Skyrim: A Nord's Tale

Twenty Two

My stomach is turning so much that I shove myself out of bed and run out of the inn. I make it to the edge of the porch before I wretch violently. I wipe my mouth then walk over to the river. I'm scooping water into my mouth when I become aware of another presence beside me. I look around and see Elisia looking at me concerned.

"Are you alright?" She asks.

I swish the water around my mouth for a moment before spitting it out onto the grass. "The Thalmor, Ulfric's an asset to them. They may not know anything about the dragons but they're not sorry that Ulfric survived in Helgen. All this time, I thought I was fighting for Skyrim's freedom when in fact, we were playing into the Thalmor's hands." Tears spring to my eyes and I wipe them away quickly.

Elisia looks confused. "How do you know-"

"That notebook we took from the Embassy, it was all in there. Ulfric didn't escape during the battle for the White-Gold Tower, he was let go. The Thalmor want Skyrim divided, easier to take over that way, and we are just playing their game."

Elisia leans back on her hands. "We have to get back to Windhelm," she says and her voice is tense and harsh.

"We can't," I tell her grabbing a rock and throwing into the river. "Even if we convince Ulfric that this war is bogus, there's Tulius convince and we don't have time to travel all the way to Solitude."

Elisia looks at me with blazing eyes. "The Thalmor are treating us like play things, and you're just going to let them?"

"No," I reply. "We must deal with Alduin first and then Skyrim will be freed."

The next day, Elisia, Etienne and I make our way to Riften. I don't talk much, my stomach is turning and all I can think about is Ulfric and how he is fighting a losing war. I want nothing more than to turn Brin around and head for Windhelm but I know I can't.

When we finally arrive in Riften, we board Titus and Brin at the stables and make our way into the city. 

"Should we ask someone for directions?" I ask as we cross a bridge.

Elisia shakes her head. "No need. I know where to go, come on."

Uneasiness makes my stomach clench but I follow Elisia as she leads me through the market, across another bridge and down some stairs.

When we have reached a wooden door Elisia pushes it open and ushers us inside. "Get your weapons out," Elisia whispers unsheathing her own sword. "You never know what you'll find in the Ratway."

I do as I am told and follow Elisia down the dank stone hallway. Luckily, we don't meet anyone, except for a few skeevers and we finally reach our destination, the Ragged Flagon.

Elisia leads the way towards the bar and I feel so sick that I want to wretch but I force myself to keep my breakfast down. No matter my own personal feelings about the Ratway or the Flagon, this is where we need to be.

My friend stops by the bar and the man behind it grins at her and reaches for a tankard. "Elisia, its been a long time! Your usual I presume?"

"It's good to see you too Vekel but I'm not here to drink. I was wondering if you have heard about the face sculptor? Rumour has it they're hiding out in Riften."

The man called Vekel picks up a rag and begins to wash the surface of the bar. "That's her over there," he replies pointing to a woman sitting alone at a table. "I'd be careful though Elisia, no telling what she'd do to that fur of yours."

"It's not for me," Elisia assures him. "For a friend." She gives Etienne a slight nod and discreetly slips him a large bag of coins.

Etienne gives us a grateful nod of farewell then makes his way over to the woman.

"Was there something else you needed?" Vekel asks.

"Yes," Elisia replies taking a seat on one of the bar stools. "Do you know of an old guy hiding out in Riften, name of Esbern?"

Vekel looks surprised and he pauses in his washing of the countertop. "Lot of people looking for him. He's paid good money for nobody to know he's down here. He's holed up in the Ratway Warrens. Hardly ever leaves the place - has someone bring him food and such. Crazy old coot from what I've heard. For that to stand out here, he must really be off his nut."

"The Warrens?" Elisia looks confused and a bit wary. "What madness would drive a man into that foul place?"

Vekel places his hand on Elisia's and gives her a concerned look. "Elisia, we've been friends a long time and I don't plan for that to end tonight. Be careful you're not the only one looking for him."

My knees are starting to feel weak and I take a seat beside my friend. "Who else is looking for Esbern?" I ask feeling certain I already know the answer.

Vekel switches his gaze to me and I can see his demeanour harden as his attention changes to me. "Dangerous-looking elves who didn't give their names. Draw your own conclusions."

I feel certain I am going to throw up and by the way Elisia's gaze intensifies I know she can tell that I am about to lose it. "Ana, Ana," she whispers giving my shoulder a shake. "Stay with me alright? You can't give into weakness. We have to get this done."

"Alright let's just get this over with," I say. Reaching into my pocket, I leave a few gold coins on the counter. "Thanks for your help Vekel. It means a lot."

Vekel looks at me in good-natured concern. "Any friend of Elisia's is a friend of mine but are you sure you're well enough to go elf hunting? You look like you could use some mead, on the house of course."

"I don't drink, but thank you," I say sincerely. Getting to my feet, I beckon to my friend to lead the way to the Warrens.

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