Sundas, 20^th Evening Star, 4E 201

to Sundas, 27^th Evening Star, 4E 201

I spent my time on Sundas the 20^th experimenting with the Corbs. I was confident that laypeople could use them without mages being present.

On the 21^st, Rigmor and I spent the day at Urdarbrunnr, one of my houses in Winterhold. Urdr, my Winterhold Housecarl, was now a Dragonguard and was at the Safehouse with the other recruits.

Rigmor and I visited many of Winterhold’s stores, where items scarce elsewhere are abundant.

Rigmor was impressed by The Temple of Jhunal and was fascinated by the priest’s history lesson.

Of course, Rigmor’s favourite part of Winterhold was the large and busy Mead Hall. We had our midday and evening meals there and struggled to hear each other over the din of conversations, clattering plates, and laughter. We eventually resorted to using Mara’s Rings, even though we were feet apart.

I spent the next two days placing Corbs and instructing people on their use.

I put a Corb in Aurane’s main dining area.

Another Corb was placed in The Blue Palace. High Queen Elisif was delighted to have it. Falk was not impressed, his Nord bias against magic at the fore. Sybille was fascinated by it, and I have no doubt she will try to decipher its dweomer.

General Tullius allowed a Corb in Castle Dour and wanted to know if I could make more. I told him if I could study it without interruption for a few years, I might be able to do so.

When I placed a Corb in The Dragonborn Gallery, I was delighted to see how many visitors were there. When the doors open to the public, I imagine it will be very crowded.

Another Corb was situated in the Safehouse.

At first, Rigmor wanted a Corb in her private rooms. However, she relented when I pointed out that she did not need to use it to talk to me privately. We have Mara’s Rings. Therefore, it was placed in The Great Hall.

Commander Maro was sceptical at first, but when he managed to speak to General Tullius via the Corbs, he thanked me profusely for such a gift. Like Tullius, he wanted to know if I could make more of them. They would be a boon to The Imperial Army.

The Greybeards were keen to learn how to use telepathy with the Corb. They can do so with practice and not rely on Arngeir if they need to speak to me.

Another Corb was placed in Sky Haven Temple.

Vigilant replacements were slowly trickling into The Hall of the Vigilants. It will be some time before the garrison is at full strength. Keeper Carcette was pleased to have a Corb.

I kept a Corb in my Aurane rooms that I carried in my Journal Case when elsewhere.

Once people became confident in using the Corbs, the novelty wore off, and I did not have to spend time chatting with various people over them.

The first serious use of a Corb came on the 24^th.

Early on Middas morning, my Corb made its trilling sound that cannot be ignored for long. I wandered over to it and talked with an agitated Commander Maro.

“Hello, Commander Maro.”

“I know you assured me nobody can snoop on our conversation, but I would prefer you visit me as soon as possible.”

“That is okay, Commander. It can take time to trust such devices fully. I will be there as soon as I can.”

“Good. Ah, can you detect people’s emotions via these things?”

“No, but I can tell by your voice your anxiety is high.”

“My fear is probably higher!”

I donned my armour and then summoned my squad for the day.

• Wulf: Commander Maro contacted me via Corb. He was terrified about something but was reluctant to talk over the devices.
• Jin: That is understandable. As mages, we know how they work. To laypeople, they are a mystery that plays on their fears of the unknown and, in some cases, magic.
• Dae: The Commander has probably been arranging security for Mede’s visit. If he is worried, it may have to do with that very visit.
• Jo’rassa: Can you teleport into their headquarters?
• Wulf: I told Commander Maro I would not do that. So, we shall teleport to the entrance of Dragon Bridge and walk to the Penitus Oculatus Compound. I visited there the other day, so I will soon be familiar enough with the compound to teleport to the main building’s entrance.
• Jordis: I have always liked Dragon Bridge. It has a certain charm.
• Wulf: For those of you who have never met Commander Maro, he was a Legion Captain during The Great War. A Dominion sword made a mess of his face, so he wears a mask. He decided that being a frontline soldier was no longer appealing, so he applied to the Penitus Oculatus, was accepted, and worked quickly through its ranks.
• Jordis: Why didn’t he get his face fixed by a mage?
• Wulf: For the same reason, Rigmor keeps her scars. His disfigurement is a reminder of what we fight against.
• Jin: We have encountered many soldiers who keep their scars. A significant disfigurement is rarely kept.

We teleported to the entrance of Dragon Bridge and were soon inside the Penitus Oculatus compound.

We entered their headquarters and found Commander Maro in his room.

• Wulf: Commander.
• Maro: Are your companions Dragonguard?
• Wulf: Yes, they can be trusted.
• Maro: We have an undercover agent within The Dark Brotherhood. She says they have been contracted to kill several high-profile targets, including His Imperial Majesty. We cannot let this happen!
• Wulf: Who has made this contract?
• Maro: She is unsure. As a new initiate, she is not privy to many things. She knows Astrid, The Dark Brotherhood’s Falkreath Sanctuary Overseer, rejected the contract. She was contacted via a letter, most probably passed on by Riften’s Thieves Guild. She thought it too dangerous and would lead to the order’s demise. However, the new Listener received the contract via The Night Mother and is determined to carry it out. They wanted Astrid to assign senior Assassins to help fulfil the contract, but she refused to assist. Much yelling and threats were heard from Astrid’s room, where they had retired to discuss the matter. Astrid’s refusal to help has caused a schism in the ranks. As a result, Keeper, Listener and Night Mother did not relocate to Falkreath Sanctuary.
• Wulf: Let us backtrack a bit. I thought The Night Mother was destroyed along with the Bravil Sanctuary. That is when The Listener, Alisanne Dupre, was killed.
• Maro: That abomination was saved and transported to the Cheydinhal Sanctuary. You are well-versed in Dark Brotherhood history.
• Wulf: The Divines ensured I was well-versed in a lot of history. What happened to the assassins within Cheydinhal Sanctuary is unknown.
• Maro: Only one survived to live beyond The Great War. He had been appointed Keeper and recently arrived in Skyrim with The Night Mother.
• Wulf: Is the new Listener the first since the death of Alisanne Dupre?
• Maro: Yes. The Keeper had been searching in vain for a Listener for decades, as The Dark Mother never gave him that role.
• Wulf: I admire dedication. Who is The Keeper?
• Maro: His name is Cicero. Because it takes time to code the notes left by our agent, she makes them brief. I know he is a survivor of Bruma’s Sanctuary. He was accepted into the Cheydinhal Sanctuary after Bruma’s was destroyed.
• Wulf: That was in 4E 186. The Dark Brotherhood suffered many losses of members and sanctuaries quickly. Bruma was the first.
• Maro: And it was not always The Penitus Oculatus who inflicted the damage.
• Wulf: Indeed, Bravil Sanctuary’s demise resulted from a Skooma war. One or more Skooma distributors blamed them for some deaths they had nothing to do with! The Dark Brotherhood had refused contracts by several of the Skooma networks.
• Maro: Aww, the poor assassins were innocent.
• Wulf: The injustice of it all! I assume Keeper and Listener are followers of The Old Ways. Without a Listener, I wonder how Astrid managed to find contracts. I doubt all of them involved messages passed on by Riften’s Thieves Guild.
• Maro: Many people perform The Black Sacrament, not knowing there is no Listener to receive their request from The Dark Mother. However, those who perform this ritual often speak of doing so. The Dark Brotherhood has numerous snitches who earn a few coins for telling them about the sacrament performers. When a Dark Brotherhood member contacts the client, they think The Black Sacrament worked.
• Jordis: The same snitches probably earn coins from The Thalmor as well.
• Maro: The Night Mother was never taken to Falkreath Sanctuary, so we assume Listener and Keeper are using one of the abandoned Skyrim Dark Brotherhood Sanctuaries. On their way out of Falkreath’s Sanctuary, they offered a new home to those who wanted to follow The Old Ways. Our agent and a handful of other assassins accompanied them to their base. We hope to hear from her soon.
• Jo’rassa: I was an assassin for The Blades, and I know many of your agents are also assassins. What Astrid is doing is disobeying her commander, The Night Mother. She may have had a right to do so when there was no higher-level commander to obey, but now she is insubordinate.
• Maro: The schism may be resolved later without significant bloodshed. Our agent says Keeper and Listener fled to prevent bloodshed as tempers were high.
• Wulf: To summarise. We know the assassins are keen to fulfil the contract but do not live in Falkreath’s Sanctuary. We know one target, Emperor Titus Mede II, but not the others. Your agent has fled with Keeper and Listener to an unknown destination but will hopefully provide further information.
• Maro: That is correct.
• Wulf: So, why do you want our involvement?
• Maro: Could you infiltrate Falkreath’s Sanctuary without being detected?
• Wulf: You told me you read my redacted journals. Therefore, you know I can.
• Maro: I want you to exterminate every assassin in the Falkreath Sanctuary as quietly as possible so they do not destroy vital clues.
• Jin: You could do that with your eyes closed, Wulf.
• Wulf: I will exterminate the assassins, a good term for eradicating vermin, in Falkreath’s Sanctuary. However, our Emperor is not safe until every member of The Dark Brotherhood is eliminated.
• Maro: There are none active in Cyrodiil or High Rock. Skyrim is their last refuge. You can eliminate the other assassins if our agent gathers information on them.
• Jordis: Why haven’t The Penitus Oculatus raided Falkreath’s Sanctuary before now?
• Maro: That is a valid question. Only after the Civil War ended did we have the resources to track Dark Brotherhood assassins. It is less than a fortnight since we discovered Falkreath Sanctuary and less than a week since we planted an agent there.
• Jo’rassa: I think I know how you infiltrated such a paranoid institution.
• Maro: Okay, tell me how we did it.
• Jo’rassa: You decided on a target. Then, a Penitus Oculatus agent mentioned performing The Black Sacrament over a few pints in several taverns. Eventually, they were contacted by The Dark Brotherhood. Surveillance was placed on the target. When The Dark Brotherhood were about to fulfil the contract, your undercover agent killed the target. The Penitus Oculatus then made a persuasive effort to find this nasty assassin, and wanted posters were plastered everywhere. The Dark Brotherhood soon found your agent and gave her an offer she could not refuse.
• Maro: The target was not innocent. They were a Dominion spy already destined to be silenced.
• Jo’rassa: The target must have been difficult to access. Most likely in a supposedly secure location.
• Maro: Yes. Our undercover agent killed them in a supposedly secure place, The Palace of Kings, which pointed to the work of a skilled assassin.
• Jo’rassa: An easy kill would not have gained Astrid’s attention.
• Maro: Correct.
• Jordis: I did not realise how devious you are, Jo’rassa.
• Jo’rassa: Spies, assassins and saboteurs do not live for long in Dominion territory without good survival instincts.
• Wulf: Very few did survive after the cull that was a prelude to The Great War.
• Maro: We still lose our fair share of agents and spies, as does The Dominion.
• Wulf: Okay, give me a list of assassins in Falkreath’s Sanctuary and their descriptions. Mark on my map where it is and tell me how I get inside.
• Maro: I have prepared a list that includes information on those we know are in the other location, wherever that is.
• Dae: I think Commander Maro was confident you would accept this task.
• Maro: My agents are good, but I wanted the best since Mede’s life might rely on the success of this mission.
• Dae: Was The Night Mother a person?
• Wulf: There are many theories on her origin. I believe she was a member of Cyrodiil’s Thieves Guild. However, she disliked the time and effort needed to sneak around, so instead, she would strangle people while thieving. The Thieves Guild frowned on this, so she left and started to assassinate for money. Who she thought was Sithis, contacted her and said five children should be sacrificed, and then he would become the god of The Dark Brotherhood and reserve places in The Void for members and assassinated. The Dark Mother thought it too bothersome to hunt and kill five children, so she sacrificed her own.
• Dae: She killed five of her children?
• Wulf: Yes. However, I do not think Sithis has anything to do with The Dark Brotherhood. I think Mephala is using them to spread chaos and for her amusement.

