U.O.T.W. Chapter 290 When at Last the Day is Done

• Posted by Sotek July 7, 2018 - Filed in TSC: CB Story - #Sotek  #U.O.T.W.  - 1,022 views

  

  

   

  The morning in Whiterun began as it always did, with the opening of the shops and the hustle and bustle of the traders in the market square. Braziers were put out on the changing of the guards and slowly but surely the streets filled with playing children, buyers and sellers and regular residents going about the city doing regular things.

   

  Danica was praying at the temple, Eorlund was stoking the coals of the Skyforge, Arcadia could be found in her shop, Arcadia’s Cauldron, wiping off empty vials for the days alchemy potions. Patrons of the Bannered Mare made their way to their favourite drinking hole for a light meal before the day started to gather speed. Not that in Whiterun the days would gather speed, hours past just as quickly for everyone…

   

  That is, everyone bar Huinzi who was also at the Bannered Mare. He sat at the far corner watching the door as he waited for the Collector to return with news of her victory and, he hoped, Sotek’s heart in a box. Kul-et would marry Shadow-Walker and he could leave this infested land and return to the warm tropical swamp of his homeland, Black Marsh.

   

  General Tullius was also at the inn. He was sitting opposite Rikke and he didn’t look pleased one little bit at being summoned to Whiterun at all. All Rikke could tell him was there was an important matter to discuss regarding the whole of Skyrim and Sotek was slap bang in the middle of it. Tullius faced facts. If he wanted to find out what, he would have to wait.

   

  Every time a patron stepped inside, both Tullius and Huinzi would sit up and glare at the door to be slapped in the face by disappointment. Slowly, for them at least, the hour hand turned.

   

  It was mid-morning by the time the door to the Bannered Mare opened and Sotek, along with the others from his group walked inside. General Tullius went to get out of his chair and approach Sotek but the Argonian tapped him on the shoulder, forcing him to sit back down.
  “General, I will get to you in a minute. First, I need to speak with Huinzi”.

   

  Sotek smiled briefly then engaged with the Argonian Shadowscale straight away.
  “There’s been a complication”.

   

  “A complication? What complication? Why isn’t he dead?” Huinzi asked the Collector as he pointed straight at Sotek.

   

  Sotek grinned and waved his finger in front of Huinzi’s face.
  “That would be the complication. I’ve got bad news for you, she lost”.

   

  “I beg your pardon, what?” Huinzi slightly turned his head so his ear was directly in front of Sotek lest he misheard what had been said. He waved two fingers at Sotek, beckoning him to repeat his words.

   

  “I said, you overgrown frogspawn, she lost!” He looked straight at Huinzi who’s own face seemed blank and his eyes were vacant. Sotek lent over him and sniffed for possible signs of drink but there wasn’t any such odour. Sighing, Sotek waved his hand at Twilight, calling her to his side. “Maybe you should tell him. I don’t think he is taking it well”.

   

  The Collector walked up to the table and pulled out a chair. She sat down opposite Huinzi who had by now turned to face her.
  “I lost. He beat me. Damn him, he bloody beat me”.

   

  “But how?” Huinzi asked. His mind was blank, numb from the shock. His victory so certain. Every fight he put the Collector against he knew she would come out victorious, even the giant Argonian Temple guards in Black Marsh succumbed to her deadly art.

   

  Sotek grabbed hold of his collar and yanked him up off his chair to his feet. Huinzi tried to shake him off but Sotek held him fast then threw him away from the table. During the struggle, the Collector did nothing except watch.
  “I beat her, because you spent too long studying my weaknesses. You didn’t think for one second about my strengths. Didn’t it occur to you for a split second that I was unaffected by the cold? No. You saw silver and my inability to use weapons, well guess what, I won. And all it took was a bloody apple”.

   

  The Collector looked across to Huinzi then spoke out.
  “It’s true, he beat me, and we will honour the agreement”.

