Gathering Evidence

Upon asking Brynjolf and others about Goldenglow, Brynjolf let slip that the task I was given came from Maven Black-Briar herself. I was left in next to no doubt that she was one of the important benefactors of the Guild. He went into further detail about the Guild's relationship with Maven and I was left thinking that anecdotal evidence wasn't enough. I needed hard evidence, so would have to bide my time for now. I would have to be patient.

Another discussion with Vex suggested this job wasn't going to be easy. While she didn't strip off to show me, she said she still had the scars from her escape, unable to tell me how many mercenaries were on the small island where Goldenglow Estate was located. I was left thinking that I was going to need armour and weapons, as although I was not to bring violence against the mark themselves, even Brynjolf suggested that I may need to cut through some of the mercenaries.

I spent a couple of days scoping out the estate. There was no sign of the mark, an elf by the name of Aringoth. But I watched the mercenaries on patrol and counted their number. They looked nothing special, but I knew I couldn't give away who I was. There was no doubt I was going to go in armed and ready for a fight.

Serana had managed to purchase a house relatively quickly, knocking lightly on the front door one night. As soon as the door opened, I was dragged inside and found two arms tightly wrapped around me and my face covered in kisses.

"Miss me?" I asked, laughing away. 'I think someone did. No doubt she's worried about me too.'

"I'm just glad you're okay."

"I'm fine," I stated once a rather longer kiss ended.

"Are you sure?"

I shrugged. "I'm just doing what I have to do."

"So what brings you home? I thought I wouldn't see you for days."

"I need my armour and weapons."

Concern crossed her face. "Why?"

"I've been given a job. Nothing too dangerous, or at least I hope not, but I might have to deal with a few mercenaries."

"Have you discovered anything else?" she asked as I was taken on a quick tour of home.

"Maven is involved but it's only hearsay at the moment. I didn't think this was going to be easy but I think I'm going to be busy. I'll also have to watch my back, what I say, who I'm seen with."

I gathered my armour and took my sword, spending some time attaching the scabbard to the back of the armour as I wasn't going to take my shield. I was of the idea to cover my armour with my current clothing. So that's what I attempted to do, putting my armour on first before attempt to waggle back into my other clothes. It looked bulky but it would do for the moment, arranging with Serana to meet her by the shore once the job was complete to hand it all back.

Serana wanted me to stay the night but, having already completed reconnaissance of the estate, I wanted to get the job over as quickly as possible, also wanting to do the job at night for perfect cover. That's not to suggest I didn't want to stay, so I made sure I gave her one hell of a kiss before I departed, Serana telling me not to do anything stupid and come back alive. I just told her I loved her, which earned me another kiss which, on any other time, would have led to... other things. What can I say other than the fact I missed my wife…

I had located a bridge leading across to Goldenglow Estate. Crossing it during daylight would have been madness, but in the darkness, as long as stayed low and took it slow, I was hopeful to get across without alerting the guards. I managed to get across without being seen and started looking for the sewer entrance Vex had described when asking her for any tips about trying to break into the estate. I scrambled along the shore in the darkness and managed to find it in the faint moonlight, doing my best to open the grate quietly and slipping in.

The sewer system was dark. I don't mean the darkness I'd just escaped, where the moonlight still allowed me to pick out major objects. I mean the sewer was pitch black, unable to see a couple of inches in front of my nose. I spread my arms wide, looking for the sides of the passageway. My right hand hit solid brick and I walked forward slowly, my left hand thrust forward in the event I bumped into anything. Finally, my right hand hit something on the wall, which I believed to be a torch attached to the wall. I summoned fire in my left hand and lit the torch, feeling an overwhelming sense of relief. I wasn't afraid of the dark but that didn't mean I enjoyed walking in it when I was effectively behind enemy lines.

At the end of the corridor, I extinguished the torch and climbed up a ladder, carefully opening the cover and checking left and right. I couldn't see anything nor heard anyone approach, so quickly hauled myself out of the sewer, quietly replacing the cover and started searching for the bee hives. I stopped and concentrated, closing my eyes, hoping that would help my hearing. Thinking I could hear a buzzing in the distance, I cautiously walked towards it, constantly looking left and right for any sign of mercenaries but, for the moment at least, I was all alone. I knew as soon as the fires were lit, I'd definitely have their attention.

