Chapter 31

Sundas, the 3rd of Sun's Height, Year 202 of the 4th Era

Nura led Daenerys back to the dining hall with a determined stride. As soon as she entered, she strode right up to Vulwulf. "Husband, I have something important to tell you."

Vulwulf frowned. "Nura, what's wrong?"

"Not wrong. Important. The Lady Targaryen is a foreigner, yet the gods have chosen her as the Dragonborn. Talos himself has chosen her. Perhaps that is what the Greybeards saw in her when they proclaimed her Ysmir. She came to me for guidance. We prayed together. I felt Talos speaking to my heart as clearly as if he was talking to me. I know what Talos wants of me. I am to go with her and advise her. I am joining the Dragonguard."

Vulwulf surged to his feet. "Nura! No! We fought our war. You're not young any longer. The Dragonguard fights dragons. Talos has others. You don't need to do this."

"Yes," declared Nura. "I do. Talos led her to me. He chose me to advise her. Husband, I love you, but I am a priestess. When Talos calls, I obey. You let our daughter go to war. You want our son to join the Stormcloaks. It is my turn. Talos has called me. Do not disgrace the honor of that calling."

"Nura…" Vulwulf visibly deflated. "I know in my head that it is an honor. My heart doesn't want to lose you, but I'm a Nord. The heart doesn't get what it wants when duty calls. I fear that I will not see you again, but go with my blessing. I wish I was young enough to go with you, but I'm too old to fight."

Daenerys stepped forward. "Vulwulf, why don't you go with her? Who said you have to fight? I'm recruiting men. Some of them are blooded warriors, but most of them are farmers and such. They may have chased away wolves or some monster, but they have no real clue how to fight. I need experienced leaders who can forge them into warriors more than I need another sword."

Vulfwulf hesitated. "I want to say yes. That is a generous offer, but I couldn't keep up with a march, and someone has to oversee our interests in the Black-Briar Meadery and our estates."

Nura scoffed. "Really, Wulfie? With all the gold you've earned over the years, I think we can afford a horse or two for you to ride. As for overseeing the interests of Clan Snow-Shod, we have a son. You have been training Asgeir since he was a child. If he's not ready by now, he'll never be ready. He doesn't want to go to war anyway. He has a head for the business side of running a clan. Step down, let him take over, and we…" She smiled at him. "Whatever happens, we'll have more stories to tell in Sovngarde."

"You and me, Nura, together again. Like we were in the Great War. I'll do it. By Ysmir! That is the way Nords should go out. Raging, burning, one last great battle, not smoldering at home like the embers of last night's fire."

Nura ran up and embraced her husband. In front of everyone the two kissed like young lovers, totally lost in each other. The crowd being full of Nords naturally cheered them with yells, catcalls, and foot stomps. Neither Nura nor Vulwulf even noticed.

.oOo.

Maybe Nura was right about the gods helping her in subtle ways. Just because Nura and Vulwulf joined the Dragonguard, didn't mean they agreed with her politically. However, it did mean they listened instead of yelling as she explained what joining the Dragonguard meant. While there was some grumbling from Vulwulf about the Dragonguard being neutral in the Stormcloak rebellion, he accepted her logic that the fight against the dragons had to take precedence. He even admitted that her suggestion for resolving the rebellion by treaty instead of war wasn't without merit. However, he did not think the Empire would ever accept it.

The trickier part came when she explained that she was moving not just against the Thieves' Guild, but against Clan Black-Briar as well. The Black-Briars and the Snow-Shods had been allied for decades to their mutual benefit. They knew Maven Black-Briar was a bit corrupt, but that was just politics. They had trouble believing that she was directly aligned with the Thieves' Guild. They were even more reluctant to believe that Maven tried to have her assassinated until Daenerys showed them Maven's letter where she hired an assassin from Astrid. They were stunned by the letter, but to their credit, they never even suggested the letter was forged. After their shock wore off, they grew angry. While they understood that Maven was a bit dirty, they drew the line at assassination. Praying to Sithis was unforgivable. After a lot of cursing, they settled down to ask Daenerys about her plan. Unfortunately, that was when Jon and Olfina arrived with Marcus Verres and the rest of the Dragonguard. Even with her soldiers waiting in the courtyard and only her officers and the Snow-Shods crowded in the discussion was still getting out of hand.

