Chapter 276  Lines Are Drawn 

 

Within a few hours of leaving the Fort, Sam arrived back at Whiterun. He eagerly burst through the doors to find Aela sitting down nursing a nasty bruise on her cheek and Sasha sitting opposite with a split lip. Both of them were staring intensely at each other.  

 

The moment the Harbinger saw him enter, he called Sam over to him, “Have you seen Vilkas?”.  

 

“Erm Yes, I haven’t”. 

 

“Pardon”. 

 

“Sorry no, I have..er.. He’s at the fort”. 

 

“What’s he doing there?”. 

 

“Rikke” 

 

Sabre called out to him, “What the hell are you on about?”. 

 

“He’s at the fort with Rikke”. 

 

“No I’m not”. Vilkas stated as he walked into the hall. “I was, but since Sotek’s letter I came back”. 

 

Sam looked a bit surprised, “How the hell did you get back so fast?”. 

 

Vilkas shook his head at him, “Because unlike you, I took a horse. Harbinger what in Oblivion’s going on”. 

 

“From what I can gather from Aela and Sasha, the contract Sotek’s been forced to take on, isn’t an assassination. It’s the  destruction of the Dark brotherhood”. Instantly the hall broke down in mixed chatter from Farkas, Vilkas and the other two whelps. Aela rolled her eyes at them all which caused Sasha to laugh slightly. Aela quickly threw her a look, but as soon as she did, she started smiling as well. 

 

Kodlak tried to restore order, “Quiet, quiet, please” failing miserably he banged his flask on the table three times. Almost straight away the hall fell silent. “Now I know you all have questions, but the best one to answer those is Sotek, and he isn’t telling anyone anything. Which is as you are all aware the way he likes to work. Now, don’t go pushing Aela for the location of the cave, she has sworn not to tell anyone.” 

 

Farkas as well as the others were far from  happy, “So what are we going to do, nothing?”. 

 

“Oh no, Sotek has asked that ermm we ermm. He’s asked for us to arrange a ermm special dinner at the Bannerd Mare on the fifth evening from now. There ermm..”. He looked around the hall at everyone. They all stared at him casting strange looks. “Yes I know it’s odd, but it’s what he requested. Apparently there will be some special guests, who are not to be accommodated. The General for one,  Huinzi is another and a Penitus officer, who is the third. They are NOT to be given seats nore are they to be waited on. Now however, the Jarrl is also expected, as is all of you and myself. Sasha, your invited as well. There are a few specific instructions which don’t make much sense also. Oh one other thing, Aela’s not to be given a seat either. That’s one point he wishes to make absolutely clear. Aela please don’t shout at me, because I don’t know why. But he is adamant that you should be there”. 

 

Aela cursed out loudly “What the hell does that mean. Haven’t he got enough to deal with than sort out a stupid bloody dinner?”. 

 

The Harbinger shrugged his shoulders, “Those are his orders. Now this cave, how safe is it?”. 

 

Aela sat there glaring at the wall, she couldn’t help but  feel angry at the whole situation. Kodlak looked over to her, as she didn’t answer, “Aela, the cave, how secure is it?”. 

 

“Huh, what?. Oh, it’s off the beaten track, not easy to find. There’s nowhere to run though. It’s just a shallow cave”. 

 

“Rest up, eat something then check your gear, this evening your to head there, make sure your not followed”. 

 

Sasha called out, “She can’t go alone”. 

 

“Actually yes I can, and I am”. 

 

“Kodlak, she’ll be watched, they’ll follow her”. 

 

The Harbinger held up his hands, “Soteks instructions are quite clear, Aela you go this evening, Alone. Now get some rest”. Kodlak then gave Sasha his full attention, “You need to rest as well, there’s another task for you tonight”. 

 

That evening Aela checked her gear one last time when the Harbinger came over to her, “Are you ok?”. 

 

“Yes Harbinger, I’m somewhat confused about this dinner thing, what the hell is he up to?”. 

 

“I don’t know, he seems to get some sort of strange pleasure out of doing things in the dark”. 

 

Aela laughed,” Oh I don’t know, he’s quite keen to have the lamp on”. 

 

Kodlak sighed, “Aela, that’s not what I meant”. 

 

“Sorry, no. He does like plotting in the shadows somewhat”. 

 

“What I meant, is this business with Sasha, you know she has feelings for him, are you ok with that ?”. 

 

Aela’s eyes cast across the hall, as they fixed on their target, instantly Aela’s face screwed up. “I wish she wasn’t here, I don’t like her, or trust her”. 

 

“That’s fair enough, but curb that temper of yours. You might not trust her, but you should have faith in him. Go careful tonight, she’s right, they’ll be watching out for you. Oh one more thing to burst your bubble, Sotek specifically instructed for you to go on foot, no horse, and ermm. No Red. She can fight and hunt, but you’re not to head towards him as Red”. 

 

Aela groaned “What the hell, what is he up to?. He’s doing this just to torment me”. 

 

The Harbinger laughed quietly “I’m sure he has his reasons. Go on, you got a fair way to travel”. He gave her a quick hug then she picked up her pack and headed towards the door.  

 

But Just as she was about to leave Sasha called out to her, “Aela, hang on a second”. She stopped and looked a Sasha who was coming over to her, “Look it’s no secret we don’t like each other, but go careful. I don’t know why he’s asked for you to go alone, but it’s a bad idea. I would have thought he’d ask Vilkas and Farkas to go with you. Just keep your wits about you, they’re out there, don’t think your alone, you couldn’t be more wrong” As she spoke her eyes fixed on the doors, she tried herself to see what Sotek was trying to do, but even she couldn’t see his logic. 

 

“Carefull Sasha people might think we were warming to each other, we can’t have that now can we” with that she opened the door but just before she stepped outside she cast a quick glance at Sasha. “Thanks for the warning, I’ll be careful”. Sash gave her a smile the watched as Aela headed off into the night. 

 

Kodlak rested his hand on Sasha’s shoulder, “Give her ten minutes then follow her, your not to make her aware of your presence”. 

 

Sasha looked at him with shock and surprise, “Kodlak, sorry Harbinger, we don’t get on. When she finds out I’m there it will escalate. That won’t help any. Hell if I was in her shoes I’d have a pop at me”. 

 

The Harbinger sighed heavily, “Yes, but that’s what Sotek requested, Aela heads off, then I send you to follow her discretely. Keep an eye on her, watch her back. Now off you go”. 

 

Sasha looked around the hall at the others, “This is a bad idea, it really is” Then without another word she left and started trailing Aela. 

 

Farkas came up to the Harbinger, he was far from happy. “He’s playing with fire, Aela will go nuts, and to be honest we can’t blame her. Sasha did say she was in love with Sotek didn’t she, this is one big bang waiting to go off”. 

 

The Harbinger’s eyes were fixed on the door, he found it hard to turn away from them, “Yes, I know”. He sharply looked across to Vilkas as he snapped out of his stare. “Right, we need stone blocks”. 

 

Vilkas and the others all turned to him in surprise, Ebony chuckled “Well I guess no one saw that one coming. Why do we need stone blocks?”. 

 

The Harbinger shook his head as he cast a befuddled look at her, “I don’t know. Vilkas do you suppose Rikke could have any spare, we need four, and four furs as well”. 

 

Farkas headed straight towards the door , “I’ll go ask  her”. 

 

Vilkas called out to him, “No, I’ll go, she’ll be more willing to let me have them, we ermm. Harbinger I need a word” as he spoke he cast his eyes over to Sam who shuffled nervously on his seat. 

 

“It’s me and Rikke, we got this thing going on” 

 

“Thing going on?”. 

 

“Erm yea, we’re seeing each other, nothing overly serious but still. It’s only fair that you know”. 

 

“I see. That’s why lately you’ve been spending so much time at the fort then is it?”. 

 

“Yes, but we have been working on the fortifications”. 

 

Ebony laughed “I bet you have, a nice big lock on her door for when you visit”. She laughed at her own outburst along with Sam and Sabre. 

 

Vilkas smiled at her, as he watched  her emotions, “I’m glad you’re happy, your helping me with the blocks”. Instantly her jaw dropped as she stared at him. “Ermm Harbinger sorry to ask a daft question but where are the blocks going?”. 

