Chapter 27

Loredas, the 2nd of Sun's Height, Year 202 of the 4th Era

Daenerys came to with her head in Sofija's lap and the taste of blood and healing potion in her mouth. The three Dragonguard stood about her. Their tower shields blocked most of her view, but she heard no sounds of fighting. Daenerys reached up and felt her neck. She found only flesh, no arrow. "I'm alive?"

"Yes, my thane. You're alive." Sofija heaved a sigh of relief and smiled at her. She never smiled. "You were very lucky. The arrow passed through the side of your neck. You lost a lot of blood, but I was able to force potions down your throat."

"Thank you." Daenerys still felt woozy. Potions. Plural. The side of the neck. That would have been a lethal wound on Planetos. Without healing potions she would have quickly bled out and died. She lowered her hand from her neck to her chestplate. She couldn't reach through metal to grasp her amulet, but she still knew it was there. "Talos, please, heal me." The faith came easily, but holding together the other two parts, Focus on herself, Will for her magicka to flow, was difficult when she felt so weak. Yet, it worked. The magic flowed and she felt her strength returning and with it her ability to focus. "Thank you," she said again. Not to Sofija, but to Talos. As she spoke the words, she promised herself that she would no longer hide her amulet of Talos. From now on she would wear it openly where all could see. She stared into Sofija's gaze and saw that she was shaken. "Thank you, as well, Sofija. I would have died without you."

Sofija glanced to the side, avoiding her gaze. "You shouldn't thank me. I failed. It is my duty to protect you."

"You did protect me, Sofija. You saved my life." Daenerys pushed herself up to a sitting position which wasn't very comfortable. Armor wasn't made for sitting on the ground. She could see the arrow lying close to her on the ground. It was a wicked looking thing with a barbed head and soaked in her blood. "How many ambushed us?"

"One, I think," said Sofija. "We should find out shortly. I hear people returning now. Did you know that Barbas can leap from the ground to a rooftop?"

"No, I didn't know that." No normal dog could do that, but Barbas only looked like a normal dog.

Val returned with a corpse over his shoulder. "Good to see you survived, Lady Targaryen." He dropped the corpse down in front of her. "I'm afraid Barbas got to him first. We'll get no answers from him."

Daenerys looked at the corpse. The first thing she noticed was that he was an Argonian. The second thing she noticed was that he was missing his throat. The jagged edges on the wound looked like bite marks. She looked over the corpse careful hoping for some kind of clue. He was wearing tight-fitting leather armor of dark greys and browns, good colors for sneaking and hiding, but now marred by claw marks. A dog's claws shouldn't rend leather armor like that, but these wounds had torn through the leather and ripped open his flesh. Barbas had never done that much damage with his claws before. All he had shown was the strength of a dog his size, but he'd leaped to the rooftop as well. Clearly, he had been holding back.

Faralda crouched down and touched the armor. "We might get some answers. The armor is all enchanted. Poison resistance on the armor, extra bow damage on the cowl, the boots are muffled for silent movement, and the gloves… are difficult to read. It's like damage enchantment, but more vicious. I need more time. Was there a bow, or arrows?"

Lydia handed Faralda a bow. "The arrows scattered across the rooftop when Barbas killed him. Should I go fetch them?"

Daenerys shook her head. "No. I don't want to stay around that long." What Faralda had found already was concerning enough. Enchantments like that didn't come cheap. This wasn't a member of the Thieves' Guild who had turned assassin because he had been offered enough gold. The dead Argonian had been a professional killer. Daenerys pushed herself up off the ground. Sofija reached out to her. Daenerys gladly accepted her help as she regained her feet. She looked around. The three Dragonguard with tower shields had spread out a little to give her room, but they were facing the streets of Riften as if they expected another attack. Beyond them were only her trusted followers. The crowds that had stalked her had apparently made themselves scarce once blades came out. She looked to Faralda. "Anything on the bow?"

"Elven made and enchanted for accuracy," replied Faralda. "It's a deadly bow. I don't think Ull or Aela has a bow this good."

Sofija crouched over the corpse as well. "There's also a beltpouch." She flipped it open and found two potion bottles. One bottle was tinted red, the color universally used for healing potions. The other was tinted black. "Based on what we've seen so far, I would guess the black is poison."

