An Enchanting Tale

Chapter 28

Chapter Twenty Eight

"Colville is a fool. If he had it all his way, we would be little more than a band of minstrels telling stories no one cares about," Persaye grumbled. S'maash was not altogether surprised by her opinion. For a moment longer, they stared at one another. "Well, I know of the tome you seek and will gladly give it you," her words trailed off like honey.

She ran fingers through her chestnut locks then smiled at S'maash. In turn, he raised his brow quizzically.

"Naturally, you require something on my part," he said.

She nodded. "I want Colville removed. I don't care how, I just want him gone," Persaye said, looking away.

The elf gauged her. He thought she might have remorse or embarrassment. She did not.

"Why don't you do it?"

She turned back to him with a frown then placed her chin in her left hand, elbow on the table. "The rest of the Blades won't follow my lead...Colville is not a bad person, no, he is rather well liked and respected. I require a seemingly natural progression to Captain of the Blades."

"You could hire the Dark Brotherhood."

"Yes...surely he would be gone then, but I do prefer a less violent end."

"You have something in mind?"

"I do, and it requires an outsider," she answered. "Colville has a son, a young boy. Colville's mother lives in a settlement just outside Markarth. She watches the boy. If you convince Colville that his family is in danger, he might resign from the Blades and settle back home. In this manner, no one gets hurt, and I rise to captain; you get your book, and everyone wins," Persaye explained.

S'maash nodded. I do need that book, don't I? No one has to get hurt, hopefully. Perhaps....

"How do you intend to carry this out," S'maash inquired.

"I have a forged document implying a Forsworn attack on Left Hand Mine is imminent. Deliver it to the Jarl of Markarth. News will travel; I'll make sure of that. Once it reaches Colville's ears, I'll make sure he tends to it. Finally, after he mobilizes the Blades, you'll have to lead the Forsworn to Left Hand Mine."

"Lead the Forsworn?!" he was shocked. She shushed him and, they looked around. No one had overheard. "How will I do that?"

"You'll have to enter a nearby redoubt and let them attack you. If you pose as a wandering merchant and leave behind a supply bundle along with another forged document I've prepared, they'll believe you came from Left Hand Mine. No doubt, they will mount a raid," Persaye replied.

"Unless they strike me down."

"A possibility you've no doubt encountered many times. I saw you handle yourself today. I beleive you can do this...this is the only way you'll get your book, and the Blades at your side, to boot," Persaye smiled, smugly.

S'maash nodded rhythmically as he considered her proposition. "Both the Blades and Markarth's guard will help to quell the Forsworn raid, right," S'maash asked. "I won't do this if anyone gets hurt in the process."

"No one will get hurt," she huffed. "Except for the Forsworn, of course."

Grinding his teeth, he tried to search his feelings. The Forsworn were people, and they had a right to live, but he had come to learn that their way of life consisted of raiding, and if they had no raid planned on that particular day, it made little difference; one way or another, the bandits were going to attack at some point. They needed quelling.

"Alright, but...you mentioned Colville's family."

"With Colville tricked by my words, he'll doubtlessly make sure Left Hand Mine is evacuated before the Forsworn arrive," she replied.