 

“In the bannered Mare, no don’t ask, I don’t know why” The moment he answered he held his hands up defensively. 

 

As Aela headed east past the farms she couldn’t escape the feeling that she was being watched. She scrutinised the mountain side as she headed towards it. No matter how far down she pushed the feeling in her gut, it wouldn’t settle. She was certain there was someone up there watching her from the mountain side. She decided against crossing the bridge and simply stayed on the west side of the river. If there was someone there then they would have to cross to get to her.   

 

Sasha exited the gate cautiously. She knew from the others what a formidable huntress Aela was, as well as the fact that she was a werewolf and quite an exceptional one at that. It wasn’t the confrontation that worried her, it was Aela’s skill at tracking. Aela was extremely skilled in that respect. As such Sasha knew she would have to be careful, one slight slip and Aela would know she was there. She followed Aela’s scent towards the east, past the farms then carefully scouted out the surrounding area. She could just make out Aela in the moonlight, in the distance running between two hills. “Damn that bitch is fast”.  

 

To her right across the river she saw a Shadow Scales break cover and follow Aela, however the shadow scale stayed on the east riverbank. Sasha crossed the stone bridge then joined in the pursuit. Within moments the Shadow scale was no longer the hunter but the prey.  

 

Aela continued along the bank using what natural cover she could find, soon however the river slowed right up as it went round a long shallow bend. Aela tried to follow the riverbank as much as she could, but eventually she had to wade in the river as it ran easterly towards the two Varaleth towers. She stayed as low as possible as she crept nearer the bandit lair with every step. Above on the overhead walkway she could make out a bandit patrolling the bridge which spanned the river. He was obviously intent on observing the path which laid on the southern side of the river that he had completely failed to see Aela as she was underneath him. She proceeded as quietly as possible as she sneaked past. Within moments she had passed him and was edging along the bottom of the cliff face approaching the waterfall. She managed to climb around the bank, below her she could see the bottom of the valley. She gave herself a slight smile then headed down the slope into the valley below.  

 

As Aela sneaked along the shallow of the river just at the bend, the Shadow Scale who was following her came to a stop. He drew out his bow then readied an arrow, within a second he had Aela in his sight. He pulled back the arrow as he took the strain from the bow and prepared to fire. Out of the corner of his eye though something distracted him. Just a feint sign of movement fired off alarm bells, causing him to act on pure instinct. He suddenly turned around to see the cause of his instinctive warnings. A second later Sasha had a dagger in her hand. She held it quite loosely while her arm relaxed by her side. Blood dripped of the small blade, while the Shadow scale found himself dropping the bow and clenching his own throat which Sasha had so expertly sliced open. He fell to his knees as a strange gurgling whispered out to her. She wiped her dagger on his armor then gave him a shove sending him to the floor. Within a second of him hitting the ground Sasha was away once more. 

  

As Sasha headed along the path towards the towers she saw Aela slow right up. She watched in morbid fascination as Aela passed underneath the walkway which the bandit was patrolling. Sasha then turned her attention to the southern tower. By the door was another bandit. She pulled out her bow then took careful aim. Within a few moments two arrows struck the bandit. The first slammed into his chest while the second shot tore through his armor as it ripped its way in his shoulder. The bandit collapsed on the ground. He tried to call out but he couldn’t get the breath to sound out the alarm. Moments later a dagger skilfully slit his throat from ear to ear. With grim satisfaction Sasha wiped her dagger a second time then she sneaked across the river directly under the walkway. Within a few minutes she was back on Aela’s track following her trail down the northern side of the waterfall. 

 

As the river flowed down the waterfall it smashed onto various rock formations. Sasha cast a quick glance at them as she carefully walked past. Within twenty seconds of leaving the waterfall behind, her own instinct kicked in. “Oh for fuck sake”. She slowly turned around to see Aela stepping out from the waterfall with her bow pointed at her. 

 

“That sounds about right, so what the fuck are you doing following me?”. 

 

Sasha slowly lowered her hands, but Aela still held the bow tightly with an arrow ready to fire aiming at her. “When did you see me?”. 

 

“After I hit the waterfall I watched my back for a few minutes. Nice work on the Bandit by the way, I have to admire that. I was watching you when you crossed the river”. 

 

“Ahh but did you see me kill the Shadow Scale that was aiming at you when you first entered the river? The bodies still there if you wanna have a look. You were a bit careless, you were followed”. 

 

Aela stepped back a little then took aim again. Within a second she fired her bow. An arrow sliced through the air just missing Sasha’s ear and thudded in a tree. Sasha who was unfazed sneered at her, “You missed”. 

 

Aela changed her form. Red stepped forwards and walked past Sasha then ripped into the chest of a Shadow scale that was pinned to the tree. He had an arrow through his throat which prevented him from screaming out. Red in her usual bravado, feasted on his chest without landing a killing blow first.  

 

Sasha looked away from the grisly scene, “My god, you do eat them alive”. 

 

Once Red had fed she chanced back. Aela was smothered in blood, she wiped her mouth on her own arm. She cast Sasha a broad smile, “I missed did I, oh look, it looks like you were followed as well”. 

 

At that moment Sotek woke Kul-et up. “Wakey wakey, it time”. 

 

“Oh damn it all” She staggered to her feet sluggishly, while Sotek laughed quietly at her efforts to get herself up and prepared. “it’s still dark”. 

 

“Oh cheer up, here, have an apple”. 

 

“OI don’t want no stinking apple, I want sleep”. 

 

Sotek slightly shook his head at her, “Are you always this miserable when you get up?”. 

 

Kul-et stuck her tongue out at him, “I haven’t been camping much with you and Aela, I usually end up with Farkas and Vilkas”. 

 

“Say no more, you’ll have to come with us a few times. Right you, up on that ledge”. 

 

Kul-et looked around the cave but she couldn’t see much except rock and moss, “Ermm where?” 

 

Sotek cast his flame spell at  the camp fire which promptly ignited the half burnt wood. The flames illuminated the cave but Kul-et still couldn’t see the ledge until Sotek pointed it out. He cupped his hands then helped her climb up on it after he explained what he wanted her to do. Within an hour Kul-et whispered down to him. “Wow their making a right racket”. 

 

Sotek chuckled to himself as he peered outside the cave “Yep their bitching nearly as much as you were when you woke up”. Moments later a small pebble struck him on the back “Oi”. 

 

Kul-et simply shrugged her shoulders, “What?” 

 

He cast his invisibility spell on himself then sneaked outside the cave to wait. Several minutes later, Aela and Sasha entered the cave to find it empty. Aela cursed under her breath, “Damn it, well they were here”. She and Sasha made their way to the fire then sat down on the logs.  

 

Seconds later a female Shadow Scale entered the cave with her bow drawn. She aimed at Sasha as she spoke. “Where are they?”. 

 

Both Aela and Sasha stood up slowly holding their hands up, “Where’s who?”. 

 

“That Kul-et and the bastard they call Sotek? Where the hell are they”. 

 

Within seconds a blue misty blade formed behind her as a voice called out as if from nowhere, “Right behind you”. Instantly the invisibility spell dispelled as Sotek’s blade formed. He stabbed her three times in quick succession in the back killing her outright. He folded his arms as he lent against the cave wall, “What the hell am I supposed to do with you two. Your too bloody busy scoring points and bitching with each other to pay attention as to who’s around you”. 

 

Suddenly a Voice whispered from behind him, “Like you can talk. Get your hands in the air”. 

 

Sotek turned around to see three Shadow Scales standing there with their swords drawn. Sotek held his hands out like he was holding an imaginary bow and arrow. “Great I get to test my air bow, You there on the left, drop your weapons or I’ll shoot”. 

 

Everyone looked at him like he was mad. Aela slowly walked up to him, “Sotek what the hell are you doing?”. 

 

“What? Oh yea sorry. I made a mistake, I forgot to count. Surrender now or I’ll count to three. One...Two....three”. 

 

On the third count Sotek fired his ’Bow’. Much to everyone’s complete shock the Shadow scale fell backwards as soon as Sotek fired. He fell to the floor with an arrow sticking in his chest. 

