Dark Brotherhood: Ancient Blood

Chapter 029: Doggie Style- part 2

   "You there! Companion!" a guard shouted out of breath from the top of the steps of Dragonsreach.

     Vilkas pointed to himself to confirm that he was the one being addressed. Jade, who was climbing the stairs behind him pulled her cowl over her head and quickly turned away, backing down a few steps to avoid being recognized. She pulled the loose fabric up over her nose.

     "Are you speaking to me?" Vilkas asked and continued toward the guard.

     "You're the twin, right?"

     "I suppose," he replied already knowing that his brother had gotten himself into trouble within the few minutes it took to catch up. But to what degree?

     "Your other half just ran in here and punched a guard in the throat. He shouted something about a distraction as we arrested him," the guard sheathed his blade, "Do you know anything about this?"

     Jade tried not to laugh. As simple-minded as Farkas was, his spontaneous 'plan' to bust into Dragonsreach and get himself arrested was actually pretty clever and could be their ticket to getting into the jail with less suspicion.

     "Aye," Vilkas shook his head, "Too much mead and a few clunks on the head. I'll go talk to him."

     "Very well. It has been a bit quiet around here, crime-wise," the guard explained as he turned to lead Vilkas into the keep, "Haven't had too much action since that nutty Dragonborn flew through here a few months back."

     "You don't say?" Vilkas glanced back down the steps at Jade. She had her hand on her forehead in a regretful manner.

     The guard heaved a sigh, "Shouting, picking locks, and pickpocketing. I mean, don't get me wrong. She's very nice on the eyes. If she wasn't such a psycho, I'd have made a move on 'er."

     Jade glared daggers into the back of the guard's head from a safe distance. He wished. She would have shouted him into Oblivion at that very moment if it wouldn't ruin her chances at getting her mission done cleanly.

     "Well, she is the Dragonborn," Vilkas continued to force conversation as they made their way through the longhouse to keep attention off of the hooded female following him, "She could probably land any man she wanted. You think you'd have a chance with her?"

     "Ha!" the guard pulled his keys from his belt, "I may not be much to look at under this helmet, but I did come in third place in the aged mutton eating competition in Windhelm two years in a row."

     "...Wow," Vilkas tried his best to fake enthusiasm, "That's quite a thing..."

     Jade wanted so badly to make a joke but refrained with much effort. The guard led them down a flight of steps and unlocked a wooden door leading into the underground jail. He turned and glanced back at Jade. She shrugged up, holding the wrap over her mouth and nose.

     "Wait up... Is she with you?" he asked blocking the doorway.

     "Ah, yes," Vilkas reached back and put his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close, "This is my fiance'. She's a bit shy. Just came in from... uh..."

     "Stormhaven," Jade mumbled in a soft voice.

     "High Rock, eh?" the guard bought it, "Never been, myself. I hear it rains a lot."

     Once inside the jail, the guard took a seat at a long wooden table and put his feet up. He seemed very lax about his job. "Through there and to the left," he yawned and gestured, "Two hundred and fifty gold for release. But I recommend just letting him sleep it off."