   

  Huinzi snapped out an order to several Shadowscales who were also there in support. Each one looked over to Twilight for confirmation. She raised a singular hand, showing her palm to them, halting any action or repercussion against Sotek and the Companions. Huinzi yelled across the inn at the Shadowscales a second time, but not one hand, tail or blade moved.
  “Kill him, kill him now”. All eyes stayed fixed on the Collector, who did nothing except lift her arm up and order a jug of water.

   

  She poured out a glass of the refreshing liquid and downed it, revelling in the cool water as it wet her throat. She slowly placed the glass back on the table then tapped her fingernails on the table top.
  “Huinzi, don’t try my patience. It has been tried enough over the last few days. Sotek and I have made an agreement and we will respect it”.

   

  “But why?” Huinzi asked. His face seemed sullen and his tail fell limp while his arms flopped to his sides. He almost looked broken and lost.

   

  “Because, I’d much rather have him as an ally than an enemy. We have enough troubles at home, and the cost is too great. We’ve lost far too many trying to kill him, I’m not losing any more men”. She looked around the room at the Shadowscales and the Imperial soldiers which Rikke had stationed there. With the Companions as well, any fighting would be a blood bath and she found herself wavering. It was then that she admitted something to herself. She didn’t know what side she was on anymore. She could just as easily stand next to Kodlak and fight with him as she could drive a dagger into his heart. For the first time in her life, the prospect of a fight made her feel sick.

   

  Sotek pulled out a chair and sat at the table so he was between Twilight and Huinzi. He wasn’t sure what to say to make Huinzi understand but then he thought about when he called the Blood Moon. No-one knew he had only been given that power the once. He knew inside it would be many a passing moon before Hircine would give him that gift again, if ever. Knowledge is power, and he wasn’t about to ignore such a powerful weapon.
  “It’s this simple, I need to make you understand your situation. So, this is what I propose. You lost. If I see, or even suspect, that one Shadowscale even considers threatening me, my friends or my family, you’ll regret it. I’ll call a hunt so bloody vast that Hircine himself would want to join. But I won’t be after you or Twilight here, I’ll come for Black Marsh. You won’t be able to step a single foot in the marshes without seeing fur. I’ll bring every werewolf in Tamriel, every legion soldier who stands with the Emperor will be there, I’ll give the Emperor himself Black Marsh. It will burn in Imperial flames. Any Argonian left alive will know it was because you couldn’t stop when you had no choice but to stop. You would cause the Argonian race to fall and die. And I swear by Hircine, that I’ll stand on the final rampart and laugh”.

   

  Huinzi glared at him angrily.
  “You dare threaten us?”

   

  “You presume I am bluffing? You know I can call the Blood Moon. I’ve done that already. I called to my side twenty werewolves and assaulted the Dark Brotherhood sanctuary. Imagine what I could do with all the werewolves in Skyrim, Cyrodiil and Vvardenfell. There’s even werewolves and other creatures of Hircine in Black Marsh. I’ll call every Hircine damned one of them to my side”. Sotek walked over to the bar then pulled out a wooden chest.

   

  He slid it on the table and pushed it towards Huinzi then threw a key on the floor.
  “That is what I will do if you don’t walk away. Now, I need to tell you what we will do if you do walk. Open the chest Huinzi”.

   

  Huinzi did as he was requested then opened the lid. Inside were nine small green banners. The Collector pulled one out then unravelled it. On it was a black wolf head howling below the two moons, Masseur and Secunda.
  “By Sithis, it’s… A green rag?”

   

  Sotek nodded then smiled.
  “So, you recognise it then?” With that he laughed. “It’s a banner I had made. It is unique to the whole of Tamriel. So, what is the point of it? This should make our positions a whole lot clearer. You walk away, and you leave us alone. If you do that, if you leave us all in peace, then if you ever need my help all you have to do is send nine Argonians to Skyrim. Each one heads to the centre of each town, holding that banner and I will come to your aid. I’ll bring everything I have, and I’ll fight with you. With you both, but for that, you have to walk away”.