My ears were not deceiving me as I found the hives. There was more than half a dozen of them. Brynjolf had told me to burn only three. Again, this was about sending a message, not the complete destruction of Goldenglow. I'll admit I had a slight desire to simply burn the whole thing down, considering it was a Thieves Guild front, or at least it had been, but I also didn't want to earn the ire of the Guild or Mercer Frey. Or, at least, not yet. So I'd do what I was told.

The bee hives went up in glorious flames, the yellow and orange a complete contrast to the dark canvas. Over the crackle of the flames and furious buzzing of the bees, I heard shouts and screams from the large house, turning to see at least a trio of mercenaries heading my way. I made haste, as although I felt confident enough to take down a trio of mercenaries, I didn't want to push my luck regarding violence. Not yet.

I followed the shoreline, staying out of sight, looking for another place to clamber up closer to the house. I heard more footsteps leading away, thinking more of the mercenaries were running towards the hives to put out the flames. Hearing nothing above me, I took the chance to climb up onto level ground, noticing I was far closer to the front door than I'd anticipated. Mercenaries were busy throwing buckets of water at the bee hives to extinguish the flames. In the light, I saw at least half a dozen of them trying to put them out. I didn't waste any time getting into the house.

Unsheathing my sword and dagger, any thoughts of trying to do the job quietly ended when I near stumbled into one of the mercenaries coming my way. The next few minutes were frenetic as I had to fight off at least half a dozen of the bastards. The only thing that saved me was that the narrow hallways meant they could only fight me one on one. I was tempted to use my Voice but had to remind myself that I couldn't draw attention to who I actually as. Fighting without a shield was something new, but having two stabbing weapons certainly gave my opponents a moment of pause.

I climbed the stairs to the second level, blood dripping down my left arm, the cloth of my cloak already darkening along the arm though my dagger and sword both well and truly bloodied. That blood was not my own. A trio of mercenaries were guarding the upper level and I handled them one by one. I followed the hallway until I came to the end, finding a closed but unlocked pair of double doors.

"Aringoth!" I called when entering the bedroom.

There was no reply. I searched and found the elf cowering in a wardrobe, dragging him out by his wrist, dagger at his throat. He didn't react how I was expecting. He was already defeated. "Worthless mercenaries. I didn't think Maven or Mercer would allow me to get away with this, but I had little choice," he stated, albeit with a sigh if not a large amount of sarcasm.

"Give me the key to your safe and I'll let you live. You know how we work."

"I can't."

I pressed the dagger into his throat, ensuring to draw blood. "Just because you think you know us, don't think we won't do whatever is necessary."

"If I co-operate with you then I'm already dead. Do whatever you must."

"Are you sure?"

"Just make it quick."

I made it quick, gently placing his body on the ground once the deed was done. I didn't want to kill him but I was left with little choice. I needed the key and knew, if I did leave him alive, he'd raise the alarm before I'd left the estate. I'd killed a lot of people when I thought about it. Soldiers. Mercenaries. Bandits. I had to think that this man was allied to the Thieves Guild and were therefore the enemy. But the way he had faced death… I had to admit I had respect for the way he faced it.

Making my way back downstairs, I heard a voice and knew the bodies had been discovered. I edged towards a corner and noticed a pair of mercenaries, one bent over a body, the other heading my way. I waited until he was so close I could almost hear his heartbeat before I leapt from cover, disarmed him and held him hostage, dagger to his throat. The second mercenary was up and armed in a second.

"Let him go!" he demanded.

"Drop your weapon and leave."

"Never."

I pressed the dagger against skin. "I will kill him. Like the others. There is nothing for you here."

I watched the mercenary as he judged my words before the sword lowered slightly. "You killed him?"

"He left me no choice. Your pay day is over. But I'm prepared to let you leave with your lives. No more deaths are necessary. Do you really want to die for nothing?"

The sword dropped to his side. "I have your word that we can all leave."

"You have it."

"May I tell the others to prevent any more bloodshed?"

"Where?"

"Downstairs. Once I have them, I'll grab those remaining outside. If the elf is dead, there's no point staying here."

I gestured with head. "Go get them."

I waited with the hostage, not slackening my grip and keeping the dagger where it was. "Consider me impressed, thief."

"I'm no thief."

He scoffed. "You're dressed like one."

"Don't judge a book by its cover."

"What are you then?"

"Just someone trying to do a job. There are far bigger things going on than whatever was happening here."

