Chapter Twelve: Surrender
“That’s a lot of smoke! Were they planning on burning the place to the ground?!” Kaita called out as we passed the Western Watch tower, forcing ourselves to look upon the city of Whiterun- or rather, the remains of Whiterun.
“It looks that way,” I replied softly, a frown tugging my lips. Whiterun Hold didn’t have any huge fortresses to house the Legionnaires. Most of the structures were fortified by clans of bandits and thugs. A successful attack on one of their camps was nearly impossible. The Wilds provided little cover to hide an oncoming army. They were too great in number for a small band of soldiers to take on alone. For that reason, both Stormcloaks and Legionnaires wanted control of the city. I supposed that was why Galmar had wrecked it without prejudice.
The catapults were no longer being used, so our soldiers must have been inside the walls already. Kaita pulled her horse to a stop outside the stables, frowning at the amount of dead we had to trample over to get inside. Both Stormcloak and Legion soldiers laid among the wreckage, which was disheartening to say the least. We hadn’t the slightest clue how well the campaign had gone. “Let’s get inside and find Galmar. He might be needing our help,” she muttered, drawing her sword from the sheath on her back.
I slid off Glaer, pulling him into the empty stables and shutting the gate. With luck, that would be enough to persuade him not to leave. I had changed on route to Whiterun, so I blended in just as well as any other Stormcloak at a distance. Still, I pulled on Krosis in case any remaining Legionnaires recognized me. I nodded to Kaita to let her know I was ready then followed her up the hill towards the entrance to the walled city.
The city gate was still ajar, the guards that had been manning it slain on either side of the path. Kaita pushed the heavy door just enough for her to slide inside, which was more than enough for me. We let the gate fall back into place as we looked around to take in the devastation. I was sure the city was beautiful when put together, but at that moment is looked no more than a smoldering battleground. All manners of soldiers dotted the ground, none of them having the chance to be saved. I noted we arrived on the business level of the city, as I saw a forge to my right, a tavern to my left, and farther ahead an inn. A few of the buildings were suffering damage but nothing beyond repair. From what I could tell, no civilians had placed among the dead which I counted as a blessing.
We started up the path beside us, but quickly realized the way had been barred heavily. No one had managed to break through that way. “There’s another way to the keep,” Kaita stated. “Galmar wouldn’t have given up so easily.” With a nod and turned and followed her to wander the city. It appeared the next level was the housing district. I was thankful it was barred. The last thing we needed was anyone thinking we hurt civilians in our bloodlust. Galmar must have left it alone for a reason. He was smart enough to know to leave the innocence out of war.
My thoughts were confirmed when we reached another set of stairs that was close to the inn. The other entrance to the district had been breached, but the houses remained untouched. The only damage to the area was a shack, and it had been devastated. I scarcely had time to examine it before noticing the looming statue across from it. “Talos,” I muttered, walking away from Kaita and towards the effigy. I was confused as to why the empire-controlled city allowed the worship of their forbidden god. I tilted my head as I gently touched the shire, looking up at the stone-god’s face.
“There were many people here that were sympathetic to our cause,” Kaita explained as she made her way over. “I think if anyone tried to remove their ties to Talos, they would have started the war themselves.” She hummed softly. “They remained neutral for a long time. It was just a week or so ago they decided they would side with Tullius. We wouldn’t have known if not for the sympathizers in the city, namely the Gray-Manes.”
“They should be rewarded,” I stated, withdrawing my hand from the shrine.
“They have been,” she giggled. “Their patriarch, Vignar, is being made Jarl in place of the previous one.” She looked past me as we heard steps echoing down the stairs from the keep. I looked up as well, smiling as I saw our army trotting down the steps to begin the rebuilding of Whiterun. “I guess we made it just in time,” Kaita giggled.
We waited for the soldiers to clear a path for us before walking up to the top of the hill where the palace was situated. “Dragonsreach, right?” I asked as we neared the door. Kaita nodded. “I’ve read about it. They once trapped a dragon here, if I recall correctly. I wonder if we could do it again.”
Kaita laughed, ignoring the guards on either side of the door as she made her way inside. I followed, bowing slightly instead before entering. “I doubt it. How would we even get a dragon to come here? We can’t just call for it and expect it to show up.”
I hummed. “It’s wishful thinking, Kaita. I’m just trying to figure out how we could take these things out.”
“I’m sure Ulfric has a plan for that already. He must not see them as too big of a threat, or else he would start the war and risk drawing their attention.” Kaita walked slightly ahead of me, quickening her pace when she saw Galmar standing before an older man seated on a throne. I followed, giving a salute to the men when I came close.