   

  Huinzi looked across to Kul-et then at Sotek.
  “Is that it?”

   

  “Sort of”. Sotek stated. He turned to Kul-et and pointed at her. “Kul-et stays here, she’s one of us”.

   

  “Kul-et’s situation is a bit more complicated than that”. Kodlak said as he approached the table. “She is a Companion and she belongs in the Hall of Jorrvaskr. As does her husband, Veezara. It would be best if he ermm, died in the sanctuary? He’s dead, Kul-et and Veezara are left alone”.

   

  The Collector stood alongside Huinzi and she held his hand as she spoke.
  “Kodlak and the Companions are far more useful as allies than as enemies. We need Kodlak. Without him, Sotek won’t make a move”.

   

  Shadow Walker gave her a shove.
  “He’s bluffing, he’ll do nothing. All she is interested in is Sotek. She hardly put up a fight, and she’s been having secret talks with the Harbinger!”

   

  The Collector smacked him hard in the face and send him crashing to the floor.
  “He’ll do exactly what he said he would. That’s what he does”.

   

  Huinzi sat down on a chair, he could tell from the Collector’s voice that he had little choice.
  “Very well, I accept”.

   

  Kodlak tapped Sotek on the shoulder, and gently moved the Argonian to his side.
  “Sotek here has made his point, rather well I think, about the Shadowscales leaving Kul-et, indeed all of us alone, but it is rare that life is painted black and white. Often there are greys which stand neither on one side or the other. One such matter, is you Huinzi. You are Kul-et’s father? Should Kul-et’s father, wish to visit her, then he can”.

   

  “You would let me visit?” Huinzi asked. His eyes seemed clearer as if he finally accepted the terms on the table before him.

   

  “If Kul-et wishes it”. Kodlak said. “And Kul-et, I seriously recommend that you do”.

   

  “Yes, we used to be so close father”. Kul-et said with pleading eyes. Her whole demeanour told Huinzi she was speaking truths and if he was honest with himself, he felt the same thing.

   

  “Very well, I agree to your demands. Sotek here, he will actually fight with us?”

   

  Sotek shook his head.
  “Probably not, to be honest. It’s doubtful that you’ll keep up. But we’ll certainly fight for you. Now, if you will excuse me, I need to sort out the General”.

   

  “What do you have in mind for him Sotek? No games… Straight talk with me”. As the Harbinger spoke, he glanced across the hall at General Tullius. One thing the Harbinger wanted to avoid was complications with the Imperial Legion.

   

  “Harbinger, Rikke’s been a useful ally and a good friend to the Companions. We wouldn’t have made it without her”. Sotek stated. He however found the General to be hard to deal with. Any negotiations would be long and drawn out. Something Sotek wanted to avoid.

   

  “Sotek, I know”. The Harbinger glanced down at Huinzi then smirked to himself. “Threaten him”.

   

  “Ermm… You are giving him permission to threaten the General?” Sotek asked. He found Kodlak’s advice generally sound but to give Sotek a green pass and openly threaten someone wasn’t what Sotek was expecting.

   

  “Yes Sotek… Threaten him… The Shadowscales, use them to keep him at bay… However!”

   

  “Here it comes”. Sotek thought as he prepared for the bombshell.

   

  “However, Sotek… You let me negotiate. You threaten him then I will step in. Why am I explaining things to you? It’s not like you explain anything to me! Get on with it!” With that, the Harbinger gave Sotek a shove, sending him off to see the General.

   

  “General Tullius, it’s time we had a little chat”. Sotek stated as he sat at the table.

   

  General Tullius boldly leaned forwards and faced off Sotek.
  “You’re a jumped-up bastard! Don’t think you can intimidate me”.

