Good Rats

I looked up at the sound of someone knocking on the door, seeing the three Circle members waiting for me. "You summoned us, Harbinger," Farkas stated.

"Ragnar." The three shared a glance, noticeably smiling, as I gestured for them to take a seat, holding back a sigh. 'Another group who won't call me by name anymore.'

"Any word of unrest from the others?"

"No, sir," Farkas replied, "They respect the decision. We don't think there will be any issue."

"Very good, because I've already made a decision about what we do next. Please hear me out first." I met their eyes, each one nodding. "Kodlak's soul is now at rest in Sovngarde and, for the moment, the issue of the beast-blood has been resolved. You two," pointing at Farkas and Vilkas, "Still have it, as do I, but I anticipate we three will be cured eventually. Correct?" The twins nodded. "Aela, I assume you won't be cured?"

"No, Harbinger."

"And you know I have no problem with that. It is your choice. Farkas, Vilkas, do you feel the same?"

"You'll have no issue from us, Harbinger. Aela is free to pursue the path as she desires," Farkas replied.

"Good. So, as to my decision, I cannot give the Companions the time my position as Harbinger deserves as long as the dragon issue remains unsolved. I anticipate I will be absent from Whiterun more often than not the longer it does go on, therefore I will need people I can trust to be my eyes and ears while I am not here."

"What are you asking, Harbinger?" Vilkas asked.

"I would like you three to work together while I'm not here as Harbingers in my name. Each of you has their own temperament and believe that, as a team, would be more than capable of ensuring the Companions, as a guild, continues to work with honour until the day I am able to return to this position without distraction. Kodlak trusted each of you as a member of the Circle and you know I do as well. As members of the Circle, guide the rest and provide advice where it is needed. I would also suggest we start a small recruitment drive. We have plenty of empty beds here and could always use more warriors."

"Do you believe any of the others are ready to become a Circle member?" Aela asked.

"Honestly, no, not at the moment. They have good hearts, and good arms, but to be a Circle member from now on must mean more. It's not about just being the best. It's how they act as a man or a woman in addition to how they are as a warrior. The Circle is three members at the moment, excluding myself as Harbinger, who I believe is more of an overseer than an active participant. Therefore, I would like to see two members eventually ascend to the Circle. Keep an eye on those Companions we already have, and may recruit in the future, and judge who you three would provide an invaluable member to the Circle."

"May we ask what your next plans are, Harbinger?"

"Of course, Vilkas, as there must be no secrets between us now. I will be travelling to Riften tomorrow as I need to find someone. If I can find them, then apparently they will be able to help with the dragon issue. That's the hope."

"Will you need assistance?" Aela asked.

"Not for now as Lydia will accompany me for this next mission. If I may ask one other favour though?" The three nodded. "I know this is not particularly in your job description, but those contacts you have dotted around Skyrim? Ask them to keep an eye on Thalmor movements. There are things I've done which has likely stirred the nest and I have a feeling I now have their complete attention. Considering they know where I live, I don't want anyone else hurt."

"We'll do what we can, Harbinger."

"Watch out for Heimskr too. If they didn't know about him before, I have no doubt they'll soon know all about him."

"They won't touch a hair on his head," Farkas stated in a tone suggesting he'd go to war with them if required.

"Good. Then I have no further instructions. Keep doing the job you were doing under Kodlak and we'll worry about what we do next once I've returned. Until then, I have nothing else. Before I go, do you have any questions?" All three shook their head. "Very well. You can return to whatever you doing. I'll make sure I say farewell before departing."

I shook hands with Farkas and Vilkas, watching them leave as Aela stayed sat down. Once they'd given us privacy, she strode across the room, closed the doors, locked them (the key being in the lock) then sat back down. I simply sat back, crossed my arms and waited for whatever it was she had to say.

"Stop smirking," she finally said.

"What? You clearly have something your mind that requires an element of privacy."

"I do. Have something on my mind, that is." I waited for her to get whatever it was off her chest. "I'll keep this simple, Ragnar. What are your plans for this evening?"

