Heartless

Chapter 55 - Part 73

I must have gone wrong somewhere along the line.

Everything was just peachy, I woke Sirius up on time at six for a seven o'clock start. I treated him to breakfast and packed Jespar's gear so Sirius wouldn't have to, yet by some magic chance we were running behind time. Jespar hadn't gotten back until ten minutes after seven, but we all eventually got on the road to Markarth, crossing the border by midday.

'Who's that?' Asked Sirius eagerly.

'For the last time, I don't know everyone in this talos forsaken stretch of dirt! I haven't met every single bandit or citizen and sat down for tea with them! I have no idea who that random person is.' I Replied, sarcasm lacing my words.

'I've been looking for-'

'YES GREG, I'M AWARE THAT YOU HAVE A LETTER! Just hand it over.'

It was Greg the courier.

'That's it, got to go.'

I sighed and opened the letter, reading as I walked.

Stormblade,

A few matters have cropped up back in Windhelm that I want to talk to you about. I need your advice, considering you have expertise in this field. On that note, on your next trip to Markarth I'd suggest seeking out Cassia Sybillen if you ever needed advice on anything regarding that subject we talked about in our last letter.

I remain,

Orion Hart

I grinned, slipping the letter into a pouch in my armour. By the crumpled state of the parchment the letter had been intercepted by imperials. Despite the need to get to Markarth, I wanted to speed to Windhelm as quickly as I could. Then again, I had promised my friends that I would leave them only when we arrived in Riften.

'Alright you two, pick up the pace unless you want a repeat of yesterday.'

'You can't boss us around, Shadow. Just because you saved us does not mean we have to follow your rules.' Snapped Jespar.

'You're just too stubborn to admit that without me you would have rotted away in that Thalmor rathole, and you would have had to deal with Vampires instead of me taking care of it for you. The faster we get to Markarth the faster we can find an inn for you and Sirius while I sort out some business there. My reason for not going to the city of stone is that it's as corrupt as the Thalmor.'

Jespar grunted and didn't reply as Greg ran back up to me and handed me a letter, not bothering to say anything because he knew I'd probably kill him. Being Dragonborn meant I got way too many letters, I couldn't bare hearing the same dull lines from every single courier. Curious, I unfolded the letter and scanned over it, satisfaction sinking in.

Amber,

Here's a job I picked up for you since I heard you were heading for Markarth. Enclosed in this envelope should be an amulet of Talos. Take it to Ondolemar up in Understone Keep and frame Weylin for Talos worship.

Do update me on what you're up to, I'm fearing every day that they've found you. There are trackers in all four corners of Skyrim, working tirelessly to capture you. There's a group in Markarth, so just put on one of those pretty masks and tell them that you're Amber, a Guild Contact.

Walk with the Shadows

Vex

I pulled a gilded amulet of Talos out of the envelope the letter had been sent in,

- Vex

Vex was the true sister I never had, considering all of the others were stuck up frauds that only cared about wealth and- GODDAMNIT ANOTHER LETTER!

Sister Sharinzah,

I hope I find you in good spirits. Your exploits across Skyrim have reached me, I'm proud of you, little sis. Though I never liked Quinsea either, she was right about one thing: It's time you were married. Despite your generous gift of money to our siblings, they are starving. You are now the second eldest sister in the family, and duty calls. Your twin, Solace, is leading the family well back here in Cyrrodil, but we need you to sustain the family. I have thought long and hard about a suitable suitor for you, and I have come to settle upon a lord from Skyrim. You will be meeting him at the Solstice Ball (next week) when I introduce you as my sister.

Long life to you,

His Majesty Emperor Karthorn Septim I

I ran a hand through my hair as tears of stress prickled at my eyes.

Why couldn't I just be free?

Feel free to ask any character any question!