   

  “Oh, but I can General”. Sotek said flatly. “This is going to sound so arrogant, but I am tired and weary. Fatigued, if you will so I’ll leave out the tact and diplomacy. “I’ve got the Emperor on one side, Hircine on the other and the Shadowscales behind me, or rather… behind you. Huinzi has accepted my proposal and he knows that I will come to his aid. I think… No, I am sure, that if I were to say… Have a word with Twilight here, that certain ‘accidents’ can be arranged. There won’t be a single tree or tent you’ll be able to pass without looking over your shoulder. You ever threaten my pack again and I swear, every werewolf, every Shadowscale will be looking for you. Red and Scarface, you leave them alone. They are left alone… Like it or lump it… Red and Scarface? They are well beyond the Imperial Legion’s reach”.

  
  “Sotek, that will do”. The Harbinger said as he sat opposite the General and tapped his fingertips as he thought. With a slight nod he owlishly stared at the General and laid down things as he saw them, in a clear and precise fashion so General Tullius wouldn’t take offence. “Forget what Sotek said general. He is tired, and his mind isn’t his own. You know he has had the burden of looking after Aela, Kul-et and Sasha for days while being on the run and we all know what you tried to force him to do”.

   

  The General started to protest and rise out of his chair but Kodlak wasn’t having any of it. He waved his hand dismissively, showing he was neither impressed or concerned with General Tullius’s cause. “Sit down man! Now is not the time for rash actions. There’s too much at stake. Like it or not, you need the Dragonborn and Sotek needs the legion!”

   

  “No I don’t”. Sotek declared.

   

  The moment he spoke, Kodlak turned to him and lightly kicked his shin.
  “You had Rikke and a squad of troops help at Falkreath, and you asked her to ‘keep an eye on Whiterun’? Shut up Sotek! Leave this to me! Now, as I was saying. You Tullius, and Sotek here, you both don’t get alone and yet you both need one another. General, we both know this ‘peace treaty’ won’t last. There will come a time when you will need Sotek’s help. Now, if I, myself, were a General then I might see fit to have a certain Legate officer placed in charge of say, Fort Greymoor. That way it would be easy to make contact with the Companions. Legate Rikke does have an accord with them, after all. Should you need the Companions, then all you need to do is send Rikke”.

   

  “A liaison officer?” the General asked.

   

  Kodlak nodded. He saw the glint in the General’s eye and for that he was thankful.
  “Yes, exactly that. Rikke is in the Imperial Legion and she answers to you General Tullius. However, she and the Companions have a friendship and a relationship, so she is the perfect candidate for this. When you need us, you go to her. When we have something to report, we report to her and she passes the information to you. It makes sense, and General, you know it makes sense”.

   

  “Agreed”. The General said with a grin. “Sotek, I will see you around”.

   

  “Hold on General”. Sotek paused just after speaking. He so wanted to have a go at the General for he blamed Tullius just as much as Huinzi and yet he felt the General escaped from his grasp and got clean away. Sotek knew there was one last thing for him to do, something which would infuriate the General, so he made sure Tullius was there to see it first-hand. “Don’t go yet. The shows not over. Saadia, a flask of mead for the General… He’s not free to go yet”.

   

  “What are you up to now?” Kodlak asked.

   

  “I ermm… Does this include my bone spikes or not?” Sotek asked with a smirk.

   

  “What?” Kodlak felt a sudden befuddlement, often caused when Sotek was throwing red herrings his way. He knew this was one of those moments.

   

  “Well, you asked, what am I up to? If I include my bone spikes, then I am taller than you but if we don’t count them then I am up to your eyebrows. So, do we include them or not?”

   

  Kodlak shook his head then turned around muttering to himself.
  “It’s times like these that I wish Tilma was here with her broom”.

   

  Minutes later the Jarl arrived at the inn, followed by Proventus who carried an important looking letter addressed to the Harbinger. Sotek smirked and casually walked over to the far end of the inn where four stone blocks were placed. Two blocks were sitting on top of each other while the other two were either side. It looked like a bizarre stone table and chairs.
  “Aela, have a seat. A stone one”.