 

Sotek Immediately took aim once again with his imaginary bow. “Right you in the middle, surrender, you have the count of three. One...Two...Three”. He fired once again. Instantly an arrow punched the Shadow Scale off his feet and slammed him into the wall.  

 

Aela and Sasha both looked at him with total bewilderment as the third Shadow Scale looked on with complete shock. Sotek simply smiled at him. “Here catch” the next instant he threw the imaginary bow at the Shadow Scale. He on reflex dropped his sword as his hands shot out to grab the bow but there was nothing there to grab. He looked up at Sotek completely confused when suddenly an arrow flew past Sotek and slammed into his chest. He leaned backwards from the impact and promptly received a second arrow. Within a second he fell to the cave floor dead. Sotek smiled at Sasha and Aela who both just stood there like a pair of statues as Sotek checked the outside of the cave. He stepped back inside then called out, “Ok it’s clear”. 

 

Kul-et jumped down from the ledge making Aela and Sasha jump with fright. Sasha nearly screamed at her, “You bloody stupid cow, what the hell”. 

 

Aela turned her fright towards Sotek, “You stupid bastard” but a second later she burst out laughing as she looked at the three Shadow scale bodies which had arrows in them. “I really thought you had some sort of bow”. 

 

Both Sotek and Kul-et burst out laughing, Kul-et pointed to the dead Shadow Scales, “So did they”. 

 

Sotek walked up to Aela and Sasha then smacked the back of their heads at the same time, “We could hear you two squabbling like two old hens for ten bloody minutes. Start working together, and if you can’t fine, then shut the hell up”. 

 

Both of them flinched as one the moment he struck them, then they systematically punched him in the chest at the same time. Kul-et laughed, “Well at least their working together”. 

 

Sotek groaned, as he got pushed back a foot, “Terrific”. 

 

Aela sat by the fire once more. As she gazed into the flames, she could feel the warmth of the fire which she felt comforting. “What’s the plan?”. 

 

Sotek sat besides her, “Well for now we hide the bodies, then we can rest up here. We got a few days to get to Faulksreath”. 

 

Sasha sat opposite Sotek and Aela, “I told them you headed to the lake, their in the way now, sorry I should have sent them to the north”. 

 

Sotek smiled at her, “And if you did then what?. They would know you were lying and then heads south. Now they already know I haven’t headed to the lake, so with some luck?”. 

 

Sasha smiled as it fell into place, “The lake will be clear”. 

 

 “How did you know about the ledge?” Aela asked as she looked up towards it. “You can’t see it”. 

 

Sotek laughed, “You remember that night you were chasing me?”. 

 

Aela threw him a filthy look as she glared at him, “Yes you bastard, you moved my bloody trap”. 

 

Kul-et and Sasha looked a bit confused so Aela explained. “Before he had his werewolf form, Hircine and Sheogorath tested us somewhat. He was turned into a wolf, not a werewolf. But a big black wolf. Then Me, Farkas and Vilkas were sent to kill him”. 

 

Sasha looked at her oddly, “You were sent to kill him?. But why”. 

 

Sotek chucked a piece of firewood on the fire, “I had to prove that Aela loved me, while I was in a bloody wolf form”. 

 

Aela’s voice seemed to trail off  in the distance “I really wanted you to be with me that night”. 

 

Sotek smirked at her, “Yes about that, I was. I heard you, and I watched over you while you slept”. 

 

Aela looked shocked, she stared at Kul-et and Sasha as her eyes darted back and fourth between the pair of them. “But  you weren’t in the cave”. 

 

Sotek leaned over to her and kissed her on the temple, “I was up there on the ledge”. 

 

Her gaze fell on the ledge as she took in what he said, “You were up there, all night?, All fucking night. We hunted you for two bloody days, and you were there ten feet away asleep”. She turned on him angrily “You fucking prick”. A second later she burst out  laughing, “Vilkas and Farkas will go nuts when I tell them”. She lent into him and wrapped his arms around her.  

 

Sotek looked at the three of them all sitting there, he couldn’t help but feel they were way out of their comfort zones, “I’ll go get some deer then we can all eat, things will seem better then”. 

 

Aela cast a quick look at the dead shadow scales hidden in a dark corner of the cave. “Speaking of eating, when did Scarface last eat?”. 

 

Kul-et looked over to her, “It’s been a while”. 

 

Aela poked Sotek in the side, “Go on, but take them outside please, we have guests”. 

 

 “While I’m out there, I’ll find some deer”. He then got up and walked over to the bodies, seconds later Scarface grabbed two and carried them outside. Once he was outside Sotek changed back. He looked down at the two Shadowscale corpses and found himself being grateful that  one was a female. After he stripped off their armour kits and stored them in his pack he changed once more.  

 

The three of them sat there listening to bones crunching and flesh being torn apart. Kul-et gulped loudly, “I’m glad that’s not me”. 

 

Sasha smiled at her, “Really?, I’d love Quicksilver to be that size”. 

 

Kul-et shook her head, “I meant the bodies”. 

 

Soon afterwards Sotek entered the cave carrying a dead deer strung over his shoulders. Everyone started to perk up as the cave slowly filled with the aroma of fresh cooking veal. 

Chapter 276  Lines Are Drawn 

 

Within a few hours of leaving the Fort, Sam arrived back at Whiterun. He eagerly burst through the doors to find Aela sitting down, nursing a nasty bruise on her cheek while Sasha, who was sitting opposite her, suffered with a split lip. Both of them were staring intensely at each other.  

 

The moment the Harbinger saw him enter, he called Sam over.

“Have you seen Vilkas?” 

 

“Erm Yes, I haven’t”. 

 

“Pardon?”

 

“Sorry no, I have..er.. He’s at the fort”. 

 

“What’s he doing there?” 

 

“Rikke!” 

 

Sabre called out to him.

“What the hell are you on about?”

 

“He’s at the fort with Rikke”. 

 

“No I’m not”. Vilkas stated as he walked into the hall. “I was, but since Sotek’s letter I came back”. 

 

Sam looked a bit surprised.

“How did you get back so fast?” 

 

Vilkas shook his head at him.

“Because unlike you, I took a horse. Harbinger what in Oblivion’s going on?” 

 

“From what I can gather from Aela and Sasha, the contract Sotek’s been forced to take on, isn’t an assassination. It’s the destruction of the Dark Brotherhood”. Instantly the hall broke down in mixed chatter from Farkas, Vilkas and the Whelps. Aela rolled her eyes at them all which caused Sasha to laugh slightly. Aela quickly threw her a look, but as soon as she did, she started smiling as well. 

 

Kodlak tried to restore order.

“Quiet, quiet, please”. failing miserably he banged his flask on the table three times. Almost straight away the hall fell silent. “Now I know you all have questions, but the best one to answer those is Sotek and he isn’t telling anyone anything which, as you are all aware, is the way he likes to work. Now, don’t go pushing Aela for the location of the cave either. She has sworn not to tell anyone.” 

 

Farkas as well as the others were far from happy with the lack of information.

“So what are we going to do, nothing?” 

 

“Oh no, Sotek has asked that ermm we ermm. He’s asked for us to arrange a ermm special dinner at the Bannered Mare on the fifth evening from now. There’s ermm...” He looked around the hall at everyone. They all stared at him casting strange looks. “Yes I know it’s odd, but it’s what he requested. Apparently there will be some special guests who are not to be accommodated. The General for one, Huinzi is another and a Penitus officer who is the third. They are ‘not’ to be given seats nor are they to be waited on. Now however, the Jarl is also expected, as is all of you and myself. Sasha, you’re invited as well. There are a few specific instructions which don’t make much sense also. Oh one other thing, Aela’s not to be given a seat either. That’s one point he wishes to make absolutely clear. Aela please don’t shout at me, because I don’t know why. But he is adamant that you should be there”. 

 

Aela cursed out loudly.

“What the hell does that mean? Haven’t he got enough to deal with than sort out a stupid bloody dinner?”

 

The Harbinger shrugged his shoulders.

“Those are his orders. Now this cave, how safe is it?” 

 

Aela sat there glaring at the wall; she couldn’t help but feel angry at the whole situation. Kodlak looked over to her, as she didn’t answer.