Commander Maro handed me a list, which I read aloud.

“List of Dark Brotherhood members in Falkreath Sanctuary.

Ambjorn: Nord, 6 feet tall, long blond hair. He is a Werewolf and was expelled from The Companions. He is also Astrid’s husband.

Astrid: Petite Nord. Overseer of Falkreath’s chapter of The Dark Brotherhood. Wife of Ambjorn.

Festus Krex: Elderly Imperial Mage. He was a lecturer in Destruction Magic at The College of Winterhold for two years before joining The Dark Brotherhood. He boasts of murdering his wife on their honeymoon because the bath she prepared was lukewarm, not tepid.

Gabriella: A Dunmer alchemist specialising in poisons. Surprisingly, she remains with Astrid despite being a traditionalist.

Greigor: He is an elderly Imperial and the most successful Dark Brotherhood assassin. Greigor is the owner of a relic known as The Hand of Glory. A curse on the object has slowly diminished his eyesight to the edge of complete blindness.

Lis: A tamed Frostbite Spider from which Gabriella milks poison. People who spy on The Dark Brotherhood have been fed to Lis.

Nazir: Disgraced Alik’r Knight. He rarely performs assassinations but organises and assigns them to others.

Veezara: Argonian Shadowscale. Possibly the last one alive. Ex-assassin for the High King of Black Marsh.

All initiates joined the Keeper and Listener, and none remain in Falkreath Sanctuary.

Gaining entry to the sanctuary is via a magical door. It will ask, ‘What is the music of life?’

Answer with, ‘Silence, my brother.’

The door will teleport you into the sanctuary.

List of Dark Brotherhood members in the unknown location.

Cicero: A small, insane Imperial who wears a jester outfit. He was appointed Keeper when The Night Mother was transferred to Cheydinhal Sanctuary. He recently arrived in Skyrim, searching for a Listener and the last Dark Brotherhood assassins.

Hararyr the Crow: The Listener is a tall Nord in his early thirties. He was a Legionnaire until he defected and joined Ulfric’s Stormcloaks. When Ulfric was defeated, Hararyr made a living as a farm labourer. How he met Cicero and became The Listener is not known.

Babette: She is a Cyrodiilic Vampire of Breton origin. Babette was turned into a vampire when she was ten years old. She has lived in her child form for over three hundred years. Babette is an expert alchemist who used to concoct potions with Gabriella.

Initiates: Some of them are efficient killers despite their low rank. Up to a dozen sided with Cicero and Hararyr and left Falkreath’s Sanctuary.”

• Wulf: We shall return within two or three hours.
• Maro: That quickly?
• Wulf: I shall kill them all in minutes. The other time will be spent searching the sanctuary and travelling by foot from Falkreath.
• Jo’rassa: No matter how good an assassin somebody thinks they are, Wulf is better.
• Wulf: Let us hope we discover their plans. Otherwise, it might be wise if His Imperial Majesty turned his ship around and returned home.
• Maro: Wouldn’t he be safe anchored from shore and surrounded by elite Penitus Oculatus agents?
• Wulf: No.
• Jo’rassa: I think I could reach him, and The Dark Brotherhood probably has better assassins than me.
• Wulf: Who would know of His Imperial Majesty’s travel plans?
• Maro: A few trusted advisors and The Elder Council would know of them. The latter must know his destination when the emperor is not in Cyrodiil.
• Jordis: You know. General Tullius knows. There are many places where this information may be leaked.
• Jo’rassa: Even if nobody snitched, his absence from The White Gold Tower, combined with the upcoming Vici wedding and Elisif coronation, would logically suggest he is attending one or both.
• Wulf: If there is information to be found, we shall find it.

As we came out of the ether, a Falkreath Guard attacked me. Some other guards immediately attacked him.

To say I was pissed off is an understatement. I drew my katana and dispatched the attacker.

His sword was coated in potent and expensive poison. When I searched the corpse, I found several bottles of it and Potions of Prolonged Invisibility.

I asked another guard, “Who was he?”

“He was Lynte Graden, Lord Welkynd. He was suspected of being an Ulfric sympathiser, so me and the other guards were wary of him. He never really got on with any of us, which heightened our suspicion. We were not surprised he attacked you when you appeared out of nowhere.”

“You must have been watching him closely to act so quickly.”

“Sometimes, just before you appear, there is a shimmer. As soon as Lynte saw that, he drew his sword. If it were one of the Dragonguard and not you who appeared, Lynte probably would have attacked anyway.”

“And your name is?”

“Guardsman Halokvar Argaenson.”

I held out a small bag of coins.

I told him, “Buy you and your companions a few rounds of drinks on me as thanks for your prompt action.”

“I have never seen anybody draw a sword and dispatch an enemy so quickly. You did not need our help.”

“You all performed your duty admirably, so please, take my small token of appreciation.”

Halokvar took the bag of coins.

“Thank you, Lord Welkynd.”

“Inform Jarl Siddgeir of this incident. Lynte was equipped to assassinate. If he was sick of waiting for me to appear, he may have targeted the Jarl. Perhaps Legate Skulnar should investigate the city guards and see if other Ulfric sympathisers are waiting for their chance.”

“I would hate to think there are others like Lynte among our ranks, but that is sage advice. I shall speak to the Jarl immediately.”

“Good.”

We made our way to Falkreath’s Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary without further incident.

I inspected the door for a few feet away and detected a portal. I assumed it would place me on the other side of the door.

I turned to my squad.

• Wulf: They may have a dweomer to tell them somebody has used the door. So, I shall cast Shroudwalk before activating it.
• Jo’rassa: I know you well, Valdr Septim. You will not kill them when cloaked by Shroudwalk.
• Wulf: I am confident my stealth skills are enough, so I will dispel Shroudwalk before I start killing.
• Jordis: Is this some code of conduct among assassins?
• Wulf: No, but not being detectable makes it more akin to murder than assassination.
• Jin: Without Shroudwalk, they might see and react to Wulf. That is more palatable to him.
• Jordis: Okay, I understand and will contemplate it while getting bored.
• Wulf: Be alert. A returning assassin might not take too kindly to strangers at this door.
• Dae: Yes, be alert. This country needs more lerts!
• Jin: If you find Dae dead on your return, it will be due to him pushing his puns too far.

I cast Shroudwalk, then stood close the door. An audible heartbeat began, and it was so melodramatic that my friends and I laughed.

In the type of whisper that an appalling stage actor might use, the door asked, “What is the music of life?”

I whispered back, “Silence, my brother.”

The door replied, “Welcome home!”

I was then teleported to the other side of the door.

I waited a few seconds, and when nobody came to investigate, I dispelled Shroudwalk.

Perfectly visible and my sense of fair play restored, I drew my bow and continued downstairs.

Astrid was pacing back and forth.

I waited till she sat in a chair before releasing an arrow.

It flew true. Astrid did not scream but issued a gasp of surprise. Then she collapsed lifeless to the floor with a soft thud.

Ambjorn must have heard something and thought it was out of place. He cautiously entered the room with an axe in hand.

He saw his wife’s prone body and mimicked her gasp before another arrow ended him. His axe clattered to the ground, but nobody came to investigate.

I could hear a Word Wall and discovered it in the central cavern.

Veezara was working the bellows of a forge. That masked any noises he might otherwise have heard.

I knocked and released. The tally was three arrows and three dead assassins.

I used Heat Vision to find my following targets.

Lady Kynareth marked Lis. I killed Gabriella and then Lis with two more arrows.

In the distance, an assassin was sitting down.

Before reaching that target, I eliminated Nazir and the sleeping Greigor.

The last survivor was Festus Krex. He was still sitting when my arrow struck.

The constant call of the Word Wall was annoying, so I approached it before I summoned my squad.

It tried to teach me Krii, which means kill. It is the first Word of Power of the Marked for Death Shout. I already knew the Word of Power and the Shout and how to use them.

In Dovahzul, the Word Wall’s inscription reads, “Nonvul bron dahmaan daar rot do fin fodiiz bormah wah krii ko morokei kein los wah zin geinmaar wah dir ko morokei kein los wah zin pah do keizaal.”

A rough Tamrielic translation is, “Noble Nords remember these words of the hoar father. To kill in glorious war is to honour oneself. To die in glorious war is to honour all of Skyrim.”

What a load of bollocks!

I summoned the squad, and we searched the deceased and every inch of the sanctuary.

On a table in Astrid’s room, I found a letter in an envelope once sealed by wax. I read the letter to the squad after we exited the sanctuary.

“Most esteemed Overseer,

As was already communicated to your subordinate, I wish to hire your organization for delicate ambassadorial work. All of this, of course, would culminate in a historic meeting with the Leader himself.

Some secondary meetings must first occur to secure an audience with the Leader. They are outlined below.

1.) You must attend the upcoming wedding at the Temple of the Divines in Solitude. The bride must be given a gift she will never forget, one that will get all of Solitude gossiping and which will, undoubtedly, upset the Leader himself.

2.) A high-ranking military officer permanently stationed in Skyrim is responsible for securing the Leader’s safety for the upcoming visit. You must learn this officer’s plans and meet with his people to ensure appropriate security for your eventual audience with the Leader.

3.) Several months ago, the Leader planned a visit to Skyrim that was cancelled due to Alduin’s return. At that time, a world-renowned chef was contacted and brought to Skyrim to prepare a lavish meal. That chef remains in Skyrim on retainer. You must meet him and convince him that it would be your honour to cook for the Leader in his place.

I realize these instructions are a bit non-specific, and I apologize, but I feel the vagueness is necessary to ensure security. Undoubtedly, an organization as esteemed as your own has the means and resources to obtain all the essential information before each meeting can take place.

When the final part of our arrangement has been carried out – when you have secured an audience with the Leader himself and brought such business to a close – I will contact you about the final payment.

Most sincerely, 

A friend.”

• Wulf: Nobody in Riften’s Thieves Guild is Astrid’s subordinate. They are a known contact point for The Dark Brotherhood as part of a mutually beneficial arrangement.
• Jordis: Olette told me that members of The Thieves Guild very rarely kill. They might bludgeon somebody unconscious or use a thrown bottle of sleep vapours or similar, but avoid murder.
• Wulf: That is true. If they were to start killing people, their existence would no longer be tolerated. Passing on messages to The Dark Brotherhood is tolerated.
• Jin: The Dark Brotherhood gets the messages. What benefit do the thieves get from this arrangement?
• Wulf: If a disgruntled target starts hunting their members or interfering with their operation, The Dark Brotherhood will eliminate the problem, free of charge.
• Jo’rassa: This friend must have also performed The Black Sacrament for The Night Mother to know of the potential contract.
• Dae: They may have performed it some time ago and wrote the letter to Astrid when it did not work.
• Wulf: That is logical.
• Dae: Oops! How did that happen?
• Wulf: We shall discuss the letter with Commander Maro.

I teleported us to the entrance of the Penitus Oculatus headquarters.

Light rain was falling on Dragon Bridge. That did not stop an officer from berating two agents for their poor marksmanship.

We entered and then approached Commander Maro in his room.

“Commander, I killed them all, and then we searched the sanctuary.”

“Did you find anything to aid us?”

“Yes, this letter. Please read it so we can discuss its implications. You might want to send some agents to search the sanctuary, as we might have missed something.”

I handed Maro the letter. As he read it, his anger grew, and a long string of expletives followed.

