A Fool's Blade

Chapter 16 - Paranoia

        "Alain Dufont now lies dead. All it took was a little bit of oil and some very large fire cross bolts."

        "Good. That deceiving jerk got exactly what he deserved. And...what about Nilsine?"

        Jade handed her a journal and a note. "I found this in Alain's treasure stash and showed it to the Shatter-Shields. They told me to deliver that note to you."

        Muiri unfolded the paper, eyes darting across it. "They believe me...they believe me! I don't know how you did this, but thank you! Here, have this." She handed Jade a ring. "I was going to give it to you for killing Nilsine, but being able to be part of this family again. It's so much better. Thank you so much!"

        "It wasn't too hard; most of what you told me was written in Alain's journal. About how he used you to get to the Shatter-Shields. I just thought that killing Nilsine won't make your relationship with the family any better, and once I had the evidence of your innocence...." She shrugged.

        "I guess I'll see you in Windhelm!"

        Jade gave the cheery girl a slight nod and headed back to the Sanctuary. It was late by the time she returned, but Astrid stopped her just before she reached the main chamber.

        "Ah, you're back So, how was your first real contract? A bit more exciting then what Nazir's been offering, I'd wager."

        "Anything's better than having to deal with Nazir, but I did what I had to do."

        Astrid chuckled a bit. "Don't get along with the Redguard very well, do we, dear? But what of the Argonain? You and Veezara seem to get along quite well."

        "We bond over the mutual hate of the person."

        "That is a bond to be treasured indeed. Anyways, my little ravens told me you handled yourself quite well on your last contract, but now I need your assistance with a more...personal nature."

        "What's wrong?"

      "It's Cicero. Ever since he arrived, his behavior's been...well, erratic would be an understatement. I do believe he is truly mad, but it's worse than that. He's taken to locking himself in the Night Mother's chamber, and talking to someone in hushed frantic tones. Who is speaking with? What are they planning? I fear treachery."

        "Astrid, you're being a bit...paranoid. Cicero might be crazy, but I don't think he would ever do anything to hurt any of us intentionally, without a good reason that is."

        "Maybe so, but healthy paranoia has saved this Sanctuary before, and my gut's telling me that demented little fool is up to something."

        Jade sighed seeing that she wouldn't be able to talk Astrid out of it. Unlike most of the Sanctuary, she actually enjoyed the insanity of the jester. He was the kind of interesting she was looking for the day she meet him and strangely enough, Jade trusted the lunatic. "What do you want me to do?"