“Aela, the cave, how secure is it?” 

 

“Huh, what? Oh, it’s off the beaten track, not easy to find. There’s nowhere to run though. It’s just a shallow cave”. 

 

“Rest up, eat something then check your gear, this evening your to head there. Make sure your not followed”. 

 

At this news Sasha called out.

“She can’t go alone”. 

 

“Actually yes I can, and I am”. 

 

“Kodlak, she’ll be watched. They’ll follow her”. 

 

The Harbinger held up his hands.

“Sotek’s instructions are quite clear, Aela you go this evening... alone. Now get some rest”. Kodlak then gave Sasha his full attention. “You need to rest as well, there’s another task for you tonight”. 

 

That evening Aela checked her gear one last time when the Harbinger came over to her, expressing some concern for the Huntress.

“Are you ok?” 

 

“Yes Harbinger, I’m somewhat confused about this dinner thing. What the hell is he up to?” 

 

“I don’t know. He seems to get some sort of strange pleasure out of doing things in the dark”. 

 

Aela laughed.

“Oh I don’t know; he’s quite keen to have the lamp on”. 

 

Kodlak sighed.

“Aela, that’s not what I meant”. 

 

“Sorry, no. He does like plotting in the shadows somewhat”. 

 

“What I meant, is this business with Sasha. You know she has feelings for him, are you ok with that?” 

 

Aela’s eyes cast across the hall, as they fixed on their target, instantly Aela’s face screwed up.

“I wish she wasn’t here, I don’t like her, or trust her”. 

 

“That’s fair enough, but curb that temper of yours. You might not trust her, but you should have faith in him. Go careful tonight, she’s right, they’ll be watching out for you. Oh one more thing to burst your bubble, Sotek specifically instructed for you to go on foot, no horse, and no Red. She can fight and hunt, but she is not to head towards him”.  

 

Aela groaned.

“What the hell? What is he up to? He’s doing this just to torment me”. 

 

The Harbinger laughed quietly.

“I’m sure he has his reasons. Go on, you got a fair way to travel”. He gave her a quick hug then she picked up her pack and headed towards the door.  

 

But just as she was about to leave Sasha called out to her.

“Aela, hang on a second”. She stopped and looked a Sasha who was coming over to her. “Look it’s no secret we don’t like each other, but go careful. I don’t know why he’s asked for you to go alone, but it’s a bad idea. I would have thought he’d ask Vilkas and Farkas to go with you. Just keep your wits about you, they’re out there. Don’t think your alone, you couldn’t be more wrong”. As she spoke her eyes fixed on the doors, she tried herself to see what Sotek was trying to do, but even she couldn’t see his logic. 

 

“Careful Sasha, people might think we were warming to each other, we can’t have that now can we”. With that she opened the door but just before she stepped outside she cast a quick glance at Sasha. “Thanks for the warning, I’ll be careful”. Sash gave her a smile the watched as Aela headed off into the night. 

 

Kodlak rested his hand on Sasha’s shoulder.

“Give her ten minutes then follow her. You are not to make her aware of your presence”. 

 

Sasha looked at him with shock and surprise.

“Kodlak, sorry Harbinger, we don’t get on. When she finds out I’m there it will escalate. That won’t help any. Hell if I was in her shoes I’d have a pop at me”. 

 

The Harbinger sighed heavily.

“Yes, but that’s what Sotek requested, Aela heads off, then I send you to follow her discretely. Keep an eye on her, watch her back. Now off you go”. 

 

Sasha looked around the hall at the others.

“This is a bad idea, it really is” Then without another word she left and started trailing Aela. 

 

Farkas came up to the Harbinger, he was far from happy.

“He’s playing with fire, Aela will go nuts, and to be honest we can’t blame her. Sasha did say she was in love with Sotek didn’t she? This is one big bang waiting to go off”. 

 

The Harbinger’s eyes were fixed on the door, he found it hard to turn away from them.

“Yes, I know”. He sharply looked across to Vilkas as he snapped out of his stare. “Right, we need stone blocks”. 

 

Vilkas and the others all turned to him in surprise, Ebony chuckled.

“Well I guess no one saw that one coming. Why do we need stone blocks?” 

 

The Harbinger shook his head as he cast a befuddled look at her.

“I don’t know. Vilkas do you suppose Rikke could have any spare, we need four, and four furs as well”. 

 

Farkas headed straight towards the door.

“I’ll go ask her”. 

 

Vilkas called out to him.

“No, I’ll go, she’ll be more willing to let me have them as we ermm. Harbinger I need a word”. As he spoke he cast his eyes over to Sam who shuffled nervously on his seat. 

 

“It’s me and Rikke, we got this thing going on”. 

 

“Thing going on?” 

 

“Erm yea, we’re seeing each other, nothing overly serious but still. It’s only fair that you know”. 

 

“I see. That’s why lately you’ve been spending so much time at the fort then is it?” 

 

“Yes, but we have been working on the fortifications”. 

 

Ebony laughed.

“I bet you have; a nice big lock on her door for when you visit”. She laughed at her own outburst along with Sam and Sabre. 

 

Vilkas smiled at her, as he watched her emotions.

“I’m glad you’re happy, your helping me with the blocks”. Instantly her jaw dropped as she stared at him. “Ermm Harbinger sorry to ask a daft question but where are the blocks going?” 

 

“In the Bannered Mare. No, don’t ask, I don’t know why”. The moment he answered he held his hands up defensively. 

 

As Aela headed east past the farms she couldn’t escape the feeling that she was being watched. She scrutinised the mountainside as she headed towards it. No matter how far down she pushed the feeling in her gut, it wouldn’t settle. She was certain there was someone up there watching her from the mountainside. She decided against crossing the bridge and simply stayed on the west side of the river. If there was someone there then they would have to cross the water to get to her.   

 

Sasha exited the gate cautiously. She knew from the others what a formidable huntress Aela was, as well as the fact that she was a werewolf and quite an exceptional one at that. It wasn’t the confrontation that worried her; it was Aela’s skill at tracking. Aela was extremely skilled in that respect. As such Sasha knew she would have to be careful, one slight slip and Aela would know she was there. She followed Aela’s scent towards the east, past the farms then carefully scouted out the surrounding area. She could just make out Aela in the moonlight, in the distance running between two hills.

“Damn that bitch is fast”.  

 

To her right across the river she saw a Shadowscale break cover and follow Aela. However the Shadowscale stayed on the east riverbank. Sasha crossed the stone bridge then joined in the pursuit. Within moments the Shadowscale was no longer the hunter but the prey.  

 

Aela continued along the bank using what natural cover she could find, soon however the river slowed right up as it went round a long shallow bend. Aela tried to follow the riverbank as much as she could, but eventually she had to wade in the river as it ran easterly towards the two Valtheim Towers. She stayed as low as possible as she crept nearer the bandit lair with every step. Above on the overhead walkway she could make out a bandit patrolling the bridge which spanned the river. He was obviously intent on observing the path which lay on the southern side of the river that he had completely failed to see Aela as she was underneath him. She proceeded as quietly as possible as she sneaked past. Within moments she had passed him and was edging along the bottom of the cliff face approaching the waterfall. She managed to climb around the bank and she gave herself a slight smile then headed down the slope into the valley below.  

 

As Aela sneaked along the shallow of the river just at the bend, the Shadowscale who was following her came to a stop. He drew out his bow then readied an arrow,; he had Aela in his sight. He pulled back the drawstring as he took the strain from the bow and prepared to fire. Out of the corner of his eye, something distracted him. Just a feint sign of movement fired off alarm bells causing him to act on pure instinct. He turned around to see the cause of his instinctive warnings. A second later Sasha had a dagger in her hand. She held it quite loosely while her arm relaxed by her side. Blood dripped of the small blade, while the Shadowscale found himself dropping the bow and clenching his own throat which Sasha had so expertly sliced open. He fell to his knees as a strange gurgling whispered out to her. She wiped her dagger on his armor then gave him a shove sending him to the floor. Within a second of him hitting the ground Sasha was away once more. 

