The Cidhna Mine Redemption

I thought back as we were preparing to leave just how we had been dragged into all of this. We'd come to Markarth simply for information about finding someone for the Dawnguard. Instead of a nice simple mission of trying to find someone in the Reach which, while not as simple as it sounds, surely it wouldn't have had the level of intrigue compared to what Serana and I were now involved. I still wondered if we shouldn't just turn tail and leave. But I was in too deep and too close to resolving whatever was taking place in Markarth. The Silver-Bloods needed to be taken care of. When I thought about it, I realised I was actually doing the Empire a favour by eliminating a group of Stormcloak sympathisers. I wondered if I was doing this unconsciously, the words of my father still in the back of my mind.

Once night had fallen and the braziers had been lit, Serana and I left the inn as quietly as possible. We kept to the shadows as we climbed the steps, thankful the door into Nepos's hose was bathed in darkness. I knocked on the door, wincing to myself as the sound seemed to carry across the entire Reach. I was thankful I didn't have to knock again as the doors opened to reveal a woman.

"Hello," I said brightly.

She blinked for a second before looking me up and down, doing the same to Serana. "What do you want?"

'Charming.' "I'm here to see Nepos," I replied as friendly as possible. Teeth may have been gritted.

"Are you expected?"

"What do you think?"

I noticed the eyes and was gladdened the sarcastic retort worked. "You aren't expected and the old man needs his rest. Come back some other time." She was ready to slam the door in my face, me ready to throw a boot in the way to stop that, when a voice called from further within the house. I didn't quite hear what it said, as it was muffled, but I heard the woman sigh before she opened the door again. "Very well. The old man will speak with you."

I walked in, tempted to brush the woman out of the way, but she stepped to the side so I simply strode forward confidently into a large room. There were two more servants, a pair of large tables in the middle of the room covered in food, utensils and tableware. The room, however, was also brightly lit and rather warm as a large fire blazed away to our right, in front of which sat an elderly man reading a book, while a chandelier and numerous candles added further light. The elderly man gestured to a pair of empty chairs, Serana and I taking a seat.

"My housekeeper can be a little protective of me. I hope you understand."

"Of course."

He met my eyes. "So, what do you want?"

I took the letter from my pocket, the one he signed ordering the thug to take care of me, and handed it over. He smiled and nodded. "Ah, yes. You've proven to be a real bloodhound." He sighed. "Well, you've sniffed me out. I've been playing this game for almost twenty years. I don't know how many young man and women I've sent to their deaths. But every single one was worth it. All in the name of the Forsworn. But I'm old and I'm tired. So tired…"

"I'd hardly call this all a game."

"Of course it's a game! It's the great game. The only game. Of Jarls and Kings. Of those who rule and those who want to rule. And then there is us. The pawns."

"And you do all of this for what?"

"Because my king told me to. Madanach is the true ruler of Markarth and the Reach. When the uprising fell at the hands of the Nords, they threw him in the mines. I don't know how, but somehow he lives. And I still receive his messages, and I hand out his orders without question. When the King tells you to do something, you do it almost without thinking, certainly of the consequences." He looked at me. "You're just another consequence."

"You realise you and your King are nothing but pawns yourselves of the Silver-Bloods."

He simply smirked. "Is that what you think?"

"So why tell me all this?"

Now he laughed. It was the laugh of a confident man. "My dear boy, what makes you think you're getting out of here alive? You were seen coming in. The girl at the door is a Forsworn agent masquerading as a maid. You aren't the first one to have gotten this far. And you definitely won't be the last."

Quick as a flash, particularly for an old man, he had a dagger in hand and leapt forward. I simply lifted my arm so he connected with my elbow before I deliberately fell backwards with my chair and rolled, taking my sword out the same time. I didn't even bother looking for Serana, knowing she would be taking care of whoever else was in the room. One of the servants ran towards me with a sword. I simply dodged, swivelled and cut him down the back, blood spurting from the wound. I heard a cry and saw Serana practically tear apart another with her magic. I turned my focus to Nepos, who had staggered to his feet, dagger still in hand.

"No matter what you do, you're dead."

"Don't do it," I cautioned. I didn't particularly want to kill the old man but he left me no choice once he decided to charge at me. Once I left him in a pool of his own blood on the ground, Serena and I immediately started to search the house. It didn't take long to find a personal journal which explained practically everything that had taken place in Markarth. It was all the evidence I needed. I handed everything to Serena for safe-keeping. "We're better get out of here."

We exited into darkness, surprised no-one had heard the commotion inside the house. "Where to now?" Serana wondered.

"I'll see if Eltrys is waiting for me."

