautifully, my dearest. To answer your question though, I'll be giving you full liberty to carry out these assassinations how you see fit. But, I'm here as a source of advice, and support—I am your mentor after all. And if you screw up and get yourself into trouble, well, my job is to get you out of it alive."

Noela nodded, a sense of gratitude involuntarily washing over her. "Much appreciated," she said automatically. The last thing she wanted was to be indebted to this woman, however.

After about two hours they stopped for a quick breakfast, finding a couple of logs to sit down on.

Now, the sun was fully up, and the temperature was already warming up to a rather comfortable level for the day. Noela produced an apple from her bag, and Astrid a bread roll, and the two women began to chew in silence.

They quickly finished their food, and Astrid was the first to speak.

"I think it's time we begin your training. Tell me, sister, have you thought about how you will kill your first target?"

Noela shook her head. "Not really. Perhaps a shot of ice magic, or maybe my dagger."

"Are you well versed in killing?"

"I'd say so," said Noela without missing a beat. "I've killed tons of creatures, bandits, animals, dr—" Noela stopped herself before she revealed her biggest secret. On second thought, she didn't really know if it was a secret, given that Astrid had known her name.

"Okay," said Astrid, gazing at her intently. "Though murdering is quite a different beast from the simple act of killing. I wonder… what did you feel the first time you murdered, Noela?"

The straightforward manner in which Astrid was asking such a heavy question threw Noela off for a moment. She had to say, no one had ever asked her such a question before, let alone so casually. It only emphasised the twistedness of the Dark Brotherhood, and Noela was beginning to wonder if she had truly understood the magnitude of her decision in joining.

"My first murder… was Grelod," said Noela, a tiny bit of her shuddering at the admission. "She deserved to die, so I felt nothing but gladness when she was gone from the world."

"Really?" asked Astrid, leaning forward on the log. "You murdered an innocent woman out of good intentions?"

"Yes. It was a no-brainer. She tortured the kids and they all wanted her dead. It was the right choice."

"Hmm," said Astrid thoughtfully. "You didn't enjoy it at all?"

"I don't know," answered Noela truthfully. "The only difference was that she wasn't armed or going to kill me, like a usual enemy would be. Getting away was a bit of a rush though, I do like that hit of adrenaline."

"And what about the Khajiit?" asked Astrid with a certain eagerness. "How was the experience?"

Noela frowned at her, wanting to slap her in the face for having the gall to ask her about it. "As I said, I killed him because you forced me to kill."

"Yes, but what about what you felt during the kill?" asked Astrid, not seeming to pick up on Noela's resentment.

"Well—I don't know," said Noela honestly. "Maybe I liked it, maybe I didn't, it was hard to tell."

Deep inside, Noela knew that perhaps she actually did, but she didn't want to face it. She wasn't a murderer, in the sense that she killed for enjoyment. Right?

On the other hand, that had been the deciding factor when she had joined the Dark Brotherhood. She wanted to find out…

"Alright," said Astrid, standing up. "First things first, let's talk about assassinating. For one, it's not the same as killing. The reason I asked those questions was not to put you on the spot, or make you question yourself, or anything like that. We actually don't care about that at all here. I don't care if you murder for money, or because killing makes you ecstatic—it doesn't matter in the slightest. But, the difference is that you are taking a supposedly 'innocent' life—which, by the way, is completely ridiculous, there's no such thing as innocence—which is where some of our initiates faltered in the past and cost them their lives."

Noela glanced up at her at that, not sure if she had understood. "You're saying some new initiates died because they lost their confidence?"

"Well, it's more like they succumbed to the weakness of their minds. They simply lost the stomach for it. Whether guilt, empathy, or some other emotion, that is a weakness that is powerful enough to make you falter in the face of your target. And when that happens, you either get killed, or thrown in jail. And here, failing missions and jobs is very bad for our business and our reputation. I hope you understand."

Noela nodded slowly, knowing theoretically that it could happen to her but considering herself strong enough that she wasn't going to let any of this affect her performance. She was here to start a new career, and she was going to be incredibly disappointed if she messed up.

"Good then," continued Astrid. "Now, we have four basic rules that make an assassination, successful. Number one, have no witnesses. You cannot be seen. Number two, don't leave a trail. Three, don't get caught. And four, make sure you actually kill the target. There's been a handful of times when initiates leave without verifying that the target is in fact dead, which as you can imagine, doesn't please our clients very much. Any questions?"

"No."

"Right then, let's go over a quick run through on weapons or modes of attack. Clearly, you'll be relying on magic, and also your dagger, correct?"

Noela nodded.

"Unfortunately I can't train you on magic in conjunction with assassination, you'll have to ask Gabriella or Festus to help with that. As for a dagger though—well, that is my area of expertise."

