A Fool's Blade

Chapter 46 - Hail Sithis

"What is it? I said I didn't wish to," He looked up from his book,"...be disturbed."

"We have unfinished business, Motierre."

"By the gods. You...you're alive! But I had heard...your Sanctuary...Please! You musn't think I had anything to do with that! I wanted the Emperor dead! The true Emperor! I still do! It was Maro! He..."

"The Emperor. The real Emperor. Where is he?"

"You mean, after all that's transpired, the Dark Brotherhood will still, honor the contract?"

"Only if you pay double."

"Fair enough. I did put your group through a lot of trouble. Why, this is astounding news! Wonderful news! The Emperor is still in Skyrim, but not for long. He's on board his ship, the Katariah, moored offshore in the Solitude Inlet. But you must hurry! If you can get on board that ship. Kill Titus Mede II, as contracted...I will reveal the location of the dead drop that holds your payment."

The conversation was playing over and over again in her head as she turned the key to unlock the Emperor's room. Sneaking in was useless, as the Emperor rose and motioned for her to come forward like he was expecting it.

"Come no, don't be shy. You haven't come this far just to stand there gawking."

"You were expecting me?"

"But of course. You and I have a date with destiny. But so it is with assassins and emperors, hmm? Yes, I must die. And you must deliver the blow. It is simply the way it is. But I wonder...would you suffer an old man a few more words before the deed is done?"

Jade leaned back against one of the walls of the cabin Astrid style, the Blade of Woe hanging on her hip, and nodded.

"I thank you for your courtesy.You will kill me, and I have accepted that fate. But regardless of your path through life, I sense in you a certain... ambition. So I ask of you a favor. An old man's dying wish. While there are many who would see me dead, there is one who set the machine in motion. This person, whomever he or she may be, must be punished for their treachery. Once you have been rewarded for my assassination, I want you to kill the very person who ordered it. Would you do me this kindness?"

"I'll...consider your request."

"Thank you. Now, on to the business at hand I suppose. I won't fight you so we may as well get this over with."

Jade walked up to the Emperor, slit his throat, and stared blankly at the puddle of blood that was forming at her feet. Was this all really worth losing Veezara? Gabriella? Festus? Arnbjorn? Astrid? Cicero? Was the death of this one man really worth the death of my new family?