Chapter 17 – Setbacks

The sun had just disappeared, leaving behind a gentle twilight glow that enveloped the forest. Moving quickly, the group had reached the plateau of the Rift, leaving behind the dark pines of the mountainous slopes to enter a birch forest where the silvery trunks stood out faintly in the dim light. The cool evening air, laden with the moisture from a nearby stream, was fragrant with the earthy scent of the undergrowth.

Aventus Aretino walked in silence, haunted by the events of the past few days, each memory surfacing like a shadow to torment his mind: his abduction, the dangerous Astrid, his integration into the Dark Brotherhood, and most of all, his first mission. He had killed again, though not in the way he had imagined. The bandit's death—could it truly be called murder?—, the decision to save Narfi and deceive the Brotherhood weighed heavily on his shoulders, plunging him into deep anxiety.

Yet the company of Hunfen beside him provided unexpected comfort. His arrival, seemingly providential, had once again resolved the impossible situation he found himself in, allowing him to devise and execute the rescue plan. The young Nord's presence offered Aventus a nearly brotherly support through his mere presence, like a light in the darkness. Narfi, meanwhile, followed behind them. The poor man seemed to have emerged from his stupor, glancing around curiously and muttering incomprehensible words. Lydia brought up the rear, her vigilance heightened despite the apparent tranquility of the path.

Night fell quickly, making their progress precarious. As they reached a small clearing, Lydia walked up to them and signaled for them to stop. "We'll camp here tonight," she announced. "We're far enough from Ivarstead now, and this place seems safe."

Hunfen sighed in relief and set his pack on the ground. Soon, a small campfire was built, which the young Nord ignited with his magic, smiling. Camping in the forest was new for Aventus, but his friend seemed entirely in his element. Aventus settled near the fire, the crackling flames soothing his troubled mind. The comforting warmth of the fire contrasted pleasantly with the coolness of the night. Hunfen's methodical movements as he prepared the meal were calming and reassuring. Aventus found himself smiling as he watched. The crackling flames and Hunfen's confident actions brought him a semblance of peace, a welcome respite from the turmoil of his thoughts. But this tranquility was soon interrupted by Lydia's firm voice.

"Before we rest, I want to see how you handle a weapon," she said, approaching. "We might be attacked, and you need to be able to defend yourselves until I can intervene."

Hunfen nodded, an excited gleam in his eyes. He quickly stood and grabbed the stick Lydia handed him with youthful confidence. Aventus, on the other hand, accepted his with some hesitation, his heart beating a bit faster at the thought of what was to come.

"We'll simulate an attack," Lydia explained. "I'll play the role of the bandit. You need to defend and counterattack as you would in a real fight."

Aventus nodded, trying to suppress the rising nervousness. He recalled Babette's lessons—informative but rigorous—where every mistake was painfully costly. He gripped his stick tighter, ready to prove he had learned something.

Lydia positioned herself in front of them, her movements fluid and measured, betraying her experience. "Prepare yourselves," she commanded before leaping forward with surprising speed.

Hunfen was the first to face the assault, raising his stick to block the initial blow. He succeeded in deflecting the attack, but the impact forced him back a few steps. Aventus seized the opening to attempt a counterattack, targeting one of the vital points Babette had taught him. However, Lydia skillfully dodged, her stick describing precise arcs in the air.

The exchanges continued, Lydia relentlessly testing their reflexes and endurance. Despite his enthusiasm, Hunfen struggled to keep up. His movements lacked fluidity, often leaving him off-balance, forcing Aventus to bear the brunt of the attacks. Nevertheless, the young Imperial began finding his rhythm. His attacks grew more precise, but he still couldn't land a hit. His frustration mounted, threatening to overwhelm him; no matter how many feints he deployed, nothing seemed to get through. Lydia dodged each blow with disconcerting ease.

An idea formed in the boy's mind as he parried another series of attacks. Lydia was a protector for Hunfen; if he pretended to attack him without warning, she would likely rush to shield him. The surprise might cause her to make a mistake, creating an opening. He launched himself, stick raised, towards his friend.

A sudden sharp pain exploded at the back of his head, his vision flipping upwards. Grelod?! It felt the same as when she dragged him by the hair to the punishment room. Moreover, an overwhelming pressure against his throat cut off his breath. Panicking, he dropped his stick and tried to struggle, in vain. Suddenly, all restraints vanished, and he realized he was on his back. Above him, Lydia looked down with an unreadable expression.

"What were you trying to do, Aventus?" she asked, her tone both stern and curious.

Aventus caught his breath, attempting to sit up despite the throbbing pain at the back of his skull. "I... I thought if I pretended to attack Hunfen, you'd move in front to protect him," he stammered, his voice trembling. "I thought you'd lower your guard during that time."