Astrid produced a curved and rather unique looking dagger from her belt and held it up. "This blade… has taken more lives than I can count. Would you like me to show you the different ways you can sneak-assassinate with it?"

"Um… alright," Noela said hesitantly, not sure that she needed help with using a dagger but maybe Astrid knew a trick or two she didn't.

"Then, turn around."

"What?" Noela asked in surprise.

"You want me to show you a successful sneak kill? Obviously, I won't execute it though," Astrid said with a chuckle.

Noela stood rooted to the spot. She most certainly did not feel comfortable turning her back on a professional, armed assassin, especially one that had threatened her life once before. Astrid gazed back, a small smile on her lips. Noela wanted to trust her, she did, but figured if she wanted her dead she could've just killed her while she had slept in the Sanctuary anyway.

Exhaling, Noela spun around, thinking that as a last defence she could just shout Unrelenting Force at her.

She stood awkwardly for a few seconds, trying to sense Astrid's presence. She also tried to block out the background sounds of the forest, and closed her eyes to better concentrate.

There was nothing.

Of course their boots and shoes were magically muffled so she couldn't hear footsteps. But there was also no sound of movement, of clothes rustling, of breathing, nor any twigs snapping nor stones accidentally kicked.

The anticipation was making her heart beat faster, and just as she was wondering when it would happen she felt cold steel at her throat, the knife having seemingly come out of nowhere.

"And you're dead," whispered the woman into her ear. Astrid laughed softly, and Noela froze for a moment as the sound sent a strong shiver through her. Now she could feel the presence of a body behind her, the other woman blocking the wind from her back. There was also the faint scent of mountain flowers, of the red variety, and it was such a gentle, pleasant smell that Noela was strangely comforted for a second. But, her instincts kicked in a moment later and she attempted to twist out of the death grip, but Astrid had her tightly trapped.

"You surprise me, Noela. I didn't actually think you'd let me do this," Astrid said. "Now, this is what I think is best. First, cover the target's airways." She brought up her left hand and covered Noela's mouth and nose. "Next, it's up to you where you go for, but I tend to like the big artery, just here." She gently tapped a point on Noela's neck a little to the side. "A deep slice is good, even a stab, and you'll get a wonderful spillage of blood." She gave another low laugh. "If you favour a less messier way, aim for this spot"—she pointed closer to Noela's jaw—"and stab. Forcefully."

Astrid was quiet for a moment and Noela could feel her own heart beating a thousand miles a minute. She wasn't sure if it was because of the rather intimate way the woman was currently holding her or the fact that she was actually in a very precarious and completely defenceless position, once again no less. All she knew, was that she didn't like this feeling, this sense of powerlessness.

Noela spoke into the assassin's hand, but the words were incomprehensible.

"What?" asked the Nord, removing her hand from the mage's face.

"I think I've got it," Noela repeated, feeling frazzled.

"Good then," said Astrid, and lowered her weapon.

Noela spun around. "Thanks—for the lesson." She looked up at the taller woman who was still rather close to her, and Noela stepped back to give herself more breathing room. "Is that your favourite method of assassin, Astrid?"

"Me? No. I like to talk to my targets before the kill. Taunt them, scare them, even challenge them. That can have interesting results. Some victims may flee, others may cower in fear. If you can goad a target into attacking you first, you may even find any local guards coming to your aid."

"That—seems a little brash, if I may say so," said Noela, speaking her thoughts. "Wouldn't it be easier to just kill them while they're asleep?"

"Well, of course, sister," answered Astrid flippantly. "But once you get to the point where you can assassinate them with your eyes closed, you'll be looking for the next challenge. So," she said, clapping her hands together, "that concludes our training for now. Why don't you utilise what you've just learned in our upcoming assassination. I promise I'll let you do it all. I'll stay in the background, a silent observer."

"Sure," said Noela, watching the excitement on her mentor's face. It was fleeting, but there was a split second where Noela had the strong desire to do this job well, so that the expression didn't change into one of disappointment.

It was shortly after midnight when Astrid and Noela arrived in Ivarstead.

Having travelled since dawn, the two women had found themselves rather tired by sunset, and had thus taken a short, impromptu nap, each taking turns to keep watch.

Ivarstead was as quiet as it always was, the small number of inhabitants now tucked safely away in their homes and beds. The main road through the town, however, was patrolled by guards night and day, and Astrid had led them around the back of the inn and alongside the river in order to avoid being seen.

They stopped under a tree on a large and flat rock, and Astrid pointed across the river to the opposite bank. "That's Narfi's house," she said to the mage.

Noela squinted into the distance, the moonlight illuminating what looked like a ruined farmhouse. Half the roof was missing, and the walls were badly damaged. "So how do we get across the river?" Noela asked, looking at the very strong current that she doubted would be safe to swim across.

