Skyrim's Saviors

47: Emeaen Nightshade

I decide to refrain from telling anyone that I have threatened Maven Black-Briar. I am currently in the Hall of the Dead, and I have my hands on Laila's coffin.  I stare intently into the shadows, and then, I see it. A very slight shift in the shadows, and the male walks forward, showing me Brynjolf. His eyes are full of icy fury.

"You locked Maven up?!"

"It's for her own good. You told me to not let her die, which is exactly what I am doing. She's safe there, surrounded by guards. And only a few people have her key, but that changes daily and is decided on that day. I will not tell you anymore than that, Brynjolf," I say, my voice icy as his own gaze.

He frowns. "You've got guts, lass. I'll give you that."

"Thanks. Why are you here, though? Did you follow me?"

He shrugs. "I need to show you something."

"I'm not going anywhere with you until I know where we are going."

He sighs. "Lass, sometimes, things are better left unknown."

"Not when it comes to me," I snap. "Tell me, or I won't go with you, Brynjolf."

"You're brave, stubborn, and stupid. But anyways, I  suppose I should inform you that the Lisfener of the Dark Brotherhood is currently after you. And word on the street is, it was sent by a Black-Briar."

I bristle.I just want to ask why he's even warning me in the first place. He doesn't care about me,  he cares about Maven, and somehow cared of Laila Law-Giver, then I suppose I should follow him. After all, he's taken both a risk and a shot in the dark to come and warn me.

"Fine," I say. "But where exactly are we going?"

"The Black-Briar family has their fingers and eyes in every hold. But, Rorikstead and Whiterun both seem safe, as does Winterhold.  I'm taking you to Rorikstead, we will scope the place out. Come here. I found a cloak, dress, and even a wig  that you should wear. But hurry, they've been told you are in Riften. So we have to go now."

"Give me some privacy while I change."

He turns away.

As I dress, I recall Sibbi Black-Briar, who's been in prison — the same one as Maven  is in, just not the same level or cell block. Is he the one who somehow did the dark ritual to contact them? Why are they after me, don't they talk to Brynjolf about the hit on Maven? Wouldn't it make sense if they were trying help me and Brynjolf save her?

"I'm ready." I look in the mirror on our way out see a stranger in the reflection, and shake my now blonde head and wrap the black cloak around my dark brown dress and boots.

"Let's go then. Come on, lass. The stables is our next destination before we leave for Rorikstead. You will ride on on same horse as me. Either in the front or the back of me."

I suppress the urge to roll my eyes and stock up on supplies  — mainly books to read. But we head out of Riften together with no incidents, then to the stables, and I choose to ride  behind Brynjolf. No that I have that much of a choice, as this is my life-or-death situation.

I just hope I can trust Brynjolf.