Northbound Pilgrimage II

Chapter XLIII - Last Lead to Follow

Without any good and safe ideas on how to mess with Ulfric and the spy, Bishop and Aeyrin set off on their journey towards Sky Haven Temple, hoping that Esbern would have some more answers for them.

Their travels were, fortunately, uneventful and they made their way to the Reach in only a little over three days. Yet as calm as the journey was, there was still that nagging feeling after the Brotherhood incident. They weren't safe anywhere. Not even on the road. Camping in the wilderness had suddenly become much more uncomfortable and filled with wake-up calls from every rustle of leaves and every night-time critter. They had to find something to make them feel at least a little more secure through the nights, even if it was unlikely that the Brotherhood would find Bishop again in the vastness of the Skyrim wilds, they needed to take precautions whenever they could. Karnwyr stayed with them in the darkness, but even his senses and alertness could be fooled by someone skilled and knowing enough.

They didn't even stop in any settlement and they headed straight towards the Temple once they entered the Reach's borders. To compensate for the boring watches he had to keep through the nights, they left Karnwyr outside to enjoy the wilderness to the fullest before they made their way into the cavern by the Karth River. Luckily, no other Forsworn clan had decided to make camp in the area. Maybe the Blades have been keeping them at bay.

Just as they entered the Temple proper, they were greeted by Delphine. Their steps must have carried through the stone walls – she had been there with her weapon drawn instantly, but when she noticed that it was them, she sheathed her sword with a relieved sigh.

"Ah. It's you... two," she scowled a bit when her eyes landed on Bishop. "We weren't expecting you. And I didn't think I'd see the both of you here. Erik mentioned that you two aren't... traveling together anymore," she scoffed.

Bishop only rolled his eyes at her in response. Yeah she'd like that. As if she wasn't all too eager to use his skills when she needed to despite the constant disparaging remarks and scowls. But... what was she actually talking about?

"'Erik'?" his confused expression turned towards Aeyrin. He had no idea what this was about.

"You remember him. He was that young adventurer from Rorikstead. He helped me kill a dragon once, with the caravans. And I... mentioned the Blades to him," Aeyrin beamed. Bishop did remember that guy. He had guts, even when he could barely swing his weapon. Hopefully Delphine's attitude wouldn't sour him on that enthusiasm. He did have the potential and drive to become a very capable fighter.

"He is quite... eager," Delphine smirked. "A promising recruit, I will give you that."

"You're welcome," Aeyrin retorted dryly. That was Delphine's gratitude alright.

"I... I am grateful. He is a good and adventurous young man. He fits in well," Delphine let out a brief sigh of resignation at Aeyrin's scowl.

"You have more of them?" Bishop raised his brow at her with curiosity. He did not expect that paranoid shut-in to actually start recruiting as she had planned.

"Yes. Four more. Some of my contacts and allies have agreed to join us fully. There are currently seven of us here," Delphine nodded. That wasn't half bad. Granted, they could use a whole army, but... it was something.

"Aeyrin!" a familiar voice echoed through the Temple suddenly, interrupting them. They all turned their heads instantly towards the excited young Nord who was already running towards them with eagerness.

He was dressed in full armor – the same set that Delphine was wearing. It looked oddly... outlandish. It was dark-grey and laced with golden engravings. The plates were ordered into thin stripes and placed one after another around the abdomen below the chest piece.