I simply stewed over things, not anything in particular but trying to put plans together to what I could do. A quest this size wouldn't be finished in a day or even a week. I couldn't even begin to imagine how long something like this would take. Before this act of treachery, there were ambassadors or escorts that were gone for months, even years, before returning with something. It depended on the conditions and the distance but the farther away one went from their home or just safest place, the worse for wear they came back when the mission was finally complete.
Sometime during my thoughts, someone took a seat beside me without asking. I didn't notice until the Redguard tapped my shoulder and brought me back to reality. I was apparently staring at my emptied cup.
"Still here? That's odd but very good for me. Might I trouble you for a moment?" I turned to look at the man to see that only himself, an older man leaning on the counter, and myself left in the way of patrons. In fact, not even Sader was here anymore. Only the Innkeeper was left to watch his only real patrons, thankfully none of us three were drunk or the immature sort. The man in front of me looked not as old as me, far off in fact and surprisingly more unkempt than even me despite what I had been through. His skin showed a lineage that looked to stretch as far as before the Redguards settled in Hammerfell. His voice itself gave away too much for him to be able to fool even the most naïve of the races.
"I…guess?" I wasn't sure what to say but his insistence and his lack of concern for personal space got me suspicious and uncomfortable. I subconsciously scooted away but he was not letting me leave easily.
"Oh, where are my manners? I am Baaj. See that man by the counter? He is my father, Lej. He needs to get to The Mages Guild by the morning at the latest, though the earlier the better. I hired a couple of mercenaries to escort him there but they were apparently dead not too long ago. Someone in the Afterdark Society, no doubt but he managed to get away and came back to me. If he gets there by the morning, what they would have gotten is yours." The young man, Baaj, spoke fast and he certainly wasn't one for wasting time for pleasantries.
"What is the Afterdark Society and how much would I get?" First off, I was entirely uncertain about what this organization was. We certainly didn't have it in the Imperial City, which meant it was either new or very much something that wanted to keep itself very secret. Second, I wasn't expecting a lot along the lines of pay but it would help me start off with many of my plans.
"I will make this quick. The Afterdark Society is a group of people and monsters that somehow work together to attack people when the sun goes down and even sometimes before. That is why no one wants to be in the open during then. For the pay, I can't remember exactly but it was between 30 and 40 gold. The Mages Guild isn't far but I have other plans and I cannot afford to lose time." It was true that this mysterious Baaj had his own agenda and was looking for nothing more than simple protection. Judging from his story, either the original hired guards had a run of bad luck or there is more to these two men than meets the eye. I assume the former is more true than the latter.
"Do you know how far away the Guild Hall is?" I wasn't going to ask specific questions seeing as this could be easy gold.
"It's close but I can't recall exactly where. Others will know. You still have time until the sun falls and be back in time, I know it. I doubt you will have any trouble with only the two of you walking around." Baaj had a point. In fact, if this group was going for well-armed people, it would be much better for me to go unarmed and the two of us would not stand out.
"Fine. I will do it but are you certain I will get paid?" The second after I said okay, Baaj was on his feet and getting himself ready to go again. He stopped at my question and his fingers tapped my table.
"Here, take this and you can keep whatever else they give you." Baaj reached into a pocket in his leather coat and handed to me ten gold. I took it, of course, but Baaj didn't give me time to get another word in before speaking briefly to his father at the wooden counter talking to the Innkeeper about something. In a very brief moment, Baaj was gone from the Inn and the older man, Lej, was staring at me, waiting to leave. I certainly wasn't going to waste time with something to simple, that was for sure.
"Before we go, why couldn't your son finish taking you to where you needed to go?" I was curious and I still couldn't trust either one of these Redguards just by looks alone. Still, Lej smiled and answered without any hesitation.
"He has an assignment elsewhere and neither of us know the layout of this town. Simply speaking, we don't have the time to stay together and waste that sort of time." It was a clear answer, which I expected from the son but it felt much sincerer coming from one that was closer to my age and in some ways, closer to someone like myself.
