The Dark Brotherhood [ON HOLD]

The Meeting

When Rhila arrived at the courier's office she quickly handed over the letter. The courier told her that the delivery service would delay if she didn't pay some extra. She was surprised at her own reaction. Anger filled her mind and she narrowed her eyes. "You wouldn't say that if you knew who I am." The courier looked bored and said "Yeah, I've heard that one before. If you don't pay, your delivery will be late."

Rhila felt fury spread in her head, in her arms and legs. She quickly looked around to see if there was anyone else nearby. There wasn't. She said "It's funny how no one recognizes a Dark Sister walking the streets of Solitude." The courier frowned at first and then his eyes widened. "You... You're with the Brotherhood?" Rhila smiled an evil smile and said "Yes. Now, here's what you'll do. You deliver this letter as fast as you can and don't say a word about the Brotherhood. If you do – well, you know what will happen to you"

The courier remained silent as Rhila calmly walked out of the office. About 15 minutes later she arrived at Katla's farm. Sam laid in the grass next to the cow's enclosure. Rhila walked toward him. Suddenly she heard quick and soft footsteps behind her, she spun around, ready to attack. Recognizing Babette she relaxed and greeted her.

"I've been following you for four minutes, it's unfair" Babette said with fake disappointment. Rhila smiled and said "Unfair? What are you implying?" Babette explained that every initiate was at some point stalked by an older member to see how well the initiate analyzes the surroundings and how fast they notice a follower. "Usually it takes about half an hour. The shortest time was Astrid's seven minutes but congratulations, you've beaten it!"

"Great! Where will the meeting be?" Rhila asked. "The Katla family is more than generous to us. Their cellar function as our meeting spot." Sam had listened to their conversation. He got up and walked up to them.

"I saw Shadowmere some minutes ago. Astrid is already here, we'd better get going." Sam said. Babette nodded but before she got the chance to say anything Rhila asked "What's a Shadowmere?" Babette frowned and then said "Simply, it's Astrid's horse. But there's more to it. Let's just say he's also a member in the Brotherhood." Rhila nodded but didn't quite understand.

With light feet they went over to Katla's house and knocked on the door. A man opened it. "Who are you? What do you want?" he snapped. Babette stepped forward "Haven't Katla told you about a few people ever having meetings in your cellar?" the man narrowed his eyes and was going to be very rude when Katla came and pushed him from the door. "Welcome Babette! Excuse my uncle... Go ahead, Astrid is already here." She was clearly very scared.

Usually Rhila would have disliked the fact that anyone was afraid of her, but now she felt stronger and more powerful. I don't know what's happening to me but I like it Rhila thought.

Down in the cellar there was a big round table where a few members already sat. Rhila and Sam had changed into their uniforms, and more members entered. Rhila was surprised when she recognized some people. She would've never thought that they were dark brothers.

The members sat down around the table and Astrid started to check what targets were eliminated. When all targets were checked and planned she asked Rhila and Sam "What does the Penitus Know? Do they still think that the Brotherhood is gone?" Sam answered "Yes, they don't suspect anything" Rhila remembered that Sam hadn't heard about Maro's problem. "Actually, Maro found out today that the Brotherhood never left. Someone had reported." Astrid raised her brows and smiled. "Does he have a plan yet?" Rhila shook her head "No, he seems rather upset about it. He even asked General Tullius for help"

Astrid smiled "This is good. Victory is ours and he knows it. Help him make a plan and then copy the sketches. Bring them to the next meeting." Rhila nodded. Astrid now announced other news "I've convinced Cicero to give back the Night Mother to us. He will arrive with her in a couple of days. And whatever you do, do not trust that lunatic" her attitude when talking about Cicero showed that she was displeased with the situation. No one had any questions so Astrid continued to ask the other members about suspicious people and possible busts.

The meeting was not long, Astrid said nothing more than necessary. Everything went according to plan. It was clear that Astrid controlled the whole Brotherhood, any broken weapon was replaced before its owner even said a word about it.  The other members seemed pleased with Astrid's control, but Rhila saw the problem with someone knowing you better than you know yourself.

After Astrid had declared the meeting closed. Rhila walked up to her. "I have some questions." She said, Astrid smiled and answered "I thought you might. Sit down."

The other members went home or out on a mission. Only a few were left. Astrid were thoroughly organizing papers where she sat. "Sam, Babette stay here for a minute." Sam and Babette sat down at the table again. Astrid turned her attention from the papers to Rhila. "Now, what were you wondering?" Rhila wasn't sure how to explain. "I've noticed a new... aggression" Astrid smiled a devilish smile. "Oh yes, the bloodthirst. It's a strange phenomenon, every member seem to get it. Too bad some get a little bit too much of it. Some years ago two members got too aggressive and had to be put down."

There was a threat in Astrid's answer. Rhila didn't quite see what Astrid's threat meant but one thing was clear, don't mess with Astrid. "Yes, how do I hide it? Maro will notice if my personality changes."  Astrid frowned and said "The bloodthirst is something we can't explain. At first it is stronger than ever, then after a while it settles in and you'll feel quite like yourself again. but your senses will sharpen."  Astrid's gaze was distant, as if she was somewhere else. Rhila nodded.

"How about threats? Can I threaten people on the behalf of the Brotherhood?" Astrid turned back to Rhila and scolded. "Do you really think we restrain threats in the Brotherhood? I thought higher of you. You see, we don't pay for favours. We are a rich community, the only thing I pay for is weapons. Threaten anyone you want, but make sure they won't say anything, by all means necessary. Even if it means killing."  Rhila had no further questions.

On the way out Astrid called after Rhila "Hey! Tell Maro you saw me here, make sure he goes here. I need to talk to him" Rhila thought it was rather odd that Astrid wanted to see him, but she nodded and went home.