The mercenary didn't struggle against my grip. No real surprise as I was larger and definitely stronger than he was. He didn't attempt conversation or negotiation for his life. My word was good. I would be willing to let them all go if they willingly left. The other mercenary returned a few minutes later, a trio of others following him. "I'll let you keep your weapons though they must remain sheathed."

"Of course."

I pointed the dagger towards the front door and they understood the unspoken instruction. Once they were all outside, two more mercenaries approached, the first mercenary I'd spoken to explaining what was going on. They understood as they also sheathed their weapons.

"What about him?" the mercenary asked.

"He will follow you once you're all on the bridge. Place any key you may have for this estate or the gate on the wall prior to passing through the gate. Once you are all across the bridge, I will release this man. Understood?"

The mercenaries all nodded and moved off towards the gate. Two of them left keys on the wall as instructed and I waited until they were all across the bridge before I released to the other mercenary. He actually turned and dipped his head. "You have my thanks for my life."

"Whatever or whoever you may think I am, I am a man of honour. And my word is my bond. You may go. But do no return here."

"We won't."

As he crossed the bridge, I closed and locked the gate. If they came back, I would kill them all. But they would only be coming back for revenge, not a pay day. Most mercenaries rarely did anything if there wasn't gold involved. And considering I'd just released all of them, including someone I could have killed easily, then I was hopeful they would simply leave the area, looking for their next contract.

I walked back into the house, ensuring to lock that door behind me as well, just in case, not wanting to take any chances. I wandered downstairs, the basement darker than upstairs though candles provided some light. I spent a few minutes searching for a safe, eventually finding a ladder leading even further down into a hidden room.

Opening the safe, I didn't know what to expect. A single letter lay inside, which I grabbed, along with a small purse which appeared to be full of coin. Attaching the purse to my belt, I took a few moments to read the letter. Its content puzzled me, particularly the symbol, which I'd never seen before:

'Aringoth,

This document acknowledges the sale of Goldenglow Estate and all property, assets and materials contained within. Payment of the property has been made in full by Gajul-Lei as an agent on behalf of the buyer. All dealings with the Thieves Guild in Riften is to cease immediately. To deter any possible retribution for this act, you are to take immediate steps to protect our assets in any way you see fit. I think you'll find that the Thieves Guild is far more bark than bite and will likely avoid Goldenglow Estate rather than thin their already dwindling numbers.

Good luck and may this be the start of a long and lucrative partnership.'

I'll admit I had to respect whoever the author of this letter was, managing to persuade Aringoth to turn his back on both Maven Black-Briar and the Thieves Guild. 'Someone must have an axe to grind regarding her. Perhaps a future ally?' I placed the letter in a pocket for safekeeping, scooped up any other gold I noticed and made my way out of the estate.

Serana was waiting for me where we had agreed. She didn't miss the blood stain on my left arm, near ordering me to take off my jacket and armour so she could check it. Once satisfied that it wasn't as bad as it looked, I undressed out of the rest of my armour and dressed again in just my jacket and trousers, taking the leather boots she had brought with her.

"I take it the job was a success?"

"It was. Had to kill a few mercenaries but I let a lot of them live."

"And the elf?"

I shrugged. "He left me no choice. But he died well..."

"You didn't want to do it, did you?"

"No. But I also couldn't let him live."

"You're going to have to make a lot more of these choices, aren't you?" I nodded. She simply hugged me, I guess to make me feel better about things. She knew me better than I knew myself at times.

We walked together towards the city gates into Riften, talking about nothing of consequence. Once near enough to be in sight of the guards, we came to a stop as we'd agreed to enter the city through different gates. We shared a final kiss, with a promise from myself to visit as often as I could, before she returned a smile, albeit a little sad, before she wandered off towards the main gates. I watched her walk away as she looked back, knowing I was watching her.

Entering Riften thought another gate, I worked my way through the city, the sky slowly starting to brighten as I finally entered the darkness of the Ratway once again. The Ragged Flagon was empty of customers, walking through to the cistern, where everyone else was asleep. I grabbed myself some breakfast and waited for everyone to wake up.

Finishing up a plate of bread and cheese, I was finally joined by Brynjolf. He fixed me with a quizzical stare. I handed over the letter and coin I'd found.

"What's this?" he asked.

"It might explain why Aringoth turned his back on the guild."

Brynjolf read the letter in silence before swearing to himself at the end. "Aringoth sold Goldenglow? What's that idiot thinking?" He looked at me but I just shrugged. "Did he tell you anything?"