"I don't have any. Do you have any, Aela?"

"I have an idea. I was wondering if you would be interested in it?"

"Tell me what it is and I'll let you know."

"I was thinking we should celebrate you becoming the new Harbinger."

I smirked, knowing what she wanted, but thought I'd play along. "Oh, so you mean join the others upstairs where we'll drink, eat and sing all evening?"

She just gave me a look which, I'll admit, stirred certain parts of my body. "Do I need to spell out what my idea is, Ragnar?"

I shuffled in my seat as she moved closer. I gulped. "Probably not."

She got up and leaned in close, whispering in my ear, "So which would you prefer?"

I cleared my throat. Even now, the thought caused a touch of nervousness. "There's wine in the bedroom."

She learned back and smiled. "Perfect. So, will you join me?" she asked, walking into the bedroom, ensuring she looked back with a look that left me in no doubt what I was in for.

I waited about three seconds before I followed her in.

*****

Unlike our previous arrival in Riften, the city gates were wide open once Lydia and I had dismounted and stabled our horses. Guards were still on post, the two that had greeted us previously not waiting for us. 'Good. Wouldn't want to meet them again anyway.' The smell wafting from the canal was as strong as ever, both of us coming to a stop for a few seconds at the gates to adjust ourselves to it again.

"Gods, can't they do something about that?" Lydia asked, holding her nose.

"I agree. There are gates. I don't know why they don't open them to at least get rid of the stagnant water."

We waited a couple of minutes to get used to the smell before walking through. We'd taken our time riding to Riften as there was little chance Esbern was going anywhere. I had sent a message to Delphine, letting her know I would be leaving and would be bringing him back to Riverwood if I managed to find him. Our last conversation had warned that the Thalmor were also looking for him. I had not noticed their presence on our way to Riften but figured I would have to ask questions around Riften, not only to find Esbern but also if anyone noticed the presence of Thalmor in the city.

Once Lydia nodded at me that she was ready to proceed, we wandered into the city itself to be greeted by Mjoll, walking towards us from the inn. The three of us shook hands as we greeted one another.

"Have you been waiting for us?" Lydia asked.

"No. This is pure chance. But it is good to see you both. What brings you to Riften?"

"I'm here to find someone," I replied, "Perhaps you can help?"

"I'll help how I can. What do you need?"

"We need to find someone called Brynjolf. I've been pointed in his direction…" I trailed off explaining anymore as I noticed Mjoll's eyes darken and her jaw set. I looked at Lydia, who probably looked as surprised as I did.

"Something Ragnar asked?" Lydia asked lightly.

Mjoll looked left and right before leading us to a house. "This is my place," she explained, opening the door and ushering us in. We took a seat and waited for Mjoll to continue. "What do you need Brynjolf's help for?" she finally asked. The tone suggested she was very unhappy but willing to hear us out.

"I've been sent here by a friend to find someone down in the Ratway. She suggested I get in touch with Brynjolf," I replied.

"You don't need the help of Brynjolf. He's nothing but a thief and a crook. Stay away from him."

I knew a warning when I heard one. "You're saying he's a member of the Thieves Guild?"

Mjoll nodded. "Indeed I am."

"Ragnar, how does Delphine know a member of the Thieves Guild?" Lydia asked.

"I don't know, though I guess it has to do with how she has managed to maintain her secret identity for so many years. Okay, Mjoll, what do you suggest?"

"I can at least show you the entrance to the sewers. From there, you can find the Ratway, though you may end up in the Ragged Flagon, which is a tavern somewhere beneath us, and where members of the Thieves Guild congregate."

"Why does the Jarl do nothing about this?" Lydia wondered.

"Because Maven Black-Briar is the legitimate face of the Thieves Guild. And she has the Jarl in her pocket. The Jarl may make proclamations about ending the Thieves Guild, but she is effectively powerless. It is Maven Black-Briar who is the true source of power in Riften. She owns everything required to ensure no-one would dare stand against her."

