Chapter 36

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

Daenerys stared into the dead eyes of her handmaiden. She was too late to save Raina. She wanted to breakdown and cry about it, the way that Saerlund was for his mother. However, that would have to wait for later. Now that the initial shock was over, she realized that the dagger thrust had not killed Raina. There was too little blood on her dress for that. She also noticed that Raina's wrists were torn up as well. Probably from struggling against manacles or rope bindings. She wanted to rage and yell like Harrald and Unmid were doing. She had saved Raina from captivity only for her to end her life as a captive. However, her heart was beating fast and all her instincts were screaming trap.

Kjen, the tall blonde guard who was stationed outside came running in and paused in shock. "What happened here?!"

"Quiet!" she yelled at him before this disaster could get any further out of hand. "This was staged. Have none of you noticed my missing handmaiden is here.? She was lame. There is no possible way she wandered in here, killed two people only to get killed herself. Not to mention that wounds like that bleed all over the place. This was meant to turn the Law-Givers against me and the Dragonguard. Where is the jarl's medicine?"

Nura Snow-Shod shook herself and pointed. "In this cabinet." She went over and opened the door. "Which is empty."

"Someone removed the evidence." That wasn't surprising, but it made things more difficult. "How did the killer even get in here? For that matter, how did Raina get in here?" Daenerys pointed to her handmaiden's corpse. "Did she limp past you, Kjen?"

"No, she did not," said Kjen.

"Secret passages," said Saerlund. He still had tears on his face, but he was clearly thinking now even as he clung to his mother's corpse. "This keep is full of them. There is an escape passage in this room."

"Secret passages! That's how they must have brought Raina here." She had discussed secret passages with Barbas. Gods, this was her fault. She briefed her team in her suite, and some of them had been rather loud. Someone had been listening. Maven? Hemming? Someone else? It didn't matter. Solving the details didn't matter. She viciously shoved her self-recrimination aside. "This was a setup, a trap to turn us against each other – "

"Or maybe you had the jarl killed and are trying to blame everyone else!" accused Unmid.

"I don't believe – " began Harrald.

Saerlund looked up from his mother's body. "She's right. There isn't enough blood. The girl wasn't killed here. Look at mother. Look at me. This is what happens when a person bleeds out."

Nura Snow-Shod walked toward her son. "The Dragonborn was with me the whole time. Talos has told me that she is truly the Dragonborn. If you think that I would lie and betray the jarl, strike me down with that sword of yours."

Unmid bowed his head. "Of course, I believe you, mother. So, who did this? Why?"

Daenerys wanted to shrug. She didn't know. "Maven or Hemming. As to why… Panic, I would guess. The Dragonguard has been uncovering all her secrets. Hemming's lack of competence. Her allies in the Thieves' Guild and even the Dark Brotherhood. I came here with your brother and your mother to get proof, but the jarl is dead." And they were still talking, but that was better than fighting amongst themselves.

"So, what do we do?" asked Harrald.

"We hunt her down and kill her," replied Unmid.

Harrald nodded and drew his sword.

Saerlund lay his mother down and closed her eyes. "I need my armor. I'll join you in a moment."

Daenerys had the brief hope that Maven's plan had backfired. Those were dashed when she heard the sound of swordplay coming from outside the suite. "You had better hurry, Saerlund. The fighting has already begun." She strode back into the sitting room. "Harrald, Unmid, you should both lead. Try to get them to stand down. I don't want to kill your people."

Harrald nodded. "Yes. Of course."

She opened the door and let them go first, but she was right behind them. Chaos reigned. They were being assaulted from both ends of the corridor. To her left Mjoll and Sofija were fighting side-by-side and driving the Riften guard back. Neither were holding back. Two Riften guards were already down. Things were worse on the right-hand side. Aringoth was down with a belly wound that was bleeding. The old guard whose name she didn't know backed up against the wall being held at sword point by Vignar Grey-Mane while Torvar defended against two men at once that were attacking from the other direction.