Daenerys nodded. That would fit. The arrow that pierced her neck might have been poisoned, which might have made the difference on a lesser wound. With the shot to her neck, the bleeding had almost killed her. If it wasn't for healing potions, she would be dead. She looked to the building across from the Honorhall Orphanage. That's where this assassin must have hidden. From up there he had an easy view of the doorway. From there he would have a clear shot at anyone exiting. He also should have had an easy escape route: slide down the other side of the roof, jump from rooftop to rooftop for a few blocks and then dive into Lake Honrich. Argonians could breathe underwater. He would have gotten away clean if it wasn't for Barbas. This hadn't been a fanatical attack like the one at Ivarstead. This had been a cold and methodical assassination attempt that had almost succeeded.

Barbas walked up to her with his head down low and his tail drooped low. (I shouldn't have killed him. You can't torture the dead for answers. I'm sorry.} Rather than a bark she heard a whine in addition to the words.

Daenerys bent down and scratched Barbas behind his ears. "You have nothing to be sorry about. You're a good boy, Barbas. Without you he would have gotten away. Was he alone?"

(Yes, his was the only scent up on the roof.} He bumped her side with his head.

Daenerys knelt down and hugged him hard. "Thank you, Barbas."

Barbas responded by licking her face right on the lips. (You're welcome.}

Daenerys spluttered a little and wiped at her face as much as she could while wearing gauntlets. His action was totally unexpected and so close to the actions of a real dog. For a moment she almost forgot she'd nearly died. Then reality reasserted itself. They couldn't linger here in the streets. They needed to get moving, and everyone was looking to her to provide leadership. She clamped down on her fear and turned to face her followers.

"Thank you all. You saved my life." She looked at her men-at-arms. "The shield wall against the arrows." She looked at Sofija. "Healing me." She waved her hand to encompass everyone. "And the rest who stood ready when I was injured."

She considered the corpse. What to do now? This attack was completely different from the squidskulls in Ivarstead, so most likely there was someone else behind it. Probably the Black-Briars, but possibly the Thieves' Guild or someone else. She briefly considered hiding the corpse or having Faralda incinerate it. Leave whoever sent the assassin with no clue as to what happened. However, there had been witnesses that had fled. Rumors would fly. Because she was the Dragonborn, most people would take her word that the Argonian attacked first, but whether the Black-Briars hired the assassin or not, they would try to turn this against her. Trying to hide the corpse would just give them ammunition.

No, trying to hide, being defensive was the wrong move. She had pushed the Black-Briars and they pushed back. Her political power was based on her position as the Dragonborn, a hero. She had to push the Black-Briars back harder while casting them as villains. She didn't want to hide. She wanted witnesses.

"Now!" She clapped her hands. "Here is what we're going to do. Strip the Argonian naked. We're keeping his armor and weapons. They're spoils of battle." And valuable spoils because of their enchantments. Also, Faralda might learn something from the mystery enchantment. "We're going to parade his corpse through the city. I want him hoisted up on spearpoint and carried above us where all can see."

There were a lot of surprised looks coming her way. It was one of the spearmen, Olfar, who spoke up. "We don't have crosspieces on our spears. He'll slide down."

"Good point, Olfar." Daenerys nodded at him. "Lydia, head back into the orphanage. Get some short pieces of wood and some rope or twine. I don't care if you have to break a chair to get the wood. Pay Constance Michel for whatever you take. We're not thieves, but make it quick."

Lydia thumped her chestplate. "Yes, my thane." She took off running.

"My thane?" asked Sofija. "Why are we making a spectacle of this?"

This wasn't really this best time or place for a lesson, but Sofija had asked a question that was obviously shared by others. "Because Riften is a corrupt city and rumors will fly. There were witnesses, but they ran away. If we're not careful, rumors and accusations will paint us as callous murderers of an innocent Argonian. The way to squash a rumor is to get ahead of it and shout your own story. That's what we're doing. We're going to let the people of Riften see what happened with their own eyes. It will also serve as a warning as to how the Dragonguard treats assassins."

Sofija nodded. "I get it."

Several others nodded as well. Although she wasn't sure they all got it. For most of them, it was enough that she had reasons and a plan. Lydia returned shortly, and from the pieces she brought out, she had just smashed a chair. Her men quickly tied crosspieces on their spears. It took them three tries to get the Argonian up in the air, but they managed it.

"Vignar," commanded Daenerys. "You know this city best. Lead us back to the market and then to Mistveil Keep."

"You know that we can just go east and get to Mistveil Keep sooner?" asked Vignar.

Daenerys nodded. "I do, but we want to be noticed, and hence the market."

"Very well, Lady Targaryen. Everyone, follow me."