"You do," I stated.

"Aye, I do. But I am only one person against an army."

I looked at Lydia, who immediately knew what I was thinking, though she only shrugged in a way that suggested 'It's your choice, my thane.' I turned my attention back towards Mjoll. "Look, this sounds like a worthy cause. I can't stand thieves myself. Been to deal with enough of them with all the jobs I've done for various guilds. But, at the moment, helping just isn't possible."

"I understand, Ragnar."

"But I may be able to help later. Think about how best we can take them on, including Maven Black-Briar. Sometimes the best way to take on a serpent is immediately take off the head."

"She's near untouchable. To take her out would be to bring down an entire organisation of criminals upon us."

"Or we destroy their safety net and the entire lot scatters to the four corners of Skyrim and beyond."

Mjoll was silent in thought for at least a minute before she slowly nodded her head. "You really believe that is possible?"

I shrugged. "I'm willing to try."

We shook hands in agreement. "Come on, I'll show you the entrance to the sewers. My knowledge is limited after that. I would suggest heading to the Ragged Flagon but keep your wits about you. They're as liable to kill you as help you."

We exited into the smell of Riften, thankfully already used to it. Mjoll simply joked, seeing our reaction, stating the smell was likely ten times worse down in the sewers. We circled on the far side of the canal, Mjoll pointing out the people who ran the stalls, including Brynjolf, who was at a stall of his own.

"Nothing but another way to con folk out of coin," Mjoll stated as we passed by the Temple of Mara, pointing out the Jarl's residence and finally an orphanage before we ended up walking down a pair of steps, halting at a gate, behind which was a lone door.

"Okay, this is the entrance to the sewers. Somewhere behind this door is the Ragged Flagon and hopefully the Ratway."

We shook hands with Mjoll, who wished us good luck, before entering the darkness of the sewers. The smell was overwhelming. I know I gagged on it. I'm sure Lydia was sick behind me. It certainly sounded like it, muttering her apologies, which I waved away. 'It took all the self-control not to do that myself.' We took a few seconds to adjust to the smell before we moved on. I unsheathed my sword, the shield already attached to my left forearm. I looked back at Lydia and gestured for her to also use her sword and shield. In this confined space, using a bow would be pointless and near impossible. Thankfully a light ahead illuminated the entrance to the sewers, moving forward slowly as we heard voices ahead.

We stopped, discussed tactics then simply charged forward, leaving the voices ahead in little doubt of who we are. The pair we discovered were the low-lives we expected to find in the sewers, turning with weapons already brandished and ready to swing. But we were trained in battle, they were not, and although I felt the power of their swing as I deflected with my shield, it didn't take long for either Lydia or I to cut down our opponent.

And that is how our trip through the sewers progressed. I didn't particularly want to cut a swathe through the lives that inhabited the sewers. I didn't think they would be all bad. I'd seen the poor, homeless and destitute across Cyrodil and Skyrim. The Thieves Guild may or may not make their home in these sewers, but I also knew the forgotten people of society also had to make their lives somehow. We did come across one or two who didn't attack us on sight, shuffling away into a corner in fear as we passed. But others left us with no choice but to put them down, even when I called for them not to attack, that we were only passing through.

The last man we faced, and I hesitate to call him that as he was near enough to a giant, was near the door of leading into the Ragged Flagon. He was armed with only a great-sword but I'll admit I was glad to have the Shield of Ysgramor, as I'm sure meeting the swing of his sword would have shattered my old one. I kept his attention, allowing Lydia to flank him, our plan not quite working as his great-sword was used in great sweeping arcs. But with his eyes firmly on me, she eventually managed to get behind him and I watched the point of her sword appear through his chest as he cried out, running my own sword through the opposite way.

"He stinks," Lydia stated, withdrawing her sword.

"They all do. Hope the Flagon isn't as bad. Sheathe your weapon when we enter. We're not going to pass off as anyone who would live down here but I'm hoping they'll still help. Probably need to pay though."