“And here they are,” Galmar grumbled, extending a hand towards us. “The worst Stormblades we have in our cause. They couldn’t even show up on time to help take back your city.”
Kaita rolled her eyes, playfully leaning against him. “If you would have given the courier a horse, maybe she would have gotten to us sooner. Or, and here’s the better option, you could have waited for us to get here.”
“I wasn’t going to waste daylight waiting on you to finally show up,” Galmar grumbled, looking over at her with just the faintest hint of amusement. She smiled at him sweetly, her cheeks faintly tinted. The Nord had to look away to prevent himself from losing all professionality. “Either way, this is our new Jarl of Whiterun, Vignar Gray-Mane.”
“It’s a pleasure, Jarl Vignar,” I nodded to him, removing my mask out of respect. He was an ally, so I doubted I would need cover around him.
The old man smiled at me in return. “The pleasure is mine, Stormblade. I’m thankful for your service to Skyrim. It’s about time we did something to drive the empire out. We suffered under them for too long.” He looked over at Galmar. “I trust you’re leaving some of your men here to garrison the city? We will be vulnerable for a long time until we can rebuild everything lost in the battle.”
“Aye,” Galmar responded. “They’ve already been given their orders and will set up patrols for you. We’ve replaced the head of security as well. You worry about gaining the trust of the people again, we’ll worry about keeping the city protected.”
“Thank you again, Galmar. Talos be with you.” At his dismissal, the three of us turned to head back outside. He seemed as though he would make a good Jarl. Galmar’s men would ensure he wouldn’t defect or surrender in the upcoming months as well.
“Seems as though you had little trouble,” Kaita stated as we exited the keep.
“They were housing more Legionnaires than we anticipated, but we managed,” Galmar grumbled. “We lost many more than I would have liked, but they will dine in Sovngarde tonight as heroes in the first battle for our freedom.” After a moment of silence, he sighed, “I need a drink.”
Kaita snorted, shaking her head. “You always need a drink.” She hummed a moment. “Honningbrew is just down the road. It shouldn’t have been touched by the battle unless you ordered your troops to raid it in advance.”
“We can stop there on the way to Windhelm.” He looked over at me. “You’re being quiet today, ‘Bear-Tamer’.” There was a tease in his voice as he said my name, but I was too surprised he used it to be upset with him. “You sore that you missed the fighting?”
“No, sir,” I responded, smiling slightly. “I’m sure I’ll have my fair share in the next few battles. I just have a lot on my mind.”
“Oh?” he asked, continuing to stare at me. I knew he expected me to elaborate, but I hesitated.
Kaita frowned slightly, answering for me. “They lost three more agents this morning.” He hummed in understanding. “She also had to tell her cousin where she was going. He didn’t take it well.”
“Of course not. He’s an Imperial after all.” I glanced at him, unamused, but he continued, “I wasn’t expecting any of your Penitus Oculatus buddies to accept your choice. It’s rare to find someone with ties to the emperor willing to support our cause. Still, you made the right choice in telling him. If anything, it takes some weight off you.”
Kaita smiled sweetly at him, thankful that he was being somewhat nice to me. Rather than comment on it and risk him retracting the statement, she simply added, “And if things get bad, you’re always welcome to come to Windhelm with us.”
“Thank you,” I responded, bowing my head to them slightly. “I don’t think he’s going to tell anyone, but if what he said is true, I don’t think he’ll be helping me either. I’ll have to find some way to sneak away without his help from now on.” I shrugged. “It will all work itself out, I’m sure. I’m not going to worry myself with it until I have to.”
We reached the housing district to find most of the bodies had been taken by cart outside the city. An entire squad was busy trying to tear apart the heavy barriers that protected the houses. Beyond them, a few soldiers went to each home, checking on each of the families to ensure they didn’t have injury or damage. We allowed them to work, crossing the steps to the lower level.
“Luckily, the Plains district took the most damage,” Galmar noted, examining the businesses we walked by. “They will have an easier time rebuilding with their incomes, especially the taverns. My men will likely spend enough money to rebuild them three times over.”
“You Nords drink for every occasion, don’t you?” I asked teasingly.
“If we can help it,” Kaita replied with a smirk.
“We’re more tolerant to it than you, Imperials,” Galmar added. “We need several pints of the heavy stuff before we start to feel mildly drunk. When I was a boy, I used to drink two pints of ale to start off my day.”
I shook my head, smiling in amusement. “That isn’t the healthiest choice.”
