Shifting Sands

I lay back on the ground, waiting for the pain to go away. 'The bastard never mentioned there was another bastard lying in wait down here for me. I'm going to smash his face in when I see him.' I glanced left and right, noticing the skeever bodies lying around me. Blood was everywhere and I knew some of it was mine. So I just lay there, taking in deep breaths, occasionally groaning and feeling sorry for myself. I was getting tired of fighting. 'Okay, that's a bit of a lie but the pain is annoying.'

Eventually sitting up, I got to my feet and staggered towards the body, glancing down across the large wound that went from his shoulder to his hip. His eyes were wide open in surprise but lacked life. The urge to spit in his face was almost overwhelming. To cave his face in with his sword was another thought to cross my mind. I took a couple of deep breaths and let the anger disappear. At least he and his bloody creatures were dead, and while I was sore, I was alive.

Limping badly, I found my way out of the cave back into the meadery itself, eventually finding the vat which I needed to poison. I didn't feel comfortable poisoning the vat though was assured whoever drank the mead from this vat would only feel sick and wouldn't die. At most, they'd feel uncomfortable for a day or two. Most importantly, Sabjorn would be ruined. Having talked to the man prior to venturing into the cave, I had to admit this was one task for the Thieves Guild I actually wouldn't mind doing.

Sabjorn was waiting for me when I walked back into the bar. He didn't look happy. "Everything's taken care of," I stated.

"Took you long enough." I swallowed down the retort. "I had to stall the captain until you were finished."

I was ready to ask about my pay but kept my mouth shut and moved to the shadows as Sabjorn walked to the door and opened it, calling for the captain to walk in. I practically melted into the wall as I recognised the Commander of Whiterun Guard immediately. I silently prayed to the Nine Divines that he wouldn't turn around, ask who I was and recognise me. I certainly didn't want him knowing I was involved in all of this.

Caius walked to the bar, resting a forearm and relaxed. "Well, Sabjorn, now that you've taken care of your little pest problem, how about I get a taste of some of your mead?"

"Help yourself, milord. It's my finest brew yet! I call it Honningbrew Reserve. I think you'll find it quite pleasing to your palate."

Caius laughed. "Oh, come now. This is mead, not some wine meant to be sipped and savoured," he stated as he took a gulp of the tankard. Nothing happened at first as he took another gulp. Still nothing happened and I began to wonder if I'd poisoned the wrong vat or go something wrong.

Then Caius groaned. I almost jumped for joy as he picked up the tankard and peered at its contents with a keen eye before sniffing. "By the Eight?! What... What's in this?"

Sabjorn looked in my direction as his face lost all colour. "I... I don't know. What's wrong?" he stammered.

Caius whirled on Sabjorn, jabbing a finger in his direction. Then he almost doubled over as everything he'd eaten and drank that day was evacuated. Once he was done, I could see his face redden with anger. "You bastard! You assured me this place was clean! I'll see... I'll see to it that you remain in irons for the rest of your days!"

Sabjorn looked in my direction, then at Mallus beside me, before looking at Caius again. "No, please! I don't understand..."

Caius unsheathed his sword, and while unsteady on his feet, Sabjorn staggered away in fear. "Silence, idiot! I should have known better..." He stopped and appeared to swallow down even more bile. "I should have known better than to trust this place after it's been riddled with filth."

Sabjorn tried one last time. "I beg you...please! This is not what it seems!" he pleaded.

Caius didn't listen to a word, instead turning to look at Mallus next to me. He raised his sword, pointing at him. "You're in charge until I can sort all of this out."

I looked at Mallus, who appeared delighted at the news. "It will be my pleasure, Captain."

Caius turned back to Sabjorn, who looked nothing but defeated. "And you!" the Captain spat, "You're coming with me to Dragonsreach. We'll see how quickly your memory clears in the city's prisons. Now move!"

Sabjorn looked ready to plead for something, whether his job or his life, but Caius had the point of the sword at his throat. "One more word and I'll cut you down where you stand. I said move!"

Sabjorn raised his hands in surrender and, with shoulders slumped, he was escorted out of the meadery. Mallus couldn't help giving a sarcastic farewell to Sabjorn as the now former owner of the meadery was marched towards Whiterun and its dungeon.