  

As Sasha headed along the path towards the towers she saw Aela slow right up. She watched in morbid fascination as Aela passed underneath the walkway which the bandit was patrolling. Sasha then turned her attention to the southern tower. By the door was another bandit. She pulled out her bow then took careful aim. Within a few moments two arrows struck the bandit. The first slammed into his chest while the second shot tore through his armor as it ripped its way in his shoulder. The bandit collapsed on the ground. He tried to call out but he couldn’t get the breath to sound out the alarm. Moments later a dagger skilfully slit his throat from ear to ear. With grim satisfaction Sasha wiped her dagger a second time then she sneaked across the river directly under the walkway. Within a few minutes she was back on Aela’s track following her trail down the northern side of the waterfall. 

 

As the river flowed down the waterfall it smashed onto various rock formations. Sasha cast a quick glance at them as she carefully walked past. Within twenty seconds of leaving the waterfall behind, her own instinct kicked in.

“Oh for fuck sake”. She slowly turned around to see Aela stepping out from the waterfall with her bow pointed at her. 

 

“That sounds about right. So what the fuck are you doing following me?” 

 

Sasha slowly lowered her hands but Aela still held the bow tightly with an arrow ready to fire aiming at her.

“When did you see me?”

 

“After I hit the waterfall I watched my back for a few minutes. Nice work on the Bandit by the way, I have to admire that. I was watching you when you crossed the river”. 

 

“Ah but did you see me kill the Shadow Scale that was aiming at you when you first entered the river? The bodies still there if you want to have a look. You were a bit careless, you were followed”. 

 

Aela stepped back a little then took aim again. Within a second she fired her bow. An arrow sliced through the air just missing Sasha’s ear and thudded in a tree. Sasha who was unfazed sneered at her.

“You missed”. 

 

Aela changed her form. Red stepped forwards and walked past Sasha then ripped into the chest of a Shadowscale that was pinned to the tree. He had an arrow through his throat which prevented him from screaming out. Red in her usual bravado, feasted on his chest without landing a killing blow first.  

 

Sasha looked away from the grisly scene.

“Oh Sithis, you do eat them alive”. 

 

Once Red had fed she chanced back. Aela was smothered in blood. She wiped her mouth on her own arm then cast Sasha a broad smile.

“I missed did I, oh look, it looks like you were followed as well”. 

 

At that moment Sotek woke Kul-et up.

“Wake up”. 

 

“Oh damn it all”. She staggered to her feet sluggishly, while Sotek laughed quietly at her efforts to get herself up and prepared. “It’s still dark”. 

 

“Oh cheer up. Here, have an apple”. 

 

“I don’t want no stinking apple, I want sleep”. 

 

Sotek slightly shook his head at her.

“Are you always this miserable when you get up?”

 

Kul-et stuck her tongue out at him.

“I haven’t been camping much with you and Aela, I usually end up with Farkas and Vilkas”. 

 

“Say no more, you’ll have to come with us a few times. Right you, up on that ledge”. 

 

Kul-et looked around the cave but she couldn’t see much except rock and moss. “Ermm where?” 

 

Sotek cast his flame spell at the camp fire which promptly ignited the half burnt wood. The flames illuminated the cave but Kul-et still couldn’t see the ledge until Sotek pointed it out. He cupped his hands then helped her climb up on it after he explained what he wanted her to do. Within an hour Kul-et whispered down to him. “Wow they’re making a right racket”. 

 

Sotek chuckled to himself as he peered outside the cave.

“Yess they’re bitching nearly as much as you were when you woke up”. Moments later a small pebble struck him on the back. “Oi”. 

 

Kul-et simply shrugged her shoulders.

“What?” 

 

He cast his invisibility spell on himself then sneaked outside the cave to wait. Several minutes later, Aela and Sasha entered the cave to find it empty. Aela cursed under her breath.

“Damn it, well they were here”. She and Sasha made their way to the fire then sat down on the logs.  

 

Seconds later a female Shadowscale entered the cave with her bow drawn. She aimed at Sasha as she spoke.

“Where are they?” 

 

Both Aela and Sasha stood up slowly holding their hands up.

“Where’s who?”

 

“That Kul-et and the bastard they call Sotek? Where are they? I won’t ask a third time”. 

 

Within seconds a blue misty blade formed behind her as a voice called out as if from nowhere.

“Right behind you”. Instantly the invisibility spell dispelled as Sotek’s blade formed. He stabbed her three times in quick succession in the back, killing her outright. He folded his arms as he lent against the cave wall. “What the hell am I supposed to do with you two? You’re too bloody busy scoring points and bitching with each other to pay attention as to who’s around you”. 

 

Suddenly a Voice whispered from behind him.

“Like you can talk. Hsss. Get your hands in the air”. 

 

Sotek turned around to see three Shadowscales standing there with their swords drawn. Sotek held his hands out like he was holding an imaginary bow and arrow. “Great I get to test my air bow. You there on the left, drop your weapon or I’ll shoot”. 

 

Everyone looked at him like he was mad. Aela slowly walked up to him.

“Sotek, what the hell are you doing?” 

 

“What? Oh yess sorry. I made a mistake; I forgot to count. Surrender now or I’ll count to three. One... two... three”. 

 

On the third count Sotek fired his ’Bow’. Much to everyone’s complete shock the Shadowscale fell backwards with an arrow sticking in his chest. 

 

Sotek Immediately took aim once again with his imaginary bow.

“Right, you in the middle! Surrender, you have the count of three. One... two... three”. He fired once again. Instantly an arrow punched the Shadowscale off his feet and slammed him into the cave wall.  

 

Aela and Sasha both looked at him with total bewilderment as the third Shadow Scale looked on with complete shock. Sotek simply smiled at him. “Here catch” the next instant he threw the imaginary bow at the Shadow Scale. He on reflex dropped his sword as his hands shot out to grab the bow but there was nothing there to grab. He looked up at Sotek completely confused when suddenly an arrow flew past Sotek and slammed into his chest. He leaned backwards from the impact and promptly received a second arrow. Within a second he fell to the cave floor dead. Sotek smiled at Sasha and Aela who both just stood there like a pair of statues as Sotek checked the outside of the cave. He stepped back inside then called out.

“Ok, it’s clear”. 

 

Kul-et jumped down from the ledge making Aela and Sasha jump with fright. Sasha nearly screamed at her, “You bloody stupid cow, what the hell”. 

 

Aela turned her fright towards Sotek, “You stupid bastard” but a second later she burst out laughing as she looked at the three Shadow scale bodies which had arrows in them. “I really thought you had some sort of bow”. 

 

Both Sotek and Kul-et burst out laughing, Kul-et pointed to the dead Shadow Scales, “So did they”. 

 

Sotek walked up to Aela and Sasha then smacked the back of their heads at the same time, “We could hear you two squabbling like two old hens for ten bloody minutes. Start working together, and if you can’t fine, then shut the hell up”. 

 

Both of them flinched as one the moment he struck them, then they systematically punched him in the chest at the same time. Kul-et laughed, “Well at least their working together”. 

 

Sotek groaned, as he got pushed back a foot, “Terrific”. 

 

Aela sat by the fire once more. As she gazed into the flames, she could feel the warmth of the fire which she felt comforting. “What’s the plan?”. 

 

Sotek sat besides her, “Well for now we hide the bodies, then we can rest up here. We got a few days to get to Faulksreath”. 

 

Sasha sat opposite Sotek and Aela, “I told them you headed to the lake, their in the way now, sorry I should have sent them to the north”. 

 

Sotek smiled at her, “And if you did then what?. They would know you were lying and then heads south. Now they already know I haven’t headed to the lake, so with some luck?”. 

 

Sasha smiled as it fell into place, “The lake will be clear”. 

 

 “How did you know about the ledge?” Aela asked as she looked up towards it. “You can’t see it”. 

 

Sotek laughed, “You remember that night you were chasing me?”. 

 

Aela threw him a filthy look as she glared at him, “Yes you bastard, you moved my bloody trap”. 

 

Kul-et and Sasha looked a bit confused so Aela explained. “Before he had his werewolf form, Hircine and Sheogorath tested us somewhat. He was turned into a wolf, not a werewolf. But a big black wolf. Then Me, Farkas and Vilkas were sent to kill him”. 