We left the near unbearable stench behind as we entered the Flagon. A giant cistern of water made up the centre of the tavern, though the water appeared fresh. Well, fresh enough so that there wasn't a smell, though I still wouldn't have been tempted to drink it. We rounded the pool of water, walking towards a bridge where a large man appeared to be standing guard. He held up a hand for us to stop.

"What are you here for?"

He sounded as smart as you would expect. "Just a drink."

"Could have just gone to the Bee and Barb."

"We're looking for someone too. But wanted a drink to take the edge off. It wasn't easy getting here."

The other man laughed, I think at us, but I wasn't going to take offence. "Who you looking for?"

"Someone hiding down in the Ratway."

He returned a blank look, and I knew he either didn't know, or knew and wouldn't tell us without greasing his palm. Then he thumbed behind him. "Try Vekel behind the bar. He may know who you're looking for."

I noticed the glances from the patrons of the Flagon as we crossed the wooden bridge into the bar itself. I knew immediately that most if not all of them were probably thieves but I wasn't here to make enemies. I just wanted information, then leave. I approached the bar, taking a seat on one of the stools, placing my hands on the counter away from my weapons. The man behind the bar, apparently Vekel, looked at me, part surprise, part suspicion. 'Strangers are likely unusual and unwelcome down here.'

"Something I can do for you?"

"I'll have a tankard of ale." I gestured towards Lydia, not wanting to use her name.

"Same," she stated.

Vekel still didn't look convinced but he poured us a tankard each, flipping him a couple of gold coin for the trouble. I took a gulp and immediately wanted to spit it out, forcing it down, nodding towards the bartender. To her credit, Lydia did the same thing. Then I knew I would have to bite the bullet.

"In addition to the tankard, I could also use some information."

"What sort of information? And most of the time, that doesn't come free."

"Are you aware of the dragon attacks around Skyrim?"

Vekel didn't reply for a few seconds. Then he nodded. "Aye. I've heard. So they're not rumours?"

"No. They are not. And I'm looking for a man. A man who, my contact tells me, is currently hiding down here in the Ratway. For good reason, as the Thalmor want to kill him. I'm here to ensure they don't. And I need his help."

"Why do you need his help?"

"Because he will help me defeat the dragons."

"And who are you?"

I looked around for a second before returning my eyes to him. "Someone with an interest in defeating the dragons. So, you wouldn't happen to know where this old man is?"

Vekel remained quiet for at least a minute if not more as he thought. I didn't miss the careful eye he cast over me and my colleague. I guessed he was trying to figure out who I was. If he took a guess, I wasn't going to share. I knew where I was. I just wanted to find Esbern and get out as quickly as possible. If necessary, I'd be willing to at least grease his palm. He finally appeared to make up his mind, taking the cloth from is belt and wiping the counter, leaning in close and keeping his voice low. "Listen, I'll tell you but you didn't get this from me. Understand?" Lydia and I both nodded. "Okay. There are plenty of old homeless guys around here but only one guy who is paying a lot of people to maintain his secret. But if he's as important as you say he is, then I see no reason in not helping you. Take the door behind me into the Warrens."

"Thanks."

"I'll give a word of warning to be careful, though. I've had word that others are looking for him."

"Who?"

"Elves. So, Thalmor, if what you said earlier is true. I like the old guy. Bit weird but harmless and simply wants to be left alone. If you can save him, then go now before they find him first."

"Do they have any idea where he is?"

Vekel shook his head. "No-one here would have said a word. They've been searching aimlessly for a while."

I looked at Lydia. "We'd better move."

I was ready to lead the way out when I noticed someone at a nearby table, who I was sure had been watching my conversation with Vekel. And he looked familiar, knowing I'd seen him before. But I couldn't place where, at least not at first.

"Something wrong?" Lydia asked, thankful again she didn't call me 'my Thane'.