• S’in: That was impressive, Commander. Have you ever been a sailor?
• Maro: I either curse or hit something. Cursing is easier on my knuckles. The client knows more than I thought possible but less than required to succeed.
• Wulf: Vittoria Vici is one intended victim. Can you deduce who others might be?
• Maro: One of them is Gaius Maro, my son. He is visiting the cities and towns of this province to organise His Imperial Majesty’s tour. The Penitus Oculatus enjoys copious paperwork almost as much as The Legion. Gaius will make detailed notes and plans for Mede’s itinerary.
• Jo’rassa: I think the intention is to remove Penitus Oculatus’ senior officers. Retrieving the itinerary would be a bonus and speed up the process of elimination.
• Maro: So, I would also be a target?
• Jo’rassa: Yes, it appears so.
• Dae: Oh, that is logical. I think.
• Jin: There is hope for you yet, Dae.
• Jordis: Is His Imperial Majesty doing a victory tour?
• Maro: Some might view it that way. His Imperial Majesty is, to many of Skyrim’s Nords, a mythical being who farts butterflies and looks down on the citizens from an ivory tower. It was easy for Ulfric to demonise our Emperor. Mede wants people to see he is a person who cares for The Empire’s citizens. He wants to be more than a myth.
• Jo’rassa: His Imperial Majesty will not be exposed to threats like hidden snipers. A body double will be used. There are probably several aboard his ship.
• Maro: I am glad you are on our side!
• Jo’rassa: They want to impersonate the world-renowned chef to get close to Mede. If guests are enjoying a meal with him, poison may be used to eliminate many of Skyrim’s nobles. Or, the fake chef might only target the Emperor. The dilemma would be fast or slow-acting poison if a mass killing is desired.
• Wulf: Protocols dictate that His Imperial Majesty would be the first to taste each dish.
• Dae: Aha! So, if fast-acting poison is used, he may drop dead before any other guest consumes the poison.
• Wulf: And what is the negative outcome possible from slow poison?
• Dae: If the Emperor and several guests simultaneously appear ill, poison will be suspected, and an antidote may be given.
• Maro: The chef is hiding, and I doubt the client or Dark Brotherhood know where he is. I will send an agent to guard him and ensure he lives long enough to cook Mede’s favourite dish.
• Dae: How much do body doubles get paid?
• Jin: Why do you want to know? There is nobody else hideous enough for you to impersonate successfully.
• Maro: I wonder why they are targeting Vittoria Vici?
• Wulf: We could speculate why but do not know the motivation behind this. Who do you think is the client?
• Maro: One or more members of The Elder Council. Their list of motivations is long, and not all are shared with every member.
• Wulf: As far as I know, there is no Heir Apparent or Heir Presumptive. If that is the situation when His Imperial Majesty dies, The Ruby Throne’s next occupant would be selected by The Elder Council. They could spend ages considering who that might be as bribes and other incentives pour in, or they might quickly install a puppet under their control.
• Maro: It does not matter what the motivation is. We cannot let this insane contract harm anybody. It is not just about Mede!
• Wulf: Then let us hope your undercover operative finds something and gets to communicate it to you.
• Jo’rassa: The Dark Brotherhood assassins would be paranoid after the schism. When they hear that the Falkreath Sanctuary has been eliminated, their increased paranoia will endanger the undercover operative and other new initiates.
• Maro: She is aware of that. She will risk stealing, pickpocketing, and eavesdropping to retrieve information and flee if need be. She can fight past a few assassins who are not used to combat if caught.
• Jordis: If Legion trained, she could easily handle individual assassins unless they use poison.
• Maro: Our job is to protect Emperor Titus Mede II. We do not want the infamy of The Blades, who failed in their duty.
• Jo’rassa: The three Blades protecting Emperor Uriel Septim III were outnumbered at least ten to one. They fought well enough that The Hero of Kvatch survived after their Emperor told them that was their priority. The Hero of Kvatch carried The Amulet of Kings at great peril to himself for hundreds of miles. He also found Uriel’s bastard child, Emperor Martin Septim. Ensuring The Hero of Kvatch survived allowed us to end The Oblivion Crises. Those three Blades are heroes.
• Wulf: As are the many Blades who died during The Oblivion Crises and The Great War. I remind you, Commander, that many of The Dragonguard were once Blades.
• Maro: I apologise. I am letting my worries affect my judgment.
• Wulf: You have discovered how valuable the Corb can be. Contact me the minute you have any information I can act upon.
• Maro: I will do so, Lord Welkynd.

I spent the 25^th with Rigmor, Olette and Meeko at Dragons Keep. The Corb I had installed in my Aurane rooms travelled with me. I was pleased to find Wujeeta had selected several teenage girls from those who recently came of age to help her run the orphanage. Others found good positions elsewhere.

The 26^th consisted of meetings and planning at The College of Winterhold.

Early on the 27^th, the Corb in my private rooms lit up, and its trilling drilled into my head. I rushed over to engage with the caller and to end the racket.

“I hope you have some good news, Commander Maro.”

“Yes. Our asset has made its way home. You might want to visit.”

“I can assure you, Commander, that nobody can eavesdrop, so there is no need for coded speech.”

“Lord Welkynd, please get here as soon as possible.”

“Okay, I will be there in thirty to forty minutes.”

I donned my armour and gathered my squad of Miraak, S’in, Do’Qua’Der and Danerus. They had previously been briefed, along with the other Dragonguard, on the situation with The Dark Brotherhood.

We teleported to the entrance of the Penitus Oculatus headquarters.

Then we entered and made our way to Commander Maro.

“Greetings, Commander.”

“Thank The Divines, you are here. Come and meet Glyda of The North. She is one-half of the bravest agents we have.”

That proclamation intrigued me, but there were more important matters than solving that puzzle.

We entered the main room, and Maro introduced us to a blond Nord woman in her early thirties.

• Maro: Lord Welkynd, Dragonguard, this is Agent Glyda of The North.
• Wulf: We are honoured to meet you, Glyda of The North.
• Glyda: I cannot believe I am in the presence of The Dragonborn and Dragonguard. But alas, I do not have time to gush.
• Danerus: I can find time for your gushing later, perhaps over a mead or two.
• Glyda: You look healthy enough and are pretty cute. Do you think you can manage a threesome for more than a few minutes?
• Danerus: Ahh…um…
• S’in: I find it amusing how hairless people change colour. You are as red as your armour, Danerus.
• Do’Qua’Der: I think he is embarrassed about the invitation to a three-person romp.
• S’in: Why?
• Do’Qua’Der: Some Khajiiti are reserved regarding such matters. It is not a Nord peculiarity.
• S’in: True.
• Glyda: Forgive me, Danerus. I get a bit frisky after surviving a dangerous undercover job.
• Danerus: Oh…mmm…
• Wulf: He might be speechless for some time, Agent Glyda.
• Glyda: Okay, down to business. You might want to read Cicero’s Journals. I borrowed them as I left.
• Maro: That will take time we might not have!
• Wulf: It will not take long, and I might gather helpful information to aid us. The more I know, the better equipped we will be to end this threat.

Gylda handed me five sizeable journals. I will not display their contents here but suffice to say they are important historical documents that outline the demise of The Dark Brotherhood. They will be copied and distributed and probably found in any respectable library in the future.

I read Cicero’s last entries aloud as they contextualise the schism and, more importantly, his location.

“30th of Hearthfire, 4E 201:

I have written the letters. So polite. So official! To Astrid, in Skyrim. Her Sanctuary still stands. Still operates. But how? No Listener means no Black Sacrament. No Black Sacrament means no contracts. Her family can abandon The Old Ways, and still survive, still kill, but is that family still Brotherhood? Or something else? Something new. Something different. Something wrong?

Something wrong!

Still, we must go! Tomorrow, we set sail. Float on a boat through the moat called the sea, her, and me!

22nd of Frostfall, 4E 201:

Sick, sick, sick of the rocking, tossing, rolling, throwing upon the grey grey waves!

I have been reading about Skyrim, of the good days, the old days, of The Old Ways. There was another Sanctuary once. A Dawnstar Sanctuary. Good, ancient, and strong. Blessed by Sithis. Cicero will go there! No need for Astrid!

The Mother and I will settle in our new home. Then she will speak to me, and we will restore The Old Ways together.

24th of Frostfall, 4E 201:

The passphrase is mine! I have found it in a letter as ancient as the Sanctuary itself. It was worth the extra gold to carry Cheydihall’s library to Skyrim.

The Black Door will ask, ‘What is life’s greatest illusion?’

I will answer, ‘Innocence, my brother.’

Finally, a space, a place to call my own! A joker’s retreat for the Fool of Hearts!!!!

1^st of Sun’s Dusk, 4E 201:

Oh, great joy and sore feet from capering and dancing. I have found The Listener! Or did he find me?

A wheel fell off poor Cicero’s wagon. It tilted, but the clever Keeper had bound the box containing Mother’s casket well, and it did not crash to the ground.

A nearby farmer refused to help me despite my generous offer of many shiny, clinky coins. Perhaps he found my attire and accent disturbing? However, one of his farmhands approached, cocked his head, and said The Words.

Oh, how I had yearned to hear The Words, and then they reached my ears, and I felt genuine joy, not the fakery behind my jolly dancing.

Mother had spoken to this inquisitive stranger!

He expected a specific phrase in return. When I gave it, Mother shared understanding with the stranger.

He accepted his new role and repaired the wheel after threatening the farmer with harm if he interfered.

Hararyr the Crow, once a soldier, then a farmhand, is now The Listener.

4th of Sun’s Dusk, 4E 201:

The Dawnstar Sanctuary is my home! As I had dared hope! Cool and dark and lovely. My Sanctuary, Sanctuary from all.

I know its every corner, every hall, every shadowed nook, and alcove. My Sanctuary. The guardians know us, recognize me as Keeper and Hararyr as Listener. They bow before Mother and leave poor Cicero alone. The big, ugly beast is a different story. He would eat me if he could, but to bind me, grind me, he would need to find me. And Cicero will ensure that does not happen, for I have Sanctuary!

Listener said he would dispose of the beast. I hope Listener does not end up as troll dung after I searched for so long.

6th of Sun’s Dusk, 4E 201:

The Sanctuary is safety and salvation. But silent, so silent. I give my love to the Unholy Matron. I give my laughter freely. But I do not hear her and Listener broods without speech. The silence has returned. Now that I am laughter and no longer hear laughter, I again hear the silence of The Void. It reaches across time and space. Its silence is deafening once more.

11^th of Sun’s Dusk, 4E 201:

Cicero is insane, yes, but Listener is a vengeful murderer who cannot hide behind The Woodland Man’s gift. The Dragonborn slaughtered his hero, but nobody knows where he lives. So, Listener plans to kidnap and torture till the information is given to locate Akatosh’s chosen. Then Listener thinks he can reap bloody vengeance.

The Listener is not an assassin. He must tell of contracts approved by Mother. He is not expected to kill. Would Cicero refuse if asked to kill The Dragonborn? Not out of cowardice, but I do not believe Mother would approve of such a contract. The Listener could lie, but would Mother make a mistake when choosing a Listener? Cicero cannot think like he once did. Even my dancing provides no answer.

15^th of Sun’s Dusk, 4E 201:

Cicero was worried about the impossibility of killing The Dragonborn if asked to do so. Something equally as dangerous was given to Listener by Mother. Somebody performed The Black Sacrament, and Emperor Titus Mede II and other high-profile figures were the targets.

Cicero must believe Listener. He has gone to talk with the client, a member of The Elder Council. I await his return.

16th of Sun’s Dusk, 4E 201:

The listener and Keeper must go. We must serve Mother’s will above our own. We must teach Astrid the error of her ways. She must recognise the beauty and necessity of The Old Ways. She must help us fulfil the most glorious of contracts. It is a contract derived from The Black Sacrament and spoken by Mother. It is not a contract passed on by thieves or other false means.

We leave soon. But Cicero will keep this Sanctuary as his Sanctuary!

A place to rest and ply my trade, for I once more take up the blade and send some lucky souls to him when laughter strikes, as fits my whim!

22nd of Sun’s Dusk, 4E 201:

Astrid refused to help. She is the Overseer of HER sanctuary. She is no longer Brotherhood, for cowardice stops her.

Babette has joined us. I knew the Un-Child long ago before I was a jester and was merely an assassin in Bruma.

With the many initiates and Babette, we can attempt the contract.