Daenerys pounded her fist on the table. "Quiet everyone! Don't make me Shout you all down!"

The room settled down and every eye turned to her. "Now. I know you all have questions. I don't have time to answer them all. The Dragonguard was allowed entry because I implied that I was releasing them on leave in Riften. That permission will likely be rescinded once it becomes obvious that I'm keeping them together. The Black-Briars will not be happy that I have a significant military force under my direct command within the walls of Riften. So, we have to strike this morning. Detailed explanations will have to wait. I'm going to hit the high points and hit them fast."

She glanced around the room and now everyone was listening. "Good. Now, first thing. Jenassa, Marcus, Galdrus – did a thief try to rob our treasury last night?"

"Yes," agreed Marcus. "She didn't get inside and Jenassa and Galdrus killed her trying to escape. They identified her as Sapphire, she's a known member of the Thieves' Guild. No one else was hurt."

Daenerys nodded. Sapphire was on the list of thieves that Karliah thought might make a good Nightingales, but she wasn't high on the list. Daenerys was more relieved that no harm was done. "Fine. Good work, but that confirms we dare not leave the Dragonguard treasury unguarded. Vulwulf, I would like to leave my treasury here at Snow-Shod manor along with a few non-combatants like my quartermaster, Camilla. I think it highly unlikely that anyone would attack or try to steal from Clan Snow-Shod today. That would free up more men for the actions."

"We just joined your banner and you're trusting us with all your gold and your hostages?" Vulwulf laughed. "Aye, we'll do it. I'll look after it myself. I'm too old to race around town. We'll keep your treasures safe."

"Thank you, Vulwulf. I hope you have a few more men to guide us around. I have a map, we're going to split up and strike three different skooma dens. Let me emphasize my goal here. It is to take down those filth that sell the drugs. I want the skooma addicts to be left alive. They're more victims than criminals, and I also want word of the attacks to get out. The addicts will suffer enough when we cut off their drug supply. That doesn't mean you can't use force if they attack you. Also, every skooma den has an exit to the sewers. If anyone flees to the sewers, let them."

Mjoll the Lioness stood up. "But you said the Thieves' Guild is based in the sewers. If the addicts take refuge there, won't you have made it harder to root them out?"

"Yes, but I am counting on word of the attacks getting out. Rumor flies faster than an arrow. Soon everyone will hear that the Dragonguard is cracking down on crime, but we're not chasing men into the sewers. I want every thief in the city to scamper like rats to the sewers. There will be more to fight, but we can catch them all at once. This is just like war. Sometimes you let the enemy retreat so you can ambush them all at once."

There were several nods and cheers at that. Daenerys let them have their moment before she resumed. "Vulwulf, I know you have retainers here at Snow-Shod Manor. How many men-at-arms can lend to support the Dragonguard today and still defend your manor?"

Vulwulf mulled it over a bit. "Five men-at-arms and Asgeir." He looked over to his son. "Provided you're willing. You wouldn't fight for the Stormcloaks, but will you fight for Riften?"

Asgeir surged to his feet. "Father, I have explained the many reasons that I won't fight for the Stormcloaks. Just because I don't think the sun shines out of Ulfric's ass doesn't mean that I lack courage. I never completely trusted Maven. It was simply better to have the daedra on our side than against us, but she has gone too far. I will fight for Riften! Down with the Thieves' Guild and down with the Black-Briars!"

That started another round of cheering. "Down with the Thieves' Guild! Down with the Black-Briars! Down with the Thieves' Guild! Down with the Black-Briars! Down with the Thieves' Guild! Down with the Black-Briars!"

Daenerys raised her hands and the chanting died down. "Good. Neither of them will know what hit them. With your five men and Asgeir, that gives us a bit more than three dozen men. Now, we'll need to split our forces. We're going to split into three teams of twelve to strike the skooma dens. Marcus, you'll lead one strike team. Sofija, you're in charge of the second strike team." Putting Sofija in charge was a risk, but Sofija was her second. It was past time to give her a command of her own. "As for the third strike team…" Vulwulf had bowed out due to age. "Asgeir, are you up to leading the third strike team?"