Mallus walked to the other side of the bar and grabbed a couple of bottles before gesturing to one of the tables. I took a seat as he popped the lid of each bottle, handing one to me. "This is a real bottle of Honningbrew Meadery. Don't tell Maven but the man could brew a decent drop." I took a sip of the beer and my taste buds danced. Sabjorn may have been a bastard but he could sure brew a good beer. Mallus sat back and relaxed, unable to wipe away the slight smile that had crept upon his face. "I honestly don't think that could have gone any better."

I sat forward, placing the bottle on the table. "You could have told me about that lunatic in the caves below, Mallus," I growled.

His eyes widened for a moment before he nodded. "I understand your anger, but please understand why I didn't tell you."

"And your reason is?"

He shrugged. "I didn't want you to walk away from the job. Maven put a lot of trust in me to get this job done, and I'm sure she put a lot of trust in you." I nodded, understanding what he meant. If he failed, he'd be dead. "Besides, you did me a favour. If you hadn't taken care of him, I would have had to spend a lot of hard earned coin paying a bunch of mercenaries to take care of him."

I was ready to chew him out further but finally thought it was pointless. I wasn't dead and the task was almost done. "Fair enough. I can understand your reasoning, I guess."

I sat back and relaxed, enjoying the rest of the bottle. It was probably one of the best bottles of mead I'd ever had. "Will you continue brewing this one?"

"Definitely. The only difference being that it will be sold under the Black-Briar Meadery label. That was Maven's part of the deal. She's put me in charge of keeping the mead flowing, so that's exactly what I'm going to do. If you're in the area and you ever need anything fenced, you just let me know. Before you leave, is there anything else you need?"

"I need to find out who was financing Sabjorn as it's clear he wasn't doing this alone."

He nodded. "Sure. Sure. He didn't keep anything personal here in the bar so anything you may want will probably be upstairs in his personal quarters."

The door into Sabjorns' personal quarters were locked so, without a key, a good kick was required to open it. 'Hope Mallus wasn't hoping to use this room as a bedroom.' I searched through a few drawers and finally found something. It was another letter, opening it to reveal the same symbol I'd seen on the letter I'd found at Goldenglow. Whoever this person was had a real problem with the Thieves Guild and, from appearances, Maven Black-Briar.

'Sabjorn,

Within the enclosed crate, you'll find the final payment. As we discussed, Honningbrew Meadery should now begin brewing mead at full production. In regards to your concerns about interference from Maven Black-Briar, I can assure you that I'll do everything in my power to keep her assets and her cronies at bay. This is the beginning of a long and successful future for both of us.'

"Whoever this is apparently has no fear of retribution from either Maven or the Guild," I muttered to myself.

I searched the room for more evidence, which included kicking open another locked door, unfortunately revealing nothing but a storage room. I checked around the room again for anything I might have missed but, apart from a few coins, I found nothing else of evidence I could take back to Maven or Brynjolf.

I wandered downstairs, and after a short conversation with Mallus, I departed the meadery. As it was late in the day, I had little choice but to head into Whiterun, hoping no-one would recognise me. I kept my hood up though tried not to appear too suspicious in regards to the attention of the guards. One or two gave me curious glances but I made sure I walked as naturally as possible. Not wanting to draw attention to my house, I eventually knocked on the door of Lydia's house, located just up the road from my own. Her front door flew open and I noticed the curious look.

"Hello?"

"Lydia, it's me." She opened her mouth to say something but I made a motion for silence. "Please, don't draw attention to me. Can I come in?"

"Of course, of course, right away."

Her house was almost a carbon copy of my own, taking a seat by the fire. She sat next to me as I finally removed the hood. Then I heard laughter.

"What happened to your hair and beard?"

"Needs must, Lydia. You know what I'm doing. I didn't want to take any chance of being recognised."

"So what are you doing back in Whiterun?"

"I had a task of which I've just completed. Figuring it was late, I thought that I may as well stay here. Before you ask, I didn't want to risk staying at my own place in case someone recognised me and came asking after me."

"You're more than welcome to stay here, my Thane. You can take my…"

"I'll take the spare room, Lydia. I'm a guest in your house. I certainly wouldn't expect you to give up your own bed."

While I wouldn't take her up on the offer of her bed, I did accept the offer of a bottle of mead, draining half the bottle before answering her question about how my life was regarding my infiltration of the Guild.