“I’m a better man because of it,” Galmar responded, almost sounding amused. We chattered idly until we reached the stables. Glaer hadn’t wandered off, thankfully, and Valk wasn’t too far away either. I let my stallion out of his stall before climbing on. Galmar whistled loudly for his horse as well, waiting in silence until the heavyset mare trotted up the road. He mounted before looking at Kaita. “Snow-hare, mind paying for this one? I almost died in service to my country today.”
Kaita rolled her eyes. “Sure, Galmar,” she paused with a mischievous smile. “If you can beat me there.” Without any other warning, the woman charged her horse down the road towards the meadery. Galmar frowned, cursing under his breath as he spurred his horse after her.
I laughed softly as I clucked to Glaer, having him follow them but at a much slower pace. I’d let them have a few moments alone. Kaita had been by my side constantly for weeks. I was sure Galmar would appreciate having her back for at least a little while.
I passed by a few farms on the way, noticing life outside the walls had returned to normal. Some Stormcloaks were getting ready to store the catapults and haul them back to Windhelm. Others helped the farmers repair the farmlands and buildings that had been trampled and burned during the attack. It relieved me to know they were truly looking to help those people rather than take their homes and leave. I stopped only a moment to watch one of the soldiers give one of the farmer’s children his helmet. The child quickly put it on his head, staring up at the man admiringly. Not everyone would agree with what was done, but we would still be heroes to some.
I finally arrived at the meadery, noting that Kaita and Galmar were already inside. Their horses were tied to the fence that surrounded the building, so I headed that way as well. I heard the loud rumblings of barrels being rolled around inside the warehouse, and smelled of the sweet mead that was being brewed within. Vents in the top of the warehouse billowed out fragrant steam from inside, clouding the freezing air before the vapors disappeared entirely. I was anxious to get inside and try the drink myself.
I dismounted and began tying Glaer to the fence as well. I looked up at the stallion’s face noticing him staring past me, his breathing slightly heavy. I cocked a brow and looked over my shoulder to see what he was so interested in. I held my breath as I looked beyond Honningbrew’s fence. I was barely able to make out the tall, thin form of a man whose body and clothes were completely transparent. The sun reflecting off the contours of his body and a faint blue glow were the only tells that someone was there, watching me. I gulped slightly, focusing on him so he didn’t disappear into the wood line again. He wordlessly turned and began walking up the hill beside the brewery, almost beckoning me to follow.
I felt myself pull away from Glaer. I glanced at the door to Honningbrew debating on fetching my companions. They would likely be enjoying their drinks and each other’s company by that time. I didn’t want to disturb them. Besides, I knew I could take on a ghost if necessary. I let my curiosity get the better of me and cautiously walked up the hill after the specter.
The vision had stopped, waiting on me to follow. He became easier to see as we entered the darker forest above the plains of Whiterun. His flowy robes still swayed with his movements, as if he were still alive. He refused to speak to me, even after I called out to him. Instead, he simply looked back to make sure I was still following.
I realized he was trying to lead me farther from Whiterun than I was willing to go. We were deep in the forest by then; I could just see the city from between the trees. I stopped, frowning as I looked ahead at him. “I’m not going any farther.” The figure stopped, as well, turning to face me. “Who are you and what do you want?” The specter tilted his head, raising his chin as he grinned in amusement. I felt a sickening feeling in my stomach and started to take a step back. My hand reached for the blade on my hip as I stared at him. “Answer, spirit,” I demanded, fear in my voice.
“My name is Lucien Lachance,” his voice finally broke his silence. “I think you know well enough what I want.”
“Lucie-…” My voice trailed off as a recognized the name. I was given no time to react otherwise before pain caused tears to flood my eyes. A gloved hand found my lips to muffle any noise that I made, though there was barely a sound to leave them. A light, crooked dagger found its way into my side, cutting through my armor and flesh like it were paper. I left no blood on the ground as the enchanted blade cauterized the hole as soon as it made it. I tried to turn and see my attacker or even move at all, but I found my entire body stiff and entirely unresponsive. I recognized the effects as paralysis.
Assured I would not put up a fight or call for help, my attacker allowed me to collapse to the ground, pain from the impact surging though my stiff limbs. I was shifted onto my back, forced to stare up at the shrouded assassin as she knelt over me. She was joined by the specter moments after. “This is her. Thank you, Lachance.” The ghost gave a small nod before disappearing entirely, his soul returning to the void.
The woman studied me for a long moment. I could tell she was smiling under her veil, reveling in catching me in such a weak, vulnerable state. Her fingers twirled her crooked dagger between them as she debated on what to do with me. “You certainly are as pretty as he says.” Despite it being a compliment, there was a bit of mockery, if not hatred, in the tone. “It would be so easy to end this all now. I’m failing to see how the others had a hard time with you.” She brought the dagger to my throat, running the sharp edge along my jaw and up my cheek. The tip of the blade rested dangerously close to my eye. “I almost want to ruin that pretty face of yours before we kill you, just to tick him off.”