"I'll come with you."

"Okay, but wait out of sight. He doesn't know you and will likely be jumpy if anyone else accompanied me."

Serana took position around the corner from the shrine, suggesting she would burst in if she heard anything. She was certainly far more suspicious than I was. "There's a trail of dead people and anyone involved would now be more than aware of your own. Tread carefully."

I should have heeded that caution. Hindsight is a wonderful thing sometimes. The shrine was dark as usual as I descended the ramp. The first thing I noticed was the body at the base of the Talos statue. I didn't even think, simply jogging forward, bending down as I noticed the face of Eltrys staring back at me, eyes lifeless in the faint candlelight.

"Damn it," I whispered.

"We warned you, but you just had to go and cause trouble." I stood up and turned to see a trio of guards emerge from the shadows. I hadn't even noticed their presence. It was already far too late, all three with swords in hand. The game was over. I could attack, but then I'd have all of Markarth after me. I had under-estimated the enemy.

"Now we have to pin all these recent murders on you. Silence witnesses. Work. Work. Work."

"You didn't have to kill him."

"Of course we did. And you should be thanking whichever god you believe in that we won't just kill you either. Bu we had a nice little deal going between Thonar and Madanach until you and Eltrys started snooping around. We've known about Eltrys for quite a while, but he was relatively harmless. Most people thought him paranoid so we left him alone. But you… Well, there's a trail of dead bodies leading only to you. Trust us on that one."

"Bastards," I muttered.

The trio laughed. "You wanted to find the man responsible for those killings? You'll have plenty of time with the King in Rags when you're in Cidhna Mine. So, are you going to come quietly or are we going to have a problem? If we have a problem, you will end up like your friend on the ground."

My shoulders slumped. For once, I had no way out. Using my Voice would only draw unwanted attention, and the corruption had seeped into the walls of the city itself. For the moment, I was defeated. "Very well."

A pair of them grabbed me by my arms as the third took my sword and dagger. They then escorted me out of the shrine, looking back to see Serana following, albeit at a discreet distance. I thought they would have taken me to face the Jarl first, but no such luck to even contemplate arguing my case. I was taken down a series of steps until we arrived at the very entrance to the mine. One of the guards laughed as we stopped.

"Who do we have here?"

"Oh, this one is a real find. Multiple murders that we can pin on him. Poor Eltrys. Wife and kid left all alone."

"You son of a bitch," I muttered. That earned me a smack across the face.

"Quiet, prisoner. You should be glad you live in Markarth. Any other city and you'd be hanging from a scaffold." I watched as my weapons were handed over, the guard looking over my sword and whistling. "Wow! Now, if I didn't know any better, this is Skyforge steel. Who'd you get this from?"

I said nothing.

"You kill a Companion for this?"

I said nothing.

"Doesn't matter. Not like you'll ever see the sun again."

"One thing…"

"What is it?"

I turned and called "Serana!"

I noticed her walk towards me. She looked ready to attack but I just shook my head. The four guards looked her way but thankfully didn't notice what she was. In fact, one or two of them whistled and stated a couple of rather crude suggestions. "What is it?" she asked, coming close to me.

I couldn't think of anything else to do except to kiss her. It was brief, ignoring her slightly cold lips, before I pulled away. Her face was one of complete surprise before there was a brief smile. I figured she was probably embarrassed too. "Wait for me," I said quietly, "I'll be out shortly."

She looked confused as I found the grip of me tightened. "Okay," she replied.

"Alright, that's enough. Do the crime, do the time."

I felt a thud on the side of my head and then all turned black.

*****

I coughed and spluttered as my face was doused in cold water. I blinked it out of my eyes as I cried out in surprise. "What the…?"

"On your feet, prisoner."

I blinked again before I wiped my eyes. It wasn't pitch black but dark enough. I was lying on a thin bed roll and could feel the rocks digging into my back. I looked up, placing my elbows on the ground, an Orc staring back at me in return. "I said on your feet," she stated, kicking my feet for good measure.

I didn't feel like arguing so did as I was asked. It was then that I noticed my armour had been removed and I was now dressed in clothing that I wouldn't have called anything but rags. In fact, it uncomfortable reminded me of my arrival into Helgen. I rubbed the side of my head, feeling the onset of a headache as I stood tall, now meeting the eyes of the Orc.

The Orc was a female. She stepped forward and grabbed my arm, feeling the muscles. "Hmm. Yes, you're strong. You'll do."

"Where in Oblivion am I?"

She laughed. "You don't remember? You're in Cidhna Mine."