"He said he had no choice."

"What did you do with him?"

"He left me with no choice."

He sighed. "Well, I suppose he was always going to die for turning his back on us in such a fashion. He would have had no idea the extent of Maven's fury because she'd been cut out of the deal. I'm sure he probably would have found out if he'd lived. Don't worry, there will be no comeback on the fact you killed him. We still have to defend ourselves. What about the mercenaries?"

"Some of them died. But I let the rest go once Aringoth was dealt with."

Brynjolf looked over the letter again. "Damn… If only the parchment had the buyer's name instead of this odd symbol. Any idea what that may be?"

"I've never seen a symbol like it before."

"Well, I'll check my sources and ask Mercer."

"Anything else?"

He shook his head. "Not at the moment. I think you should get some sleep and relax."

So that's what I did. Once I'd slid my weary body into bed, I drifted off almost immediately.

*****

"How's the arm, lad?"

I held up the tankard and smiled. "Coming along nicely. No real pain. The wound wasn't too deep."

"How have you settled in?"

"Well enough. You have a good bunch here. They've been very helpful."

"Good to hear that you're acclimatising to all this well. I knew the feeling I had about you was correct."

"I have to ask; how could you be so sure?"

He shrugged. "Call it a sixth sense. You've done three jobs for us so far and done each of them as instructed and, most importantly, successfully. For the first time in a long time, things might actually be looking up for us."

"Have things been that bad?"

"If you want to talk about things like luck, then I'd suggest you have a heart to heart with Delvin. He's a firm believer in luck and believes it has completed deserted us."

"What do you believe?"

"We need a win. A big win. Something that will bring in a lot of coin and earn the Guild the prestige it once had."

"Like what?"

"No idea, lad. But I'll be honest with you. We're in trouble. We're living off scraps at the moment."

"So what do we do?"

"Well, the first thing is find out whoever was involved in Goldenglow. My gut is telling me someone has an axe to grind against us."

I couldn't help but smirk. "Wouldn't a lot of people?"

He just laughed. "I know what you mean, lad. But, to be honest, the Thieves Guild is a myth. whether people believe we exist or not suits us fine. We would generally prefer people believe we exist but not know where we are."

"So what's the situation in Riften?"

"Well, as I've explained, Maven Black-Briar is one of the most influential people in this town, if not the most influential. And she has ties to this Guild and ensures our protection."

"But what about the Jarl?"

He smirked. "We have enough influence at court to ensure we're not bothered. Why do you think no guards ever think about entering the Ratway?"

"So you have the city in your pocket but no luck?"

He shrugged. "I know how it sounds. With the influence we apparently have, we shouldn't be in the doldrums like we are. But while some may think we own Riften, our influence across the rest of Skyrim is next to nothing at best. There was a time when we had a fence in every city. I'm not saying we were feared. That isn't the point of this Guild. We're thieves, always looking for the next score. We're not out to hurt people, at least physically. But we're good at what we do and want to make a lot of coin while doing it."

I sat back in the chair and thought for a moment. 'Sounds like I need to investigate this a lot more. What exactly is going on here? And will I get a chance to speak to Maven?' So I thought I'd prod. "What's my next move?"

"Mercer is now convinced your recruitment was a good idea. I've shown him the letter and we've had a discussion about what our next move should be. We also have a job for you, lad. You're off to speak to Maven Black-Briar herself." I raised my eyebrows at that. He just chuckled. "She actually asked for you by name, lad."

"Why?"

"It's a business call, and whatever you discuss is for between Maven and yourself only."

I smirked. "And the chances of leaving the meeting alive?"

Now he laughed. "I can see your point, lad. Maven is not someone anyone would want to cross. But if she wanted you handled in that way, you'd soon find the Dark Brotherhood on your tail. No, while I have no idea what she actually wants, no doubt she has something of importance to discuss. All I can suggest is that you see what she has to offer and, if I was you, take her up on it. No doubt you'll find a lot of coin heading your way."

"All the more reason to meet with her then," I stated eagerly.

"That's the spirit, lad. Just don't let ambition get ahead of you too much. No doubting you're good. Just don't get cocky, alright?"

"I won't. When does she want to meet?"

"She's probably at the Bee and Barb right now if you want to find out what she wants."

I drained my tankard. "No point wasting time. Consider me interested."

I hoped I wasn't overdoing the enthusiasm. Brynjolf just grinned. "Good to hear, lad. Let me know what she has to say."