"It's interesting, to say the least. And there's something big doing on within the organisation. Most importantly, Maven Black-Briar has already confirmed she helps the Thieves Guild, but I need hard evidence as I doubt my word, no matter who I am, will be enough to see her in chains."

"What exactly is the problem?"

"Someone, I don't know who, is going after the Guild and Maven in particular. It's rather interesting. I'm wondering if I may not have an ally out there somewhere."

"Will you try and make contact with whoever it is?"

"I don't think I'll need to. I have no doubt whoever it is may reveal themselves sooner or later."

"Isn't all of this a little dangerous?"

I couldn't help the chuckle. "Lydia, we faced down dragons and I've only recently ended the menace of vampires. I'm not worried about the machinations of a few bloody thieves and their enemies. I can look after myself."

"You know I worry."

"And I appreciate it."

"How's your wife?"

"She's well. Probably bored out of her mind, though. I think she keeps Mjoll company, or the other way around. I've managed to spend a couple of hours with her, though no more than that. I just don't want to risk her safety."

"You can be adorable at times, my Thane."

I groaned. "Seriously?"

"When it comes to your wife, I'm left wondering what you wouldn't do for her."

I laughed. "I'll admit I'm not willing to find out."

"You are safe though, right?" she asked, all of a sudden concerned.

"Of course, Lydia. I've gone into this eyes open. And I wouldn't have done it without the agreement the General, Jarl but, most importantly, Serana. If any of them had thought it was a bad idea, I wouldn't have done it. But the people of Riften deserve justice. And we can't just go in swinging swords, thinking that is how justice should always be done. No, this is about gathering evidence, then arresting the whole lot of them and letting them stand trial."

"Do you truly believe that is possible?"

"I believe it's worth trying."

She smiled and grabbed my hand. "Another example of how you're a good man, Ragnar."

"Thanks. But I'm doing things at the moment which…"

"The ends will justify the means when all is said and done."

"That's what I tell myself too. It's hard to see it that way sometimes, particularly when I'm conversing with some of the Guild members. But then, looking past what they do, I can't help thinking they're not… evil. They're criminals, don't get me wrong. But while stealing is wrong, they believe they're justified in what they're doing. The mindset of the thief is strange, to say the least."

"Have you eaten?"

"No."

"I'll cook you up something. I haven't eaten either."

"I'll admit one thing, Lydia. I have missed your cooking."

"Are you saying Serana can't?"

"Of course not. But you do things to some of those dishes you make which make them… extraordinary."

I noticed the blush. "Thank you," she said quietly.

It didn't take her long to have another delicious meal served up. I wasn't kidding when I said her cooking was delicious. Meat, potato and veg wasn't always the most exciting of meals at times, but she would put things in the meat or on the potato which added something special. We sat at the dining table, opening another couple of bottles of mead and conversed about nothing important as we ate. I think it was the first time in months that it was only the two of us. Just like the old days.

"We've come a long way, haven't we?" she asked once our plates were empty.

"I can't even think of how long it's been since the day I walked into Skyrim. Must be well over a year by now. Is it?"

Lydia shrugged. "No idea. Time flies, I guess."

"A lot has happened, that's for sure."

"Dragons. Vampires. Now the civil war. Do you think once that's over there will be peace?"

Part of me wanted to say yes. But I knew that it wouldn't happen. "You know I want to say yes, Lydia. I'd love nothing more than to live the rest of my days out in this city with my wife and friends, enjoying relative peace, leaving the politics to others. But we both know that won't happen."

"You're talking about the Thalmor, aren't you?"

"Of course. I'd bet all our coin that they are just waiting for the excuse, or the opportunity, to wage war on us once again. Once this civil war is open, it would be the perfect time to strike. Skyrim divided and exhausted after a civil war. The Empire distracted by having to maintain the peace."

"If the Empire win…" Lydia stated, though I didn't miss the smirk.

"Skyrim cannot afford to be divided as that is precisely want the Thalmor want. They must love the fact the war is happening because it means they can do practically whatever they want at the moment."

"Guess the civil war needs resolving first, then."

"Correct. Then we turn our eyes on the Thalmor. We watch and wait and prepare for what is to come next."

"Then we strike."

I couldn't help the grin. "Exactly. This time we catch them unawares. They think themselves superior. We'll prove them wrong in that assumption."

"You really hate them, don't you? I know you've seen things, but it's personal, isn't it?"