Lydia raised an eyebrow, watching him intently. "That was bold, Aventus, but you made a critical mistake: you took your eyes off your enemy. In the end, you're the one who left your guard wide open."

Hunfen, who had watched the scene with wide eyes, approached his friend, concern evident on his face. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice shaking.

Aventus nodded, still shaken, but managed a slight smile to reassure his friend. Lydia's expression softened as well, and she commented in a lighter, almost teasing tone, "And now you also know that before you can reach someone, you have to deal with the housecarl first!"

A nervous laugh escaped Aventus's lips, and Hunfen relaxed a bit.

The group returned to the campfire where Narfi awaited them. The man, still in his own world, stared at the flames with a smile, oblivious to what had just occurred. Aventus, still shaken, sat by the fire and let himself be mesmerized by the flames.

Lydia stayed back for a moment, watching the dancing shadows of the trees, her mind troubled by recent events. She replayed each movement, each strike exchanged with Aventus. His attacks had been precise and methodical, far beyond what she expected from a child. It was clear the Dark Brotherhood had already had a significant influence on him. But the most disturbing was the moment Aventus feigned attacking Hunfen. For a fraction of a second, Lydia saw in the boy a seasoned assassin, determined, ready to do whatever it took to achieve his goal. She recalled the cold, calculating glint in the boy's eyes, a look that should never inhabit a child's gaze. Her reaction had been instantaneous, almost instinctive, the result of her rigorous training. She had responded as if facing a mortal threat.

A cold shiver ran down her spine as she realized what could have happened. If she had wielded a real sword, she would have killed the boy. This thought shook her deeply, leaving her with a terrifying moral dilemma. She had to protect Hunfen, but how could she handle a situation where another child became a potential threat? Aventus, with his troubled past and training with the Dark Brotherhood, was both a victim and a danger.

Lydia shook her head, dispelling these dark thoughts, and focused on the task at hand. She had to watch over them, guide them safely to Riften. She couldn't afford to waver. Returning to the camp, she observed the two boys. Hunfen, with his enthusiasm and zeal, was a stark contrast to Aventus, whose gaze betrayed premature maturity and deep sadness. They were so different, yet their fates seemed inextricably linked.

Lydia sat by the fire, trying to project warmth and comfort. "Get a good rest tonight," she said in a gentle voice. "Riften is still far, and tomorrow will be a long day."

oOo

After two days of walking, as the path neared the shores of Lake Honrich, the silhouette of Riften appeared in the distance. Aventus looked at it for a moment, overwhelmed by a wave of conflicting emotions. The last time he had crossed these gates, it was to flee hurriedly. Back then, he was consumed with hatred and vengeance, determined to invoke the Dark Brotherhood to kill Grelod. The city mainly evoked a multitude of bad memories, but despite that, it brought him a reassuring sense of familiarity. He knew its dangers, he wouldn't be surprised.

The main entrance of Riften buzzed with activity. Carts loaded with goods and passengers came and went, heading to the major cities of Skyrim. Lydia, ever vigilant, guided the group through the bustle until she found a cart bound for Whiterun.

"Narfi," she said, ensuring she had the man's attention, "you're going to Whiterun. Wait for us there, Hunfen and I."

She placed a purse with a few septims in his hand before adding, "Go to The Bannered Mare and give this to Hulda, the innkeeper, saying you're from me. You'll be safe there, and you'll have a bed and food until we arrive."

"Whiterun," the man repeated, looking lost, "The Bannered Mare, Hulda. Yes, Narfi can remember. Narfi will wait for his friends there."

The poor man climbed aboard the cart and sat next to a little girl who, wrapped in an old red-hooded cape, clutched a small basket tightly. After paying the driver, Lydia motioned for the boys to follow her into the city. As they walked the streets leading to Honorhall Orphanage, Aventus felt anxiety grip him. His memories of the orphanage were filled with pain and loneliness, but also moments of camaraderie and comfort. But did he even belong there anymore? Wasn't he a danger now? Upon reaching the orphanage doors, the young Imperial stopped abruptly. Hunfen and Lydia turned, puzzled by his sudden halt.

"I… I can't go back there," he declared, his voice trembling. "I'm part of the Dark Brotherhood now. Constance, the others, I can't involve them in all this!"

"But what do you want to do then?" Hunfen asked, worried. "We at least need to let them know we're okay!"

"I need to return to the Sanctuary," Aventus replied, resigned. "To tell the Brotherhood I completed my mission."

He hesitated a moment before adding more firmly, "Listen, tell them I've been adopted by a new family. It's the truth after all! Don't tell them who, just that they shouldn't worry about me, I'll be fine!"