I tried desperately to move or even speak. The poison held me captive in my own body, a feeling that was more fearful than dying. I would be forced to endure whatever torments she had in store for me. Even beasts in the wilds had more honor than suffering their prey. It seemed assassins were below even them. All I could do was force a grunt from my throat, a wheezing noise that left my slightly parted lips like a hiss. She knew I was afraid, and she was loving every moment.
“You won’t be moving or speaking any time soon, dear,” her velvet voice cooed in the silence of the darkening forest. “I made this brew myself. Paralysis leaves you defenseless while poison saps your life away with every moment that passes. You should feel honored, I don’t use this on just anyone.” My body shivered beneath her as she adjusted her weight. “You’re wondering why I don’t outright kill you? I don’t exactly want you dead yet. You have a purpose to serve. I need you to be your uncle’s little message girl again.”
Unable to respond, she took my silence for acceptance. I didn’t have a choice to hear her out or not. “The Listener has overstepped his boundaries one too many times. His obsession with you has forced him into insanity. He thinks he can replace me, and that’s just something I cannot have. I want him gone.” She hummed, once again drawing intricate designs on the soft skin of my cheeks. “I can’t kill him myself. It would get too messy and my brothers and sisters would suspect I played a part. I want your family to do it for me. It will be… ironic.” Her voice lowered in volume but grew more excited with each word. “We’re under contract to kill your emperor when he arrives, but I don’t care if that is carried out or not. I want things back the way they were. Stage his arrival. I’ll convince our Listener to go kill him himself. When he arrives, I’ll let your agents do as they like.” She giggled. “In exchange, I’ll clear your name. No one else in your family will be hunted by mine. If that’s not enough, I’ll throw in some gold as well. We have more than enough to share with you.”
The female looked away from me and back down the road. She tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear as she muttered, “You don’t really have a choice in the matter, so I’m not going to wait around for your answer. I’ll know you’ve agreed when word reaches us that the emperor has arrived. If I don’t hear of it, I’ll give you a month before I start sending the Silencers after you again.” She looked back down at me, her bewitching blue-gray eyes narrowing at me. She was silent for a while before rising to her feet and sheathing her blade.
I could suddenly feel myself breath again. Her brew must not have been as strong as she thought. I was unable to speak, but at least air could feel my lungs as a gasped. With that feeling, pain soon followed. At that moment, it was an annoying ache that could not be soothed. The hole in my side was the worst, but the lines that dug into my jaw and cheek were nothing to be dismissed. Worse, I could feel the burning, liquid poison spreading through my torso. It wouldn’t be long at all before my entire body would succumb to the effects. Involuntary whimpers left my lips, a sound that was pleasant to the assassin.
“I give you an hour before the paralysis wears off, two before the poison finishes its work,” she laughed teasingly, walking into my field of vision again. “You’ll have to move quickly to find a cure. Whiterun has an apothecary if your Stormcloak friends haven’t destroyed it.” She looked down the road again as we heard a noise that was welcoming to my ears. Kaita called my name from the meadery. My absence had been noticed. The assassin crossed her arms over her chest. “I would love to stick around to see how all of this plays out for you, but I’m needed elsewhere. The Listener will grow suspicious if I’m there when he returns.” She began walking off, adding, “Perhaps it was for the best you left your cousin this morning. We wouldn’t have had this fine conversation.”
I choked on what little air I was allowed. She knew. Had they watched us fight? Was there nowhere safe for us? I tried even more desperately to move. I didn’t know if it was a warning or a threat, but my chest became heavy with guilt. My unmoving eyes began stinging with tears. I couldn’t believe I had allowed myself to leave him with the threat as high as it was. My thoughts raced, only adding to the internal chaos. With my body refusing to cooperate, I was left shaking and sobbing.
I don’t know how long it took, but it felt like years before I could move again. Mundus in winter disappeared far sooner than it did in the warmer months, so the time was impossible to tell. I just knew it was dark, cold, and I was nearing my life’s expiration. Shaken by the events and weak by the poison, I stumbled as I tried to walk. My voice broke as I called out for help. I wasn’t sure if Kaita and Galmar had left the meadery in search of me, or if they planned to wait for my return. I at least hoped a patrol had been set up close enough nearby to hear my broken pleas. I called again in the silent forests, hearing my voice echo around me.