"There's a narrow point down there," Astrid said, indicating further down the bank and closer to the timber mill.

Once at the water's edge, Noela briefly had the brilliant idea to use Whirlwind Sprint to get across and keep her feet dry, then remembered that she didn't want to reveal she was the Dragonborn.

Sucking in a deep breath in preparation for what was surely going to be very cold water, she waded across to the other side, Astrid having already reached the opposite bank ahead of her.

Though their footsteps were silent, their shoes still squelched on the muddy bank. Resuming a sneak position, they crept up to the beggar's house.

Narfi the target was visible inside his half-blown apart house, sitting at a table and eating what appeared to be a bread loaf. Astrid, who was standing beside her, made a sweeping gesture across her throat, and Noela kickstarted their plan into action.

The Nord stayed behind as she had said she would, and Noela took the lead, creeping around to the back of the structure near a tall rock face to what was presumably the main entrance of the house.

Stepping silently onto the main porch, Noela entered the house through the open front doorway, Narfi's back currently to her where he sat.

Her plan was to sneak up behind him and kill him with her blade, but when he unexpectedly spun around on his seat and stood up, she froze.

She was not invisible of course, and he did a double take.

"Who are you? What do you want?" he demanded, his face affright.

Noela's heart stopped, and she reverted to one of the backup plans they had discussed. "Your pathetic existence has come to an end, Narfi," she said as threateningly as she could. Slowly, she unsheathed her dagger.

Narfi's eyes went wide, and even in the dim moonlight she could clearly see his fear. He was frightened of her.

"Oh… Oh no… Please, please," he begged, bending over and bringing his arms up to cover his head. "I ain't never harmed no one… Old Narfi just wants to be left alone…"

As she watched her target, a knot began to form in Noela's belly. For a few moments, she hesitated, knowing that she had to do what she said she was going to do, but at the same time, part of her didn't want to do it.

Her sense of time warped, and Noela stood motionless, the fact that she was about to commit murder finally seeming to sink into her brain.

Narfi was still cowering, whimpering from the sound of it, and Noela didn't know how many seconds had passed since she had entered the house.

In her mind, a flashback of a conversation she'd had earlier in the day came rushing back. Astrid, standing amongst the tall pines where they had finished breakfast, was giving her a lecture about new initiates. What was it she had said exactly? That they had lost the stomach for the job, succumbed to the weakness of their minds?

Noela gulped, realising that this was exactly what was happening to her.

Snapping out of her reverie, she hastily lunged for the still-cowering beggar, thrusting her dagger into the left of his chest where his heart was.

He let out a blood-curling scream, and she twisted the dagger in his flesh, the dark and thick liquid spurting out from the wound and splashing onto her robes.

As she held the handle of the blade, she could feel her sleeves and her arms getting drenched, the amazingly warm liquid cooling fast in the night air and making her shiver from the cold.

With a quick twist and a pull, she yanked the dagger out of the man, thinking that it might be quicker if the blood flowed out faster.

Narfi collapsed onto the wood floor of the house, his body causing the entire structure to vibrate. Noela stepped back away from the blood that was beginning to pool fast on the floor, spreading into the cracks and gaps between the wood planks and dripping down to below the house.

The man made horrible gurgling sounds as he twitched and spasmed, and it was probably at least a few minutes before his body finally stilled, the life at last leaving him.

Noela exhaled a deep breath, and sheathed her dagger. She then felt a hand on her shoulder, and almost jumped in alarm.

"Ah, sorry to frighten you, sister," said Astrid.

"Please don't sneak up on me like that," Noela said, putting a hand to her heart.

"Sorry," Astrid chuckled. "Anyway, you did well, Noela. You handled the surprise well and moved onto the backup plan quickly, so I'm pleased with that. As for your kill, well executed. I did notice a slight hesitation at the start, but otherwise you pulled it off smoothly. Bonus points for lots of blood, which, by the way, you have all over yourself now." Astrid eyed her clothes up and down and gave a short laugh. "I think the look suits you, Noela. Gives you more of an edge."

"You're joking," said Noela in disbelief. "Isn't this disgusting?" she asked, staring down at herself.

"Not to me," said Astrid, and they walked back to the front doorway. "If you wanted to clean up though, just take a swim. We'll spend the night at the inn, then head off for the next location tomorrow."

"We're going to the inn?" asked Noela in surprise. "In our Dark Brotherhood clothes?" she added incredulously.

"Yes, we are," Astrid replied simply. "You forget that the public hardly sees us, Noela, provided we do our jobs well. So, going to public places is really not all that risky, it is rare that we get recognised. Of course, there is a certain degree of risk to it, but wouldn't you overlook that for a nice and warm bed tonight or would you prefer your bed roll out here in the cold?"

"Well, now that you say it like that," said Noela, "of course I'd pick the bed."

"Well then, let's get moving."