Just a Skyrim fanfic: Extended cut

Revealing the truth

(Leonidas and Karliah walk into the ragged flagon)

Karliah: I'm glad you're here. I think some of these people really hate me. Are you ready to face the guild?

Leonidas: Ready when you are

Karliah: Keep your eyes open. I'm not sure what to expect when we enter the cistern

Leonidas: (Thinks) If we're lucky, Mercer will be there

(As they walk into the cistern, Brynjolf, Vex, and Delvin are ready with their blades out)

Brynjolf: You better have a damn good reason to be here with that murderer

Karliah: Please, lower your weapons so we can speak. I have proof that you've all been misled! And a witness!

Brynjolf: No tricks, Karliah. Or I'll cut you down where you stand. Now what's this so called "proof" you speak of?

Karliah: I have Gallus's journal. I think you'll find it's contents quite disturbing

Brynjolf: Let me see

Leonidas: We would, but it's written in the ancient Falmer language. I'll translate it again

(One explanation later)

(Brynjolf, Vex, and Delvin look shocked and appalled)

Brynjolf: No... it can't be... I've known Mercer for too long

Karliah: It's true, Brynjolf. Every word. Mercer's been stealing from the guild for years, right under your noses. And he almost killed Leonidas

Brynjolf: There's only one way to find out if what the lass says is true. Delvin. I'll need you to open the vault

Delvin: Wait just a blessed moment, Bryn. How could Mercer open up a vault that needs two keys? It's impossible. Could he have picked his way in?

Vex: That door has the best puzzle locks money can buy. There's no way he could have picked it open

Karliah: He didn't need to pick the lock

Delvin: What's she on about?

Brynjolf: Use your key on the vault, Delvin. We'll open it up and find out the truth

(Delvin uses his key, and there is a click)

Delvin: I've used my key, but the vault's still locked up tighter than a drum. Now use yours

(Brynjolf uses his key, and the vault opens)

Brynjolf: By the gods! It's gone! Everything's gone! Get in here, all of you!

(Everyone walks into the vault to find it's chests empty)

Delvin: The gold... the jewels... it's all gone

Vex: That son of a bitch! I'll kill him!

(Vex draws her dagger)

Brynjolf: Vex, put it away. We can't afford to lose our heads. We need to calm down and focus

Delvin: Do what he says, Vex. This isn't helping us right now

(Vex puts away her dagger)

Vex: Fine. We'll do it your way. For now

Leonidas: Have you seen Mercer come back without me?

Brynjolf: No. Not since you left for snow veil sanctum. Delvin. Vex. Watch the flagon with everyone else. If you see Mercer, you know what to do