"Revenge is a dish best served cold. Not just for my father but the thousands of fathers who never saw their homes again. Our country, not just Skyrim, but the Empire as a whole, was put to the sword. And we signed an agreement that was an affront to nearly everyone but was also one that needed to be accepted to stop further bloodshed. The Thalmor need to be shown that we will not tolerate them any longer. So we will sit and watch. We will wait and show patience. We will smile and give false platitudes. Then, one day, some day in the future, they will reap what they sow and face the wrath of a people who will rise up and cry 'Praise Talos' as we march through their lands and put them to the sword."

"Where do I sign up?" I laughed. "With words like that, my Thane, you'd have the entire Empire following you in a heartbeat. The people have been crying out for someone to lead them."

"We have an Emperor. There's also a Military Governor far more capable than myself."

"You sell yourself short. You led the people of Whiterun, defeating Jarl Ulfric and his Stormcloaks. As for the Emperor, he is tainted by the fact he was the one who signed that treaty with the Thalmor. We need someone who will stand for everyone, but more importantly stand strong as a beacon of hope against a formidable enemy."

"And you think that's me?"

"Who else but the Dragonborn? You have the same blood as the Septim Emperors. People remember that time fondly, sir. It was a time of prosperity for all within the Empire. It was only when that Era ended that it all started to go wrong and collapse."

"If they come to my door and ask me, I'd certainly take it under consideration. But, for now, my focus is on simply trying to take Riften without too much bloodshed."

We talked for perhaps another hour or two, drinking at least another couple of bottles each, sharing a rather nice hug at the top of the stairs before we headed to bed.

*****

Maven looked up as I approached. I wondered if she'd been sat there the entire time I'd been away. "You've been gone awhile but returned alive so I can only assume you have good news for me."

I handed over the letter. "Job completed as requested. Sabjorn will be spending a long time as a guest of the Jarl in his dungeon. I thought Caius was ready to gut him at one stage."

"And Mallus is in position?"

"He is. Ready and raring to go in all honesty."

"Good." Her eyes then devoured the letter in her hand before she placed it on the table, clearly unhappy. "Well, this doesn't tell me much at all. The only thing that can identify Sabjorn's partner is this odd little symbol."

"But it proves there is a link between Goldenglow and Honningbrew."

"How so?"

"That symbol was on a letter I found at Goldenglow. Someone has a problem, whether it's with you or the Guild, I can't say."

"Well, whoever this mysterious marking represents, they'll regret starting a war with me. You should bring this information to the Thieves Guild immediately," she stated, handing me the letter.

I was wondering if I should find out more information about her and her family but a flick of the wrist suggested I was being dismissed. I had what I wanted from her anyway. She'd admitted what she was involved in. Now it was a case of trying to prove it. 'Might have to prove my skill as a thief by breaking into her house.'

I used the secret entrance into the cistern, ensuring no-one saw me enter, the graveyard through which I walked through empty. Most of the graves appeared untended, the headstones ancient, so wondered if anyone ever visited them. I found Brynjolf at the Flagon, sharing a table with Delvin and Vex. I bought a round of drinks from Vekel before joining them.

"How did it go?" Brynjolf asked.

"Let's just say Sabjorn is currently enjoying a room at his Jarl's pleasure."

"How unfortunate for him," Delvin stated.

"But very fortunate for Maven," Vex added.

They all shared a chuckle as Brynjolf clasped my shoulder. "Now you see how it works, lad!"

"There's something else," I said, handing the letter to Brynjolf. I watched him read the letter and he didn't appear surprised by the contents. "Same symbol." He handed the letter to Delvin and Vex to read as well. I'd learned enough to figure they were his most trusted lieutenants within the organisation.

"Any idea who this could possibly be?" Delvin finally asked.

I looked at Brynjolf who simply shrugged. "No idea. Bu this is clearly no coincidence. First Aringoth and now Sabjorn. Someone's trying to take us down by driving a wedge between Maven and the Guild."

Vex looked at me. "I can assume she also realised this?"

"Her support for the Guild hasn't wavered. She knows something is up."

"That's a relief," Delvin stated, "We can't afford to lose her support. Our luck is bad enough as it is."

"So what do we do?" I asked the group.

"For now, nothing. I'll talk to Mercer and see what our next move is."