Walking along with a corpse held high in the air drew a crowd just as she intended. It also discouraged people from getting too close. Without prompting Vignar started calling out in that loud pompous matter that heralds everywhere used. "Behold! This is the fate of assassins! Thus died a coward that attacked from the shadows! Behold! This is the price of!" and more drivel of that nature.

Daenerys made a mental note to thank Vignar later and ask if he had ever trained as a herald. It would explain his pompous way of speaking. That was for later. At the moment she was too busy waving to the crowds, letting them see her blood-stained armor, and not letting them see that she how shaken she was by her close brush with death.

While she usually enjoyed the adoration of the crowds, it had not escaped her that she almost died. A few fingers to the side and the arrow would have lodged in her throat, perhaps even severed her spine. Her throat was even the likely target. Tiber Septim had once been able to Shout, but after a throat injury he never Shouted again. Aiming for her throat was to silence her even if the arrow didn't kill her immediately. She wasn't invulnerable. She had died once before and her memories from that death were back. She remembered her victory. She had won the Iron Throne. She remembered standing there before it with Jon Snow. He told her that she would always be his queen. Then he kissed her and thrust his blade through her heart. She remembered the taste of blood and betrayal and pain. She barely remembered dying. It had happened so fast. Just like the arrow today.

As she marched and waved at the crowd, her fear gave way to anger. She almost died again today, stupidly and pointlessly. She couldn't afford mistakes like that. Sofija simply wasn't ready to lead the Dragonguard. She might never be ready. She wasn't the Dragonborn. The prophecy was that the Dragonborn could defeat Al-Du-In, not anyone else. Even Nocturnal and Barbas agreed on that. If she died, the world burned.

She should be focusing on saving the entire world, not these stupid political games with the Black-Briars. Her promise to Nocturnal had only bound her to help Karliah against Mercer. She could have just ignored the corruption and crime in Riften… This had been her choice. She had chosen to get involved. She had chosen to help, and her small council had smiled at her as she finally gave in to what they expected of the Dragonborn. They expected no less of her. It was even in Jon's song, "an end to the evil of all Skyrim's foes". All their foes. Not just the dragons. Was she foolishly believing her own legend? She had made that mistake before and burned King's Landing believing she was right.

On the other hand, the Black-Briars were undoubtedly corrupt. Honorhall Orphanage was just one of their scams according to Karliah. Maven had one foot in the illegal and one foot in the legal and used both to her profit. The Black-Briars were choking the life out of the Rift as they filled their own coffers. Taking them down had felt right. She wanted to be the hero this lifetime and not the villain. Yet, she also knew that Riften's troubles ran deeper than one corrupt family.

Vignar guided them back to the Fishery and across a bridge. They gathered more attention as they passed through the Riften market area. They stopped three times due to the press of the crowds. Daenerys answered questions and explained that the cowardly assassin had tried and failed to kill her. After the second time they stopped, the rumors were obviously racing through the market faster than they could push their way through the crowds.

As they were leaving the central market, Vignar waved to a large circular building on their right. "That's the Bee and Barb. I stayed there when I was in Riften before. It is Riften's largest inn. It's a little bit seedier than the Bannered Mare back in Whiterun, but still a decent place. The innkeeper is an Argonian. Maybe she would know something about our 'friend'." Vignar jerked his thumb at the bloody corpse over their heads."

Daenerys considered what Vignar said, and what he didn't say. The Argonian innkeeper might have noticed another Argonian in Riften, but the Bee and Barb was hardly the only inn in Riften. More importantly, Jon Battle-Born, Olfina Grey-Mane, and Camilla were supposed to be staying at the Bee and Barb along with two of the Dragonguard. Jon was there to sway the crowd with stories and songs about the Dragonborn. The rest of them where there so that Karliah or Galdrus could get in contact and pass along updates. That had made sense when they were making plans. After being ambushed Daenerys wasn't sure if it was wise of her to divide her forces. Jon and Olfina were skilled warriors, but Camilla would be a liability in a fight.

"Incoming," announced Sofija interrupting her thoughts.

Daenerys saw two dozen Riften guards pushing others aside and heading toward them. That was a large force to be marching about town. She could pick out Hemming Black-Briar in their midst. So, it was time for the Black-Briars' next move. She took a deep breath and pushed away her memories. She could wallow in doubt and self-pity later. This was going to be an important and public confrontation.

Hemming slithered out in front of his men like a snake gliding out of the tall grass. "Lady Targaryen, we heard there was an incident at Honorhall Orphanage. The jarl sent us to investigate that, and instead you are parading a corpse through the streets." Hemming did a poor job of pretending to be shocked. He sounded all too pleased about it. "Explain yourself."