25^th of Sun’s Dusk, 4E 201:

Falkreath’s Sanctuary is no more! Our informant says it was not the Penitus Oculatus that eliminated it, but The Dragonborn and Dragonguard were seen in Falkreath on the day of the sanctuary’s doom.

Listener insisted that somebody who followed us to Dawnstar’s Sanctuary must be a spy. Listener’s solution was to kill them all. Even Cicero realises that would make it impossible to fulfil the contract.

Babette threatened to gut Listener if he harmed an initiate. He may have been a soldier, but an angry ancient vampire would be more than his match if it came to violence. Listener was wise and backed away from his plan.

Now we wait to see if The Dragonborn knows where we hide. We cannot hope to defeat him, so Babette and Cicero have formed a pact. Neither of us will be taken alive.”

• S’in: How did they quickly receive news of Falkreath Sanctuary’s fate?
• Wulf: There are groups of professional snitches who use couriers on horses to relay messages.
• Gladys: The Penitus Oculatus have similar. However, the usual practice is to change horses and couriers along the route. I preferred to change horses and ride here to deliver the information personally. Consequently, our fun will have to wait a few days, Danerys, as my arse needs time to recover.
• Danerys: Ahh…okay…mmm…
• S’in: What do you call that colour?
• Do’Qua’Der: Scarlet. The speed with which Danerys changes colour is impressive. He must have salamander blood like Wulf has Dragonblood.
• Wulf: You timed your escape well, Gladys.
• Gladys: The Listener, Keeper, and Babette moped like condemned prisoners. The initiates convinced themselves that they and the Spectres of past Assassins could defend Dawnstar Sanctuary from you. It was easy to steal Cicero’s journals and skedaddle.
• Wulf: Do you know where The Listener is meeting the client?
• Gladys: No. He received the initial contact place via The Night Mother. He refused to tell Cicero where the meeting was to take place. Cicero told him that people left Cheydinhal Sanctuary and never returned, but at least he knew where they were heading, which was a comfort. The Listener laughed and told him to stop being a milk-drinker. Cicero had no idea what that insult meant.
• Wulf: Has Hararyr been torturing people in his search for me?
• Gladys: Yes, he and Initiate Ondiri have four people shackled whom they have tortured. However, they have garnered nothing of use, for all these people did was see you somewhere, sometime.
• Wulf: Is that why they were chosen?
• Gladys: Yes, they had seen you, as have millions of other citizens. I do not think Hararyr or Ondiri were hoping to gather information. They merely liked to hear the screams and pleading for mercy.
• Wulf: That is not The Old Way!
• Gladys: No, and I would not be surprised if Babette ends Ondiri and Hararyr.She thinks The Night Mother made a mistake when selecting the new Listener. Cicero cannot believe that. His trust in The Night Mother is absolute.
• Wulf: I know Cicero’s story from his journals, but please tell us about Babette.
• Maro: All you need to know is she is a threat to Mede. Just kill her!
• Miraak: Commander Maro, Wulf is not a mindless killer. He has, on occasion, allowed enemies a chance for redemption. Killing a vampire in the body of a ten-year-old is not something he can do without just cause.
• Wulf: I obey the Ten Commands of the Nine Divines and their instructions, Commander. Mortals who open their hearts and souls to Lord Stendarr’s mercy and seek his benevolence are healed and gain an understanding of the love Stendarr holds for all mortals, particularly those less fortunate. As Corbyn Rangouze, a senior Priest of Stendarr, once said, ‘Those who don’t believe in mercy must believe in fear.’
• Miraak: I would not be alive if Wulf did not show me the mercy Lord Stendarr desires.
• Wulf: A ten-year-old cursed with vampirism was likely a less fortunate mortal.
• Gladys: Indeed, Babette is that, and she told me her story.
• Maro: I apologise again, Lord Welkynd.
• Wulf: I share your worries, Commander. But I have not survived this long without gathering as much information as possible.
• Jo’rassa: Please, Gladys, tell us Babette’s story.

I stood in front of the brave woman.

“Babette’s family were wealthy and successful merchants based in Northpoint. High Rock, and most of The Imperial Empire, was lawless and chaotic three hundred years ago. Empress Morihatha Septim successfully brought order back to the Imperial Provinces. However, it was a slow process, as she was cautious.

Morihatha’s reforms came too late for Babette’s family. A rival merchant hired a group of mercenaries to eliminate them. They were paid extra to make the family suffer and for the details to be provided. Babette was informed of this later.

One night, Babette was awoken by screams and the clash of weapons. The guards, many of whom Babette had known her whole life, were outnumbered and no match for the seasoned mercenaries.

Babette knew she had to hide. So, she climbed into a chest full of clothes, lowered its lid, and then sat and listened till she could hear no more killing.

When she exited her room, she found horror in the halls where she played chasey and hide and seek with the estate’s other children. Butchered adults and children lay where slaughtered. Some open doors showed many had not made it out of their living quarters before being murdered.

Sounds of battle and screams were gone. New sounds had replaced them. Sobbing, laughter, and her father’s voice pleading for mercy led Babette to a room she rarely entered. It was the most lavish of the estate, and her father met dignitaries and business partners there. She arrived to see her father watching and weeping and pleading. When Babette followed her father’s eyes, she saw her mother naked, with a man grunting on top of her.

Babette knew what he was doing, but it was not the lovemaking that her mother had told her about. It was not something tender that people in love do, but more akin to what dogs and farm animals do. Her mother called that rutting.

Her mother lay still, eyes open but unseeing. She was not dead, but Babette knew she was not aware of her surroundings. The man grunted, then stiffened before issuing a contented sigh. He stood, quickly grabbed an expensive tablecloth and wiped his privates. He pulled up his pants, walked over to another man and said, ‘Have fun!’ The other man took his place, and for the first time in her life, Babette saw an erect male member. She was repulsed by it because it was being used as a weapon of torture.

Her father had given up begging and just wept. He could do nothing as his hands were bound, and several armed men stood close to him, laughing.

The second man she saw abusing her mother complained, ‘Unfair. She fought back for the first half a dozen. Now she is as limp as a corpse.’

Another man replied, ‘At least she is still warm!’

Babette was ten. She did not think it was absurd to storm over, stand with hands on her hips and yell at the men, ‘Stop it! What you are doing is not right! Untie Father and leave Mother alone!’

Her father yelled, ‘Run, Babette! Run!’

Too late, Babette realised her peril. A man grabbed her, and the nightmare continued.

The men were mercenaries, not assassins. The chance to inflict violence attracted more of them to the profession than the excellent money to be earned. For many, the suffering of others was the biggest attraction. They would have done what they did without the incentive of a bonus payment.

The men ended her mother with a sword to the belly. Then, they used Babette’s body to torment her father and sate their lust. She does not know how many men violated her, but she was dying of blood loss before they decided it was time to leave. They cut her father’s throat. One of them was approaching her with the bloodied knife when the bandits started to scream.

A man, dressed in finery, moved amongst them with unnatural speed. With a rapier in one hand and a red glow emanating from the other, he cut many bandits down while others collapsed, dead, without a wound.

Babette recognised the man. He was one of her father’s most important clients from Cyrodiil. She declined to tell me his name as he is still active in Tamriel’s politics.

When all the mercenaries lay dead, the man approached the dying child. He looked at Babette and said, “I am no mage, so I cannot use a spell to save your life, little one. But you need to survive to balance the scales of justice, so forgive me for what I now do.”

When the man’s mouth approached her neck, she thought he was another abuser. Then he bit her, and she remembered no more.

Days later, she woke in Bruma’s Sanctuary and became part of a new family called The Dark Brotherhood. It was explained that her saviour was a member of Cyrodiil’s Vampyrum Order, and she was now a vampire of the type that can pass for an ordinary mortal.

She stayed in Bruma’s Sanctuary till it was destroyed. Unlike other survivors, she did not head for Cheydinhal’s Sanctuary but joined the one in Corinth, Elsweyr.

When The Black Hand closed Corinth’s Sanctuary in 4E 188, Babette headed for Skyrim to join Astrid.

When I asked why she avoided Cheydinal, she said she feared getting a contract involving a Cyrodiil Vampyrum Order member. She admitted it was a baseless fear, for she doubted any of those vampires would meet her target criteria. However, if one did, it would shatter her confidence that some people are incorruptible.

You see, Babette will only kill abusers. Targets such as sexual deviants, wife beaters or slavers are acceptable to her. They represent the mercenaries that killed her friends and family. People targeted because they were rivals in love, politics, or business will never be contracts she fulfils. As her rescuer asked her to do, she is balancing the scales of justice.

Babette has one fear, and that is to die as a vampire, and Molag Bal claims her soul. Her chosen deity is Sithis, and she yearns to join him in The Void.

Babette accepted Astrid’s ways, thinking The Night Mother was lost. However, when Cicero and Hararyr offered the chance to resort to The Old Ways, she followed them to Dawnstar’s Sanctuary.”

• Wulf: Not all Cyrodiilic Vampires are like those of the Vampyrum Order. I am glad Babette was rescued by someone who adhered to their beliefs.
• Miraak: Why did the vampire leave Babette with The Dark Brotherhood?
• Gladys: It was the best chance for her to balance the scales of justice. A ten-year-old needs time to develop skills to do such balancing. That would have been impossible if Babette had pretended to be a child in a normal society.
• S’in: Did she kill the person who hired the mercenaries?
• Gladys: Yes. It was her first kill and the only time she did so without a contract. The hirer’s family were unaware of their matriarch’s dark tendencies and ruthless ambition. They wept for him, thinking he was an innocent victim of p[political and business games that others play. Babette did not shatter their illusion, for that would have harmed innocents.
• Wulf: If her soul is not dark, and I get the opportunity, I will offer mercy to Babette.
• Gladys: You can see into people’s souls?
• Wulf: Yes. I can also do it with gods, but that is not recommended. They are so foreign I almost went insane.
• Maro: I told you, Gladys, Lord Welkynd is unlike any person you have ever met.
• Gladys: Do not bother offering mercy to Cicero. His soul will be as black as coal.
• S’in: How hard was it to leave Hararyr’s victims behind?
• Gladys: Being deep undercover requires difficult choices. Your morality is often challenged, but the purpose for which you are there must be considered. That is why my sister and I have decided on a finite number of undercover assignments and shall alternate who accepts the task.
• Danerus: Your sister?
• Gladys: Yes, my identical twin sister, Sigunn. Who do you think would be the third party in our boot-knocking? I hope you were not expecting another male. I am not into that.
• Danerus: I am…no…not that there is anything wrong if consensual adults want to…ahh…umm…
• Gladys: You are so cute! How big are you?
• Danerus: I am six feet without boots or shoes.
• Gladys: No, not your height!
• Danerus: I have never measured it!
• Sigunn: Gladys, leave the poor lad alone. You are incorrigible after returning from an assignment.

I walked over to Sigunn, who was identical to her sister but wore a different coloured circlet.