Before I left, Brynjolf offered me a new set of clothes, which I quickly changed into, before showing me a secret exit out of the cistern, which meant I wouldn't have to exit via the Ratway every time. I was surprised the exit led into the graveyard via the Temple of Mara, though considering it was complete secluded, it made sense.

The Bee and Barb was full to bursting upon entering, ensuring my hood was up so no-one could see my face in the bright lights. I noticed Serana and Mjoll at the table together, and while she looked up and noticed me immediately, she quickly returned her eyes to Mjoll. I couldn't help but notice the small smile on her face. I had to swallow the urge to walk across and join her. As I've said, I missed my wife. It got a little harder every day.

Maven was waiting for me upstairs in a secluded corner. She looked me up and down as I approached, and if anything, a sneer crossed her face. "So you're the one Brynjolf has been waxing lyrical about. Quite frankly, I fail to see what's so impressive about you."

I racked my mind, wondering when or if I'd seen her before as there was something vaguely familiar about her. Then it clicked. 'She was at the embassy when I was sent in there by Delphine. So she not only backs up the Guild but she greases hands with the Thalmor. Oh, I'm going to take great delight in taking this bitch down.' I wasn't here to play nice. Brynjolf had warned me about her but that didn't mean I had to play it safe. "How about you wipe the look off your face and we just skip the pleasantries?"

She looked shocked by my words before a slight smile crossed her face. "It's been a while since I've been sent anyone who would talk with such… confidence." She leaned forward, arching her fingers and fixing me with a stare. "What I want to know is if you're someone I can rely on?" she asked, gesturing towards the chair across from her.

"While I can sit here and speak about my own skills, it sounds like you have no faith in the Guild itself?"

She scoffed. "Faith? I'll keep faith to the priests and priestesses in the temple. All I care about is cause and effect. Did the job get done and was it done correctly? There's no grey area."

"I think I've proven reliable."

She met my eyes again. Whether she could see my face, I wasn't sure, but I met her eyes from behind the hood. I didn't glare or stare, but I didn't blink. She nodded. "This is an important job. I have a competitor called Honningbrew Meadery that I want to put out of business. I also want to know how they got the place up and running so quickly."

I almost blurted out that I knew where it was. Considering the story I'd built about myself suggested I didn't know Skyrim, I had to ask, "Where's Honningbrew Meadery?"

"Head to the Bannered Mare in Whiterun and ask for Mallus Maccius. He'll fill you in on all the details."

'This is going to get awkward…' "Why Honningbrew Meadery?"

Maven looked ready to tell me to clear off but, for some reason, she seemed willing to share. "Not a day goes by that I don't regret letting Sabjorn, the man who runs the meadery, to get as far as he did. In only a few short years, he's taken that bile he calls mead to market and a chunk of my profits with it! I can't imagine where he found the gold to take it to market so quickly."

'No harm in asking more questions. Perfect opportunity to find out who I'm up against here.' "Why are you only dealing with him now?"

"The Goldenglow Estate job has undoubtedly interrupted the supply of honey that I need to make my mead. Sabjorn could use this interruption to his advantage and take a larger share of the market. I can't have that."

'So this is simply about business. Fair enough, but…' "I have to ask. How did you become allied with the Thieves Guild?"

She looked ready again to tell me to mind my own business. "You're certainly nosy, aren't you?"

"I'm merely intrigued as to who I'm working with and for. Call it harmless curiosity, particularly considering it's me with my neck on the line."

She paused a moment before nodding. "Very well. The Black-Briar family has always been allied with the Guild. Our connections with the Empire and within Skyrim make for a perfect fit. I dare say the Guild owes its survival as much to my family as it does to its own people."

I almost smiled in triumph. But her word alone wasn't going to be enough. I was still going to need hard evidence. But having heard it from her, I knew I was doing the right thing. I was going to have to do things, a lot of things, I might not agree with, but hearing her just admit that she was such an influence only hardened my resolve. Some may wonder why I didn't just strike her down then and there. A very good reason why I didn't. Evidence. I had none. If I killed her, it would be nothing but murder.

I got to my feet. "Consider Honningbrew Meadery out of business within the next couple of days."

"Just remember one thing, Henrik." 'She knows my name, at least.' "You butcher this job and you'll be sorry. Do you understand why I mean?"

I nodded and left without another word. Looks like I was heading home.