Skyrim IV: The Ghost of Hamvir's Rest

Chapter Ten: Barbas

I rode so hard, I could feel tears streaming down my eyes. But I didn't care. I remember I had done something similar almost a year ago when I was still a werewolf. But back then, Sinding had followed me. Now, I have no one to follow me, and that's how I wanted it. I couldn't believe that Lydia had said something so hurtful and blunt to me. It made me sick.  How dare she? 
  I jerked up when Alsfigir halts to a stop and I nearly fly off her back. My heart leaps in my chest as I stare down at the sight beside me. A large, shaggy dog is standing in the middle of the road, and around him, are dead Sabre cats. I look over in shock, as I have never seen that before. Maybe someone had killed the sabre cats and left them there and the dog showed up. I dismount Allie and pet her side as I call out. "Hello?! Anyone?" 
Nothing. 
 "Hello? Someone missing a dog?"
The shaggy wolfhound barks and I turn back to him. Allie raises her lips up. There was something about him she didn't like. I crouch down to hold my hand out to the dog and I say, "It's ok, boy. What's wrong?"
"What's wrong? Everything is what's wrong!" It said in a strange voice.
I squeak and fall back on my butt, my hand over my mouth. Alsfigir whinnies and I stare at the dog in horror. "You....just talked?"
  "It's interesting to me, that you find it strange to meet a talking dog, but have no problem bartering with large cat men and seeing flying lizards about." The dog barks sounded like he was laughing.  I look at him, my eyes huge. I blink. "Yeah ,well, it's a first. Usually you don't see talking dogs."
  "Says you? If I remember correctly, you and your pack made a deal with ol' Hircine about a year ago." The dog says, sitting down. I stilled. "How did you know that?"
 "Word goes around when mortals make pacts with the Daedric Princes, even though Hircine isn't really on good terms with my master and I, but when is he ever?" The dog yapped.
 "Master?" I echo. Alsfigir paws the ground with her foot. I pet her on her side as the dog says, "Oh, I've been rude. Of course you don't know who I am....my name is Barbas, I am the Hound of Clavicus Vile, his faithful companion."  My mouth drops open. "You....you are part other half of Vile's power?" 
  Barbas wagged his tail, dirt sprayed around him. "That's right, except, I like to think of myself as his faithful friend, but.....my master and I....we had a recent falling out." He whimpered, his tail stopped wagging.  "I was hoping you can help me." 
  I looked at him in surprise, "Why would I help you?" I asked, bluntly, "I've had enough Daedric Princes affect my life." 
  "Yes, yes," Barbas growled, "I remember you had a rendezvous with Molag Bal along with Hircine. But remember, not every Daedra wants to kill you." He pants and I look at him in surprise. "You really seem to know my whole life." 
 "That's the thing," Barbas says, "No one really looks twice at a dog, or a scamp for that matter. Or even a little figurine. I've walked among you mortals more than my masters has, and that is saying something." He pants. "You have definitely passed me more than once without even batting an eye at me." 
   "Ah, interesting, never thought I would see you here." Says a voice.
I jump and yelp as Karliah removes her hood and mask. She shakes her head as she crosses her arms. I look at her in surprise, "What are you doing here?" I ask. 
  "Coming after you, I heard the words your Housecarl said, and figured, in your current state, it's better off if you don't go alone." Karliah says, combing her fingers through her dark hair. 
  I blinked, "You heard that?"
Karliah gives me a gentle smile, "Sweet one, I've learned to keep hidden and be so silent in order to survive, that I could hear anything. Your Housecarl managed to just be loud enough for me to not even try to eavesdrop." I exhale, feeling my cheeks grow hot.
  "What she said was wrong." Karliah added. "I know she is your friend, but sometimes, friends shouldn't cross that kind of boundary." 
  Before I can say anything, she turned towards Barbas. "I remember hearing stories of how Vile had a pet to help keep half of his power." 
 Barbas stands up, his ears perking up. "Don't act so tough, Nightingale, I know that Nocturnal keeps you on a short leash....or she did....as word goes around."
  Karliah raises her head, and for a moment, I see sorrow flash in her eyes. She covers that up quickly as she says. "What brings you around, Barbas?"
  I look at her in surprise, "You know him?" 
Karliah gives me a crooked smile, "Not personally, but if you met one Daedric Prince, you know a little bit about the others and their games." 
  "Well, I've had experience with three of them, and I can still say I get very surprised." I say almost to myself when Barbas barks. 
  "I know you want the God-Cleaver, and I can help you get to it." He pants.
My eyes get big and before I speak, Karliah holds a hand out to stop me from speaking. "If that is so, then what is in it for you and Vile?"
  Barbas growls. "Vile and I had a falling out. If you can help me get in his good favors, I can get you the Axe."
   "Why would you have us help you?" I ask. 
 "You are going to Haemar's Shame to find the Axe anyways, and you both have experiences with us Daedric Princes. I think that fines you qualifying enough for me." Barbas says. I look at Karliah who just gives small nod. 
I sigh, "Alright, sounds like we are in agreement."