"You can count on me, Dragonborn," proclaimed Asgeir.

"Good, because I am." He was even more of a risk than Sofija, but the Snow-Shods were contributing too much. Hopefully, Asgeir was up to the task. Vulwulf fought in the Great War and trained his son. Asgeir was already familiar with ordering men around at the Black-Briar Meadery. It was a risk, but one she had to take. The Snow-Shods had trusted her enough to flip their alliance. Now she had to show she trusted them.

Marcus frowned. "That will give us a few men left over, and you're not leading one of the teams. What will you be doing?"

Daenerys smiled. "Expanding the Dragonguard."

.oOo.

They had just agreed upon the teams and divided everyone into targets when the messenger boy came running in to announce that more Riften Guards had arrived and wanted to talk to her.

Daenerys sighed. "They were bound to find us sooner or later. Thank you, lad, for letting us know. How many were there and was Hemming Black-Briar leading them?"

"Three m'lady," replied the boy bouncing up and down as he talked. "No ossifers, officurs…" He paused and took a breath. "Officers," he said with slow determination. "No officers with them ma'am. I mean, m'lady."

Even though three men weren't a military threat, they could still put her plans in danger. "I'll go talk to them. They're going to report to Hemming, but I can try to mislead them." She looked over to Vulwulf. "Do you have a back door?"

"Of course, we have a servant's door," replied Vulwulf. "What do you have in mind?"

"Let's go ahead and get people moving. Marcus, gather your men and file them on through the manor and out the back while I talk with the Riften Guards. Sofija, you're next, then Asgeir. I'll try to draw the talk out long enough for all of you to leave. Lydia and Aringoth, you're both with me." Even counting Barbas that made her team the smallest with only four members, so she hoped she wasn't about to lose the Riften guard escort that she had borrowed.

Marcus saluted her and went to get his troops. She followed behind him and found the front garden of Snow-Shod Manor to be chaotic. Not surprising since so many of the Dragonguard were camped there along with the Riften Guard. Marcus began calling out his men as she went to find the Riften Guard. It wasn't hard to find them. The three newcomers were standing with the five that she had commandeered as her escort.

"Yes, I believe you were looking for me?" She gave the three Riften Guards a glacial stare.

"Yes, Lady Targaryen. Hemming Black-Briar, I mean the Captain, he was looking for you. He said you weren't supposed to leave without him."

"Did he now?" Daenerys glared at the man. "Well, you can trot right back to Hemming and tell him that neither I nor the Dragonguard answer to him. We are not criminals. I appreciate the escort for my safety, but I have business to attend to in the city. Do I have to make it clear as I did to him yesterday?"

The guard she was addressing turned pale. "You mean, by Shouting? No. No, Lady Targaryen. I'll just tell him that you respectfully decline."

"If you wish to lie to him, that's your business. Not mine."

"Lie to him, Lady Targaryen? I don't understand."

"You said 'respectfully decline'. I have little to no respect for Hemming Black-Briar. You can tell him that as well."

"Begging your pardon, but I'll just tell him you decline, then. Lady Targaryen. May I ask why all the Dragonguard are congregated here?"

"I believe you just did ask. To answer the question, the Snow-Shods invited us. My men are now being divided up and will be heading into the city shortly. You're in the guard. You should know how this works. Hurry up and wait. Hurry up and wait."

The guard laughed. "Yes, your ladyship. We know all about that."

Daenerys just stared at him.

After a few moments the man lost his smile. "Yes, well. We will just be going then. Good day, Lady Targaryen." He turned and left at a fast walk with the other two guards following along with him.

She looked at the other five Riften guards. "Looks like you five are staying with me. Will that be a problem?"

They looked at each other and then to their same spokesperson as before. "As best as I can tell our orders are still to escort you wherever you want to go inside Riften. Until someone says otherwise."

"Then wait here. We're dismissing the Dragonguard shortly. I'm sure you also know about hurry up and wait."

The guard smiled at that. "Oh, yes ma'am. We know all about that… and all about looking the other way, Lady Targaryen. None of us want to be caught in the middle between you and the Cap'n. So, you just give the orders, and we'll follow them. That's all I want to know. That's all any of us needs t' know." He glanced at the other guards. "Am I right?"