From down the corridor past Mjoll and Sofija, she heard the Hemming Black-Briar yelling. "There she is! There's the murderer. Kill the Dragonborn!" yelled Hemming Black-Briar from the back of the Riften Guards.

"Traitor!" bellowed Unmid at the top of his lungs. "You did this! Not the Dragonborn! I'm coming for you!"

Harrald tried to stop the fighting, but his "Everyone, stand down!" but went unheeded.

Daenerys pulled Aringoth back out of the fight and into the Jarl's sitting room. She had to push past Kjen to do it. "Kjen, get your partner out of the fight and explain things to him. Nura can heal him." That would free up Vignar to help Torvar.

Kjen pounded his fist on his chest. "Yes, Dragonborn!" and went through the doorway to the battle.

Over the sounds of fighting, Unmid's booming voice echoed with his fury. "Anyone who stands between me and Hemming's death is a traitor!"

Daenerys turned to Aringoth. He didn't look good at all. He had lost a lot of blood. She wasn't even certain that he was breathing.

Nura Snow-Shod crouched down beside Aringoth. "I've got him. Go."

Daenerys wasn't sure Aringoth could be saved, but two healers weren't better than one. She left him to Nura. He was in good hands. As Daenerys stood, she caught a glimpse of movement in the jarl's bedroom. She took a cautious step in that direction. Was someone there?

"There she is!" yelled someone. "Kill the Dragonborn!" Two men she didn't know wearing the armor of the Riften guards charged at her with more following in their wake.

Daenerys inhaled and Shouted three words, "Fus-Ro-Dah!"

Her Shout tore their charge apart. Pure force sent men flying backwards, tumbling, and rolling.

She rushed forward drawing her mace as she went. She could fight, but she was not a warrior, like Unmid or Torvar who had trained for battle since they were children. She had training, under Adept Malak, Fultheim, and the Companions. She could defend herself. She was fast and strong, but she cheated with spells and shouts to compensate for her lack of skill. Against multiple attackers she couldn't afford to hesitate. She rushed forward while the attackers were off-balance and brought her mace down with all her might on the helmet of one dazed warrior. She smashed another in the knee as he started to come feet, and then she backpedaled quickly out of the jarl's bedroom to try to hold the doorway so they could only come at her one at a time.

A bear of a man wearing full plate armor painted black came at her. Like most warriors he favored shield and sword. He also favored an open-faced helm. He was a handsome man, mostly clean-shaven with only a tiny triangle of a beard below his mouth. She didn't recognize his face, but his shield bore the circle of thorns that was the symbol of Clan Black-Briar. He laughed as he stepped forward. "I hear you can only do that once. My turn."

Daenerys blocked his blow with her buckler. Even with her strength the blow still staggered her. She was forced to step back only for him to bash her with his shield. She shot a short burst of Flames at him with her left hand, but he blocked with his shield. He pushed forward clearing the doorway.

"Sibbi!" yelled Saerlund as he entered the fray. He had obviously not had time to don his armor. He was only wearing the leather padding that went underneath full plate armor and his feet were bare. However, his sword flicked out as fast as a striking serpent. "You should have stayed in jail, murderer!"

Daenerys seized the opportunity presented and channeled the little bit of magicka she had into her Shove spell and aimed at Sibbi Black-Brair's feet. She had named the spell Shove because that was really what it was. It wasn't a damaging blow. It was just about the force and power of a strong shove. However, it had one advantage over Flames, Shock, or Frost. It was pure force and only visible if the air was smoky or misty.

Sibbi's leg buckled under him and he flailed for balance.

Saerlund struck in that moment. He executed a classic full lunge and thrust his sword right under Sibbi's chin.

Sibbi Black-Briar collapsed to the floor, hands going to his throat.

"Always told him he should wear a full-helmet," remarked Saerlund casually despite the fact that he himself was fighting barefoot with no helm.

For a moment their little portion of the fight was at standstill. Two Riften Guards stood on their side of the doorway while she and Saerlund stood on their side. Whoever went through the door first would have to fight two men at once.