I kept my eyes on the other man, who now didn't meet my gaze, finishing his tankard and looking ready to move. Before he could run off, I strode quickly towards him, grabbing his arm. "I remember you. I saw you in the embassy."

The man's face turned pale. "No. No. You're wrong. I'm a nobody."

I shook my head. "No. You're definitely working with the Thalmor. What are you doing here?"

"Nothing."

"Try again," I stated harshly as I unsheathed my dagger, noticing out of the corner of my eye that Lydia was also now armed.

The man looked between myself and Lydia, continuing to struggle against my hold. Wanting answers, I lifted him from the chair and then slammed him onto the table, dagger at his throat. I glanced up to see the patrons of the Flagon were now watching us intently. I looked back down at who I was holding. "How many Thalmor?" I asked. He continued to struggle so I made sure I broke his skin, watching a trickle of blood slide down his neck onto the table. "I won't ask again," I stated, slamming his head into the table, "How many Thalmor?" I yelled into his face.

"Half a dozen. At least half a dozen."

"Do you know where he is?"

"No. They haven't a clue. We've searched everywhere."

I looked up towards Vekel. "What do you do with traitors around here? I can only guess he helped them grab one of your own men."

"You know who we are?"

"Of course. But my quarrel is not with you. I'm here to grab who I want then leave. But I rescued someone from the embassy who helped me, and putting two and two together, I can only assume he'd be one of you. So this guy," I grabbed the man by his collar and lifted him up, dragging him towards the small group, pushing him towards them, "Obviously had something to do with his torture."

I noticed a sea of faces darken at that as a number of hands grabbed the man I'd thrown towards them. "We'll take care of him. You have our thanks, stranger," Vekel stated.

I gestured to Lydia to move quickly, opening the door leading into the Warrens. The Flagon had been brightly lit to the near dark hallway which greeted our eyes, taking a few moments to adjust before we moved on. Thankfully we met no Thalmor nor anyone else as we carefully walked through the dim light, though there were no end of groans, moans and other sounds from near and far, suggesting the Warrens may have been full of people, hopefully none interested in our arrival, though we tried to move as quietly as possible not to arouse suspicion.

I thought we were going to reach Esbern without difficulty when I heard other voices above us. There's a tone difference between the voices of man and mer. I came to a stop and gestured to Lydia, looking back as she met my eyes and nodded. As noiselessly as possible, we unsheathed our swords and watched each step as we followed the sound of voices. Eventually I reached a corner and peeked around, seeing three Thalmor together. It was obvious their conversation was about Esbern. I held out a hand with three fingers for Lydia to see, then held out two then one. I felt a tap on the shoulder and we moved together as one.

The first Thalmor fell within seconds, running my sword through his spine, almost lifting him up as I thrust forward, Lydia moving past to my right, hacking away at a second Thalmor. I removed my sword as quickly as possible, lifting my shield to deflect a blow from the third Thalmor.

"Die, Stormcloak scum!"

I met the Thalmor's eyes. "I'm not a Stormcloak. But, at this moment, I'd gladly kill in their name."

It didn't hit me at the time but I soon realised it was not an off the cuff remark about not being a Stormcloak. What I did know is that I may not have had much feeling for the Empire but I hated the Thalmor. Lydia and I moved together as one and I'm not ashamed to admit we took delight I stabbing the third Thalmor to death, both our swords and armour bloodied by the time we were finished. I spat at him when we were done.

"Oblivion take your very soul, you elven bastard."

I was breathing deeply, feeling rage within as I met Lydia's eye. "Are you okay, my Thane?"

I closed my eyes for a second and swallowed, urging myself to calm down. 'I don't think I've told her what I saw.' "They're torturing us, Lydia," I said quietly.

"What?"

"They capture Nords and torture them. In our own homeland, they do that to us."

"I had no idea…"

"No-one knows. If the Empire knew, I can bet every coin in my possession that the so-called peace agreement would end in an instant. The White-Gold Concordat did not give the Thalmor the right to act against us without retribution."

"Your tone has changed, my Thane."