I shook my head of the cobwebs and it all came flooding back. Eltrys dead. Nepos dead. A host of Forsworn agents' dead. I tried not to sag. 'Although I did kiss Serana. That wasn't so bad.' "I don't care what you did out there. It's not my concern. No-on in here cares if you're innocent or guilty. All you should know is that we expect you to earn your keep. You dig and you earn your food and water. Don't and you can starve."

"When do I get out?"

"You'll earn your freedom by digging and paying your debt to the Reach."

"And how many have managed to do that? Get out, that is."

Orc faces were difficult to read but I figured she smirked. "Just get to work."

I was pushed out into the cave, the gate locked behind me and it took a lot of willpower to keep the depression at bay. I was dressed in rags, defenceless and I had no idea how to get out. The only thing I knew is that Madanach was down here. If I could reach him, then perhaps he would be my way out. I certainly couldn't think of anything else.

There were a few people swinging pickaxes into the rock face, whether they were digging up silver, I couldn't be sure. There were a few others sitting on the floor near a small fire. I still felt a little woozy so figured I should take a seat, exchanging nods with my fellow prisoners.

"What are you in for, new blood?"

I shrugged. "Murder, according to the guards anyway. I call if self-defence."

"Violent one, huh?"

"I will meet violence with violence if it is required."

"Then I'd best keep that to yourself, new blood. Others find out, they'll consider that a challenge. Plenty of guys here looking for a fight. It breaks up the monotony of breaking rocks."

"Thanks for the advice."

"I'll give you a little more, as I've seen plenty of new timers come through that gate. It's pretty easy in the end. Just serve your time at the pickaxe and get out. You don't want to end up getting a shiv in the guts over a bottle of Skooma."

I knew what Skooma and a shiv were. But I didn't plan on staying in this place long enough to worry about either of them. I looked around and noticed only prisoners. Strange… "Where are all the guards?"

My new 'friend' laughed. "Guards? They aren't stupid. No chance they would be caught down here with us, armed with pickaxes and with axes to grind against any sort of authority. Not to say we never see them. They come in here about once a week to clean out the bodies, grab any ore we've mined, and beat down the troublemakers. That's the only time when we get food, too. And if there's not enough ore mined up, we don't get any." He shrugged. "Yeah, sometimes we can get a little hungry. Can't remember the last time we turned to cannibalism though."

"Lovely," I quipped sarcastically.

"When needs must. But we generally survive… Well, the strongest do." He looked me up and down. "You should survive long enough to possibly get out."

"That's not what the guards said."

He was silent as if thoughtful for a second. Then he nodded. "That means you're the new lifer. Tough luck, friend. Those guards sold you out but good."

"You know?"

"We prisoners hear things. So if you're in here for life, I assume you'll want to talk to Madanach, thinking he'll have a way out?" I nodded. "Unfortunately, I'm afraid no-one talks to Madanach. Not without getting past Borkul the Beast..." He paused, before he stared at me, shaking his head. "And you don't want to talk to Borkul the Beast."

"Who's he?"

My 'friend' gestured across to the other side of the cave, where the only other gate into the mine stood, an enormous Orc standing guard in front of it. Intimidating was one word that came to mind. Fearsome another. 'And I'd have to be a lunatic to attempt taking him on. But that might be my only choice.' "He's Madanach's guard. And obviously he's a big one, even for an Orc. I heard he once ripped a man's arm off and beat him to death with it. He's old-fashioned like that. I'd think carefully about even approaching him for a chat, let alone anything else."

"But if I want to get out, it's through him?"

"It is. So you either fight him for access or do him a favour. But you don't want to owe Borkul a favour. You don't want to owe anyone a favour. You owe someone a favour, they own you. As I said, start breaking some rocks and you'll be amazed how fast time does fly by. The only problem is your thoughts. Most prisoners will leave you alone and don't murder one another for no reason. So it's only those voices in your head which you need to deal with and eventually silence."

"Does it work?"

His face fell and sadness radiated off him. He shook his head. "No. No, it doesn't," he whispered.

I didn't ask what his thoughts were. He fell silent as I knew he was probably lost in them. With nothing better to do, I took his advice, grabbed a pickaxe and got to work.

And that was my life for the next few days. I woke up, had a bit of food the prisoners kept as I was surprised they acted like a little community, generally looking after one another, though I could sense the tension between a few pairs. Then it was spending most of the day at the rock face, counting how many times I swung the axe in an hour, purely on guesswork, then adding it all up at the end of the day. I pretty much did that all day, ending each covered in sweat and dust, before having a small bite for dinner then collapsing into an available bedroll, only to repeat the process again the next day.