"Fine." I looked one last time at my cup before getting to my feet. Lej respectfully gave me the room and the time I needed to get myself situated. This was much different than Baaj and I couldn't help but feel in my gut this was a setup or at least a false sense of security, both of which I had felt and voiced sooner in a different situation. Still, as a noble knight, I had to help wherever and however I could to the best of my ability.
It was still partially daylight when Lej and I left the comfort of the Inn into the frosty night. There were far less people than when I came through that portal. Whatever this Afterdark Society was and what threat it posed was more than real by the looks of things. It was apparently something I would have to remember about seeing as I didn't know if I was going to return to the safety of the Imperial City anything soon, if that place was even considered safe now with Tharn in place of the Emperor. Of course, if the Society did attack while Lej and I were finding our way to the Mages Guild, we would be defenseless and be dead within moments. This was a gamble I was taking for little coin, something I had never thought I would have done before this all happened.
"So, got any idea where we will start?" The cold bit through my weak clothes as expected but it was not like when I was first in the cell. In fact, it felt like only a light chill with the help of the Inn's warm feeling and the alcohol that was given to me beforehand.
"I don't know exactly. You see, we are not originally from around here. I'll say we are…pilgrim's, basically." This was a little unexpected but not entirely. I knew these two weren't exactly natives to this region, seeing as they would not need help if they were. Also, the two had some sort of alternate plans, especially Baaj. He was too eager to leave without a care for his father's safety despite his 'mercenary' story. A story that seemed true but Lej really was that defenseless, why did he get away without as much as a visible scratch?
"I see…I guess we will ask around. I hope it is not too far, seeing as the night is fast approaching." Baaj responded with only a nod and I started my search for the building. There were not as many people roaming but a few were still making their way to somewhere, taking their time with the look of their speed. Thankfully, luck was apparently on my side and it seemed that way ever since I escaped death itself at the hands of a traitor when I decided on a person to ask.
"Would you happen to know where the Mage's Guild houses themselves here?" The man didn't need even a second and pointed to the bigger building that was to my immediate left.
"You would be looking there, then. Don't know how you didn't notice right off." I glanced to see a highly-decorated building that looked to be rather large, easily overshadowing the size of the Inn and most other buildings by far. The Mage's Guild grew in power since I was stationed in the Imperial City, though the one there was still bigger than this and was a central part of the city.
"Thank you." The man waved us off and left, his pace not quickening but he still didn't want to waste time with small talk. My eyes narrowed to Lej staying quiet behind me but that was far from comforting. I was used to having others around me but I certainly wasn't used to any of those ones being unknown. My guard hasn't been lowered yet and it won't change until I know I can do something without relying on someone else.
The Mage's Guild was certainly something I will not miss in any other place. I would just need an area and I could find it after that. It was my assumption any other Guild Hall of theirs would be just as a clear distinction of their influence and personalities. The Hall itself was not like the surrounding buildings, especially with the care that apparently came with owning a renowned place. The building material was not the same color of the others but it might have been the same material itself. Along with the stone, the decorations outside were unusual especially for the environment with plants outside that looked to be in their natural place despite the cold. It was surely not what anyone new to Hammerfell expected before knowing magic might have been involved without recognizing the building or the wooden hanging sign carved with an eye on both sides.
Lej and I entered the Guild's main hall and the first thing that jumped out were the walls style. It gave off a very refined look with smooth stone on the face, carved runes making a ribbon on the lower edge, and a clean wood frame. Some walls had things decorating the walls: Books, maps, and relics that seemed to give off a blue magic aura themselves. It was not surprised that it was also dead quiet except for the quiet movement of the couple of mages residing or potions being brewed in another section of the room. Braziers also lit a large portion of the room, leaving only corners or enclosed spaces in the dark.
"We seem to be here. How far am I taking you in?" Lej didn't seem to let anything get to him, keeping some sort of smile on his face. For being a father, he had a solid body as well but I didn't know his exact age as well.