I nodded, knowing what she meant. "War is coming, Lydia. But not with the Stormcloaks." I sighed. "But that's for later. Come on, we should find Esbern."

Sheathing weapons, we moved on, confident that we may have handled any Thalmor currently in this section of the sewers. Not finding any living quarters, we found another door and this appeared even more promising as we located a number of doors. Most appeared locked though we could hear voices from behind them, mostly the babblings of the insane. Climbing a set of steps, I saw a door ahead that could only have hidden Esbern as it appeared to be thick steel and likely had a series of locks.

"Think this is it?" Lydia asked.

"Can't be any of the others."

I knocked on the door rather gently and listened for a response. Silence. Shrugging to myself, I balled my hand into a fist and banged instead. That provoked a response, though not the one I wanted.

"Go away!"

"Esbern. I'm a friend. Can you open the door please?"

"Esbern? Who's Esbern? No idea what you're talking about. There's no-one by that name here."

"Esbern, it's okay. Delphine sent me to find you. We need your help."

"Delphine? HA! So you've finally found her after years of searching, and now you've finally found me. And here I am, caught like a rat in a trap. Well, let me tell you, Thalmor stooge. That door is thick enough to withstand any sort of physical or magical attack at your disposal. You may as well turn around and head back to the Summerset Isles right now."

I heard Lydia mutter something behind me. "I just need to convince him," I whispered to her. So I bit the bullet. "Esbern, I'm Dragonborn."

Silence for a few seconds before he pulled back a slide, letting me see at least part of his face. His eyes were wide but also darted about. 'He's crazy.' "What's that? You're… Dragonborn?"

"Yes, sir. And, if you need any further evidence that I'm a friend of Delphine, where were you on the 30th of Frostfall?"

A slight smile appeared on his face as he nodded. "Yes. Yes. Only Delphine would know about that," he said quietly, before he cleared his throat, "Yes, you must come in at once. The Thalmor are getting close."

"I've taken care of a few of them," I stated, thumbing behind me as I listened to the old man open a series of locks. We waited a few seconds before he finally unlocked all of them, opening the door wide, gesturing for us to hurry inside, before he closed and locked the door behind us. The place was a mess, books in a series of piles around the room and the lone desk covered in papers. There were a few chairs around, grabbing one for Lydia and myself as Esbern joined us once he was happy the door was locked again. He looked me up and down a few times, muttering to himself before he finally appeared satisfied.

"Who's your friend?"

"She's my housecarl."

I noticed raised eyebrows. "Housecarl?"

"I'm the Thane of Whiterun."

"But you truly are Dragonborn?" I nodded. "Thank the Nine. After so long, there may be hope for all of us." He started shaking his head. "All I thought we would do is watch helpless as doom approach."

I shared a glance with Lydia as his tone suggested something. "Is the return of the dragons that bad?" she asked.

"Dragons?" He scoffed, waving his hand dismissively. "Dragons can be killed. I'm sure you've already killed a few. The Blades killed many in their early days as dragon-slayers. No, the dragons are merely the final portent of the End of Days."

"Okay, you're going to need to explain this one."

"You mean no-one has told you what is happening right now?"

I shrugged. "Dragons have returned, I'm the Dragonborn. That's about it."

Esbern sighed, mumbling again for a moment. "Alduin! Alduin has returned, just like the prophecy said! The Dragon from the dawn of time, who devours the souls of the dead. No-one can escape his hunger, here or in the afterlife. Alduin will devour all things and the world will end. Nothing can stop him!"

"I will."

He heard my tone and blinked rapidly for a second. Then he slumped in his chair, running a hand through his thinning hair. "I'm sorry, Dragonborn. It's just that, living here by myself, knowing what was coming, and having no hope for so long…"

"Tell me. What do I do?"

He nodded, feeling better already. "The prophecies are clear. Only the Dragonborn can stop Alduin."

"Then I suggest we get back to Delphine as quickly as we can and establish what we do next. Agreed?"

He nodded again. "Agreed."