The Perfect Kingdom

Chapter 7

The following day, they explored Riften. Under sunlight, the city didn't look better. The light, if anything, brought the signs of age and neglect into sharp relief. Shane explained that the increase in city income by Laila didn't go towards city maintenance, but to the expansion of businesses and armed forces. Shane also took them through the fishermen's district along the water-facing edge of the city and walked along the canals. It was a busy place. Raw fish were continuously being transported by the barrel onto carts and sent out to the rest of Skyrim.

"At least they have this going for them," Gwen commented.

"But for how long? The lake will run low on fish at some point, especially after such aggressive fishing," Shane replied.

Near the fishing district, they walked past a collection of alleys. Jessica noted red lanterns hanging outside the doorways that indicated brothels. It made sense to position them close to the biggest gold-earners in the city. A few strumpets lined the alley, even though it was morning, and made advances on Shane. He coldly brushed them off. The marketplace nearby was smaller than Whiterun's, with enough shops for basic provisions and necessities and a lone blacksmith. Shane then darted down a quiet alleyway and pointed towards a tall building with two armed guards outside.

"The Black-Briar brewery. Maven's stronghold," Shane introduced.

It was easily the best-looking building in Riften, trumping even the castle. The wooden walls were sanded smooth and gleaming from lacquer. The door had a gold-plated knocker, knob, and lock. There was even a side entrance with a space for a carriage to stop to unload ingredients and load mead for export. That was also guarded.

"Four guards that we can see, probably two more at an entrance at the back, and at least the same amount inside on standby. Plus, I'm sure there'll be another two that follow Maven wherever she goes," Shane explained. They ducked behind another house to avoid conversing in the open. "If we cause trouble, soldiers will also come to protect Maven under Laila's orders. It's too hard to attack."

"I understand," Jessica nodded, now understanding why they were unwilling to act. Her outburst was unwarranted. She should have found out more about the situation before making unreasonable demands.

They meandered through the city and returned to the castle for lunch where Shane had food ordered to his room. They dined together, making sure to be quiet to avoid drawing attention, and then spent the rest of the day resting after two days of walking. Shane went to visit Shawn and only returned after dinner. He walked into the room with a look of concentration and ignored them as he headed directly for the table and leaned against it. Jessica would never admit it out loud, but Shane in his fitting black suit, with his eyebrows furrowed and lips tightened in concentration, looked very handsome.

"What's up?" Gwen asked, bringing her two friends back down to reality.

"Maven was at dinner earlier," Shane distractedly said. "It's strange. I thought she never leaves her brewery. She's even attending the banquet tomorrow."

That stirred Gwen's interest and she stood across from him. "Really? Was she armed?"

"Nothing I could see. She had an escort of course, two armed guards, but they stayed outside as we ate," Shane explained.

"Probably to respect the king. Laila must be bringing her along to help with their discussions," Gwen suggested.

Shane nodded. "Yes. That must be it. Laila must be seeking a lot more than just marriage between their children. They were discussing the transportation of mead, but I believe that to be a cover for something else."