Dark Brotherhood: Ancient Blood

Chapter 016: Return to Sender

     Shadowmere came to a halt at the foot of a dirt path winding up a hill deep in the woods. An old yet well-kept log cabin stood at the top as if on the edge of the world all by itself. Jade exhaled, her breath visible in the cold air.

     "It's been a while," she said calmly, her tone was difficult to read.

     Cicero began to survey the area. It was late afternoon, but with all the thick tree cover, it was quite dark. He slid off of the horse and held his hand up to assist Jade. She stared at him confused.

     "What?"

"I'm helping you down," he replied, extending his arm more.

     She scoffed and kicked his hand out of the way before dismounting on her own. Cicero stepped out of her way, trying not to appear offended.

     "Alright," he sighed, "I don't suppose you want to sit around and stake this place out to prepare a good plan of execution- no pun intended, so I've got three questions." 

     "Let's just get this over with," Jade mumbled as she followed him slowly up the hill.

     "First, is there a good way to enter this cabin without a lot of noise?"

     "There is only one door. The windows are boarded up to keep bears out," Jade answered.

     "Okay... second, how big is this Uncle Jerk-off on a scale from riekling to troll."

     "Your size, so not very big."

     Cicero paused in his tracks and looked over at her, "What's that supposed to mean?"

     "Are you seriously going to take that as an attack on your manhood?" She crossed her arms.

     "I-... well NOW I am!" he protested, "I'll have you know, I am average size for an Imperial!"

     "Are we talking about height-?"

     "...Yes."

     "..."

     "Last question," Cicero continued, "What does he do?"

     "What do you mean? As a job?"

     "If he's my size, he's likely not a lumberjack or a miner. So what does he do out here in this cabin?"

     "Like the rest of my family, he's with the Thieves Guild," Jade explained, "Though, he never spent a lot of time here. In fact, he might not even live here anymore."

     "Then why did you bring us out here?" Cicero groaned beginning to get impatient.

     "Because I haven't seen him in a decade and a half and I'm not about to waltz into the Ragged Flagon and start asking around! He has friends, as did uncle Gogvir and that's why I want to leave!"

     Cicero hesitated before turning to continue up to the cabin. As he neared the front gate he lowered to a crouch and slowly made his way up to the front door. He motioned for Jade to follow. She stayed back by the gate and shook her head. As much as Cicero could understand her refusal to join him, he didn't want to go in without someone watching his back. On a typical contract, he'd spend a good day or two scouting the place and coming up with various plans in case of emergency. He didn't have the luxury this time.