Gallus, Mercer, and I climbed up a rickety ladder in one of the many alcoves contained inside the Guild's hideout. We resurfaced in a small shrine marked with a shelter shadowmark, according to Gallus. Gallus led us on a stone path back to the Riften docks, where we proceeded to parade off towards the city gates. After a halfhearted explanation of our motives for leaving the city, Mercer slipped some Septims into the guard's gloved hands and whispered something about keeping quiet.
I was slightly confused as Gallus confidently led us through untamed woods and raging rivers. My filthy, damp clothes sent shivers down my spine. The childish side of me muttered an "Are we there yet?" but the only response I got was a few grunts of frustration.
After many miserable hours of trekking through the cold, unfamiliar land of Skyrim with people I had met yesterday, we came across a hole in the side of a cliff. Gallus appeared to be overcome with excitement. I, on the other hand, was much more interested at the prospect of a warm fire and fresh cuts of meat.
"This… is it. I've been waiting for this my whole life!" Gallus cried with pure exuberance. Mercer and I gave each other a concerned glance before Gallus continued to mutter under his breath, "I hope it works…"
"Why wouldn't… whatever you're looking for… work?" I inquired. Mercer eyed Gallus suspiciously.
"Well…" Gallus fidgeted in embarrassment as he continued, "I'm kind of testing out a myth." Mercer sighed in exasperation and rolled his eyes.
"That's the last straw. I'm out. You can fiddle around with children's tales for as long as you want. I will be making myself at home down in the Ratway," Mercer yelled in exasperation.
"I have a lot of connections, Mercer. Astrid, Kodlak… do I need to say more?" Gallus calmly inquired. Not being very caught up on current events in Skyrim, I had no idea who or what these things or people were. However, I didn't need to know that to be able to admire Gallus's quick and effective retorts. Mercer's face gained a look of pure horror and he turned back to face Gallus. With a nervous gulp, he headed towards the gap in the cliff. Gallus nodded in appreciation, then beckoned for me to follow them into the cliff.