Dark Brotherhood: Ancient Blood

Chapter 052: Personal Matters

     The cool morning air felt incredibly refreshing on Cicero's feverish face. He had missed the temperate weather of Cyrodiil. Even growing up in Bruma along the border, the cold wasn't nearly as harsh as it was on the other side of the mountains up in Skyrim. 

     The further south into the province they traveled, the nicer the climate felt. The air around the Imperial City smelled fresh and clean. The winds were mild and carried the subtle scent of wildflowers from the fields. The grass was a vibrant green and the trees were full of life. His homeland was magnificent.

     Mother paused at the top of a large hill and glanced back at Cicero waiting for him to catch up. He was sweating even though the temperature was cool. His expression was eager but she could tell he was not feeling well.

     "Look at you," Mother sighed and crossed her arms, "Two seconds from collapse. That's what you get for getting drunk and sleeping in that tent for several days."

     "Cicero is alright, Mother," he huffed as he reached the top of the hill feeling lightheaded, "It's just a cold. Nothing to worry about."

     Below them, the massive walls of the Imperial City cast long shadows across the open land. Its bright white towers were intimidating and powerful to behold; Strong and beautiful Ayleid architecture that has withstood the tests of time. Just gazing upon its brilliance gave Cicero a new charge of energy.

     Mother grabbed his arm and assertively pulled him to face her, "Alright, child. Your target's name is Marcus Vitellia. Go to the Red Diamond Jewelry shop in the market district and inquire."

     "He's a merchant?"

     "No, but they will know how to find him," she explained and lifted his hand, and placed a letter on his palm, sealed with red wax, "Once you locate the target and not before... you are to read this for instruction on what to do next."

     Cicero nodded, "Yes, Mother. Understood. Where shall I find you once my task is complete?"

     "I have my own personal matters to attend to. We will meet up in Cheydinhal at the abandoned house."

     "Why there?" Cicero's tone was noticeably apprehensive.

     "We will have a lot to discuss," Mother casually touched his arm. She could feel Zukira's residual emotions surfacing again. Perhaps being back in Cyrodiil was causing it. Maybe just seeing Cicero in such distress lately was weakening her ability to keep such things in check. Ironically, she had brought him on this mission to help remedy his wandering emotions and keep him focused on the Uprising.

     Cicero's deep feelings surrounding Jade were a distraction that could cause conflict and hesitation. A successful assassin needed to be unwavering and calculating. Cicero was nothing but a bundle of unbridled emotions and it's only gotten worse since the Listener left. Mother needed him back. She needed his fine-tuned skills and agility unhindered. This meant redirecting his mind.

     Cicero sniffed his leaky nose and cleared his throat nodding as he stared down at the city. The sooner he found this target and eliminated him, the sooner he could rest. Cheydinhal was over a day's travel to the east of the Imperial City. He didn't have fond memories of his time there either, but Mother surely had her reasons. He had just left there a little less than a year ago so the memories were still fresh. 

     "Back to the city, his own motherland... The jester is ready, his dagger in hand..." he mumbled quietly to himself as he began heading down the hill. Mother watched him go for a minute before turning and heading back north.