"So," said Daenerys. "Why exactly did you two turn traitor? How much was your soul worth? Was it at least a big bag of gold? Or just a few coins? I'm curious how much it costs for man to forsake Sovngarde and embrace Boethiah. That is where the souls of traitors go."

"We're not traitors. You killed the jarl." A helmet hid the face of the man, but his voice shook.

While they talked the fight was still continuing behind them. Above the clash of steel, only Unmid's voice still promising Hemming's death could be heard.

"Who told you that?" demanded Saerlund. "Because I was with the Dragonborn the whole time. You were the ones who emerged from the same secret passage the assassin used. Not to mention you were following a known murderer."

"We didn't do it!" said one guard.

"It was the Captain," said the other as he threw down his sword. "I'm no traitor. I was just following orders."

"Die! Die! Die!" shouted Unmid from somewhere behind them. His shouts turned into great booming laughter.

Daenerys shook her head. "I don't think Captain Hemming is around any longer. If you tell us everything now, it might save your head from the chopping block."

The two guards babbled out a story of Hemming Black-Briar gathering men together. Sibbi Black-Briar had been set free, given sword and armor and then led them out through a secret passageway that opened in his jail cell, making a total mockery of the claim that he'd ever been imprisoned. Apparently, Sibbi knew his way around the secret passages very well, because he led them straight to the jarl's bedroom.

Saerlund had the men disarm and sit. "We'll deal with you later. Lady Targaryen, it sounds like this fight is over, but I'm going to finish getting my armor on. I doubt this day is over."

Daenerys nodded her agreement. "A wise precaution." She turned and saw Nura Snow-Shod healing men, mostly Riften guards that were being brought to her. Off to one side were several corpses. One of them was Aringoth Golden-Glow. She felt a pang of guilt. Another death to lay at her feet. Aringoth had been safe back on his estate, but she could count the cost when the battle was over.

She returned to the corridor outside the jarl's sitting room. There were more corpses outside than wounded. Unmid stood covered in blood still laughing over Hemming's corpse. Daenerys had heard of Nords going berserk, but she'd never seen it happen. Looking at the aftermath, she felt lucky to have missed seeing it this time.

"Where's Saerlund?" asked Harrald Law-Giver. He looked tired and his blade was bloody, but he had no obvious injuries.

"He survived. He went to get the rest of his armor on. I'm lucky he came when he did. I don't think I could have taken Sibbi Black-Briar by myself."

"Sibbi?! He was supposed to be in jail for murder."

Daenerys shrugged. "Hemming armed Sibbi and sent him to kill us. It seems there was an opening to the secret passages in his jail cell."

Harrald Law-Giver let out a long sigh. "You were right, Dragonborn. You were right about everything. Does being right make you feel better?"

Daenerys shook her head. "No, it doesn't, and I make mistakes as well. Come on, we need to search the keep and make sure that the remaining Riften Guards are loyal to your family. We also have to find Maven. It's not over until she's done."

"Aye," agreed Harrald. "You're right about that. Where do we start?"

Daenerys felt like sighing. Harrald would be the next jarl. He should be leading. "First, we have to make sure the Riften guard are all reporting to you. Then we search the keep for Maven. I ordered the Dragonguard to gather here. Once the keep is secure, we merge our forces and secure the city."

.oOo.

"So, what happens now?" asked Harrald Law-Giver hours later as they watched the messenger from Gonar Oath-Giver depart after giving the news that Maven Black-Briar had fled.

Daenerys wasn't sure how to answer. A lot of things had happened after Hemming Black-Briar died. They took control of Mistveil Keep with little loss of life. Maven Black-Briar wasn't anywhere to be found. She had fled to the Riften wall. There, Maven had convinced Gonar Oath-Giver to strip the wall of soldiers and march on Mistveil Keep to save it from the Dragonguard attackers. With Harrald and Saerlund at her side, they had managed to convince Gonar Oath-Giver to talk first and avoided that fight. However, all that had taken time. It really wasn't a surprise that Maven Black-Briar was long gone by the time that Gonar returned to the wall.