So that's what I did. Nothing. I wasn't under orders to go out and commit thievery and wasn't about to start making coin for them so, using the excuse that I'd just completed a job, I lay back on my bed and read a book. I'd read about half a dozen pages before falling asleep.

It was a couple of days later, while enjoying a tankard in the Flagon, when I was approached by Brynjolf. He had the appearance of a man who'd just had his ear chewed off. He took a seat next to me.

"Henrik, you'd better go see Mercer right away."

"What does he want?" I asked, somewhat cautiously. I'd only met the man once and was already convinced he didn't believe who I said I was.

"He wants to talk to you about everything you've found so far. I think he knows a way to find out who's been trying to bring us down."

I nodded and drained my tankard, figuring I should go and see him right away. Mercer was on the other side of the cistern, leaning over a large desk. Behind him was a pair of bookshelves, near empty of content, and an empty stone plinth. He looked up as I approached and to say his face conveyed anger would be a serious understatement. He then looked down at the pair of letters I'd found along with other paperwork he had.

"I've consulted my contacts regarding the information you recovered from Goldenglow Estate, but no one can identify that symbol. Whatever the case, it would see our adversary is attempting to take us apart indirectly by angering Maven Black-Briar. Very clever."

"There's plenty to admire in whoever it is. They certainly seem to know how we operate and where to strike."

"They're well-funded and they've been able to avoid identification for years. I'm surprised it reached this point."

"You think this has been going on for that long?"

"I assume you've spoken to Delvin? I'm no believer in luck but it is now clear there is someone or a group out there trying to make our lives difficult. As you said, you'd have to admire them in a way. If it wasn't for the fact Maven needs us much as we need her, we'd be in real trouble. Just don't mistake my admiration for complacency; our nemesis is going to pay dearly."

'Whoever this is may prove to be the perfect ally in trying to bring down both Maven and this Guild. Seems like I'll need to find them by continuing to offer my help.' "What's our next step?"

He looked at me silently for a few seconds before nodding. "Enthusiasm. Good. About time we had people like that around here." He jabbed a finger at one of the letters on the desk. "There is one detail on this letter about Goldenglow where, even after all their posturing and planning, they've made a mistake. The parchment you recovered mentions a "Gajul-Lei". According to my sources, that's an old alias used by one of our contacts. His real name is Gulum-Ei. Slimy bastard."

"Who's Gulum-Ei?"

"He was our inside man at the East Empire Company in Solitude. I'm betting he acted as a go-between for the sale of Goldenglow Estate and that he can finger our buyer. Get out there, shake him down and see what you come up with. Talk to Brynjolf before you leave as he does know that slimy bastard better than most of us."

I found Brynjolf in the Flagon sitting with Delvin and Vex as usual. 'Do these people ever go out and commit crimes or sit around here all day?' "What did Mercer have to say?"

"I have to find someone called Gulum-Ei."

Brynjolf's face dropped. "Gulum-Ei? I can't believe he's mixed up in all this; that Argonian couldn't find his tail with both hands. Don't get me wrong. He could scam a beggar out of his last septim." He shook his head. "But he's no mastermind and definitely wouldn't be capable of something like this."

"So you don't think he's the one behind this? I wasn't sure what Mercer thought." Brynjolf just laughed, like such an idea was unbelievable. "So how do I approach him?"

"You have your work cut out for you either way, Henrik." I almost corrected him on my name. "To get him to talk, you're going to need to buy him off. More than likely, anyway. You could try and intimidate him, but he knows how we work, and considering how stubborn he is, it will take a silver tongue to pry information out of him. But if I know Gulum-Ei, he's in way over his head and you'll be able to use it as leverage."

'This Argonian sounds like he could prove useful.' "So nothing more than a possible beat down?"

"I wouldn't even suggest that. Whatever you do, don't kill him. But squeeze him for information. He's proven rather unreliable of late, claiming pickings are slim in the East Company warehouse, but if he's mixed up in all of this, then that's the answer as to why he's turned his back on us."

"I'll head to Solitude right away and see what I can find out."

"And once you do, head straight back here. Mercer is already on the warpath and the thing to calm him down will be information on whoever is behind this."

I left Riften an hour later, choosing to travel by carriage, wanting to stay as incognito as possible. I wasn't sure what to expect regarding Gulum-Ei but I thought long and hard about what I would do all the way to Solitude.