The Ragged Flagon sure had seen better days but with me in charge it was growing quickly. No longer was it dull, dirty and dark. It was full of people, clients, thieves and merchants. Rich banners bearing the badge of the Thieves Guild and the Nightingales hung from the ceiling. Shipments for the Guild were being overseen by Dirge. That was where I saw Sapphire and Delvin. Delvin was just finishing off a contract and Sapphire was fussing over a shipment of what looked like ornamental candlesticks, likely from Endon in Markarth. The pool in the centre of the Flagon was covered by a wooden patio, with many tables and chairs. I sat down at one of the tables and received a cup of complimentary mead from Vekel. I motioned to Sapphire and Delvin to join me. Sapphire sat down in a huff.

'Damn Mjoll is starting to be a major thorn in my side.'

'You would think that she would back off by now, eh Roan,' Delvin continued.

'She's persistent I'll give her that, but I say she was better off adventuring. I don't hold her any ill thought, rather I admire her courage.'

'I can't believe that you're in charge of the Guild,' Sapphire said spitefully.

I pulled out a gold and jade circlet and placed it on the table in front of Sapphire, 'Place this circlet in Mjoll's house and then tip off the guards. It was kindly donated by Asgeir who was willing to part with it after a sum of gold.'

Sapphire gladly took the circlet and left the table, leaving Delvin and I alone.

'There must be a valid reason for you wanting to talk to me boss, you don't ask for the cut so soon after a job.'

He was right, I don't, as Guild Master I receive a portion of the pay from each job, as well as a rent from the merchants of the Flagon. Some I the gold I keep for myself, the rest I use to improve the Flagon, smooth over contacts in the main cities and expand our influence to the rest of Tamriel. Of late we have gotten a foot hold in High Rock and Morrowind. The Thalmor however have been making it difficult for our business ventures into Cyrodill.

'No I'm not; I'm interested in what you know of the Dark Brotherhood's recent activity.'

'C'mon, what do you expect to know?' Delvin said.

He was right to be defensive, even if he did the Brotherhood is more secretive then us. Though the secrecy is just down to Nobles and families not wanting dealings with us to be known. 'I know you were involved in the Dawnstar incident,' I lowered my voice, 'I have my contacts too Delvin.'

'Ok all I know is that there is something big going on between the court members of the Blue Palace,' the Palace I thought, this can't be a coincidence, 'anyway the rumour is that someone has intoned the Black Sacrament and honestly that's all I know.'

'That'll be fine Delvin, here,' I passed him a fat coin purse.

Hmmm, I thought, I was going to have to pay a visit to Erikur anyway maybe I can get informed on this. Delvin, clearly uncomfortable quickly left the table, leaving me to plan my actions.

It was a warm night in Solitude, which was unusual given the location of the city. I stood on the balcony of Erikur's house, watching him return from the Blue Palace. I knew he and Bryling didn't get along well. Maybe that was the reason for the assassin. When I knew Erikur had entered the house I took a step back from the edge of the balcony and entered the house. There I saw Erikur pour himself a cup full of ale.

'Erikur, it's been a while.'

Erikur jumped at the sound of my voice, 'Gods Roan are you trying to scare me to death.'

'Curious that you should mention that, see a few nights ago an assassin tried to kill me.'

'Damn Bryling, Talos give her what she deserves.'

'Something wrong in the court.'

'Yeah since the death of the Emperor and Vittoria Vici the Court has been divided on its support, I'm certain that that whore Bryling is being paid off by the Thalmor.'

'What do the Thalmor want with this?'

'They know I support a legitimate claim to the throne, not an elf puppet, no offence.'

I pushed a few loose strands of auburn hair out of my face, 'None taken. So you think Bryling called for my death.'

'Not likely, though the Thalmor would. They are scared of your power.'

'Rightfully so for that matter. Where does Elisif stand on the matter?'

'She's torn, though any true Imperial citizen would not support the Thalmor. If they got control we would all become slaves or worse.'

We stood in silence for a moment both contemplating the ramifications of what will transpire here tonight.

'Oh yes I have a few things for you while you're here,' Erikur said, pulling out a couple of notes, 'This one Vittoria gave me shortly before she died, and this from Bryling's house. I had Meleran retrieve this.'

I gladly took the notes.

'The one Vittoria gave me was for the Emperor she said, so point in holding on to it now.'

Curious I looked at that one first.

Titus,

I know you hold me responsible for everything that happened thirty years ago, but I'll hope you'll see reason. I never meant for that to happen. When the ship never docked we looked for it, for any sign of him, but we found nothing. Even if he is still alive I don't know what you expect him to do. What hope may he hold for the Empire.

Sincerely,

Vittoria.

The letter confused me, who was she talking about, why was he so important. Did Vittoria know that she and Titus would be killed? I opened the next letter.

Bryling,

Our spy within the Guild has been most helpful, and we have identified a prominent ally of your husband, Erikur. The Bosmer, going by the name of Roan, is the Guild Master of the Thieves Guild in Riften. For the purpose of security his identity will not be revealed, but know that we have full control over him. The Bosmer is a known criminal and fugitive of the Aldmeri Dominion, and after the incident at the Embassy we have doubled our efforts to bring her to justice. It is unconfirmed but we believe her to be working with the fugitive Blades, and helped the heretic Esbern escape Thalmor custody. Nonetheless the Black Sacrament has been performed, and I believe the thorn in both our sides should be dealt with soon and efficiently.

Elenwen.

Hmm, so the Thalmor called for my death, unsurprising. And another mystery person, Delvin is convinced that a spy is the Guild. Maybe when I go to "talk" to Elenwen I can find out who this spy is.

'Thank you Erikur this has been most helpful, Bryling and her associates will be dealt with appropriately.' Yes planting a letter that says Bryling is in league with Ulfric should do it, I'll deal with the Thalmor personally.