I stumbled again, falling on one knee as I tripped on an overturned stone on the pathway. I panted from the pain before calling out a final time, my shaking voice as loud as I could muster. Through sobs, I could hear the shuffling of feet. I looked up to see two figures jogging up the hill towards me. Galmar was the first to reach me. In the dark, I could just make out his bearded face. I didn’t need to say a word. The older Nord could reason what had happened. “Kaita!” he called to his counterpart behind him. “Fetch the healer from Whiterun! Hurry!”
My fellow Stormblade didn’t argue. She barely muttered a reply as she sprinted back to Honningbrew to mount her horse and ride for the city. Galmar knelt in front of me, studying my shaking, weeping body. I tried to calm myself long enough to speak to him. “An assassin...” I started, shaking my head in disbelief. “Gaius…”
Galmar shook his head in return. “Worry about yourself for once. What’s happened to you?”
“She… She poisoned me. She said I had a few hours at most. I don’t know how long ago that was,” I forced myself to slow my breathing more. I looked up at him to meet his usually angry gaze. Instead, I found his expression sympathetic.
“We’ve been looking for you for an hour or so,” he told me. “From the looks of you, you don’t have much time left.” He didn’t wait for a reply or ask for permission before pulling me to my feet, supporting me under his arm. He started walking, half-dragging, half-carrying me along with him. “Let’s get you warmed up at the meadery while we wait for Kaita to come back.”
I didn’t argue with him. I wanted nothing more than to get out of the cold. Time passed irregularly in my drugged state. While I was certain I had followed the spectral assassin for at least ten minutes, we arrived at the meadery in under five. I didn’t remember walking through the door, but I suddenly found myself seated by the fireplace inside. I wanted to close my eyes and sleep. It was the easiest thing to do. I knew if I did however, I wouldn’t have the strength to wake myself up. Still, the idea weighed heavily on my mind.
“Don’t you dare give up,” Galmar growled across from me. While I was seated on the floor and propped against the wall, he sat in a chair, his eyes glaring into me. I met his gaze with a tired nod. “Ulfric and Kaita need you around.”
“You don’t?” I asked softly, shifting my eyes to look at the licking flames. When he didn’t respond, I pressed, “I don’t know why you hate me… I’m doing my best to help.”
“I don’t hate you, Bear-Tamer. Stop taking everything so personally.” His voice was rough as usual, but had a much gentler tone. “I treat you different because you’re different. You’re able to do things most of my men cannot. You’ve put up with a lot more than most people should be able to.” He sighed. “You also have the uncanny ability to make people like you, which I can’t stand. Ulfric and Kaita are all I have, and you’ve seemed to have won them over.”
I looked back over at him. “You’re jealous of me?”
The man hummed. “You could say that…” His voice trailed.
“I didn’t mean to,” I explained, frowning as I rubbed my teary eyes. “I wasn’t planning on any of this. I just want to help your people. I want what’s best for them. If… If I have to leave Ulfric and Kaita then I-”
“You don’t have to explain yourself to me. You’ve proven your motives plenty of times.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “There is no reason to change yourself or apologize for what you’ve done. Our luck has changed since you showed up. I just can’t stand how you can’t screw up.”
I felt myself smile through the pain. “I don’t need to do anything then?”
He hummed in thought. “Grow a thicker hide. I don’t expect you to change, so don’t expect me to either. I don’t mean half the things I say, so don’t take any of it to heart. You’re a half-decent soldier, even if you are an Imperial.”
I sighed softly, smiling very weakly at him. He returned the faint smile before looking at the door. Breathless, Kaita made her way in, carrying a satchel. “Healer says she can’t leave Whiterun right now, but willingly gave me some of her strongest potions. Do we know what happened?”
“Paralysis and poison,” I answered, groaning softly as I shifted my weight. “I need a cure before it gets worse.”
Kaita knelt beside me, rummaging through the bag. She pulled out a potion bottle, uncorking it and handing it over. I took it gratefully and began downing the liquid. She turned her attention to Galmar. “Did you catch the assassin or at least see where they went?”
“Talia says she was there a long time before we found her. The assassin has probably curled up in whatever hole she crawled out of.” Galmar growled softly, looking over at me. “I suppose we’re lucky, but I’m surprised she didn’t kill you properly. Poison is slow and unreliable.”
I finished the vial off before handing it back to Kaita. I muttered, “She… wanted me to live. She wants me to go back to my uncle and arrange to kill the Brotherhood’s Listener. She can’t do it herself. In exchange, she says she’ll let us live.”
Kaita frowned. “If there’s no catch, that sounds reasonable. You take out the guy that wants you dead, and the Brotherhood owes you a favor.” She handed me another vial, this one to heal my wounds.