I knew I'd been in there for at least a week when the guards appeared. We were ordered to drop all pickaxes near the gate and then stand next to one of the cave walls, hands always visible. It was only then that half a dozen guards descended into the cave to take whatever silver we had dug up. They said next to nothing to us, unsurprising. Thankfully we'd dug up enough silver that we were 'rewarded' with food and water, though the food was nothing to celebrate over. But at least we were being fed and watered. 'Dead prisoners can't dig up silver' was what one the guards stated.

I was sitting by the fire a few days later when I'd simply had enough. I needed out. And I needed out now. I know Serana was still outside waiting for me. No doubt the Dawnguard would be wondering where I was. As would Lydia. As would the Companions. I wondered if anyone else knew where I was? 'I wonder if even Margret would send word?'

"That's it!" I stated as I got to my feet.

"What are you doing?" one of the others asked. I must have had a look in my eye.

"I'm getting out of here. And the only way out of here is through him," I stated, gesturing towards the massive Orc.

"Are you mad?" another asked.

"Nope. I can take him," I said confidently.

I heard one or two mutterings as I strode towards the Orc. He had been leaning against a wall, arms crossed against his chest, the muscles in his arms bulging, before he straightened upon seeing me stride towards him. I must have had the same look on my face.

"What do you want, new meat?"

The Orc was broad but I was slightly taller. I simply met his eyes, barely blinking. "I want to speak to Madanach."

He laughed at me. "You want to talk to the King in Rags?" He laughed again for a moment before turning serious. "Fine. You can see the King. But first you got to pay the toll."

"What toll?"

"How about you get me a shiv? Not that I need one, but it's nice to have in case I need to do some 'shaving.'"

I met his eyes again. "I think you'll find Madanach is expecting me. Particularly after everything that happened in Markarth."

"Oh, I know all about that. But you see, the only thing Madanach expects is a bottle of Skooma in tribute every so often. You're not getting through, particularly as I don't think you have a bottle on you."

"Well, I'm not wasting time getting you a shiv. So the only option is fighting my way through."

"Are you sure you want to take that option?" I nodded. "Very well."

He caught me completely by surprise as I didn't even see his fist until it connected under my ribs, drawing all the air out of my body. Only dumb luck lifted my arms in time to block the follow up which would have connected with my cheek. Still trying to breath, I stepped back, fists raised in defence as he tried another flurry of punches. Though I blocked them all, I could feel the power in his arms. Damn…

I stepped back to give myself space and ascertain the situation. We had the entire cave to ourselves as the rest of the prisoners had disappeared. I kept taking in deep breaths to recover and finally got into a proper fighting stance. I figured the fight would eventually get dirty. I wondered if this would be a fight to the death. I didn't particularly want to kill this Orc. I just wanted him out of the way.

While heavily muscled, I wondered about his endurance. And though he had caught me by surprise, I didn't think he'd be the quickest. I started to bounce on the spot and move around, just like I'd been trained in the Fighter's Guild. I had to keep him guessing. If I simply went toe to toe with this Orc, he'd beat me to a pulp. I was strong but he was stronger. Therefore, I needed to use every advantage I had.

While strong, he certainly wasn't a trained fighter as he swung wildly and I was soon able to duck or dodge his punches. And I was soon able to counter-attack once his defence were down, a quick fist into his kidneys or his stomach. I rarely found hitting the head a good choice, particularly an Orc, it being easy to break a hand against the jaw of an Orc (or anyone else, for that matter.)

My constant movement frustrated the Orc and he was soon swinging wildly. All the training I'd had over the years came flooding back, particularly the words of my old sparring partner in Chorrol. 'Remember, Ragnar, you don't just have fists.' I smiled to myself as I continued to dodge the Orc with relative ease, noticing him tiring. Once he was in the right position, I simply swept his legs from under him, causing him to crash to the ground. I was on top of him in an instant, not with the rain of punches you'd be expecting. I simply put a hand to his throat and raised my other first.

"Do you yield?"

The Orc at least had a sense of honour. They were, in many ways, similar to us when it came to battle. He nodded. "I yield."

"May I visit Madanach?"

"Yeah, yeah, you can head in."

I helped the Orc to his feet, earning a bow of gratitude. "Interesting tactics. You've fought before?" he asked, as we walked towards the gate.

"Many times. Too many, if I'm honest."

"You fight different to the bandits I've fought before."

"I wasn't a bandit."

"Hmm. I would ask, but I'm guessing you won't tell me."

"Best we don't really know each other."

The Orc laughed. "You've learned quickly. We don't know each other and we're all innocent." He unlocked and opened the gate. "Madanach is through there."