   

  “Ermm pardon?”

   

  Sotek beckoned her over and pointed to the stone block.
  “Sit there for a moment”. That moment the maids started bringing out trays of food and placed them on the tables. When it came to Aela and Sotek however, two trays of bloodied uncooked beef were placed in front of them. Aela looked at the meat with a bewildered expression. She cast a look at the Harbinger who simply shrugged his shoulders at her. Sotek leaned across the table to her then whispered. “If I told you to do something, without question, will you do it?”

   

  “Do what? We can’t change here!”

   

  “Do it, change, right now. Change with me and feed right here, right now”.

   

  Sotek then changed his form. Scarface howled out making the Shadowscales jump but then he watched Aela sitting there. She cast a look at the Jarl who just sat in his chair looking back at her.
  “Go ahead, he’ll explain afterwards. If he doesn’t give a satisfactory explanation, then I’ll lock him up for a month”.

   

  She looked up at Scarface then changed form herself. Moments later, Red sat there with the smell of blood and beef in her nostrils. As one, both Scarface and Red howled out then fed on the meat, tearing it to pieces. Afterwards, Sotek changed back then looked over to the General who was scowling at them both.
  “You better transform Red. The General doesn’t look happy”.

   

  She changed back then looked nervously at the Harbinger.
  “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have done that”.

   

  Sotek simply laughed.
  “Why say sorry? It’s nothing to do with Kodlak. No offence Harbinger, but it really hasn’t any more”. Sotek then got up and took the letter from Proventus. He handed it to the Harbinger. “I’ve been waiting for this. Here, Harbinger. It’s addressed to you. Be so kind to read it out aloud, I want the General to hear every bloody word”.

   

  Kodlak snatched the letter as he eyed Sotek suspiciously.
  “What’s going on?”

   

  “Harbinger, I wanted Red and Scarface to be able to hunt in peace. We fought for this city, its people and its walls. All I asked was that Red and Scarface be left alone. But that was too much a price! We were thrown about between the General, Ulfric and the Shadowscales. Scarface’s home, Red’s home, a bloody stupid piece of land no-one cared a rat’s arse about was destroyed! General Tullius will never let Red run free… Jarl Balgruuf and I, and you. We three sat down and drew a line. A line showing what Red and Scarface could do, where they could go. Jarl, I have the utmost respect for both you and our Harbinger, so I could never cross that line. So, I changed the rules. I didn’t break it, I removed it”. Now Sotek had said his piece, he walked over to the bar and filled a glass of water. He didn’t want mead; his throat was parched, and he felt angry. He knew by Aela’s example, Mead and anger weren’t a good mix.

  
  Kodlak opened the letter then read the contents quietly, he nearly dropped the parchment as he read it.
  “Sotek, is this a joke?”

   

  “No, no joke. Aela really wants to know what’s going on, so if you please Harbinger”. As Sotek spoke he rested his hands on the bar but he kept his back to everyone. He was still feeling angry and inside he knew Scarface was seething. All he could think about was Red’s and Scarface’s home put to the torch and left as a burnt-out husk.

   

  “What? Oh, yes. This is a decree from the Emperor. It states that he was going to offer both Red and Scarface, diplomatic immunity for services rendered. However, he and his governing body won’t be offering Immunity. It has been refused”.

   

  Sotek paused for a split second. He turned his head angrily towards Kodlak and hissed.
  “What iss thiss?”

   

  “Wait!” Kodlak said as he held up his hand. “Let me finish! Instead, the Emperor feels that citizenship is a better option for it binds both Red and Scarface by law. Let it be known that on this day, the first day of the last seed that this day forth that...”

   

  “Aela the Huntress, Companion of Whiterun is declared to be a werewolf”.

   

  “Sotek, He Who Doesn’t Answer Certain Questions, Companion of Whiterun is declared to be a werewolf”.