• Wulf: Do you use the same surname as Gladys?
• Sigunn: Yes, I call myself Sigunn of The North. Do you know why Babette was willing to tell Gladys her life story?
• Wulf: She had something in common. You and Gladys are also orphans.
• Sigunn: How could you know that?
• Wulf: Logical deduction. You are orphans, or Gladys lied to gain Babette’s trust. I own several orphanages and know the bond between the children is strong. The same can be said for many shared experiences, such as being in a significant battle at some point.
• Sigunn: We are orphans and have something else in common with Babette.
• Wulf: You are not vampires. I could tell even if you were Cyrodiilic Vampires. So that leaves the method of how you became orphans. Your parents were murdered.
• Sigunn: Yes, by a band of roving bandits near Winterhold.
• Wulf: You are Nord, born in Skyrim or Bruma. However, you have spent many years in Anvil. The rounding of vowels is the clue.
• Mara: I also told you, Sigunn, Lord Welkynd is unlike anyone you have ever met.
• Sigunn: We were born in Winterhold and adopted by a couple that traded reagents and other items to The College of Winterhold for many years. It was the first time they visited, as it is a long voyage from Anvil, and we were fortunate they heard our story and adopted us.
• Wulf: You share the burden of deep undercover work with Gladys. I imagine having an identical twin would be helpful in other ways when working for The Penitus Oculatus.
• Sigunn: If one of us is being tailed, we enter a tavern on our chosen route. So, I would let Gladys know my route, and when I entered the tavern, she would be there, disguised and enjoying a few meads. Eventually, we would go to the privy and exchange clothes and disguises. Gladys would then continue with the tail in tow. I could then go to my destination without being followed. Gladys would end up somewhere innocent, such as a shrine, to the disappointment of those tailing her.
• Wulf: It has been an honour to meet you both. But we had better kill some assassins before Commander Maro worries himself to death.
• S’in: I think Danerus is keen to leave. His colour has returned to normal.
• Sigunn: Do you want us to bring any toys to our tryst, Danerus?
• Gladys: Perhaps some shackles? Thumb screws, maybe? How about a selection of whips?
• Danerus: Please, Wulf, rescue me!
• Wulf: If you have concerns, I can give you a potion to improve your stamina.
• Danerus: Wulf!
• Wulf: Gladys, please mark my map with the location of Dawnstar Sanctuary.

I handed the map to Gladys, who promptly marked it and handed it back.

I said, “Commander Maro, relax. If we find the client’s location, we shall try to capture them before they get wind of our actions. I shall keep you informed of our progress via the Corb.”

“People who meddle in Empire politics are often too scared to surrender.”

“Blackwell?”

“I not surprised you know of him.”

“I am surprised His Imperial Majesty allows such brutality.”

“When you are responsible for the welfare of hundreds of millions of people, you resort to drastic measures.”

“I will tell the client they need never meet Blackwell if they cooperate.”

“It would be worth a try.”

“Please, ignore my blank looks for a second. I need to talk to somebody who lives far away.”

“Do they have a Corb?”

“No, Commander, I do not need one for this.”

“Oh.”

I contacted Rigmor via Mara’s Rings.

“Good morning, beautiful lady.”

“I can sense your relief. Do you have more information about The Dark Brotherhood?”

“Yes, I know where the remaining assassins are. I will head to Dawnstar’s Sanctuary and wipe them out.”

“How many sanctuaries are there in Skyrim?”

“At one stage, there were four. Bruma only had one.”

“That is surprising considering how ruthless the political game is in Cyrodiil.”

“The Penitus Oculatus undercover agent escaped, and I just spoke to her. At least one member of The Elder Council is the client.”

“Arseholes! I have yet to meet a Councillor who cares for the people more than gold and prestige.”

“If I find the name of one or more of the arseholes, I will contact you again. It would be good to know more about them before meeting them.”

“Freathof and Malesam ensured I know all about each Elder Council member. They seemed to think it important I hear everything about their eligible sons and what an arranged marriage could do for Bruma.”

“Did you remind them that I am still alive?”

“Oh, this information might be crucial if you die. That is why I had to learn it, they said.”

“I can imagine them telling you, ‘Rigmor, Wulf is dead. You have had a day of mourning, so it is time to pick one of the replacements!’”

“If I selected quick enough, the marriage could occur on the same day as your funeral. Malesam would love the idea of saving coin!”

“Do I get a memorial?”

“Oh, nothing too expensive. What about a wooden albatross in Bruma’s city square?”

“Perfect!”

“If we pass around a donation plate at the funeral, we might even splash out on a marble albatross.”

“You are too kind.”

“Oh, I need to speak to you about Stormcloaks seen in nearby caves.”

“Okay, but I can only deal with one pack of arseholes at a time.”

“It can wait.”

“I love you.”

“And I love you.”

Gladys stared at me and remarked, “Your smile tells me you spoke to somebody close to your heart.”

“She owns my heart and soul.”

“Then survive for her sake, Lord Welkynd.”

“She has already watched me die once. It was not a pleasant experience for either of us. It was a pain in the neck!”

My squad members groaned. Nobody appreciates a good pun like close friends!

Sigunn asked, “Are you claiming that you have died and come back to life?”

“Yes, and The Void is a boring place. I do not understand why Dark Brotherhood members are keen to spend eternity there.”

Maro laughed and said, “Ladies, you need to read Lord Welkynd’s journals. Dying is the least of his accomplishments.”

We teleported to the entrance of Dawnstar. Although tempted to say hello to Akhari and the other Khajiiti, I decided it was best to head for Dawnstar’s Sanctuary in case snitches were watching.

Dawnstar’s weather can change in a heartbeat. A snowstorm rapidly gave way to sunshine as we walked.

We reached the entrance, but I heard my name being called before getting close.

“Lord Welkynd, please help!”

I drew my katana and looked in the direction of the plea. Three Morag Tong assassins were pursuing a person.

I ran to him, and he doubled over in pain.

He said, “Please, take the gem. Do not let them have it!”

He vomited blood, fell to the ground, and writhed in his death throws.

I did not have time to attempt healing the person before the Morag Tong attacked me.

I quickly cut them down. However, it was too late for the stranger. He had haemorrhaged from every orifice and was as pale as if a vampire had drained him.

I inspected his corpse and found a tiny pinprick on his neck. Amongst the blood seeping from his mouth was pungent-smelling foam.

A red glow emanated from his waist. I searched the body and found the gem he mentioned in a concealed pocket where the glow originated. I had to cut through cloth to reach it. I also recovered a bloodied letter.

I held the gem up and peered at the sun through it. Then I gasped and closed my fist around it.

• Miraak: He must have seen us in Dawnstar.
• S’in: He probably knew assassins were hunting him but took the chance, broke cover, and tried to reach you.
• Danerus: Morag Tong are not cheap to hire. The gem must be special.
• S’in: The poison they used would also have been expensive.
• Wulf: The Morag Tong fired a poison-tipped dart at him. It was not supposed to kill but immobilise and make him susceptible to suggestions. It is a form of truth serum. Its two main ingredients are Harrada and Daedra Spider Venom.
• Miraak: He must have reacted negatively to the Daedra Spider Venom.
• Danerus: Some people react to bee stings.
• Miraak: It is similar, but instead of suffocating like what happens to bee-sting victims, these unfortunate people haemorrhage. Blood pours from all their organs and, subsequently, from the body.
• Do’Qua’Der: Is the gem valuable? You seemed shocked when you inspected it.
• Wulf: I can sense Lord Akatosh’s and Lord Shor’s presence when holding the gem. There is only one logical conclusion. It contains the blood of Lord Akatosh and Lorkhan. The gem is a shard of the Chim-El-Adabal, aka The Red Diamond.
• Danerus: The central gem of The Amulet of Kings?
• Wulf: Yes. It was rumoured that chards of the Chim-El-Adabal were recovered after Lord Akatosh’s Avatar defeated Mehrunes Dagon. Members of The Imperial Cult swore to protect the shards. They have probably been handed down as heirlooms over many generations.
• Miraak: Like the parts of Mehrunes’ Razor you gathered were handed from generation to generation.
• Wulf: However, I have never read anything that suggests the Chim-El-Adabal glows.
• Miraak: I can see no glow.
• S’in: Either can I.
• Do’Qua’Der: Wulf, you can hear Word Walls, but nobody else can. Not even Miraak can hear them.
• Miraak: Could you see the glow through the deceased’s clothes?
• Wulf: Yes.
• Miraak: Then it is unlikely anybody else can see the glow. Otherwise, there would be no point in concealing it as he did. It is likely responding to you due to your bloodline.
• Wulf: That is logical. Perhaps the letter tells us more.

I handed the glowing shard to Miraak, who held it with reverence and showed more emotion than I had seen before. I read the letter aloud.

“The hope of The Empire and that of Mundus itself lies, in part, in your hands, good Byron. I fear that even now, our enemies prime their machinations against us. But these shards cannot fall into their hands. Reforming the Chim-El-Adabal is of the utmost importance if the rumours are true. Therefore, guard the shard well, and may Lord Akatosh protect you.

Guardian Theros.”

• Do’Qua’Der: Is the rumour about the weakening Liminal Barrier?
• Wulf: I think so.
• S’in: Could a reconstructed Amulet of The Kings strengthen The Liminal Barrier?
• Wulf: I carry Saint Alessia’s blood. Therefore, if I wore The Amulet of Kings and performed the ancient ceremony, The Dragonfires could be relit.  However, the current Liminal Barrier is not reliant on The Dragonfires, so I am unsure what would happen. 
• Miraak: A Daedric Prince could use The Amulet of Kings to destroy The Liminal Barrier.
• Wulf: That is correct.
• S’in: Wulf can destroy it without the amulet.
• Miraak: Yes, and he almost did so.

I have not spoken to anybody, even Rigmor, about my ability to use Creatia. I could do a lot more harm than destroy The Liminal Barrier. Father has never mentioned it, so I doubt The Divines know. Instinct tells me I am a far more complex and powerful mortal than my Divine blessings and bloodline explain. Instinct also instructs me to keep it a secret for now. Maybe the god I met in The Void has the answers.

I searched the Morag Tong. None of them carried a Writ of Execution. One of them had a blowpipe, several darts and a stoppered vial. When I opened the vial, the pungent odour of the poison was evident.

• Wulf: They are not carrying a Writ. I thought that was against their basic tenets.
• S’in: Do Writs sometimes provide clues about who the client is?
• Wulf: Yes. Occasionally, a Writ mentions the reason for the assassination. That information helps narrow down who the client may be.
• Do’Qua’Der: For instance, it might say, ‘Target failed to satisfy two women at once after lasting thirty seconds.’
• S’in: Poor Danerus.

Moments ago, I was fighting Morag Tong. Now I was laughing with my friends. That is the kind of chaos I can live with.

After a few seconds, I asked, “Silence, please, as I perform Arkay’s Rights for Byron. I have little doubt he is already in Aetherius, but I will ensure that is so.”

The squad fell silent. Therefore, my ritualistic chanting was supported by an orchestra of sea birds, grunting Horkers and the sound of breaking waves.

When I finished, I retrieved the Cord from my Journal Case and contacted Commander Maro.

“Lord Welkynd, have you wiped them out already?”

“No, Commander. I have not yet entered as Morag Tong delayed us.”

“Did somebody target you with a Grey Writ?”

“I was not the target. The Morag Tong carried no Writ, and their target died before I could save him. I guess a Daedric Cult hired them as the person they killed was carrying an artefact that could doom Nirn and is of religious significance. When I finish destroying The Dark Brotherhood, I must dedicate my time to dealing with this new threat.”

“Can The Penitus Oculatus assist?”

“If there are any suspected assassinations, let me know before others approach the crime scene.”

“Okay.”

Miraak handed me the shard, and I told him, “While I am inside, please take Byron’s body to The Temple of The Divines in Solitude. Ask them to keep his body in their Hall of The Dead till we find his family.”

“What about the Morag Tong?”

“Let the crabs and Slaughterfish have a feast. Toss them into the sea.”

“The others will remain while I do this task. We do not want assassins entering or leaving without you knowing.”

“Good idea.”

Standing close to the door, I wondered why The Penitus Oculatus never breached them. Countless people must have experienced the stupid heartbeat and moronic whispers over the years. Miners could have excavated either side of this door and Falkreath Sanctuary’s. Given time, I could bypass the questions and trigger the portal.

I have learned not to ponder the stupid for too long. It is another topic covered by gobblygook.

As with the other squad, the three Dragonguard watching laughed at the melodramatic heartbeat.

The door whispered, “What is life’s greatest illusion?”

I answered, “The one where the stage magician cuts a woman in half and then rejoins her.”

Nothing happened except my friends laughed long and loud.

I had to step away and then approach the door again.

It whispered, “What is life’s greatest illusion?”

I replied, “Innocence, my Brother.”

I received an unenthusiastic “Welcome home.” Then, I was teleported to the other side of the door.

As with Falkreath Sanctuary, there was no alarm to tell inhabitants that anybody had entered.

