Walk by the Shadows

XVI. Scoundrel's Folly

"I've heard that poor Sabjorn has found himself in Whiterun's prisons; how unfortunate for him," Brynjolf began when Macayla found him in one of the tunnels in the Cistern. Practice dummies filled with hay awaited to be slashed at, others were positioned higher for archery targets, and chests with locks of various difficulties sat about the room.

"Yet very fortunate for Maven," she said.

He grinned. "Exactly! Now you're beginning to see how our little system works. Maven sent word that you discovered something while you were out there. Something important to the Guild?"

"The same symbol from Goldenglow was involved."

Brynjolf's brow furrowed in worry. "Then this is beyond coincidence; first Aringoth and now Sabjorn. Someone's trying to take us down by driving a wedge between Maven and the Guild."

"What do we do?"

"Mercer thinks he can identify this new thorn in our side. He wants to meet with you right away."

Even though she longed for a bath to wash off the stink of fighting the lunatic and his pet skeevers, Macayla went in search of the Guildmaster. Mercer Frey was bent over a ledger on his desk; he looked up at her approach. His eyes still narrowed with displeasure any time he saw her.

"There you are. I've consulted my contacts regarding the information you recovered from Goldenglow Estate, but no one can identify that symbol."

"I found the same markings at Honningbrew Meadery."

His mouth tightened even further. "It would appear our adversary is attempting to tear us apart indirectly by angering Maven Black-Briar. Very clever."

She crossed her arms. "Maybe we should recruit them."

"You jest, but they've been able to avoid identification for years. They're obviously well-funded, driven and patient. Just don't mistake my admiration for complacency; our nemesis is going to pay dearly."

"How can we make them pay?"

"Because, even after all their posturing and planning, they've made one mistake. That parchment you recovered mentions a 'Gajul-Lei'. According to my sources, that's an old alias used by one of our contacts. His real name is Gulum-Ei. Slimy bastard," he said under his breath.

"Where do I begin?"

"Gulum-Ei is our inside man at the East Empire Company in Solitude. I'm betting that he acted as a go-between for the sale of Goldenglow Estate and that he can finger our buyer. Get out there, shake him down, and see what you come up with. Talk to Brynjolf if you have questions." He turned back to his ledger, dismissing her without actually saying it.

Macayla headed back down the tunnel, where she found Brynjolf. She quickly filled him in on what was going on and asked if he had any suggestions.

He shook his head in disbelief. "I can't believe Gulum-Ei's mixed up in all of this; that Argonian couldn't find his tail with both hands. Don't get me wrong, he could scam a beggar of his last septim, but he's no mastermind."

"Think he'll give me trouble?"

He scoffed. "Trouble? He's one of the most stubborn lizards I've ever met! You have your work cut out for you, lass."

Great. "So how do I get him to talk?"

"You're going to have to buy him off; it's the only way to get his attention. If that fails, follow him and see what he's up to. If I know Gulum-Ei, he's in way over his head and you can use that as leverage."

She wondered what she could pay him off with. Being a thief, he probably wanted something he couldn't steal before, and that's where she came in. "Even if he's betrayed us, I'll let him live."