"I don't give you your payment, so you have to meet the mage who is to give you that. I'm glad we got here safely but you need me with you until the money gets into your hands." Lej laxed his stance a little, letting his defenses down a little bit at least. At least we got here without any problems but it did seem a little too easy and a little too close.
"Right, okay. Hopefully finding this person won't take too long." I walked forward, easily keeping my footsteps near silent on the marble flooring. There was only one mage in the building, his back to me as I walked closer to him. Before I made it to the man, his body twitched to my movement and he turned to face me. His blue robe and hat gave his choice of disciplined path and his white beard gave a closer indication to his age. He has clearly been doing magic for most of his life.
"Hello, you two. What business do you have here?" The man stood straight but was not naturally a harsh person by the calmness of his voice. No doubt the mage training helped lead to his personality.
"I am Tenyin and the man with me is Lej. I was hired to bring him to this hall." I felt a little calmer than I was outside, the heat of the building finally letting my body get less stiff.
"Lej? Lej…ah! Yes, I was expecting you to arrive soon. Might I talk to you alone for a moment, then?" The mage spoke to Lej, who nodded wordlessly and moved from behind me to the mage, both of them starting to walk away to another section of the room.
"Wait, what about my gold?" I didn't have a mercenary way of thinking but I was always stringent with my money, ever since I was young but I wasn't extremely aggressive when it came to getting it. I just made sure everybody who owed me money was told so and I kept their debt and face matched up for later.
"You will get it, I promise. Let us talk and then you will get what is owed to you." The mage replied while walking away. When the two were a fair distance away, I turned my attention to the rest of the building. The atmosphere was worlds away from the Inn but it was to be expected. The unsavory types the Inn attracted and its uses were far different than the cultured and self-sufficient mages the Guild held. The bookcases were a dead giveaway, holding enough books that any individual with enough time could learn from about all different eras of history.
The Guild Wizard was apparently in his own world when we came in, a potion being brewed on a stone mass that served as the Guild's table. It seemed like quite a complicated potion as well, having many varied ingredients and extremely different amounts. It was impressive how much different combinations could be made, especially with every province having entirely unique flora and fauna. The potion certainly stood out, not having one uniform color, as well. It was alternating between shades and amounts. This wizard has certainly earned his place, if not a couple of other things that made him stand out.
"Do you know what I am doing or know what the potion may be?" I stood up straight at the sudden voice breaking me out of my trance. The wizard and Lej had finished their discussion which seemed to end on a good note seeing as both men smiled behind me when I turned.
"I don't know much about magic or potions but I have a feeling a resistance potion, seeing as it is not one color. I have used a few in my days, that's for sure." The wizard nodded and Lej walked away towards one of the many bookshelves, still as silent as ever.
"That is correct. It is an experimental potion for now. I am seeing if I can make a potent resistance potion with some local fauna but I don't exactly know how this batch will turn out." The wizard walked around the table to a silver jewelry box with ornate gems that didn't seem to have any way of opening it. Nonetheless, the wizard held a hand over it and the lid came off effortlessly. The wizard pulled a leather money bag from his robe as well and filled it with what could only be considered gold from the box until he reapplied the lid. It was to be expected an enchantment only certain individuals or perhaps only this specific wizard could open. It was ingenious what a few runes could accomplish in the right hands. The bag was handed to me whenever the process was complete.
"How much is in here? I know this wasn't a hard job but I had a feeling before we left about something off…" The wizard shrugged but I took the bag anyhow. I knew anyone that led a Guild Hall, especially the well-renowned ones, was honorable but also had their own secrets they could divulge to any passing person.