He held his breath, trying to contain the emotion rising within him. Hunfen's gaze was filled with confusion and worry, making the situation even harder to bear. Aventus felt a wave of sadness wash over him, realizing how much the time spent in their company had softened his tormented heart. The journey, the conversations, and even the dangerous moments had woven a precious bond between them.

"I'm sorry, Hunfen," he murmured, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I'd really like to stay with you, but I have to go back there." He paused, fighting back the sobs threatening to escape. Finally, he approached Hunfen and hugged him, feeling the comforting warmth of his friend. "Take care of yourself, okay?"

Hunfen returned the hug with equal intensity, his own emotions overflowing. "You too, Aventus. And remember, you have friends here, no matter what."

Aventus exchanged one last look with Hunfen, a silent understanding passing between them. Then, with determined steps, he turned away from the orphanage and disappeared into the alleys of Riften, soon lost in the crowd.

He had barely walked a few dozen meters when he heard a mocking child's voice behind him: "So, is that the famous Hunfen?" He turned sharply, his senses on alert, and his gaze fell on the little girl in the red cloak he had seen boarding the cart with Narfi. She lowered her hood, revealing the features of a child barely ten years old, but whose eyes shone with wisdom and mischief far beyond her years.

"Babette..." he murmured, his hands trembling. "What are you doing here?"

Babette simply shrugged with disarming nonchalance. "I'm watching you, of course! I wanted to see how you handled your first mission." She paused, a slight smile forming on her lips. "And I must say, you surprised me."

Aventus felt his heart clench. Terror invaded his thoughts, but he tried to stay calm. "Babette, I..."

She raised a hand, silencing him instantly. "I know all about your deception," she resumed, her voice laced with barely veiled reproach. "I saw how you devised that plan to save Narfi and trick the Dark Brotherhood."

Aventus instinctively stepped back, feeling panic rising within him. "I… I couldn't kill him," he said hastily. "Astrid… she lied to me! Narfi isn't a monster, he's just a broken man!"

Babette raised an eyebrow, apparently amused by her pupil's reaction. "That's true," she agreed. "Astrid did lie to you: poor Narfi wasn't a child molester. But that doesn't excuse your deception."

She paused, observing Aventus with an intensity that made him shiver. "You know, a sweet little girl offered that poor man a pastry. Absolutely delicious, but unfortunately, quite indigestible. I'm afraid Narfi will never reach Whiterun."

The words hit Aventus like a punch. "No…" he breathed. He felt his legs buckle, struggling not to collapse. Narfi's death rendered all his efforts futile, and a wave of despair washed over him.

Babette watched him impassively. "Don't be so naive, Aventus. The Dark Brotherhood has no place for the weak and the traitors. Your plan was ingenious, I'll give you that. The corpse substitution, the house fire, all of it was almost poetically audacious. But never, ever betray us like that again."

Without warning, she raised her hand and delivered a resounding slap. The blow, surprisingly strong for such a small hand, made the boy stagger. "That," she said coldly, "is to remind you that you betray not just Astrid, but the Night Mother herself."

Aventus, a hand on his burning cheek, felt tears welling up. "The Night Mother…?" he repeated in a broken voice.

Babette sighed, her gaze softening slightly. "The Night Mother is not just a folklore figure, my boy. She is a real entity, and she awaits a life for every prayer offered to her. In the past, she spoke directly to the Listener, conveying the pleas of those who, like you, performed the Black Sacrament. Today, even without a Listener, she remains our guide and protector. And we offer her the lives she is due."

Aventus listened, absorbing every word. The Dark Brotherhood was far more than he had imagined. A mystical entity? A deity? He had played with forces beyond his understanding, and now he was paying the price.

"I don't like Astrid's methods," Babette continued, surprising Aventus with her honesty. "She lied to you to motivate you, but that doesn't excuse your actions. As I've already told you, we do not judge; we execute."

She paused before resuming in a softer voice, "However, I won't say anything about this affair. The others will believe you completed your mission. But remember this: if you betray the Night Mother again, no one will be able to save you."

Aventus nodded slowly, accepting his situation with bitter resignation. Babette, satisfied with his reaction, motioned for him to follow. "Good. Let's return to the Sanctuary now."

They headed toward the city gates, their steps echoing on Riften's cobblestones. Aventus walked in silence, a bitter taste filling his mouth. Defeated, he had no choice but to follow the vampire.

They reached Riften's main entrance, and Babette noticed a cart heading for Falkreath. Aventus cast one last look at the city, his memories and regrets intertwining in his mind.

Suddenly, an inhuman roar tore through the sky, echoing through the surrounding mountains and valleys. The young Imperial froze, his heart pounding wildly. "What was that?" he asked, his voice trembling.

Babette, her eyes fixed on the horizon, responded calmly, "That's something we don't want to meet. Let's find shelter."