Heartless

Chapter 16 - Part 23

'Astrid, are there no others that can do this simple task? You know why I don't want to go back.'

'I'm fully aware, just wear your masked Cowl and you'll do fine. I want you back here in good time, because I'm planning something. Now scram.'

Pulling my shrouded Cowl over my head, I prepared for the long journey to Whiterun, and then to Riften. Pulling up the mask that accompanied my Cowl, I grumbled to my steed as he galloped through the forests. Astrid knew my history with the Thieves Guild, she was fully damn aware of why I didn't want to go back, the head of my family had been acknowledged of every single little reason it was dangerous for me to return, yet she send me anyway.

- Time Skip to Whiterun brought to you by Clavicus Vile tying Hermaeus Mora's tentacles in a huge knot -

'I'd like to hire your carriage.'

'Where do you want to go?'

I took a deep breath.

'Riften.'

Warily, I got into the cart.

'If you've never been to Riften, be sure to stop by at the Black-Briar Meadery. A few mugs of that and you'll forget all about the long trip.'

- Another time Skip brought to you by Peryite allowing small children to use his long neck as a slide -

The carriage rumbled through the beautiful rift morning as the walled city of Riften came into view, the carriage driver looked back at me nervously. '

'Welcome to Riften milady.'

I thanked the man and jumped out of the carriage, moving smoothly across the ground towards the guards. A dim-witted guard halted me as I tried to enter, claiming I needed to pay some kind of tax upon entry. Seconds later he was up against the town wall, my dagger pressed to his throat

'You're letting me in if you want me to leave you alive.' I hissed as droplets of blood seeped over the ebony blade.

The guard nodded and I released him as he walked toward the gate, dagger still drawn I stealthily slit the other guard's throat to ensure no bounty was placed on my head. The guard I had threatened nodded to me.

'The gate's unlocked, go in when you're ready.'

I wiped my blade and passed through into the city, the low mist hiding me.
I picked my way into Madesi's strong box and swiped the silver ring and gold from inside, moving on to Brand Shei's stall I found many rare alchemic ingredients for Babette. I lunged and killed a random female guard for no particular reason, and looted her body. Now for Delvin.

A hand grabbed my shoulder.

Spinning around, I slammed a young man to the ground so hard I was sure I had broken one of his ribs.

'What's your business with me?' I demanded, thankful for my cowl which hid my face well. The young man sat up and hugged his side, groaning in pain.

'I... saw you... steal the... ring' he wheezed.

'Back off before I kill you.'

That was all I said before I entered the Ratway.

Twenty minutes later I had successfully sold a rather valuable amulet to Delvin, and I was on my way back to the sanctuary.