"At least 40 gold but I do not know entirely how much. It will probably end up being a little more. We have enough gold to spare, so there are no worries for us. If I might pry, where is your destination? I discussed a little with Baaj about who you are but he didn't know much else but the basics." The wizard walked back to his experimental potion, not turning his attention entirely away from me but at least making sure it apparently was coming along fine. I knew these sorts of questions were going to come up, especially when talking to any regulars and how outlandish my story was. The only thing that worried me was I didn't tell Lej or his son, Baaj, anything about my story. This father and son duo still worried me a lot, definitely keeping too much away from me than I liked but to be fair, I was doing the same from everyone else and this man would be no different.
"I don't exactly know where but I will probably get what I need in time. Not everything comes quickly, I've learned that over the years." My true nature started showing itself but that was a good thing. I wasn't a mercenary but an honorable knight that only did work like this when necessary. This was one of those times for sure.
"I like the way you think, Tenyin. You could be a good mage but if that isn't your interest, I do see you getting very far in life." The wizard tipped his hat towards me and I instinctively bowed in response. He was smiling most likely to the respect I showed.
"Well, I had better get back. It is almost dark and I see this paying for a night or two at the Inn." I turned away but was stopped by a hand on my shoulder. The wizard wanted my attention again and I gave him it yet again.
"I think I will assist you with that. Wait a moment and I will give you something that will pay for a few days." I assumed the wizard would reach for the box with the gold inside but instead pulled a simple potion from one of the lined walls and handed it to me. It didn't look that impressive, holding a solid blue liquid inside a square glass bottle that I could wrap my hand around without it slipping.
"What is this?" I spun the potion around in my hand but I couldn't tell just from the look what it could be. The liquid was bright enough that it could be a replenishing liquid for mages and their skills.
"Just a rare enough potion that the Innkeeper will take and not give you any trouble about staying. He may even give you more benefits if he can find it profitable enough." The wizard glanced to Lej, who was done with whatever his interest lied and patiently waited for my exchange with the wizard to finish.
"I see...thank you for the help but it was unexpected." The wizard motioned to Lej.
"Yes, it was a request by the man you brought here. He asked for me to help you and I feel that would not be hard to help a bit. You had better get back before the night comes, though." The thought just dawned on me that I purposely wanted to get back before the night came. I had no intention of finding out about who the Afterdark Society was, after all.
"Right. Have a good night, wizard. You as well, Lej." Lej waved and I left the comfort of the Guild Hall but the cold chill wasn't a bad as I was expecting.
The sun had nearly set and I walked, my pace quickened to beat the moon rising. Perhaps I wasn't as nervous and cautious but before I had finished my thought entirely, the door to the Crimson Chasm closed behind me and I was warming up yet again. I didn't feel the cold on me this time, though. The Innkeeper waved to me and I walked to him, shaking his hand when I was within reach.
"Welcome back! I was getting worried you wouldn't have made it back in time." The man was friendly, clearly getting ready for turning in himself as he was lazing about even now.
"It was close, that's true. I was worried myself." I stifled a yawn as much as I could, not being able to help myself from showing I was done for the day.
"I can imagine. Then whenever you're ready, you can go to your room and I will have the front door locked." The Innkeeper moved past me, locking the front and putting a board to hold it as well. It was to be expected picking a lock was easy enough for anyone out late at night, so having just a basic lock was only inviting a thief inside. The Innkeeper walked past me and into the hall where my room was. As expected, he stayed inside the Inn himself but in a room that was well taken care of for sure.
I didn't take more than a minute inside the Inn's main space, going to my room and emptying my pockets. The potion and the bag of gold was all I had but I wasn't going to leave those in the open. It was a relief to see my weapon and shield was still where I had left them, meaning my stuff was safe enough until I could figure out my next move in the morning. If things went as the wizard said, the potion would keep me safe and possibly in a better room but that wasn't a guarantee. I locked my own door and laid down on the bed, listening to the noises coming from outside. There was movement for sure, definitely the Afterdark Society but no other commotions. The low footsteps through the snow and my own relief was more than enough to get me to drift to sleep yet again. This time, though, it was thankfully in a much more comfortable place than a dungeon under the Imperial City. There was no telling if I was going to get more contact with Ria as well. Only the morning would answer my questions.