   

  “Aela the Huntress’s werewolf, known as Red and Sotek’s werewolf known as Scarface are both hereby declared official citizens of Skyrim and as such have equal rights as any other citizen of Skyrim? How in Oblivion did you manage that?” Kodlak stood there frozen to the spot. He struggled to blink let alone do anything else.

   

  General Tullius slammed down his flask and threw his chair back. He snatched the letter from Kodlak’s hand and muttered as he read it himself.
  “This is an outrage! It’s forged! I’ll see you in irons!”

   

  Sotek turned around in a daze. He was hoping for a bit of clemency, but this was beyond what even he imagined. He still had his wit though and he pointed to the door.
  “Commander Odaren is, at this moment in Dragonsreach. Go and ask him. It was he who brought the letter from Cyrodiil. You want to know what happened Harbinger? It’s simple. These two twits, General Tullius and Huinzi, didn’t trust each other. They both forced me to take out the Dark Brotherhood sanctuary. But, when Aela was busy scoffing down the Emperor’s food on his ship, I was busy talking directly with the Emperor. He promised us freedom, if I destroyed the Dark Brotherhood. All these two twits had to do was wait. General, Huinzi, you only have yourselves to blame”.

   

  Aela stared at him with her mouth open wide. It took a few seconds for it to sink in.
  “We can hunt on the plains when we like?”

   

  “No, we can hunt in Skyrim where we like, when we like. Red and Scarface could sit on a wall in the middle of Solitude in broad daylight and not be bothered by guards or anyone. However, there are some slight ermm specific conditions. These are from Jarl Balgruuf. I haven’t read them yet, so... Aela the Huntress, my She-Wolf… Do you want to hear them?”

   

  She shook her head.
  “It doesn’t matter what they are”.

   

  “Still, it’s best you know them”. Jarl Balgruuf stated as he unfolded a second piece of parchment. “Harbinger, would you do the honour of reading them out?”

   

  “No, I don’t think I am able to. I’ll sit here and gather my wits if you would be so kind Jarl”. With that, Kodlak sat down and downed half a tankard of mead. He didn’t even know whose mead it was.

   

  “Gladly, these aren’t limited, so bear that in mind Sotek. You must understand this is an unusual situation, so we may adapt and even add to these as we go. One. No excessive howling between eight pm and eight am”.

   

  Kodlak smirked.
  “That’s understandable, Red and Scarface can’t go around howling at will”.

   

  “Ermm actually, Scarface isn’t mentioned, nor is Red, there’s only one name mentioned, Aela’s”. With that the Jarl started chuckling as he glanced over to Aela.

   

  Aela instantly turned bright red as she tried to hide her face.
  “That’s not bloody funny”.

   

  “Well it would be welcomed anyway. Two. No killing pets or children, Proventus? Really?” Jarl Balgruuf scrunched up the piece of parchment, forming a fist as he glared at his aid.

   

  Proventus shuffled on his seat nervously.
  “It’s just so we know where we stand, that’s all”.

   

  “Humph! Three. No running over rooftops”.

   

  Sotek slammed his hand on the bar in protest.
  “Aww come on! That was a one off. I was trying to save your backside, I might add”.

   

  “And you fell through a roof in the process, sorry it stands. Do you even know how much gold and how long it took to repair the temple roof? Four. Red and Scarface are not permitted to frighten, or even try to intimidate anyone what so ever within the city walls. Five. No excessive eating in the streets. I’m not having people throwing up everywhere because Red and Scarface want to share a deer in the middle of the bloody market. We’ll sort the rest out as we go”.

   

  Kul-et called over to the Harbinger.
  “What’s going to happen to Veezara?”

   

  Kodlak stood up and answered.
  “Ah, I’m afraid he died in the fire at the Sanctuary. However, Kul-et, I think you got mixed up a bit. Allow me to introduce Barter-Tongue”. At that moment Veezara walked through the kitchen and headed towards Kul-et.

   

  She jumped to her feet and threw herself at him. He held her tightly in his arms as he felt a few tears form on her face.
  “I’m ok, I’m ok”.