"Gods yes!" agreed one. While another nodded his head and the other two were expressionless.

"Relax. I'm not mad at any of you five." She gave them a smile. She had been regarding the Riften Guard as a potential enemy and the people of Riften her allies. Clearly, the guards weren't all in the Black-Briar's pockets. Or even if they were, that didn't mean they were willing to go up against the Dragonborn. "Rest a few minutes while we sort things out, then we'll be heading out."

When she turned around, she noticed that Sofija had already called out her men. That left only Asgeir. Her plan was in motion. Now, she had to trust her people and see it through.

.oOo.

Daenerys let Aringoth guide them and instructed him to take the long way so they passed through the market. She wanted rumors to get around about the strikes on the skooma dens. The point was to scare the thieves in Riften into taking shelter in the sewers and the Ragged Flagon. Having crowds of people see her being escorted around town by the Riften Guard would help as well. Daenerys took her time, stopping to talk to the crowds and sometimes heal the injured.

One man was very persistent in flagging her down. "Dragonborn! Please. My wife! She's sick. Please heal her. She's not getting better."

This was a request that Daenerys had heard before and turned politely away because she couldn't heal the sick. It wasn't even taught at the College of Winterhold. There were potions that cured disease, and priests could cure most ailments, but mages just couldn't. That was one of the many reasons that Colette Marence had claimed that faith in the gods was superior to using a Seeming for Restoration. Yet, the man holding his wife looked worried, and his wife did look pale and sweaty.

"I heal injuries. You should take your wife to the Temple of Mara, or to the Shrine of Talos." They would ask for a small donation of time or money, but they wouldn't turn her away if they couldn't pay.

"Please, Dragonborn. She's getting weaker."

The sincerity of his plea touched her, and his wife didn't look good. Riften wasn't suffering from a plague, but the woman reminded Daenerys of those who caught the Pale Mare in Meereen. Daenerys had never attempted to heal sickness before, but priests could, and she was using faith now. She might be able to cure the woman. However, if she tried here in public and failed, word would get around. That would hurt her reputation, and of all her weapons her reputation was the most important. Yet, discounting the pain and suffering of the common people was a dangerous slope, one she had slipped down before. Grandfather had told her the gods would aid her, and Nura believed it as well. She remembered Grandfather's words. Be bold. Be brave. Be fierce. "I will try. Bring her to me."

"Thank you, Dragonborn!" said the man as he pushed his wife forward.

Up close Daenerys could see sweat dripping across her face. Daenerys gripped her amulet. Sometimes it felt almost alive, but now it just felt like metal. "Talos, please. This woman needs your aid. Work through me." She pulled in magicka with her will, focused the flow upon the sick woman, and asked Talos to heal her, but nothing happened. She focused harder on the woman. She remembered the many who died from the Pale Mare. "Talos, please!" Magick flowed. She could feel it!

So could the woman. She gasped and her tired eyes opened. They looked clear. "Oh, thank you! Thank you, Dragonborn." The woman hugged her desperately as her husband also thanked her over and over.

Daenerys basked in their praise. It felt good to heal this one woman, but even better to know that she could heal sickness. That was beyond mages. Although she had to wonder. Did that make her a priestess?

"Lady Targaryen," said Aringoth interrupting the moment. "There are some Riften guards approaching."

"Thank you, Aringoth." Daenerys turned to face them. She could count on Hemming Black-Briar to ruin a good mood.

However, it was not Hemming Black-Briar leading a score of men. It was Harrald Law-Giver and he only had three men with him. Honestly, she would have rather faced Hemming. The eldest Black-Briar was distasteful, but he consistently made mistakes, which she could turn to her advantage. She wondered if Maven had interfered and sent Harrald Law-Giver instead of her own son. Harrald didn't bluster foolishly and had been much better at worming his way into her confidence, only to share everything he learned with Maven. There was also the matter of the assassination attempt. It had happened right after Harrald left. She didn't think Harrald was involved with trying to murder her, but perhaps she just didn't want to believe it.

Daenerys put on a polite smile and turned to face him. "Harrald, were you looking for me?"