I used Heat Vision but knew it would not show the spectres of long-dead assassins.

I was able to surprise many of the spectres. If I did not, they soon perished anyway.

Not far into the sanctuary, I came upon The Night Mother.

An unfamiliar being tried to talk to me via telepathy. I could not discern if it was Aedra, Daedra, mortal or some other form of god, such as Sithis.

I said aloud, “Lord Sithis or Lady Mephala or whoever you are, I represent order, so I have no interest in conversing with agents of chaos. This abomination before me will soon be destroyed. If my fires are not hot enough, I am sure the heat of an active volcano will suffice. Not Red Mountain, of course.”

The being battered against my mind barriers for some distance. That did not bother me as I continued my culling.

Spectres and mortals fell quickly and in surprising numbers. There were more assassins than I expected.

A recent painting of a dragon attack amused me. The farm depicted was one outside of Whiterun’s gates. No dragon attacked Whiterun. The painter should have chosen a historically correct location.

Despite the number of kills, my progress had been almost silent.

I came upon a person staring into infinity. It is a habit shared by more people than Rigmor and me.

The armour was different to what all the other assassins wore. I surmised it was The Listener.

I snuck up to the person and thrust my sword through chair, armour and body.

The chair toppled and the assassins body fell to its side.

It was The Listener, and I found the ingredients for Jarin Root Poison upon his corpse. His armour had exceptional stealth dweomer and would probably make a good museum exhibit. However, I did not have the time or desire to undress a corpse in the middle of enemy territory.

I removed Hararyr’s mask. He may have claimed to be a Nord, but I would bet a Sweetroll that one of his parents was Imperial.

I retrieved a journal, and here are the relevant entries.

“The Night Mother asked me to meet Amaund Motierre in the dungeon known as Volunruud. He shall provide details of the contract and payment.

Amaund Motierre was introduced to me as a member of The Elder Council. As The Night Mother indicated, he wants The Dark Brotherhood to kill several people, all leading to a primary target. We are to kill Emperor Titus Mede II!

Amaund paid half our fee. The other half will be forthcoming upon completion. Even the wealthiest member of The Elder Council would find it hard to produce such a sum. I doubt he is financing this contract alone.

Upon completing the contract, I will meet Amaund at the same location.

Talos is no longer my god, yet I still need to avenge him. Amaund’s bodyguard is an Imperial Captain. Alas, I am constrained by the tenets of The Dark Brotherhood. Therefore, my desire to slaughter an enemy of Talos was not sated.”

I contacted Rigmor via Mara’s Rings.

“I have not finished emptying this sanctuary yet. However, I have the name of one Elder Council Member.”

“Come on, spill the beans!”

“Amaund Motierre.”

“That little weasel! The Motierre family have been Chorrol nobility for thousands of years. They have had the occasional bad egg, but most have been law-abiding citizens. They are charitable and well-liked.”

“Can you detail some of the bad eggs?”

“Ask me later, as I will have to pick Freathof’s brains. Malesam plays political games well, but Freathof is intrigued by the skeletons in each noble family’s closet.”

“Why would Freathof care about necromancers?”

“You know very well what I mean, Dragonbum.”

“Okay, I had better get back to the killing.”

“Not long ago, you were shocked by something. Please tell me about it the next time we speak.”

“Yes, Countess. I am but your humble gigolo.”

“There are some very handsome ones in The Imperial City. I think Bruma is the only major city without a red-light district.”

“They are a necessity in port cities.”

“I wonder if gigolos get paid by the inch?”

“How do you think I became so wealthy?”

“Yeah, right. Pffft!”

There was more killing before I found my main quarry.

Cicero and Babette were in a room with four torture victims shackled to the walls.

I stood before Cicero. He did not reach for his twin blades, and my katana remained sheathed.

Babette was lying flat, and I assumed she was dead. Another assassin lay dead near her. I guess it may have been Hararyr’s fellow torturer.

One of the tortured recognised me and groaned, “Thank The Divines. I knew you would not leave us here, Lord Welkynd.”

I recognised the man. He is Graggar, a street vendor from Dawnstar. Selling me a hot pie seemed to have earned him Hararyr’s wrath.

I replied, “Graggar, I will end this, and you can go home.”

Cicero added, “Yes, Graggar. You shall go home and remember Cicero’s apology. This torture, or any torture, is not The Old Way.”

“Do you know who I am, Cicero?”

“Oh yes, The Fool of Hearts had read your exploits whilst on that ship and since being in Skyrim.”

“Astrid was right to question the wisdom of accepting the contract with Amaund.”

“Mother accepted the contract. Cicero could not disobey Mother. No, no, that would not and could not happen. No, no, no.”

“Is that Initiate Ondiri?”

“The Dragonborn knows many things. The fake Initiate was an excellent spy and thief.”

“She is a courageous woman. Be assured your journals will not be forgotten, Cicero. They are a useful timeline of The Dark Brotherhood’s demise and will be copied for distribution.”

“Yes, that is Ondiri. Babette waited till you started killing, then ran here and did her own. The Un-Child would not kill The Listener, for that would be blasphemous. But Ondiri was an insult to The Old Ways. What they did was unjust, and Babette had fought for centuries to balance the scales of justice.”

“The shackled skeletons and torture equipment suggest it was part of The Old Ways.”

“We found many skeletons in different rooms. Most likely, they once belonged to the dead assassins who are now spectres. They hung them up to scare the innocent victims they snatched from the streets. The equipment is easy to purchase if you know where to ask.”

“What happened to Babette?”

“She did The Black Sacrament. She was both the client and the target. Suicide by an assassin has been done before. The Listener said Mother wanted me to fulfil the contract. But I could not stab my friend, and Babette knew this. The Un-Child had been preparing since Falkreath Sanctuary was eliminated and made two poisons. She poured one of them onto my dagger’s blade. It was one of the few brews that can harm vampires. Alas, she did not leave you the recipe. I scratched Babette’s arm, hardly enough to draw blood. The poison rapidly ended Babette’s time in Mundus and fulfilled the contract. She managed to lie down with my assistance and then drifted away. Molag Bal had been denied her soul, and the Un-Child smiled as she approached The Void.”

“And the other poison?”

“A different one for Cicero. It is not for use against The Dragonborn. No, it was for Cicero to greet The Dread Lord without bloody holes or a missing head. The Fool of Hearts also dislikes pain. It has allowed us to talk and perhaps complete the last chapter of my journals. I thanked the Un-Child for her thoughtful gift.”

“You are speaking more coherently than I expected.”

“Sanity comes hand in hand with death. Perhaps The Dragonborn has a theory of why this may be?”

“Perhaps it is to avoid you unwittingly desiring eternity in The Shivering Isles. That can sometimes divert your soul to Lord Sheogorath’s realm.”

“Cicero likes that. It makes sense, which has been a rarity for many years.”

Cicero’s breathing became rapid, and tremors shook his body.

“The Void approaches quickly. Is there singing in The Void? Surely, The Dread Lord will at least allow poor Cicero to caper…”

Cicero fell to his knees, a look of wonder on his face.

He whispered, “The dark. The silence. The Void is more beautiful than I imagined.”

Cicero slouched. His last words were, “Coming…Mother…”

As he toppled backwards, one of his blades came loose and clattered next to him. I wonder how many souls it had sent to The Void.

I found his description of The Void disturbingly accurate. There is a beauty to the utter darkness and silence. You have the same experience with the Ethereal Plane, but it seems cold and lifeless. The occasional illuminated soul that passes in The Void makes it seem bustling with life.

I examined Cicero and scanned for his soul. He was dead. Some potions can fool even the best physicians, but not a Ningheim.

I looked at Babette. I have Cyrodiilic Vampire children in my orphanages, and they are indistinguishable from mortal children. Those bitten by Volkihar vampires are less fortunate. The ancient vampire looked no older than the ten years of mortality she enjoyed. The thought of animals abusing her threatened to bring my Dovah to the fore. But my rage was as great as his, so he remained in his place.

I summoned the squad.

I said, “Miraak, heal these people. S’in, Do’Qua’Der and Danerus help them to get dressed, as they will be weak even after healing.  The squad is then to accompany them to Dawnstar. Here are some coins for them to book passage home. I know where the client is. I will summon you in about 45 minutes.”

I handed Miraak the bag of coins.

As S’in undid his shackles, Graggar said, “This is no fault of yours, Lord Welkynd.”

I replied, “Logically, it is not. But as my friends will tell you, that means little to me. You were all harmed because you knew me. That is a fact.”

“Everybody in Skyrim knows you.”

“More logic. I would rather you get well so I can purchase more pies.”

Graggar laughed but instantly regretted it as his merriment was answered with pain.

I contacted Rigmor via Mara’s Rings.

She remarked, “You are a bundle of different emotions rolled into one chaotic mess.”

“There are reasons we shall discuss when you are in my arms tonight. I have to clarify some things before then.”

“As long as I am home by nine tomorrow morning.”

“That can be accomplished if you stop molesting me in time.”

“We shall see. Anyway, I have some interesting facts about the not-so-squeaky-clean Motierre family.”

“Freathof came up with the goods.”

“I laughed when he looked through piles of scrolls and loose documents while muttering about creating a catalogue.”

“Auryen’s way of cataloguing is genius. Perhaps Freathof can take a nice airship ride and learn how it is done.”

“He would love that!”

“Okay, what did he find?”

“The Motierre family arrived in Chorrol between 2E 200 and 2E 250. When Chorrol was destroyed during the Sundering of 2E 579, the Motierres were some of the only residents who refused to leave. They were instrumental in financing the rebuilding of Chorrol’s Weynon Priory.”

“They sound squeaky clean so far.”

“A few years before The Alliance War…ah…when was that?”

“2E 582.”

“Well, a few years before then, just after the Sundering, Mirabelle Motierre grew bored with being rich and having an easy life. She strangled her handmaiden with an exquisite golden chain, left the estate and joined the Gold Coast branch of The Dark Brotherhood.”

“Not just a black sheep but a pitch-black sheep!”

“She infiltrated Anvil Castle by pretending to be a simple serving girl. In 2E 582, she assassinated Governor Fortunata ap Dugal. The Order of the Hour’s Black Dragon killed her soon after. Count Carolus Aquilarios of Kvatch was the client who hired The Dark Brotherhood.”

“Governor Fortunata ap Dugal was a pirate and leader of The Red Sails. She seized control of Anvil after murdering the appointed nobility. She was not a nice person!”

“The next skeleton in the closet was Francois Motierre. He borrowed money from a criminal organisation at stupidly high interest rates. When he defaulted on a debt, he knew they would kill him. So, he contacted The Dark Brotherhood but not to organise an assassination. He wanted them to fake his death. They told him they would do so but needed a soul for Sithis and prepayment of a hefty fee. Francois performed The Black Sacrament to provide the soul. The victim was his mother.”

“The assassins sent to kill him would want to confirm his death, so I assume he was stabbed with a blade covered in poison plus Langourwine. That would keep him alive, but he would only breathe once or twice an hour, and his heart would only pump every quarter of an hour.”

“Well, whatever was done, he survived and fled Cyrodiil. Freathof does not know where he went.”

“Is that it?”

“Yep.”

“Well, two arseholes in that amount of time does not a crooked family make.”

“Now there are three!”

“I have killed every assassin in Dawnstar’s Sanctuary. However, there is one more thing I must do.”

“Which is?”

“Destroy The Night Mother.”

“She is the woman who sacrificed five children.”

“Yep. Now, The Night Mother is a dried-out husk in a large sarcophagus. An uninterrupted stream of magical fire should destroy her.”

“Where is Motierre?”

“He and his turncoat Imperial Legionnaire are hiding in Volunruud. It is the burial tomb of Kvenel the Tongue, a Nord hero during The Dragon War. When discussing possible dig sites, Auryen told me Knevel’s spirit is restless, and numerous Draugrs guard him. Several historians and tomb robbers have died there. So, if the tomb is intact, I doubt Amaund would travel far into it. If the tomb has been robbed, it could take some time to find him.”

