Heartless

Chapter 22 - Part 29

Guess who just fell sick... again.

On a more important note, I'm making some slight changes to previous chapters, I think. That'll be my last resort if my plot twist is too far fetched.

Shadow, Flashback, 25 Years ago, age 15

Blowing a strand of hair out of my face, I trudged through the shimmering sea of pretty leaves that blanketed the endless expanse of moonlit forest, admiring the skeletal hands that seemed to claw at me from the safety of their trees. A musk of decomposing foliage swamped my sensitive nose, calming the electric nerves pulsating like fire deep within me. Amber eyes faintly glowing, I prowled wearily amongst the legion of wooden warriors that stood silent and still, watching over the happenings of the surrounding woodland.

The blissful and peaceful silence of the sweet night was shattered by an all too familiar plink. Within mere seconds I was haring through the forest, weaving expertly in and out of the trees, desperate to find shelter before the storm became too dangerous. Terror seeping into my bones, I tore my path through the endless forests, Black walls looming menacingly before me and yellow lights a sign of civilisation.

I had to return to the guild, I had to warn Gallus of his impending doom at the hands of the spiteful Mercer Frey.

Rushing up to the gates, I wrenched them open and ran right through, making a mad dash for the guild entrance before a cold and harsh grip encased my wrist, pulling me to a standstill. A sharp pain in my forearm made me wince and stare fearfully down at the needle being roughly inserted into my arm, injecting me with a form of poison I didn't recognise fast enough as the world faded into black.

Shadow, end of flashback, Age 30, Present time

I lay motionless, gazing unseeingly at the ceiling of my tiny and cold room at the Bee and Barb inn, thinking over what I'd just remembered. Twenty five years ago I lost someone named Gallus, yet I couldn't remember everything. I clearly didn't arrive at my destination, and I could clearly remember a triumphant voice whispering proudly in my ear as I was removed from my position.

Shrugging uneasily, I rolled onto my side and tried to sleep, despite my growing certainty that something was about to go drastically wrong.

Mercer Frey, Thieves Guild

'I must reveal to you all the culprits of the tragic murder of my predecessor, Gallus. There were two murderers who are now ex guildmembers and are being relentlessly hunted down. The first is the dunmer with purple eyes, Karliah. She was Gallus' best friend. The second I regret to inform you, was Lady Sharinzah Septim, formerly known as Shadow.

Shadow joined us Twenty Five years ago and stayed for one year, becoming very close with Gallus over that length of time. She was a miracle thief who worked tirelessly to bring luxury and comfort to her family. Unfortunately, as the end of her year drew near, Shadow put her master plan to action.'

The guild waited expectantly.

'On a particularly late night during a nasty blizzard, Shadow requested Gallus' presence at some ancient nordic ruins a short ride from Winterhold. I tagged along to the meeting to keep Gallus safe, as I had already suspected Shadow was up to something. Gallus and I waited for a short while outside these ruins until a shining silver dagger was dragged across my friend's throat.

Karliah and Shadow stepped out from their hiding places, Shadow with her dual bosmeri blades drawn and Karliah with her bow. I drew my sword and managed to stab Karliah well, and I injected Shadow with a poison to wipe her memory so I could bring her back here without a struggle. Unfortunately, she forgot who I was and attempted to attack me. I barely escaped alive, and Shadow lost her blades in the snow.'

It was done, the manhunt had begun.