I hesitated to drink it. “I think… I think Gaius…” I couldn’t force myself to finish the sentence. Kaita stared at me blankly before glancing at Galmar. “I need to go to Markarth, please. I have to make sure she was bluffing.”
“I’m not going to stop you,” Galmar muttered, nodding to me. “I doubt Ulfric will be angry at you for a delayed arrival. The war isn’t going anywhere.”
I downed the liquid in one gulp, setting the bottle aside. “Thank you,” I whispered, sniffling softly.
“Kaita will go with you,” he told me, rising to his feet. “As soon as you can stand, leave. The more time you waste, the closer the assassins come.” He headed for the door. “Talos preserve you.”
“You as well, Galmar,” Kaita cooed, waiting for him to leave before looking down at me. She tucked a stand of hair behind my ear before tracing her fingers over the cauterized cuts on my face. “This is going to scar beautifully,” she tried to tease, hoping to cheer me up. She sighed heavily. “Markarth is heavily protected. I doubt an assassin can slip in without detection. She was probably wanting to distress you more. They only serve to cause pain, fear, and panic in society. I wouldn’t trust a word of it.”
“Yeah…” I chattered, trying to convince myself of her words. I didn’t have to wait long for the effects of the potions to make changes to my body. I forced myself to stand. “I want to go regardless. I need to at least apologize to him.” Kaita nodded to me and smiled. She headed to the door ahead of me. I walked out, quickly going over to Glaer. From that moment on, speed was my ally. Every moment wasted, as a moment my cousin came closer to meeting his end.
~ ~ ~
We arrived at the Markarth stables early the next morning, traveling through the night. We only stopped to change into neutral armors when we entered the Legion controlled holds. Needless to say, we were both exhausted when we reached the city. Adrenaline pushed me to continue, but I wasn’t expecting the same from Kaita. As we dismounted our horses I called over to her, “Stay here and get some rest. I’ll find Gaius and come back when I do.”
“Are you sure?” She asked, looking around in the dark. “I don’t mind following you in.”
I smiled sadly. “I’m sure. After this, we can all three get some rest before heading to Windhelm. I’m not leaving him alone this time.” Kaita nodded to me, leaning back against the stone wall of the stables and sliding down. She yawned again, closing her eyes. She fell asleep moments after, possibly even before I left.
I entered the gated city easily. The guards recognized my armor, associating it with my cousin who was already inside. I would have marveled at the beauty of the city if I hadn’t been preoccupied in my thoughts. I busied myself looking for the guard tower where Gaius most likely slept. It was near the keep and large enough to house the entire city guard, so I reasoned it was the tower that loomed above the rest of the town. I hurried inside the barracks, making sure to make little noise and wake those that slept within.
I searched every room for my cousin, carefully examining the cots and beds that lined the walls. He wasn’t in any of them. There wasn’t even a sign he had been there. My stomach knotted as I wandered the entire tower. Finally, I forced myself to approach one of the guards that was awake, readying himself for his shift. I focused on steadying my voice so it didn’t shake with fear, “Excuse me? Do you know where the other Penitus Oculatus agent is? He was supposed to arrive yesterday.”
The guard raised a brow. “He did show up yesterday, but the commander came by to take him back to Dragon Bridge just a while ago. You must have just missed them.”
I bowed in thanks, hurrying back out the door. I relaxed slightly at the mention of my Uncle. I reasoned he had changed his mind and wanted us both back in Dragon Bridge. My only hope was that Gaius hadn't told him where I went already. I frowned as I walked back down the streets towards the main gate. I would have to hurry to catch up to them. With luck, they weren’t too far ahead and were walking on foot. If so, Glaer would find them easily.
I went back to the stables, walking over to Kaita as she slept against the wall. I nudged her with my foot. She slowly opened her eyes to look up at me. “What’s wrong?” she asked softly.
“He isn’t here,” I muttered. “I’m going to ride back towards Dragon Bridge to find him.” I climbed on Glaer, turning him towards the road. She wordlessly rose to her feet to mount Valk. “You don’t have to come. You can sleep here if you like.”
She shook her head as she turned her horse after mine. She started to speak before furrowing her brow. I followed her gaze to see a soldier in my familiar uniform walking towards us. She diverted her gaze, turning away to avoid looking suspicious around me. I pressed my horse forward to meet the soldier. When I was close enough to see some of his features, I recognized him as my uncle. I blinked in surprised. “Uncle Oritius?” I asked, smiling softly. “Where’s Gaius?”
“He’s farther ahead,” the man muttered, looking up at me. “I thought I’d come back and wait on you to return. He said you were out scouting.”