“Why would Knevel’s spirit be restless?”

“He probably wants to go to Sovngarde, but something holds him back. Sometimes, the spirit of a warrior wants death in combat after they passed away from age or disease.”

“Talk to me after you have ended the traitor’s life.”

“You know I will try and offer mercy. Others think that a fear of Lord Chancellor Blackwell will stop them from surrendering.”

“Blackwell has this way of staring at you, suggesting he suspects you of committing heinous crimes. But then he turns his gaze on somebody else, and you sigh in relief.”

“Next time he does it, poke out your tongue and go cross-eyed.”

“Haha.”

I glanced at Babette one more time. She would be burned, along with the other assassins.

Miraak’s healing allowed the kidnapped victims to dress without assistance. Graggar was the only one I recognised. The most likely reason is he is the only one who spoke to me in the past.

I went to The Night Mother as the squad waited for them to finish dressing so they could be accompanied to Dawnstar.

I stood before her, and something battered against my mind barrier once again.

I did a quick test burn. When I finished, the corpse was automatically repaired.

I said, “Dragonfire is hotter, but I can only do it in short bursts. So, I will use a continuous stream of normal flames to destroy you. The concave back of your sarcophagus will act as a lens and concentrate any radiated heat. As the temperature rises, I predict I will cause more damage than be healed. Eventually, you will be destroyed.”

The beating on my barrier became more intense and rapid as the heat rose. Twelve minutes later, the beating stopped, and The Night Mother vanished in a cloud of oily, black smoke.

I closed the sarcophagus. It will make a suitable exhibit for my museum.

I exited before contacting Commander Maro via the Corbs.

“Good news, Commander Maro. I have killed everybody in Dawnstar’s Sanctuary. I also destroyed The Night Mother.”

“Do you know who the client is and where you can find him?”

“The contact with The Dark Brotherhood is an Elder Council Member called Amaund Motierre. He is hiding in an ancient Nord tomb called Volunruud. I will soon arrive there to ruin his day.”

“The Motierre’s are a long-standing noble house of good repute.”

“Yes, I had somebody check their history for me. I do not know how much Amaund paid for the contract, but The Listener thought it was more money than one noble house could afford.”

“So, Amaund might be a member of an alliance that wants Mede dead.”

“Indeed, and each alliance member might have a different reason to desire His Imperial Majesty’s death.”

“Let us hope you find enough information to stay Blackwell’s hand.”

“I doubt our Emperor will allow Blackwell to harm any Motierre family members without evidence. And I mean evidence not obtained via incarceration or torture.”

“If you were Blackwell, how would you go about such an investigation?”

“I have a plan, but it requires His Imperial Majesty’s permission. If Blackwell is as observant as others claim, he should call for a meeting of The Elder Council. Then he should announce that an attempted assassination was thwarted and that we have several people in custody, including members of The Dark Brotherhood and senior Cyrodiil nobles.”

“That plan would work best if the news of the failed attempt has not reached co-conspirators before then.”

“We may have to wait for our Emperor to arrive. Then a dragon can fly me close to The Imperial City in a couple of hours, and I will travel the rest of the way on foot. When I meet Blackwell, he need not know who I am. Mede will have some way of proving to Blackwell that I am there on his behalf. A sealed message from our Emperor will provide Blackwell with the information needed.”

“Penitus Oculatus agents are forbidden to speak of our work. Nobody will know of The Dark Brotherhood’s demise. The only possible exception is Riften’s Thieves Guild.”

“This is all speculative as we do not know when our Emperor will arrive.”

“Yes, of course.”

“As with Falkreath Sanctuary, I suggest your agents thoroughly search Dawnstar’s. Now, I had better corner the rat and see if he squeals.”

The squad would be busy escorting the released captives for at least another half an hour. I looked at the light reflecting on the sea’s surface and smiled at a memory. There is a wisdom in Rigmor that few of her age would possess. She is only eighteen years of age and sometimes looks younger. The Dominion, Thalmor and New Order denied Rigmor her adolescence. Her responsibilities as Countess deny her a delayed adolescence.

My mind turned to the Chim-El-Adabal. Somebody knew Bryson was a Guardian. Do they know who all the Guardians are? What kind of resources were needed to find that information? I will face a powerful individual or group adversary when gathering the shards.

I buried the shard in the sand and could see it glowing even when it was two feet under. I then walked away. After fifteen feet, the glow stopped. When I approached, it started again. I retrieved the shard and placed it in my gem bag.

The glow would be helpful when locating the shards. However, it may also alert others that somebody nearby must be causing the shard to glow.

I stared at the lights upon the water once more.

Half an hour after leaving the sanctuary, I teleported to Heljarchen Hall. When I summoned the squad, it took five minutes for them to accept the summons.

• Wulf: Is everything arranged?
• Miraak: Yes. I informed Priestess Frier that Byron died protecting us all, which is true. He will be embalmed and ready for transport to whoever claims his remains.
• Wulf: And the released prisoners?
• S’in: We aided them in booking passage home by ship or carriage. Graggar will use some coins to buy fresh ingredients to make pies again.
• Wulf: It will take a few hours to reach Volunruud, but the scenery is pleasant.
• Do’Qua’Der: I do not think this snowstorm will allow us to enjoy the view.

Despite the snow, I found the walk refreshing. I have avoided the need to rush around like a headless chicken for a few days, and I am now fully recovered from my trip through The Void.

When we reached Volunruud, a pack of wolves was battling Draugr.

We rushed over and aided our furry allies.

We entered Volunruud and found a dead Nord near the entrance. Miraak and I examined his body.

• Wulf: What do you think, Miraak?
• Miraak: Despite the ancient Nord axe near him, he died from a dagger to the back.
• Wulf: He has been dead for two or three days. He is either a victim of The Listener or Amaund’s bodyguard.
• S’in: There are many skeletons here.
• Wulf: Volunruud was, and probably still is, guarded by many Draugr.

A book lay next to the body. Its title was ‘Heddic Volunaar’s on Knevel the Tongue’s Tomb.’ I read the relevant entries to the group.

“I was sceptical, but it is obvious now. The old hymns had truth to them! The relief was not far from the entrance, just as they said. I do not doubt that it hides the entrance to Kvenel’s tomb.

The two keys must be hidden nearby – ceremonial replicas of Okin and Eduj, favoured weapons when Kvenel went into battle. However, I do not dare explore further without hiring bodyguards to accompany me. To think – The Tongue Chieftain Kvenel could be entombed behind just a few feet of stone! The ancestor we scarcely believed was real.

Twice damned for planning this foolish scouting trip. I should have hired those sellswords in the first place. Perhaps there is no need. This place is just a tomb with no apparent signs of habitation. It is not as though the long-deceased dead will mind if I have a look around.”

• Wulf: Many people have died in this tomb. It seems Heddic did not do enough research.
• Do’Qua’Der: Did he think all these skeletons were of awkward people who tripped over and mutilated themselves?
• S’in: Perhaps he thought that being a relative might protect him.
• Wulf: Auryen said Kvenel’s spirit haunts this place, and I think I know why.
• Danerus: Perhaps he dislikes tomb robbers?
• Wulf: Many entombed beings are content to be dead and trust their guards to stop tomb robbers. I do not think Kvenel died in battle. Does that provide a clue, Danerus?
• Danerus: If he were a Nord warrior, he would still go to Sovngarde. However, he might want one final battle before crossing over.
• Miraak: If a person can survive his guards, they would be a worthy opponent.
• Wulf: Yes, that is what I think. I would gladly send him on his way.
• S’in: Where are the traitors?
• Wulf: The tomb is intact, as Heddic found the doors to Kvenel’s burial chamber still sealed. So, the traitors will not be far from the entrance. Heat Vision will find them. Let me approach them alone when we do.

As predicted, Arnaud and his bodyguard were in a chamber close to the entrance.

I used a hand signal to inform the squad I had found them. They stayed a distance behind me as I opened the door to the chamber.

I entered alone and stopped about fifteen feet from the pair.

• Rexus: Do not approach closer, or I will cut you down!
• Wulf: I killed every member of The Black Brotherhood, apart from two who committed suicide, without assistance.
• Rexus: Bullshit!
• Wulf: A turncoat Lieutenant dares to question my integrity. You must be incredibly stupid not to recognise who I am.
• Arnaud: Rexus, that is Lord Welkynd, The Dragonborn.
• Rexus: He is but one man.
• Wulf: Thousands of enemies have fallen to my Thu’um, magic and sword. What makes you think you could harm me?
• Arnaud: You would last seconds, Rexus.
• Wulf: Less than that, Councillor Amaund Motierre.

Rexus reached for his sword. I used my Thu’um, and dust and rocks fell from the ceiling.

“TOUCH YOUR SWORD, AND YOU WILL DIE BEFORE IT IS HALFWAY OUT OF ITS SHEATH!”

Miraak asked, “Do you have to kill them?”

I replied, “We haven’t finished discussing their options.”

“Do you mind hurrying? We are quite hungry.”

• Arnaud: Are there Dragonguard with you?
• Wulf: Yes, but I wanted to speak to you without you shitting your pants out of fear. Little did I know your turncoat friend would be so stupid.
• Rexus: Who are you calling stupid?
• Wulf: And there is proof of my assessment. Anyway, Councillor Amaund Motierre, here is my deal. Cooperate with me, and Lord Chancellor Blackwell need not get involved.
• Arnaud: They will not let me live!
• Wulf: Yes, your life is forfeit. However, you can die with all digits attached and no scars or let Blackwell carve the truth out of you. He won’t stop even if you have told him everything. Cooperation would also save your family and any others you care about from the wrath of Blackwell. Rexus would face a court martial. The outcome of that will most likely be death.
• Arnaud: How can you guarantee that Blackwell will leave me and my family alone?
• Wulf: I am Champion of The Divines and a confidant of His Imperial Majesty. I swear on The Nine that Blackwell will not be involved if you speak the truth.
• Arnaud: I think we should accept his offer, Rexus.

Rexus yelled, “Why wait? Let me help you spill your guts now!”

Quicker than most opponents I have faced, Rexus drew his sword and gutted Amaund.

I was so confident I allowed Rexus to outdraw me. Once more, I tried talking instead of just paralysing and trussing up my quarry. Once again, my desire to negotiate lost the chance to gain crucial knowledge.

Amaund screamed and, while trying to stop his insides from spilling out, ran to a corner of the chamber.

Rexus did not try and defend himself against me. His only objective was silencing Amaund.

Rexus killed Amaund.

I killed Rexus.

With a lot of Thu’um, so everybody knew I stuffed up, I yelled, “FUCK!”

As I searched the corpses, my friends walked into the chamber.

From Arnaud, I retrieved his Elder Council Amulet. Blackwell would love to have that and show it to the other councillors at a meeting. That was the only thing of use.

I stood aside and let my friends view my mistake.

• Wulf: I should have paralysed them and then trussed them up. That would have been the better way to discuss a deal.
• S’in: Miraak, Wulf thinks he should be perfect and never make mistakes.
• Miraak: Yes, I gathered that from his journals. It is a bit irreverent.
• S’in: Indeed, even gods make mistakes.
• Miraak: Does Wulf think he is superior to The Nine?
• S’in: It does seem that way. Therefore, he will mope about this outcome while ignoring everything he accomplished.
• Danerus: Wulf’s actions saved His Imperial Majesty and others. That is a cause for celebration, not frowns.
• Do’Qua’Der: Rigmor would ask Wulf to bend over so she could twist his ear for being an idiot.
• Wulf: Okay. I get the picture. All of you have a tiny fraction of Rigmor’s nagging power! Plus, you are missing one hand on the hips while the other is pointing at me and occasionally wagging along with barbed facts.
• Danerus: What now?
• Wulf: I cannot leave this place without sending Kvenel to his afterlife. Before that, I must contact Commander Maro and Rigmor.

I retrieved my Corb and held it before me. Maro soon answered.