Daenerys shrugged as if she had not a care in the world. "This coward attacked me from the shadows. I survived. Now he's dead. That happens quite frequently to people that try to kill me." She spoke loud enough so the crowd could hear her every word, and she smiled at Hemming the whole time.

"Tried to kill you? That's concerning. Then I'm glad you survived." The slight sneer in his tone made that a lie. "Do you have any witnesses? Other than your own people, of course."

Daenerys heard murmurs in the crowd, but she kept her eyes on Hemming. "I am a Companion of Jorrvaskr, as is my Shield-Brother, Vignar of the Clan Grey-Mane. You have my word that is what happened." She really hoped that Hemming would accuse her of lying. It would give her an excuse to challenge him.

"Of course," agreed Hemming in a tone that clearly implied he didn't believe her. "In that case as the newly appointed Captain of the Riften Guard, I'm going to insist that you come back with us and explain things to Jarl Law-Giver. She doesn't particularly like people taking the law into their own hands."

"Congratulations on your appointment to Captain of the Guard." And wasn't that an interesting development? "My, my, how quickly things change. Why just this afternoon the jarl was indisposed and didn't want to speak with me, and after she had summoned me all the way to Riften. You know, I was never told. Why exactly couldn't the jarl speak with me earlier?"

"It is not my place or yours to question the jarl," retorted Hemming. "You need to come and explain to her why you murdered a citizen of Riften."

"Murder?" asked Daenerys at a volume just below yelling. "Are you saying that I lied when I said this coward attacked me first? Are you saying I cut my own throat and bled all over my armor? Choose your reply wisely, Captain Black-Briar."

"I misspoke. I do not believe you committed murder." He spoke like each word cost him gold. "However, you have still killed a citizen or Riften. You must still appear before the jarl."

"A citizen of Riften? Then you know this cowardly assassin?"

Some boos and hisses came from the crowd.

"No, I don't know him. He was in Riften, so even if he was not a citizen he is under the protection of the jarl."

Daenerys nodded. "I would think the jarl would be more interested in my welfare. Funny thing, when I asked for some guards to accompany me about the city this afternoon, I was told there were none available to escort the Dragonborn. Strange, you seem to have quite a few men with you."

"Enough of this!" demanded Hemming. "You and your party will come with me to see Jarl Law-Giver immediately!"

Daenerys frowned. "Really? I have something to say about that." Daenerys lifted her head up so she was aiming well over the heads of the Riften Guard. Then she Shouted, "Fus-Ro-Dah!" Her words exploded in a blast of force that went over the head of Hemming and his forces.

Hemming looked at her slack-jawed as several of his men dived to the ground. Others knelt and a few brave souls merely bowed there heads. Only a few looked anywhere close to being ready to fight. A voice in the watching crowd suddenly cheered, "Dragonborn!" As if it was a signal the crowd suddenly erupted in a cacophony of screams and cheers. Daenerys crossed her arms and kept her focus on Hemming waiting for him to answer her. Hemming just stood there stock-still.

Daenerys turned and faced the crowd. They were all screaming in adoration. She made a quelling motion with her armors, gesturing for them to quiet down. "Please, may I speak?" The crowd didn't quiet at once, but the volume dropped. "I will go with them. While my men were simply defending me against an assassin, I understand I need to answer some questions. I will go with them. I will still be here in Riften tomorrow and for some time to come."

There were still a few cries of "Dragonborn" and "Lady Targaryen," but the crowd settled down.

She smiled at Hemming. "Please, lead the way. I will be glad to finally get an opportunity to speak with Jarl Law-Giver."

Hemming didn't say anything to her. He merely nodded shakily and turned to his men. "Back to Mistveil Keep." He stepped between his men into the middle of their formation as they turned about-face.

Daenerys fell in behind them. As she did she gestured Vignar to her. "Shield-Brother, would you make my apologies for me to the Snow-Shods? If they offer, stay for dinner. If they ask questions, tell them about Honorhall Orphanage, the assassin, and what just happened. Use your discretion on answering any other questions, and would you please check on Camilla before you go?"

Vignar laughed. "I understand." He bowed low. "I hear and obey, Dragon of the North."

Daenerys nodded at Vignar. Despite his somewhat pompous airs, Vignar did understand the politics. He would do well. When this was over, she was adding him to her small council as her herald. She needed someone who could go and speak on her behalf to other nobles and Vignar had the skills to do it. Something to think about later after she met with Jarl Laila Law-Giver.