 

Sasha looked at her oddly, “You were sent to kill him?. But why”. 

 

Sotek chucked a piece of firewood on the fire, “I had to prove that Aela loved me, while I was in a bloody wolf form”. 

 

Aela’s voice seemed to trail off  in the distance “I really wanted you to be with me that night”. 

 

Sotek smirked at her, “Yes about that, I was. I heard you, and I watched over you while you slept”. 

 

Aela looked shocked, she stared at Kul-et and Sasha as her eyes darted back and fourth between the pair of them. “But  you weren’t in the cave”. 

 

Sotek leaned over to her and kissed her on the temple, “I was up there on the ledge”. 

 

Her gaze fell on the ledge as she took in what he said, “You were up there, all night?, All fucking night. We hunted you for two bloody days, and you were there ten feet away asleep”. She turned on him angrily “You fucking prick”. A second later she burst out  laughing, “Vilkas and Farkas will go nuts when I tell them”. She lent into him and wrapped his arms around her.  

 

Sotek looked at the three of them all sitting there, he couldn’t help but feel they were way out of their comfort zones, “I’ll go get some deer then we can all eat, things will seem better then”. 

 

Aela cast a quick look at the dead shadow scales hidden in a dark corner of the cave. “Speaking of eating, when did Scarface last eat?”. 

 

Kul-et looked over to her, “It’s been a while”. 

 

Aela poked Sotek in the side, “Go on, but take them outside please, we have guests”. 

 

 “While I’m out there, I’ll find some deer”. He then got up and walked over to the bodies, seconds later Scarface grabbed two and carried them outside. Once he was outside Sotek changed back. He looked down at the two Shadowscale corpses and found himself being grateful that  one was a female. After he stripped off their armour kits and stored them in his pack he changed once more.  

 

The three of them sat there listening to bones crunching and flesh being torn apart. Kul-et gulped loudly, “I’m glad that’s not me”. 

 

Sasha smiled at her, “Really?, I’d love Quicksilver to be that size”. 

 

Kul-et shook her head, “I meant the bodies”. 

 

Soon afterwards Sotek entered the cave carrying a dead deer strung over his shoulders. Everyone started to perk up as the cave slowly filled with the aroma of fresh cooking veal. 

 

Chapter 276 Lines Are Drawn 

 

Within a few hours of leaving Fort Greymoor, Sam arrived back at Whiterun. He eagerly burst through the doors to find Aela sitting down, nursing a nasty bruise on her cheek while Sasha, who was sitting opposite her, suffered with a split lip. Both of them were staring intensely at each other.  

 

The moment the Harbinger saw him enter, he called Sam over.

“Have you seen Vilkas?” 

 

“Erm Yes, I haven’t”. 

 

“Pardon?” Kodlak said in a rather bemused tone.

 

“Sorry no, I have...... He’s at the fort”. 

 

“What’s he doing there?” 

 

“Rikke!” 

 

Sabre, who was just as confused as everyone else, called out to him.

“What the hell are you on about?”

 

“He’s at the fort with Rikke”. 

 

“No I’m not”. Vilkas stated as he walked into the hall. “I was, but since Rikke received Sotek’s letter I came back”. 

 

Sam looked a bit surprised.

“How did you get back so fast?” 

 

Vilkas shook his head at him.

“Because unlike you, I took a horse. Harbinger what in Oblivion’s going on?” 

 

“From what I can gather from Aela and Sasha, the contract Sotek’s been forced to take on isn’t an assassination; it’s the destruction of the Dark Brotherhood”. Instantly the hall broke down in mixed chatter from Farkas, Vilkas and the Whelps. Aela rolled her eyes at them all which caused Sasha to laugh slightly. Aela quickly threw her a look but as soon as she did, she started smiling as well. 

 

With so many questions to ask and so much noise to contend with as everyone was trying to speak at the same time, Kodlak tried to restore order.

“Quiet, quiet, please”.  His attempt failed miserably so he banged his flask on the table three times. Almost straight away the hall fell silent. “Now I know you all have questions but the best one to answer those is Sotek and he isn’t telling anyone anything which, as you are all aware, is the way he likes to work. Now, don’t go pushing Aela for the location of the cave either; she has sworn not to tell anyone.” 

 

Farkas as well as the others were far from happy with the lack of information.

“So what are we going to do, nothing?” 

 

“Oh no, Sotek has asked that ermm we ermm. He’s asked for us to arrange a ‘special dinner’ at the Bannered Mare on the fifth evening from now. There’s ermm...” He looked around the hall at everyone. They all stared at him casting strange looks. “Yes I know it’s odd but it’s what he requested. Apparently there will be some ‘special guests’ who are not to be accommodated. The General for one, Huinzi is another and a Penitus officer who is the third. They are ‘not’ to be given seats nor are they to be waited on. Now however, the Jarl is also expected as are all of you and myself. Sasha, you’re invited as well. There are a few specific instructions which don’t make much sense also. Oh one other thing, Aela’s not to be given a seat either. That’s one point he wishes to make absolutely clear. Aela please don’t shout at me because I don’t know why. But he is adamant that you should be there; albeit apparently he wants you to be standing”. 

 

Aela cursed out loudly.

“What the hell does that mean? Haven’t he got enough to deal with than sort out a stupid bloody dinner? Why the fuck can’t I have a chair?”

 

The Harbinger shrugged his shoulders.

“Those are his orders. Now this cave, how safe is it?” 

 

Aela sat there glaring at the wall; she couldn’t help but feel angry at the whole situation. Kodlak looked over to her as she didn’t answer.

“Aela, the cave. How secure is it?” 

 

“Huh, what? Oh, it’s off the beaten track, not easy to find. There’s nowhere to run though, it’s just a shallow cave”. 

 

The Harbinger’s gruff tone seemed to lessen as he allowed himself to relax slightly. After stroking his beard which seemed to help him think, he issued Aela her instructions.

“Rest up, eat something then check your gear. This evening you’re to head there. Make sure you’re not followed”. 

 

At this news Sasha called out.

“She can’t go alone”. 

 

“Actually yes I can, and I am”. 

 

“Kodlak, she’ll be watched. They’ll follow her”. 

 

The Harbinger held up his hands.

“Sotek’s instructions are quite clear, Aela you go this evening... alone. Now get some rest”. Kodlak then gave Sasha his full attention. “You need to rest as well, there’s a different task for you tonight”. 

 

That evening Aela checked her gear one last time when the Harbinger came over to her, expressing some concern for the Huntress.

“Are you ok?” 

 

“Yes Harbinger, I’m somewhat confused about this dinner thing. What the hell is he up to?” 

 

“I don’t know. He seems to get some sort of strange pleasure out of doing things in the dark”. 

 

At this Aela laughed.

“Oh I don’t know; he’s quite keen to have the lamp on”. 

 

Kodlak sighed and he raised a bushy eyebrow in disdain.

“Aela, that’s not what I meant”. 

 

“Sorry”. She cheekily grinned. “He does like plotting in the shadows somewhat”. 

 

“What I meant, is this business with Sasha. You know she has feelings for him, are you ok with that?” 

 

Aela’s eyes cast across the hall, as they fixed on their target, instantly Aela’s face screwed up.

“I wish she wasn’t here, I don’t like her, or trust her”. 

 

“That’s fair enough, but curb that temper of yours. You might not trust her, but you should have faith in him. Go careful tonight, she’s right, they’ll be watching out for you. Oh one more thing to burst your bubble, Sotek specifically instructed for you to go on foot, no horse, and no Red. She can fight and hunt but she is not to head towards him”.  

 

Aela groaned.

“What the hell? What is he up to? He’s doing this just to torment me”. 

 

The Harbinger laughed quietly.

“I’m sure he has his reasons. Go on, you got a fair way to travel”. He gave her a quick hug then she picked up her pack and headed towards the door.  

 

But just as she was about to leave Sasha called out to her.

“Aela, hang on a second”. She stopped and looked a Sasha who was coming over to her. “Look it’s no secret we don’t like each other, but go careful. I don’t know why he’s asked for you to go alone but it’s a bad idea. I would have thought he’d ask Vilkas and Farkas to go with you. Just keep your wits about you, they’re out there. Don’t think you’re alone, you couldn’t be more wrong”. As she spoke her eyes fixed on the doors, she tried herself to see what Sotek was trying to do but even she couldn’t see his logic. 