I was a little relieved that Gaius had lied about covering for me. “Yes, sir. Sorry for keeping you.” I smiled down at him. “Why are we heading back so soon? Not that I’m disappointed, it’s just unexpected.”
“I’ll tell you on the way, Talia,” he muttered, turning his back to me and walking down the road. The way he spoke was almost as if he were rushed. I looked back at Kaita. From the look she gave, I could tell something didn’t sit right with her. I silently signaled for her to follow at a distance. She gave only the faintest nod and waited for us to get a distance from her.
The man and I traveled in silence for a short while. He refused to look at me, so I finally broke the silence by asking, “Did you walk all this way on foot? We could rent horses from Markarth so the two of you won’t be tired.” The man simply hummed. I knew then something was wrong. “Uncle?”
The man turned to look at me as I stopped my horse. It was only then I noticed how off my uncle appeared. There were dark circles under his eyes that hadn’t been there before. The wrinkles around his eyes and laugh lines around his nose were not nearly as deep as they should have been. An old scar slit across his cheek while a much fresher bruise spread around his throat. They shared an uncanny resemblance, but I was certain this man wasn’t my uncle.
The realization must have shown in my expression. The man grinned as he stepped towards me. Out of fear, a charged Glaer forward to avoid being grabbed. The large horse nearly trampled the man, who stepped aside just in time. In retaliation, he drew his heavy blade, stabbing it into the animal’s side as it passed. The stallion squealed in pain, stumbling as he tried to continue running. He only made it a few steps before completely collapsing. I slid off of him on the cobblestone, gasping as I hit the ground. While the horse struggled to try and get back to its feet, I force myself to my own, drawing my blade in self-defense. My body trembled as I stared at him. “Y-you’re the Listener, aren’t you?” I asked in a trembling voice, remembering what the assassin Nismyn had said about his resemblance to the commander.
“You’re more clever than your cousin, I’ll give you that.” His voice was smooth and weighed heavily familiar in my mind. It caused the hairs on my neck to rise and shivers run down my spine. “He was so distracted by you he didn't catch on.”
“Where is he?” I demanded, grasping my blade in both hands to try and stop myself from shaking so much. His sneer spoke for him. I choked on an involuntary cry. “Who are you? What in Oblivion do you want from me?”
His voice was a whisper in comparison to my sobbing demands. He still held his sadistic smile as he asked in reply, “You don’t remember me, do you? I can’t really blame you. I was never around enough to make an impression on you. Your harlot mother required me to work tirelessly.” He frowned playfully, gripping the heavy knife in his left hand.
I stared at him, cautiously taking a step back. “I don’t understand…” I whimpered, searching desperately for a weakness in his stance, armor, approach, anything I could use to my advantage. He had me shaken and fatigued enough for an easy kill. I needed any advantage I could get. I tried to keep him talking, but I knew I wouldn't like any of his answers.
“You aren’t that naive, my girl,” his voice purred. “I’ll let you figure this one out on your own.” With a chuckle, he continued his advance. “I’m the shadow that slipped in and out of your home every morning and evening. I waited for years for the pieces to fall into place before setting my own ploys into motion. You were just a child, but I pray to Sithis that night haunts your every waking moment. You should have been laid to rest with your mother, but that wretch had to be so noble. Where did her nobility get her? On a pike in my room!” He hissed slightly, “You messed everything up for me. You always have! I’ve lied to the Brotherhood about your death before, but I plan to rectify myself before you run out of my reach again!”
Tears stung my eyes as the pieces fell into place for me. “Y-You’re Michaelis Maro,” I whispered. “You’re my…”
“You’ve never had the right to call me father, child,” he growled, forcing our blades to collide before shoving me backwards. I fell on my hindquarters, sliding back as I held my blade up to distance myself from him. He watched me, a chuckle leaving his lips. “As I send your soul to the Void, I am one step closer to ridding myself of every mistake I’ve made. Only my brother remains and I will at last have peace.” He hummed a soft tune as he swiftly kicked my blade aside, pinning my wrist to the stone beneath his heel.
A soft whooshing noise caught my attention before the sound of ripping flesh. Michaelis made a cry of pain as he backed off from me, looking back towards Markarth. Blood dribbled down his cheek where a misplaced arrow cut cleanly through his skin. A few more inches left and the head would have buried in his skull and killed him. He hissed angrily as he stared at Kaita. The mounted warrior held her bow fully taut. The assassin moved quickly to avoid the next few shots of her bow, each one becoming deadlier and deadlier as she closed the distance.