   

  “Where will we go?”

   

  Sotek laughed at her
  “You’re going nowhere, your tail belongs in Jorrvaskr”.

   

  Kodlak nodded, he however had plans for Veezara and he wasn’t about to let the Argonian fall to the wayside.
  “Veezara is now the store keeper of the shop in Riverwood. I spoke to Sotek and we both decided to put all the gold we have saved together, and we bought the shop. The Companions will take items there, and whatever he sells, he’ll send a percentage to Jorrvaskr. Say, seventy percent of the sales? He will, of course take the rest. Riverwood’s only a few hours away so Kul-et, you’ll get to visit him a fair bit I expect. Veezara, you are always welcome to visit Jorrvaskr”.

   

  Kul-et held Veezara tightly as she smiled to Sotek and the Harbinger.
  “How can I ever repay you both?”

   

  “Simple, next time there’s a bloody problem come to me. This would have been far simpler if you had”. Sotek said with a snarl. As he spoke, he made sure he had eye contact with Kul-et. She stared at him for a few moments then turned her gaze to the floor.

   

  Now that Sotek found himself staring into the back of Kul-et’s head, he turned his attention back to the General.
  “General Tullius, you can now go. But before you do, I warn you! Ulfric’s plan lies decimated. I know he had a part to play in all of this. Retribution will be swift and bloody. Don’t be surprised when it all suddenly starts up again. When it does, you know where to find us. Skyrim is our home after all”.

   

  “I don’t have a choice, do I?” the General said as he rose out of his chair. Everyone could see he was angry and although he had managed to manipulate the destruction of the sanctuary, he felt like he had lost the war.

   

  “Ermm, no. No, you don’t. But don’t worry, Red and Scarface are simply dying to visit Solitude”. As Sotek spoke, he gave a cheeky grin, happy in the knowledge that it was winding up the General.

   

  As if he knew what Sotek was up to, the Jarl called out to him.
  “Sotek, may I remind you of law number four?”

   

  Sotek smirked across at the General.
  “Aww that hardly counts as intimidation! All I was saying is we can’t wait to visit him, that’s all”.

   

  “Nevertheless, Sotek. Stop it”.

   

  “Sorry, Jarl, General you have my apologies. However, that still leaves a few odd ends to tie up. Sasha, for one. I could have a word with Huinzi about you re-joining the Shadowscales, but I feel you wouldn’t want to go back to there”.

   

  “No, no offence but I need more than that. I want somewhere where I can grow”.

   

  The Harbinger lent back in his chair and weighed things in his mind. An idea occurred to him, one which he thought would help.
  “There’s a space with us if you would like, but then again... How would you like to visit Cyrodiil?”

   

  “What? What do you mean?” Sasha asked with a peculiar look plastered across her reptilian face.

   

  “The Fighter’s Guild is looking for members. The Emperor’s put your name forwards to them. They are aware that you’re a werewolf. They have concerns but they’re willing to give you a chance. Bruma, I think was the town”.

   

  “Bruma? that’s just south of Skyrim’s borders. When are they expecting me?” She asked excitedly. A new land gave her opportunities for a fresh start. Something she was starting to relish.

   

  “In a few days. You can rest here for a few days then decide if you want to see them, or not. There’s no immediate rush. Now, there’s two more things to sort out then I’m done. Innkeeper, the first round of drinks are on Sotek tonight. Twilight, it’s not exactly buying you dinner but still”.

   

  Twilight burst out laughing, making Huinzi sharply turn to face her. All she could do was point to a sullen looking Sotek, whose jaw had just hit the floor.

   

  Sotek’s eyes flashed around the room, counting everyone. He gave up the moment he counted more than five different people. As his hand fell to his pouch, he weighed it. Knowing he had only a few gold in his pocket, he winced as Kodlak ordered a bottle of finest brandy while everyone else swarmed around the bar.
  “Aww rats!”