I shouldn't have been surprised that Madanach would have been set-up far more comfortably than the rest of us. I'll admit to feeling a pang of jealousy having spent the past week or more lying on a thin bedroll. He at least had a modicum of comfort. A bed with at least a couple of rugs. Bottles of wine. A desk and chair. If he heard me approach, he didn't even bother turning around, only the scratch of the quill in his right hand against the parchment. I eventually cleared my throat, and while he didn't turn to look at me, he finally spoke.

"Well, well. Look at you. The Nords have turned you into an animal. A wild beast caged up and left to go mad."

"I'm not an animal. For example, I haven't killed anyone in here… yet."

"No. But I know all about poor Nepos. A feeble old man slaughtered in his own home. Then Eltrys, murdered for asking too many questions." He had me there about Nepos, though he would have killed me in a heartbeat. "So, my fellow beast, what do you want? Answers about the Forsworn? Revenge for trying to have you killed?"

"I should say revenge, but as I'm unarmed, and despite everything that's happened to me in the past couple of weeks. I actually don't want to kill you. So I guess you can say I have a lot of questions. And I want to hear some answers. You have a lot to answer for."

Now he placed the quill down and turned to face me. There was no doubting he was an old man. Long grey hair. A grey drooping moustache. He was dressed like everyone else, so the 'King in Rags' name was rather apt. But he was covered in muscle like everyone else. There was a look in his eyes that I knew well. This was a man who had done a lot of killing. "What questions do I have to answer for you? What right did you have to meddle in my affairs? Kill my people? Was it worth it? Your truth?"

"I only killed those trying to kill me. You think I care for the Silver-Bloods and their affairs? All I know is that I stopped some woman getting murdered…"

"She's a spy."

"She is. But I wasn't to know that at the time. And I would have stopped it anyway. No-one deserves to be kill in such a way."

"You're missing the point of all of this, the point of why they put you down here with me. You're one of us now. You're nothing but a slave. The boot of the Nord stepping on your throat. Maybe if you understood that, I could help you."

"Me being a Nord has nothing to do with any of this?"

He smirked. "Is that what you think? Fine. I can prove it to you. There's a man named Braig inside these mines. Besides me, he's been here the longest. Tell him I sent you. Ask him why he's here. I want you to know how widespread the injustice of Markarth is."

I returned to Madanach an hour later, crushed beyond belief. I'd heard plenty of sad stories in my time, but I was left thinking… I know life isn't fair a lot of the time. I was certainly aware of that but what happened to poor Braig? No-one deserved that fate. Madanach looked up and gestured to his bed where I sat down. He turned his chair to face me.

"Imagine hearing a story like that, over and over. Each time a different family. Each time a different injustice," he started quietly. I could only nod along. 'Enough to drive anyone mad.' Then he got to his feet and started pacing. "But there's a reason you were sent before me. Your meddling above ground reminded me of how removed I've been from the struggle. My men and I should be in the hills."

"Do you really think they'll let you just stroll out of here?"

"Of course not. But I always plan ahead. I've been waiting for a sign. You're it."

"You have a way out of here?"

"I do… But can I trust you?"

"I've already said I don't want to kill you, despite everything. I generally keep my word. I have a live and let live policy. You don't kill me. I won't kill you. I just want to get out of here and get on with my life."

He was quiet as if judging my sincerity. I met his eyes and we stared at each in silence for at least a minute or more. Then he finally nodded. "I'll trust you. But there's one more thing that must be done before we leave." He got to his feet, beckoning me to follow him back out into the cave. Borkul opened the gate as we approached before he then whispered something into the Orc's ear. The Orc simply nodded and disappeared. We heard screams echo from deeper in the cave no more than two minutes later. I looked at Madanach. He didn't return my glance. But I knew someone had just died.

Eventually all the other prisoners gathered around us, Borkul returning with a bloodied hand. "What's going on, Madanach? You wouldn't have old Grisvar killed unless you weren't planning on needing him," one of the prisoners stated.

Madanach held up his hands. "Grisvar was a thief, a liar, but most importantly, he was a snitch. I never trusted him. And there is a reason why he now lies dead… My brothers, we have been here long enough! It's time to leave Cidhna Mine and continue our fight against our Nord oppressors. Through this gate, just beside my quarters, is a tunnel. A tunnel that leads right through the old Dwarven ruins of Markarth and then into the city and eventually our freedom. Well, what do you say, my brothers? Are you ready to return to the fight? Are you ready to spill blood once more?"

The prisoners roared their approval. I suddenly felt a little uncomfortable being a Nord. But Madanach calmed my nerves by laying a hand on my shoulder and smiling. "I say you've earned an early pardon. Let's go."

I followed him through the gate and into freedom.