"Yes, I was, Lady Targaryen. I'm glad you have some an escort today, but Maven suggested that it would be a good idea if I accompanied you today."

"Maven suggested? Does that mean your mother is still ill today? I was looking forward to the feast."

"Oh, no. My mother is much better today. She is looking forward to the feast and meeting you as well. Maven just suggested to my mother that you should be accompanied by someone appropriate to your station and not just some guards."

"Well, I'm glad to hear that." She had started to wonder if Jarl Law-Giver was even alive. "I will also be glad for your company." That was mostly a lie. He wasn't confrontational like Hemming, but Harrald was a spy for Maven. However, he was also the heir to the throne of Riften, and maybe he could be swayed.

Daenerys looked up and gauged the sun trying to judge the time. Unsurprisingly, it was still morning. Summer days in Skyrim were freakishly long. The attack on the Thieves guild was set to happen at noon. Unlike Westeros there were no bells to toll the hour. Clocks were rare luxury items only the rich could afford. The Snow-Shods had one, but it was in their manor. There were a few public sundials, but none very convenient to where her troops would need to go. That made high noon the best time to use to coordinate the attack on the Thieves' Guild. It would also give more time for rumors to spread that the skooma dens had been attacked. With any luck most of the thieves would choose to hide things out in the sewers. Currently, that meant she had to stall a bit. "We were just on our way to the Gold & Needle to check on the dresses I ordered yesterday."

Harrald's smile thinned a bit, but he nodded his agreement. "I will gladly accompany you to the Gold & Needle and anywhere else you want to go in Riften."

Daenerys wanted to laugh. Harrald had been bored almost from the moment they stepped foot in the Gold & Needle the day before. No doubt he was like most men. He probably only noticed how much a dress revealed and was a lot more focused on getting women out of their clothes. "Well, let us be off."

As they continued on their way, the three guards that Harrald had brought mingled in with the five she had acquired. Eight men was a significant escort, and they kept the crowds back.

"Lady Targaryen, I also received a report that the Dragonguard attacked a skooma den this morning inside the walls of Riften. Would you care to explain that? I remember you telling Lady Black-Briar that you would be releasing the Dragonguard on leave."

Daenerys shrugged. "Isn't it obvious? Maven and I were discussing this just last night over dinner, don't you recall? The Dragonguard is not supported by taxes, tariffs, or donations. We have to support ourselves, very much like a mercenary company. Maven and I even discussed possible targets that the Draonguard might clear out for the bounty and spoils."

"Yes," agreed Harrald. "However, that was outside of Riften. It is one thing for the Dragonguard to clear out bandits or some other trouble out in the countryside. It is another matter altogether for you to be attacking criminals inside the walls of Riften. It is the responsibility of the Riften Guard to uphold the laws in Riften."

"Well, they obviously aren't doing a very good job about it! The skooma dens aren't exactly hidden. I learned about them when talking with my new friend Mjoll the Lioness this morning. Do you know Mjoll?"

Harrald frowned. "Yes, I know Mjoll. She is quite determined to wipe out the Thieves' Guild. Even though there is no guild, I heartily approve of cracking down on thieves. However, some of her ideas about the Black-Briars are quite fanciful."

"If you say, so. I found her level-headed and knowledgeable. She was able to direct me to three skooma dens. My men are clearing them out as we speak. The Dragonguard will claim the spoils and that will keep us in gold for a bit longer."

"Three? I just knew of the one. Lady Targaryen, I'm sure you mean well, but you can't have your men just go attacking Riften citizens. I know they're criminals, but it is the responsibility of the jarl to protect the city."

"Then why have the Law-Givers failed at their duty to protect Riften, Harrald Law-Giver?" She waved a hand at him. "Wait, don't bother to answer that, let me tell you. The Law-Givers have done nothing because the Riften Guard is corrupt. If the guard had raided the skooma dens, they would have found empty buildings and the criminals long gone. Isn't that right?"

"Maybe you have a point, but I think you judge us too harshly. Corruption is not a thing that is so easily stamped out."

"I suppose not. It is almost like there was someone at the very top involved in the corruption."