 

“Careful Sasha, people might think we were warming to each other, we can’t have that now can we”. With that Aela opened the door but just before she stepped outside she cast a quick glance at Sasha. “Thanks for the warning, I’ll be careful”. Sash gave her a smile the watched as Aela headed off into the night. 

 

Kodlak rested his hand on Sasha’s shoulder.

“Give her ten minutes then follow her. You are not to make her aware of your presence”. 

 

Sasha looked at him with shock and surprise.

“Kodlak, sorry Harbinger, we don’t get on. When she finds out I’m there it will escalate. That won’t help any. By Sithis if I was in her shoes I’d have a pop at me”. 

 

The Harbinger sighed heavily.

“Yes, but that’s what Sotek requested. Aela heads off and then I send you to discretely follow her. Keep an eye on her, watch her back. Now off you go”. 

 

Sasha looked around the hall at the others.

“This is a bad idea, it really is”. Then without another word she left and started trailing Aela. 

 

Farkas came up to the Harbinger, he was far from happy.

“He’s playing with fire. Aela will go nuts and to be honest we can’t blame her. Sasha did say she was in love with Sotek didn’t she? This is one big bang waiting to go off”. 

 

The Harbinger’s eyes were fixed on the double doors. He found it hard to turn away from them.

“Yes, I know”. He sharply looked across to Vilkas as he snapped out of his stare. “Right, we need stone blocks”. 

 

Vilkas and the others all turned to him in surprise while Ebony chuckled.

“Well I guess no one saw that one coming. Why do we need stone blocks?” 

 

The Harbinger shook his head as he cast a befuddled look at her.

“I don’t know. Vilkas do you suppose Rikke would have any spar? We need four. Oh yes, and four furs as well”. 

 

Farkas headed straight towards the door.

“I’ll go ask her”. 

 

Upon hearing that, Vilkas called out to him.

“No, I’ll go, she’ll be more willing to let me have them as we ermm... Harbinger I need a word”. As he spoke he cast his eyes over to Sam who shuffled nervously on his seat. 

 

“It’s me and Rikke. We got this thing going on”. 

 

“Thing going on?” 

 

“Erm yea, we’re seeing each other. Nothing overly serious but still. It’s only fair that you know”. 

 

“I see. That’s why lately you’ve been spending so much time at the fort then is it?” 

 

“Yes, but we have been working on the fortifications”. 

 

Ebony laughed.

“I bet you have; a nice big lock on her door for when you visit”. She laughed at her own outburst along with Sam and Sabre. 

 

Vilkas smiled at her as he watched her emotions.

“I’m glad you’re happy, you’re helping me with the blocks”. Instantly her jaw dropped as she stared back at him. “Ermm Harbinger sorry to ask a daft question but where are the blocks going?” 

 

All Kodlak could do was to hold his hands up defensively as he answered. 

“In the Bannered Mare. No, don’t ask me. I don’t know why”.

 

As Aela headed east past the farms she couldn’t escape the feeling that she was being watched. She scrutinised the mountainside as she headed towards it but no matter how far down she pushed the feeling in her gut, it wouldn’t settle. She was certain there was someone watching her. She decided against crossing the bridge and simply stayed on the west side of the river. If there was someone there then they would have to cross the water to get to her.   

 

Sasha exited the gate cautiously. She knew from the others what a formidable huntress Aela was, as well as the fact that she was a werewolf and quite an exceptional one at that. It wasn’t the confrontation that worried her; it was Aela’s skill at tracking. Aela was extremely skilled in that respect. As such Sasha knew she would have to be careful, one slight slip and Aela would know she was there. She followed Aela’s scent towards the east, past the farms then carefully scouted out the surrounding area. She could just make out Aela in the moonlight, in the distance running between two hills.

“Damn that bitch is fast”.  

 

To her right across the river she saw a Shadowscale break cover and follow Aela. However the Shadowscale stayed on the east riverbank. Sasha crossed the stone bridge then joined in the pursuit. Within moments the Shadowscale was no longer the hunter but the prey.  

 

Aela continued along the bank using what natural cover she could find. Soon however the river eased up as the current slowed around a long shallow bend. Aela tried to follow the riverbank as much as she could but eventually she had to wade in the river as it ran easterly towards Valtheim Towers. She stayed as low as possible as she crept nearer the bandit lair with every step. Above on the overhead walkway she could make out a bandit patrolling the bridge which spanned the river. He was obviously intent on observing the path which lay on the southern side of the river that he had completely failed to see Aela as she was underneath him. She proceeded as quietly as possible as she sneaked past. Within moments she had passed him and was edging along the bottom of the cliff face approaching the waterfall. She managed to climb around the bank and she gave herself a slight smile then headed down the slope into the valley below.  

 

As Aela sneaked along the bend where the water was shallow, the Shadowscale who was following her came to a stop. He drew out his bow then readied an arrow; he had Aela in his sight. He pulled back the drawstring as he took the strain from the bow and prepared to fire. Out of the corner of his eye though, something distracted him. Just a feint sign of movement fired off alarm bells causing him to act on pure instinct. He turned around to see the cause of his instinctive warnings. A second later Sasha had a dagger in her hand. She held it quite loosely while her arm relaxed by her side. Blood dripped of the small blade while the Shadowscale found himself dropping the bow and clenching his own throat which Sasha had so expertly sliced open. He fell to his knees as a strange gurgling whispered out to her. She wiped her dagger on his armor then gave him a shove sending him to the floor. She left him lying on the ground as she made her way along the path once more. 

  

As Sasha headed towards the towers she saw Aela slow right up. She watched in morbid fascination as Aela passed underneath the walkway which the bandit was patrolling. Sasha then turned her attention to the southern tower. By the door was another bandit. She pulled out her bow then took careful aim. Within a few moments two arrows struck the bandit. The first slammed into his chest while the second shot tore through his armor as it ripped its way in his shoulder. The bandit collapsed on the ground. He tried to call out but he couldn’t get the breath to sound out the alarm. Moments later a dagger skilfully slit his throat from ear to ear. With grim satisfaction Sasha wiped her dagger a second time then she sneaked across the river directly under the walkway. Within a few minutes she was back on Aela’s track following her trail down the northern side of the waterfall, leaving the other bandits unaware of their comrade’s demise. 

 

As the river flowed down the waterfall it smashed onto various rock formations. Sasha cast a quick glance at them as she carefully walked past. Within twenty seconds of leaving the waterfall behind, her own instincts kicked in.

“Oh for fuck sake”. She painfully turned around to see Aela stepping out from the waterfall with her bow pointed at her. 

 

“That sounds about right. So what the fuck are you doing following me?” Aela demanded as she battled with the temptation to let the arrow loose.

 

Sasha slowly lowered her hands but Aela still held the bow tightly with an arrow ready to fire aiming at her.

“When did you see me?”

 

“After I hit the waterfall I watched my back for a few minutes. Nice work on the bandit by the way, I have to admire that. I was watching you when you crossed the river”. 

 

“Ah, but did you see me kill the Shadowscale that was aiming at you when you first entered the river? The body’s still there if you want to have a look. You were a bit careless, you were followed”. 

 

Aela stepped back a little then took aim again. Within a second she fired her bow. An arrow sliced through the air just missing Sasha’s ear and thudded in a tree. Sasha, who was unfazed, sneered at her.

“You missed”. 

 

Aela changed her form. Red stepped forwards and walked past Sasha then ripped into the chest of a Shadowscale that was pinned to the tree. He had an arrow through his throat which prevented him from screaming out. Red in her usual bravado, feasted on his chest without landing a killing blow first.  

 

Sasha looked away from the grisly scene.

“Oh Sithis, you do eat them alive”. 

 

Once Red had fed she chanced back. Aela was smothered in blood. She wiped her mouth on her own arm then cast Sasha a broad smile.

“I missed did I? Oh look, it looks like you were followed as well”. 

 

At that moment Sotek rather abruptly woke Kul-et up.

“Wake up”. 