“Amaund was about to surrender. His bodyguard cut him down. I killed the bodyguard.”

“Pity. The traitors’ testimonies would have saved time.”

“I did retrieve Arnaud’s Elder Council Amulet.”

“Blackwell will find a use for that.”

“I will give it to you soon. I have decided to clear this tomb of Draugr and send Kvenel the Tongue to Sovngarde. Too many people have died trying to retrieve his artefacts.”

“Okay.”

I put the Corb away and then spoke to my beloved via Mara’s Rings.

“Amaund and his bodyguard are dead. We are going to clear this tomb. Then I will visit Maro and then Father.”

“You will talk to me about the new issue later, won’t you?”

“Yes, I just need some clarification first.”

“Will Lord Talos provide that clarification?”

“Probably not, but he should at least confirm my suspicion about what the shard is.”

“Be careful.”

“Aren’t I always?”

“Ahh…no…not even most of the time.”

There is not much to say about Volunruud. We killed Draugr and Skeletons, retrieved the ceremonial weapons, and stood before the door leading to Kvenel’s crypt.

I placed the ceremonial weapons into their niches.

The doors automatically unlocked and swung open.

I was not interested in talking to Kvenel, so I hit him with Unrelenting Force the moment I saw him. I then Blinked to him and finished him off.

His two weapons, Eduj, a one-handed sword, and Okin, a war axe, were well made. However, the dweomer on them was weak compared to what I placed on our weapons. Auryen will be pleased to put replicas on display.

I asked Miraak, “Can you hear the Word Wall?”

“No, and I do not think it will teach me a Word of Power.”

“And why is that?”

“Gobblygook.”

The Word Wall was in a room below.

It tried to teach me Laas, which means life. It is the first Word of the Aura Whisper Shout. I already knew the Word of Power and the Shout.

• Wulf: Do you want to read the inscription, Miraak?
• Miraak: Nau daar revak golt drey Fredo zahrahmiik ek laas ful tol ek pogaan kiir filok ahrk osos sul qahnaar ek hokoron.
• S’in: It is a very harsh language.
• Miraak: I think it sounds better in the deep baritone of a dragon.
• S’in: What does it mean in Tamrielic?
• Miraak: I will leave that to Wulf. It is a complex language to translate.
• Wulf: Roughly, it says, ‘On this sacred ground did Fredo sacrifice her life so that her many children could escape and someday vanquish her enemy.’
• Do’Qua’Der: I wonder what they were doing in Volunruud?
• Wulf: Visiting the children’s Grandfather, Papa Draugr.
• Miraak: It will never improve, will it?
• Danerus: For humour to improve, it must be humour to start with.
• Miraak: True. So, we are doomed.

I teleported us to the Penitus Oculatus compound.

We entered and found Commander Maro in his room.

I held out Arnaud’s Elder Council Amulet and said, “I hope that suffices. I can return with his head if you want.”

“I assure you the amulet and the letter he sent to Astrid will suffice.”

“I shall write a report for you as soon as possible.”

We then teleported to Aurane.

I thanked the squad for their assistance, then willed myself into my Aetherius Room.

Father appeared without me summoning him. He then pointed to a table.

I sat opposite him.

“Please, Son, hand me the shard.”

I placed the shard in his hand. He closed it and his eyes and remained silent for several seconds. Then he handed it back to me.

I asked, “How did you know I had the shard?”

“I did not. Lord Akatosh detected it when you entered Aetherius.”

“Is it part of the Chim-El-Adabal?”

“Yes. If a Daedric Prince’s minions reconstructed The Red Diamond, The Liminal Barrier would become endangered.”

“Historians say Imperial Cult Members recovered five shards.”

“We do not know how many pieces there were. Lord Akatosh quickly abandoned his avatar after the battle with Mehrunes Dagon.”

“Could it be used to relight the Dragonfires?”

“Yes, if Lord Akatosh gave you the extra blessing required. However, that would not be advisable. The Liminal Barrier now relies on metaphysics that are incompatible with the Dragonfires, and they would nullify each other.”

“The Liminal Barrier would drop?”

“Yes.”

“Would a reconstructed Amulet of the Kings have any use apart from its symbolic nature?”

“Only those with Saint Alessia’s bloodline could wear it. It may interact with The White Gold Tower to reinforce it. Unfortunately, it will not contain the memories of past Emperors. I found those most useful. Lord Akatosh would like to restore it because, as you said, it symbolises his pact with your mother.”

“Were you talking to him when you closed your eyes?”

“We do not talk. We combined thoughts, and all Nine of us participated. Millions of scenarios were emulated, and suggestions were evaluated. We have discussed the phenomena before.”

“Major gobblygook!”

“Much of it is gobblygook to me. I am still trying to catch up to those created with this knowledge.”

“You will become the most powerful Divine.”

“Oh, and why is that?”

“You are not an et-Ada who had to sacrifice much of your power to create Nirn and Mundus.”

“The other eight agree with you, but I am sceptical.”

“You have confirmed the shard’s identity but do not know how many there were.”

“We do not know how many or who has them.”

“Okay, when The Divines do not know, ask Auryen.”

“Is that a new mantra?”

“Newish.”

“Lady Mara insisted I make you understand that recovering the shards takes priority over Evermore.”

“I do not know when His Imperial Majesty will arrive. But he will understand.”

“He is an excellent Emperor. It seems a pity he may be the last of the Mede bloodline to sit The Ruby Throne.”

“Father, can you see the shard glowing?”

“No. If you can, it is another mystery for The Nine to ponder. If gods could get ulcers, we would all be in pain.”

“I have another that I have not mentioned.”

“Son, something went astray when you tried to summon Lord Shor. We do not know if your ability to use Creatia is a result of that or interference from an external source or a random ability from the combination of your parents’ bloodlines.”

“You knew about it?”

“Sometimes, Son, you transmit your emotions so strongly we inadvertently catch your thoughts. It does not happen often, and we doubt it can be prevented. These transmitted thoughts often cause me to worry and pace the floor like any mortal father. I could do without them!”

“I had better reduce the cursing if I stub my toe or suffer similar trauma.”

“Alessia and I tried to improve your humour. Alas, we failed miserably.”

“We need to help Mother defeat Molag Bal!”

“Yes, so you must solve this new problem. Therefore, you had better speak to Auryen immediately.”

“Only after a hug!”

Father stood, and we hugged. Aetherius is the only place that is possible. His avatar on Nirn is uncomfortable to touch. Each hug reminds me of my cherished childhood. Then he and Mother were flesh and bone for eighteen years. That could only be achieved because they were once mortals.

It did not take long to locate Auryen after teleporting into the museum.

“Greetings, Auryen. This place was busy the other day. I bet you are relieved when you eventually close the doors.”

He enthusiastically said, “It is so fulfilling to see the large number of patrons coming through the door, don’t you think?”

“Wonderful. Now, what do you make of this?”

I handed him the shard and waited. Auryen is an expert on gems and minerals, so I was interested in hearing his conclusion. He spent at least five minutes holding it up to the light, feeling its weight in the palm of his hand and peering at it through a magnifying glass.

Eventually, he returned it to me, saying, “I have no idea what mineral that is! What do you think?”

“I know what it is. It is a shard of the Chim-el Adabal.”

I enjoyed Auryen’s reaction. It made me feel less idiotic about being awestruck earlier. He looked stunned and remained silent for several seconds. Then the excitement, the adrenaline rush he gets from discovery and mystery, kicked in.

Auryen asked, “How do you know it is a shard of The Red Diamond?”

“When I hold it, I can detect the presence of Lord Akatosh and Lorkhan. I also asked Father. The Nine had a conference and confirmed what it was. Also, there is this note I retrieved from a man killed by the Morag Tong.”

I handed Byron’s letter to Auryen. He nodded his head as he read it. His unparalleled knowledge of history was filling in the details. He asked me, “Is there anything you need to know?”

“How many shards are there? Reports I read said there were five.”

“Everything I have read says there were five shards which The Imperial Cult has safeguarded.”

“That charitable organisation’s membership has decreased dramatically over the centuries.”

“Yes, they became more of an underground organisation. After the invasion of the White-Gold Tower and the signing of the White-Gold Concordat, the shards were lost. Many assume The Dominion has them.”

“But your network of relic hunters and collectors suspect otherwise. The Moth Priests have yet to return all Elder Scrolls to The White Gold Tower. They are not convinced it is secure enough. When The Dominion occupied The Imperial City, The Imperial Cult likely removed the shards and have not returned them for the same reason.”

“Yes. The shards are rumoured to be passed between ‘guardians’ who would protect them until a means of supposedly reforming The Amulet of Kings is found.”

“Instincts tell me that would require the assistance of a dragon or even Lord Akatosh himself. I did not ask Father because it was not something he would answer. He did say that Lord Akatosh is keen to reconstruct the relic.”

“Do you think people working for a Daedric Prince are seeking these fragments?”

“If a Daedric Prince is involved, there are a handful of likely candidates. We shall keep an open mind on their involvement until we can prove that a Dark Lord is behind this. It could simply be an ambitious mortal seeking to use what powers lie within the shards. We can only speculate at this stage.”

“Fair point.”

“According to Byron’s letter, The Imperial Cult is acting upon a rumour. They fear their unnamed enemy is up to no good and that The Amulet of Kings is required to thwart their evil plans. That rumour is a fact. Since Alduin’s return, The Liminal Barrier has been weakening. Father does not think a reconstructed amulet can strengthen the barrier. I know for certain it could be used to destroy it.”

“Yes, the weakening barrier was one of the more disturbing revelations in your unredacted journal.”

“What happened to the shards is not known by The Divines. Therefore, I am going to rely on you, Auryen.”

“I will start some research immediately.”

“I might ask Urag to see what he can find, but I need some rest first.”

“This is far more important than the search for a relic.”

“Auryen, this is the most important research you have ever undertaken!”

“Let us meet tomorrow morning. Hopefully, I have found something useful by then.”

“Agreed.”

I teleported to Aurane and then summoned Rigmor.

I had our meals delivered to my rooms. We discussed The Red Diamond as we ate.

When we retired to bed, we forgot everything else for hours. My universe contained one other soul, Rigmor’s.

I do not know what time I fell asleep. I know I travelled elsewhere in time and place.

I watched my daughter approach. In many ways, she mirrors Rigmor. Lucky for me, she does not yet have my beloved’s temper.

She stood before me, and I could not decide if she had more freckles than yesterday.

“Father, are you trying to count my freckles again?”

“No, that is impossible. By the time I have finished counting, a bazillion more would have popped up.”

“Is bazillion even a word?”

“Your mother said it was, so it is.”

“When do you leave for the frontline, Father?”

“Tomorrow. Therefore, we had better hurry to tea and spend a few hours calming your mother.”

“She frets so when you are away.”

“We are fighting mortals, so there is little to fear.”

“When will there be the peace we have been promised?”

“It was not a promise. It is a possibility. When you started getting premonitions, the theory was explained to you.”

“You and Mother thought we would obtain it years before now.”

“We still got to watch you run through our wheat with Meeko in tow.”

“I should take comfort in that.”

“Yes, for part of what was foreseen came to pass. The rest will follow.”

“I will beat you to the palace!”

My daughter sprinted ahead, and I pretended to struggle to keep up. My family mirrors those of myriad others. They are what I fight for. The quicker we defeat our enemies, the sooner soldiers can put away their weapons and armour and return home to their families and friends.

I awoke and listened to Rigmor talking while she was asleep. I only had her part of a conversation to ponder, but it was enough. Her foresight was of the same future time as mine.

“Doesn’t Sir Weirdo look resplendent in that armour?”

“Okay, enough procrastinating. Kiss your father goodbye.”

“Yes, you can watch till he exits the city gates. However, after that, your lessons will be as usual, starting with algebra.”

Rigmor went silent. Her premonition was over.

I held my beloved tight, and our calm soothed my thoughts and allowed the resumption of peaceful sleep.