"Ah, that right there!" Harrald shook his head. "That's what I was talking about with Mjoll's flights of fancy. Mjoll is convinced that Maven Black-Briar is behind everything wrong in Riften. That's simply not true. People want to blame someone else rather than take responsibility. We have a lot of poor people who turn to crime, but people blame the Thieves Guild. My mother cannot snap her fingers and make more jobs available. Rather than blame her, the people blame Maven. She's a hard woman and deals in reality. That makes her a realist, not some witch controlling my mother."

Daenerys wondered if it was possible Maven was a witch, or at least a mage. Illusion magic excelled at convincing people that their friends were enemies, and their enemies were friends. Could it be that simple? Maybe the jarl and Harrald were both under a spell. At any rate it didn't seem worth arguing. "So, how does your mother plan to solve Riften's problems?"

"My mother supports the Stormcloaks because it is the right thing to do, but the war will be good for Riften. We'll press the excess citizenry into the guard and send them to war. The ones who survive, we'll pay in land, create some new settlements in the wilderness of Riften."

Daenerys took a moment to think that through that plan before replying. "I actually like that plan, but if you have unsettled land, why wait for the war? You could be doing that now."

Harrald shook his head. "Just give land away? No. Paying veterans of war in land instead of gold? That's different."

"Is it?" Wouldn't it be better to have the people working, producing food which could be sold and taxed rather than have wilderness sitting out there not being used? "I'm not sure I agree on that, but I think we drifted away from where we stared. Does your mother have a problem with the Dragonguard taking out the skooma dens?"

He sighed. "She has no problems with the skooma dens being wiped out. They're criminals, and she'll be glad they're gone. She will be unhappy that you are not working with the Riften Guard. Hemming will also be upset about it. You made him look bad again. Maven will naturally side with her son. It's rather obvious that you and the Black-Briars aren't getting along. If you want to move against someone else inside the walls of Riften, would you involve Hemming next time? He is the Captain of the Riften Guard now."

"You know if the guard is informed, the criminals would know shortly after? I'm not convinced the Black-Briars aren't corrupt, but even if they are honorable, the Riften Guard is full of rotten apples."

Harrald looked over at her. "Gods, you're already planning something else, aren't you? Would you be willing to inform me directly, or my mother? We'll keep it close. Just our personal household retainers. We can inform Hemming just before you do your strike when it is too late for anything to leak out."

"Very well, I'll agree to that." She gave him a reassuring smile. Harrald probably wouldn't be happy when she told them just before the attack on the Thieves' Guild began, but it would keep the letter of her agreement if not the spirit. "Oh look, here we are, the Gold & Needle. Don't frown so. I just need to check the fit and have any adjustments made. We won't be long."

Harrald's smile looked a little forced. "Of course, Lady Targaryen."

"And what's with this Lady Targaryen? Didn't I tell you to call me Daenerys?"

"Sorry, Daenerys. I am perfectly happy to accompany you to the Gold & Needle."

Daenerys smiled. One thing she liked about Harrald, he was a bad liar.

.oOo.

The fitting didn't take very long and Daenerys was quite pleased with the result. She had no problem wearing Nord fashions in winter, but they weren't very flattering. The Bosmer dress was much superior. The seamstress showed her the dress she had for Sofija as well, not as daring, but still more revealing than the current Nord fashion. Daenerys was tempted to draw things out just to annoy Harrald but decided to move on to their next stop.

"Daenerys, we're here." Aringoth pointed to a large building.

At first look the building looked long abandoned. The windows were boarded up and nailed shut. The chinking between the logs was crumbling in places and needed to be refreshed. There was a place for a signboard out front, but no sign. However, she could clearly hear the sound of people cheering and screaming within the building.

"M'lady," asked one of the guards nervously. "Do you know what this place is?"

"I was just wondering that myself," added Harrald. "Is this another skooma den?"

Daenerys laughed. "Oh, no it's not a skooma den. It's an arena. They have fights here: dog fights, creature fights, brawling, but the main attraction is unsurprisingly people fighting each other with weapons, both individuals and teams."

"That's illegal. You can't run an arena without the approval of the Fighters Guild. There used to be one in Windhelm, but it's been shut down since the Great War. I thought you promised to give me warning the next time you moved on any criminals inside Riften."