 

“Oh damn it all”. She staggered to her feet sluggishly, while Sotek laughed quietly at her efforts to get herself up and prepared. “It’s still dark”. 

 

“Oh cheer up. Here, have an apple”. 

 

“I don’t want no stinking apple, I want sleep”. 

 

Sotek slightly shook his head at her.

“Are you always this miserable when you get up?”

 

Kul-et stuck her tongue out at him.

“I haven’t been camping much with you and Aela have I? I usually end up with Farkas and Vilkas”. 

 

“Say no more. You’ll have to come with us a few times. Right you, up on that ledge”. 

 

Kul-et looked around the cave but she couldn’t see much except rock and moss.

“Ermm where? What ledge?” 

 

Sotek cast his flame spell at the camp fire which promptly ignited the half burnt wood. The flames illuminated the cave but Kul-et still couldn’t see the ledge until Sotek pointed it out. He cupped his hands then helped her climb up on it after he explained what he wanted her to do. Within an hour Kul-et whispered down to him. “Wow they’re making a right racket”. 

 

Sotek chuckled to himself as he peered outside the cave.

“Yess they’re bitching nearly as much as you were when you woke up”. Moments later a small pebble struck him on the back. “Oi”. 

 

Kul-et simply shrugged her shoulders.

“What?” 

 

He cast his invisibility spell on himself then sneaked outside the cave to wait. Several minutes later, Aela and Sasha entered the cave to find it empty. Aela cursed under her breath.

“Damn it, well they were here”. She and Sasha made their way to the fire then sat down on the logs.  

 

Seconds later a female Shadowscale entered the cave with her bow drawn. She aimed at Sasha as she spoke.

“Where are they?” 

 

Both Aela and Sasha stood up slowly holding their hands up.

“Where’s who?”

 

“That Kul-et and the bastard they call Sotek? Where are they? I won’t ask a third time”. 

 

Within seconds a blue misty blade formed behind her as a voice called out as if from nowhere.

“Right behind you”. Instantly the invisibility spell dispelled as Sotek’s blade formed. He stabbed her three times in quick succession in the back, killing her outright. He folded his arms as he lent against the cave wall. “What the hell am I supposed to do with you two? You’re too bloody busy scoring points and bitching with each other to pay attention as to who’s around you”. 

 

Suddenly a Voice whispered from behind him.

“Like you can talk. Hsss. Get your hands in the air”. 

 

Sotek turned around to see three Shadowscales standing there with their swords drawn. Sotek held his hands out like he was holding an imaginary bow and arrow. “Great I get to test my air bow. You there on the left, drop your weapon or I’ll shoot”. 

 

Everyone looked at him like he was mad. Aela slowly walked up to him.

“Sotek, what the hell are you doing?” 

 

“What? Oh yess sorry. I made a mistake; I forgot to count. Surrender now or I’ll count to three. One... two... three”. 

 

On the third count Sotek fired his ’Bow’. Much to everyone’s complete shock the Shadowscale fell backwards with an arrow sticking in his chest. 

 

Sotek Immediately took aim once again with his imaginary bow.

“Right, you in the middle! Surrender, you have the count of three. One... two... three”. He fired once again. Instantly an arrow punched the Shadowscale off his feet and slammed him into the cave wall.  

 

Aela and Sasha both looked at him with total bewilderment as the third Shadow Scale looked on with complete shock. Sotek simply smiled at him. “Here catch” the next instant he threw the imaginary bow at the Shadow Scale. He on reflex dropped his sword as his hands shot out to grab the bow but there was nothing there to grab. He looked up at Sotek completely confused when suddenly an arrow flew past Sotek and slammed into his chest. He leaned backwards from the impact and promptly received a second arrow. Within a second he fell to the cave floor dead. Sotek smiled at Sasha and Aela who both just stood there like a pair of statues as Sotek checked the outside of the cave. He stepped back inside then called out.

“Ok, it’s clear”. 

 

Kul-et jumped down from the ledge making Aela and Sasha jump with fright. Sasha nearly screamed at her, “You bloody stupid cow, what the hell”. 

 

Aela turned her fright towards Sotek, “You stupid bastard” but a second later she burst out laughing as she looked at the three Shadow scale bodies which had arrows in them. “I really thought you had some sort of bow”. 

 

Both Sotek and Kul-et burst out laughing, Kul-et pointed to the dead Shadow Scales, “So did they”. 

 

Sotek walked up to Aela and Sasha then smacked the back of their heads at the same time, “We could hear you two squabbling like two old hens for ten bloody minutes. Start working together, and if you can’t fine, then shut the hell up”. 

 

Both of them flinched as one the moment he struck them, then they systematically punched him in the chest at the same time. Kul-et laughed, “Well at least their working together”. 

 

Sotek groaned, as he got pushed back a foot, “Terrific”. 

 

Aela sat by the fire once more. As she gazed into the flames, she could feel the warmth of the fire which she felt comforting. “What’s the plan?”. 

 

Sotek sat besides her, “Well for now we hide the bodies, then we can rest up here. We got a few days to get to Faulksreath”. 

 

Sasha sat opposite Sotek and Aela, “I told them you headed to the lake, their in the way now, sorry I should have sent them to the north”. 

 

Sotek smiled at her, “And if you did then what?. They would know you were lying and then heads south. Now they already know I haven’t headed to the lake, so with some luck?”. 

 

Sasha smiled as it fell into place, “The lake will be clear”. 

 

 “How did you know about the ledge?” Aela asked as she looked up towards it. “You can’t see it”. 

 

Sotek laughed, “You remember that night you were chasing me?”. 

 

Aela threw him a filthy look as she glared at him, “Yes you bastard, you moved my bloody trap”. 

 

Kul-et and Sasha looked a bit confused so Aela explained. “Before he had his werewolf form, Hircine and Sheogorath tested us somewhat. He was turned into a wolf, not a werewolf. But a big black wolf. Then Me, Farkas and Vilkas were sent to kill him”. 

 

Sasha looked at her oddly, “You were sent to kill him?. But why”. 

 

Sotek chucked a piece of firewood on the fire, “I had to prove that Aela loved me, while I was in a bloody wolf form”. 

 

Aela’s voice seemed to trail off  in the distance “I really wanted you to be with me that night”. 

 

Sotek smirked at her, “Yes about that, I was. I heard you, and I watched over you while you slept”. 

 

Aela looked shocked, she stared at Kul-et and Sasha as her eyes darted back and fourth between the pair of them. “But  you weren’t in the cave”. 

 

Sotek leaned over to her and kissed her on the temple, “I was up there on the ledge”. 

 

Her gaze fell on the ledge as she took in what he said, “You were up there, all night?, All fucking night. We hunted you for two bloody days, and you were there ten feet away asleep”. She turned on him angrily “You fucking prick”. A second later she burst out  laughing, “Vilkas and Farkas will go nuts when I tell them”. She lent into him and wrapped his arms around her.  

 

Sotek looked at the three of them all sitting there, he couldn’t help but feel they were way out of their comfort zones, “I’ll go get some deer then we can all eat, things will seem better then”. 

 

Aela cast a quick look at the dead shadow scales hidden in a dark corner of the cave. “Speaking of eating, when did Scarface last eat?”. 

 

Kul-et looked over to her, “It’s been a while”. 

 

Aela poked Sotek in the side, “Go on, but take them outside please, we have guests”. 

 

 “While I’m out there, I’ll find some deer”. He then got up and walked over to the bodies, seconds later Scarface grabbed two and carried them outside. Once he was outside Sotek changed back. He looked down at the two Shadowscale corpses and found himself being grateful that  one was a female. After he stripped off their armour kits and stored them in his pack he changed once more.  

 

The three of them sat there listening to bones crunching and flesh being torn apart. Kul-et gulped loudly, “I’m glad that’s not me”. 

 

Sasha smiled at her, “Really?, I’d love Quicksilver to be that size”. 

 

Kul-et shook her head, “I meant the bodies”. 

 

Soon afterwards Sotek entered the cave carrying a dead deer strung over his shoulders. Everyone started to perk up as the cave slowly filled with the aroma of fresh cooking venison. 

 

It was only a matter of time before I found these. I honestly wasn't looking for typos so sorry about that.