Chapter 30

Late that evening, Aria walked up the steps of Summitmist Manor. The huge mansion was located near the center of the city, not far from the castle. Earlier that evening, she had stabled her horse and taken a room at at an inn just outside the city. She'd made good time and had been able to dress and style her hair before finding the manor.

As she walked up the wide stone steps, she surveyed the building. It was at least three stories, with a basement, as well, she suspected. The bottom row of windows was at least ten feet from the ground. That could be a problem if the contract went poorly.

Aria decided she would look for an alternate exit as she mounted the last step. The large front door opened as she approached. An older Nord appeared in the doorway. "So the last guest finally arrives. Welcome to Summitmist Manor, milady."

He ushered her inside and took her cloak. "I'll tell you what I told all the others. You go in, I'll lock the door. You don't come out till it's over." He waited till Aria nodded. "Now I'll tell you what I didn't tell the others. We have the same mother, you and I. And she wants you to have this." He grinned and handed her a key. "It's the key to the house. Someone else has already told you the other details, right? Kill all the guests, then leave?" He waited for her to nod again. "Good. Well, you'd better get in there. They're waiting for you."

Aria slipped the key into her pocket as the Nord left. She heard the solid click of the lock. Ahead, someone was coming around the corner. A Breton woman, probably in her sixties, joined her in the entryway. Her mouth was turned down in a scowl. Aria disliked her immediately.

"The sixth guest has finally arrived!" The woman said. "Well, it's about time! Do you know how long we've been waiting? It seems like an age. What took you so long? Who are you, anyway?"

Aria bristled under the verbal assault. She responded without thinking. "I'm an assassin hired to kill you."

As soon as she said it, she regretted it. To her surprise, however, the woman laughed. "Oh, you're a funny one! Good. I'm glad one of us has a sense of humor about all of this. It will make our time here that much more enjoyable." She looped her arm through Aria's. "Everyone is already in the sitting room. The rest of us have already traded instructions, since we're all stuck here together. I'm Matilde Petit."

"I'm Aria-"

"Oh, that's a lovely name!" Matilde led her into a comfortably furnished sitting room. Four other people were gathered inside. Matilde pointed out each person.

There was a pretty, young Dunmer woman named Dovesi Dran, who was originally from Morrowind and had recently moved to Valenwood. A Nord drinking in the corner apparently went by the name of Nels the Naughty. A Redguard standing with his back to the wall was a former soldier named Neville. The final stranger was a young Imperial man named Primo Antonius. His fine clothes suggested he came from wealth.

Aria went around the room, getting to know each person a little bit. These were her targets, after all. She needed to figure out if there were weaknesses she could exploit. She learned that Matilde was disgusted by Nels, Nels hated Neville, Neville hated Nels equally, and Primo was here because he was bored.

As they were enjoying drinks after dinner, Aria found herself standing near Primo. She caught the way his eyes followed Dovesi as she crossed the other end of the room. She edged a little closer. "She's pretty, isn't she?"

Primo jumped. "What? I wasn't-I don't know what you're talking about.

Aria gave him a knowing smile. "Come on, I saw you watching Dovesi. I don't blame you, though. She is really pretty."

Primo looked at Dovesi again. "Yes, she is quite beautiful, isn't she? A little young, perhaps, and not exactly high-born, but she possesses a unique elegance."

"So? Go talk to her."

"I-I can't," Primo insisted. "Can I be honest with you, my friend? I find Dovesi...captivating. She possesses a beauty beyond compare. Maybe you could do me a favor? If you speak with her, put in a good word for me, would you? I would be forever in your debt."

Aria sighed. "All right, but only if you promise to talk to her yourself later."

"Deal."

Aria casually walked over to where Dovesi was chatting with Nels. After a few minutes, Nels got up to refill his drink, leaving the two girls alone. Aria claimed his chair once he was gone.

After making some small talk for a few minutes, Aria leaned over. "So what do you think?"

Dovesi looked puzzled. "Think of what?"

"Of our fellow guests."

"Well," Dovesi said thoughtfully, "Neville seems very serious, but I guess that's normal for a retired soldier. Nels seems nice enough. Matilde seems like a very respectable lady, but I don't think she likes me very much."

"And what about Primo?"

Dovesi blushed. "He's very handsome. But please don't tell him I said so!"

"He likes you."

"Oh, please, Dovesi said. "It's pretty obvious that Primo comes from a wealthy family. He would never be interested in a girl like me, I'm afraid."

"Not true!" Aria insisted. "He told me he likes you!"

Dovesi flushed and pushed a loose lock of hair behind her ear. "He...he did? Oh, my goodness, what should I do?" Should I talk to him? Or maybe play hard to get? Or should I...you know?" Or would that be too forward?"

Aria sensed an opportunity. "Go to his room. Wait for him there. Then I'll talk to him and get him to go upstairs, too."

Dovesi gasped. "Oh, you think so? I mean, it is rather forward, but I like it! All right then, I'll wait for him in his room upstairs! Oh, thank you, thank you!"

She slipped from the room as Aria smiled to herself. Time to play.