For a moment, he looked as if he were ready to take her on. He gripped his blade, glaring at the fiery-haired Nord, until he noticed a team of at least three city guards behind her. By that time, I had collected my weapon from the ground as well. His odds, five against one, were not favorable. Bearing this in mind, the man stole one last glimpse at me. He gave me a toothy grin before sheathing his weapon. “I'll be back, Talia,” he hissed, “I promise.” His hands began to glow a faint blue before lighting up the entire area. In an instant, he vanished from sight.
Kaita pulled her horse to a stop when she neared me, her eyes scanning the area for indication of where he went. “Gods, I hate Illusionists,” she hissed, keeping her bow drawn. She rushed to my side, standing at my back to protect me from the rear. The city guards spread out, looking for him while we waited for his Invisibility spell to wear off. After several minutes, I became apparent he was no longer in the area. The Listener had fled.
The guards collectively walked over to me, planning to check on me I assumed. With the threat of Michaelis gone, I ordered, “Find Gaius! He… He couldn’t have gone far.” The guards looked at each other, debating on taking orders from me. I felt Kaita’s hand on my shoulder as she gave them a cold glare. They didn’t hesitate much longer after that, quickly spreading out along the road to find my cousin. I turned to look at Kaita, my eyes streaming with tears. I didn’t want to speak at that moment, and she seemed to understand. She simply pulled me into her chest, shutting her eyes as she held me tightly.
As the guards wandered farther away from us, I was left hearing the loud, pain-filled wheezing of the sorrel stallion that had given up on trying to get to his feet. I carefully pulled away from Kaita, looking over at the dying animal. His neck and head were stretched far out in front of him as he tried to gulp the air that was having a hard time finding his lungs. Blood completely soaked his chest and legs, pooling on the road and streaming down the hill. He had lost far too much for me to try and save him. His usually curious eyes were wide and filled with fear.
I sat down in front of him, lifting his heavy head onto my lap. My trembling hand stroked his cheek as I tried to whisper reassurances to him. “You’re a good boy, Glaer…” I breathed out, watching my breath freeze in the cool of the morning. His hasty breaths escaped his nostrils in puffs as well, disappearing into the sky above us. I looked over as Kaita led Valk to us. The dark mare seemed to know what was happening, which I found more upsetting than curious. She nickered to her companion, causing him to open his eyes for a few brief moments. They breathed into each other, almost as if saying goodbye. Kaita’s mare didn’t lift her head until Glaer’s final moments. I still remember watching the final breath escape into the night while Valk watched it depart Nirn.
Kaita and I shared a mutual silence in those moments after. I couldn’t find words to speak. I wouldn’t be able to explain the feelings I had at that moment. There wasn’t a word that completely encapsulated the pain and anger and fear I now knew that all the deaths stemmed from my very being. I couldn’t explain the joy I had knowing my father was alive but the gut-wrenching sickness I felt knowing he wanted nothing more than to slit my throat. He confirmed my worst fears: I was a mistake to be erased. I was powerless. I was worthless. I was not loved.
Likewise, Kaita found herself unable to give reassurance. She knew we wouldn’t be taking Gaius back to Windhelm. She knew there really wasn’t a safe place left for me. There was nothing she could say in that moment to give me any hope. Neither of us had to speak because we both knew there was nothing to be said. She just distracted herself by braiding Valk’s mane, while trying to take in those last moments with Glaer. We could do nothing else but wait on the news from the guards. I hated the waiting, the gods-forsaken waiting.
“Maro!” I heard one of the guards finally call out to break the silence. I forced myself to my feet to meet him, Kaita following close behind. “We think we found him, miss.” His voice held a solemnity that I dreaded hearing. I simply nodded, agreeing to follow him. He led me off the path and down one of the banks towards the river. “The… remains are too mangled to know for sure,” he struggled to tell me, “but we’re almost certain.”
I kept a brave face as I neared the bank. The two other guards dragged the body completely out of the shallows, laying it on the dew-covered grasses. Kaita stopped a short distance away to let me have a moment alone. I knelt beside the soaking wet body, my fingers tracing the insignia on his chest. Holes were spread out across his torso, each puncture deep enough to cut through the other side. The blood had been completely drained, washed away by the swift moving water in the river. My other hand found itself running through the dark brown strands of his hair, untangling the knots that shouldn’t have been there. Half-lidded eyes were glazed over to give them a blue appearance. He had seen Aetherius in his last moments.
I could feel the three guards looking at me, waiting for an answer that I wasn’t ready to give. One of them finally, boldly pressed, “Miss Maro? Is this the agent?”
I felt my throat go dry as the syllables left my throat. “Yes, this is Gaius.”
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