Daenerys knew that she had achieved almost everything she had hoped to achieve in Riften with little loss of life. The Thieves' Guild was all but wiped out. She had acquired the officers she wanted most, and they would likely become Nightingales in her service. The power of the Black-Briars in Riften was broken. Sibbi and Hemming Black-Briar were both dead, and their sister Ingun had been captured. Most of the fighting and deaths had been amongst the Riften Guard. The Dragonguard had only lost three people. Aringoth Golden-Glow, Raina, and Aana.

Daenerys wondered if anyone besides her would even mourn Raina and Aana. She'd saved them from bandits at Fort Greymoor, but she failed to protect them, and they'd paid the price for her arrogance. Aringoth would be mourned. Harrald and Saerlund mourned their mother. Daenerys barely knew her. She regretted her death because it would come back to haunt her. The facts didn't matter. She had now been involved in the overthrow of two jarls. One had been accepted and even shared as a story, but the other jarls would not believe two holds falling as just a coincidence. Especially if Maven Black-Briar escaped the Rift. The gods only knew what kind of lies she would weave. Fortunately, Saerlund saved her from having to answer Harrald's question.

"What happens now?" asked Saerlund rhetorically. "We have a feast, brother. I know you don't feel like it any more than I do, but we need to announce your coronation and the feast is already prepared. We'll have the ceremony later, but the people need to know. You proclaim this a victory. The Thieves' Guild is gone. The Black-Briars are gone. You never saw it, but just about everyone in Riften hated the Black-Briars. There will be celebrations in the streets. You proclaim the Dragonborn the hero of the day. Then, while everyone cheers you and I get quietly drunk and remember our mother."

Daenerys nodded her agreement. "Your brother is right. The people need to celebrate this. I'll dismiss the Dragonguard. I'll send them to the Forgotten Hole." That building was huge. The arena only took up a portion of it. "I'll give Burly Orryn a bag of gold to pay for several barrels of ale and mead. They can drink and celebrate. They earned it. I'll keep Sofija and a few others near me for you to show off and brag about. I'll thank you and give a speech about what a great jarl you will be." Maybe she would even get drunk with them, but she expected the brothers would want to drink alone and mourn their mother.

"No," said Harrald. There was no anger in his voice, but he sounded resolved.

Saerlund sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "No? I don't feel like celebrating either, but – "

"That's not what I meant. Yes, we'll do the celebration. Yes, we'll announce the new jarl, but it won't be me. It will be you, Saerlund. Make me Captain of the Guard. That, I can do. If you don't want me, I can join the Dragonguard and cement our alliance."

"But, brother it has always been you. You're the eldest."

Harrald shook his head. "I'm a better fighter, but you'll be a better jarl. I've been fooled too often. The Thieves' Guild. Maven Black-Briar." He paused and looked at Daenerys. "Lady Targaryen, what my brother claimed about Ulfric. Is that true as well? Is he fighting for himself and not for Skyrim?"

She smiled at him. "That's not a yes or no. Ulfric is not fighting only for himself. He does fight for Skyrim, but he believes he is the only one who can possibly lead Skyrim. So, I would say your brother is mostly right." She laid a hand on his shoulder and looked up at him. "You're a good man, Harrald Law-Giver. You're right, Saerlund will make a better jarl, but there are very few that can walk away from power." She knew that allure herself. Power drew her like a moth to the flame. Except others had burned for her ambition. Now, she was trying to be worthy. "You're a very good man."

"Maybe," he agreed with a blush. "But a jarl has to be more than good. A jarl has to be wise as well." He turned to Saerlund. "And that's why it has to be you."

Saerlund looked back and forth between them. "If you're certain, Harrald, I'll do it, and I won't just make you Captain of the Guard. I'll make you Marshall of the entire Rift. Come on, we have a feast to plan."