Daenerys smiled. "I did give my word, and I haven't done anything yet, but you're here with me. Consider this your warning. However, we're not here to shut this place down. As far as I'm aware they're not actually doing anything criminal."

"I just told you running an arena is illegal without the Fighters Guild overseeing the fights."

Daenerys shrugged. "Yes, but the Guilds Act that you mentioned to me yesterday…" It seemed much longer ago. "… that is an Imperial law. Riften is in rebellion against the Empire. That means Imperial law doesn't apply. If two Nords want to fight, they can. Isn't that Nord tradition?"

"That's a fair point." He frowned and then nodded. "I don't think anyone considered that all guilds are licensed by the Empire. We've been following Imperial law for so long. I suppose an arena could be legal now, but it should be licensed by my mother. They would have to keep a ledger, pay taxes, and I'm not sure that they aren't squatting. They would also have to own this building, but running an arena would not necessarily be illegal. However, these people are not approved today. I sincerely doubt they are keeping a ledger or paying taxes. That makes them criminals."

"If you say so." Daenerys shrugged. "However, I didn't come here to shut them down. I came here to recruit warriors. Rather than trying to throw everyone in jail, maybe you could have a word with whoever is running the place. Let them know they need to get the jarl's approval and pay their taxes."

Harrald nodded. "I like it. It's practical."

"Good, now if we're done talking, I have fighting men to hire." She marched up to the heavy door, pulled it open, and walked right inside.

The Riften Guards hurried in the door behind her and spread out in front of her reforming their protective wedge in front of her.

The interior was one large room. Chinks in the walls and gaps in the windows admitted some light, and several torches were scattered around the room, but it still took a moment for her eyes to adjust. However, there was no doubt this was the right place. She heard people yelling and cheering and above that the unmistakable sound of clashing steel. As her eyes adjusted she could make out several rows of seats tiered like the bleachers of a theater. People were standing on them and yelling loudly. A tavern wench with a tray full of drinks was working the crowd. On the far wall she could also make out two large black chalkboards. Upon one was apparently the current match. "Fenrig 2 : 1 Thelen". On another board appeared to be some kind of overall ranking as it listed ten names with 1st at the top and 10th at the bottom. At the top of the board, a number 1 in front of his name was Tors. She had to suppress a laugh at that. Torvar apparently didn't go very far to find an alias.

"Hey," called a large brute of a Nord. His hair was blond, wild, and unkempt as was his beard. He was shirtless with intricate blue paint not just on his face, but completely covering his chest. "Get out of here! We're paid up with Maven and the Thieves' Guild!" He had a large axe in his hands and looked ready to use it.

Daenerys laughed. Yes, he'd said that right in front of Harrald No-Thieves-Guild-in-Riften. She looked at Harrald. "Now isn't that interesting? No Thieves' Guild? Maven isn't corrupt?"

Harrald looked like he'd swallowed something sour. Maybe it was a reality potion.

Daenerys decided not to rub Harrald's nose in it any further. "Gentlemen, I appreciate the protection and the shield wall, but open up a bit and let me talk with him."

The guards parted for her, but they didn't lower their shields.

Daenerys looked at the barechested man with all the body paint. "Don't worry, I'm not here for my cut. I have no problems with Nords wanting to beat each other up. If that's how they want to live their lives, that's fine with me. I'm here to recruit men for the Dragonguard."

The angry scowl vanished from his face, and he lowered his axe so fast the blade hit the floor with a thump. He didn't let go of the hilt though. "You're… You're the Dragonborn!"

While the fight was still going on in the pit from the sound of steel striking steel, almost everyone in the audience had turned to watch the confrontation. A few had slipped out, but most of them were just watching as if this was part of the day's entertainment. Daenerys raised her voice. "Yes, I am the Dragonborn, Lady Daenerys Targaryen, First of My Name, Thane of Winterhold, Thane of Whiterun, Companion of Jorrvaskr, and Ysmir, Dragon of the North. I am here because I heard that this is where to go to find men who aren't afraid to fight. The Dragonguard is hiring. We've fought two dragons. Both are dead. So, ask yourself. Do you want to fight in a dark arena hidden away in Riften for a few septims; your only glory a name on a board that is wiped away for the next fight? Or do you want to fight for real honor, for glory, for Skyrim!"