A Series of Daedric Events (a Skyrim fanfiction)

Chapter Fifteen: The House of Horrors

I stride confidently through the gates of Markarth, knowing that Clavicus's circlet is concealing my real face from everyone surrounding me. I've got no idea what I look like to everyone else, but I don't look like me. Which is good because it looks like the Thalmor soldiers have replaced the usual city guards, which makes me shudder. 

I have no idea what I'm supposed to be looking for in Markarth, but if Clavicus left me here then there must be something for me. I make a mental list of the Princes I've got artefacts from: Mehrunes Dagon, Mephala, Meridia, Azura, Clavicus, Sheogorath, Sanguine, Peryite, Malacath, Nocturnal, Vaermina and Hircine. That just leaves Molag Bal, Namira and Boethiah. Well, there's also the issue of getting my hands on Mora's Oghma Infinium, but that comes after I've gotten what I need from Molag, Namira and Boethiah. 

I head into the Silverblood Inn and after booking a room for the night, I take a plate of baked potatoes and roasted leek to my room and I sit down in front of the fireplace. My mind is reeling from everything that's just happened. Clavicus Vile, an actual Daedric Lord and certified evil bastard, has confessed his feelings for me. Which I return. I actually have feelings for a Daedric Prince. 

Which you don't have time for, Lucia. The fate of the entire world is resting on your shoulders. Focus on making sure you don't damn Tamriel to an eternity of enslavement by Hermaeus Mora before you start letting yourself go crazy. Besides, it wouldn't even work. He's a Daedric Lord and you have other things to worry about. 

As much as I try to convince myself not to think about Clavicus, it isn't working. I can't get his stupid, smug face out of my mind. Feeling groggy and frustrated, I put out the fire in the small room I rented and try to settle down for the night on the uncomfortable stone bed. 

***

After a light breakfast the next morning, I welcome the fresh and crisp morning air. I have no idea where I'm supposed to start, but Markarth is where Clavicus sent me so Markarth must be where my next challenge is. 

I take a walk towards the Jarl's keep, which seems like a good place to start. But before I can get much further, a man steps out of the shadows and calls me over. 

"Excuse me, but do you know anything about this house?" the man is dressed in robes. "Seen anyone enter or leave?"

"No, I haven't," I shake my head apologetically. 

The man sighs. "Seems like nobody in this city has. I'm with the Vigil of Stendarr. We believe this house might have been used for Daedra worship. Evil rites and so forth,"

Daedra worship? Now this seems like a good place to start. I straighten my shoulders. "Do you need any help?" I offer. 

"I was actually just about to head on inside. Be good to have someone watch my back," the man nods gratefully. "Follow me, and keep your eyes open. Daedra are powerful creatures and tricksters. Never know what you'll find,"

Don't have to remind me twice, I think to myself. I follow the Vigilant inside and I'm immediately confused. Everything seems...normal. Like a normal, lived-in house. 

"Doesn't seem like there's anything suspicious in this room," I look around. 

"Fresh food. No wood rot on the furniture," he examines the surroundings. "Someone's been here recently. But the people I asked say no one enters or leaves..."

"That's odd," I shiver. There's something sinister at foot here. If there's one thing I've learned with my experiences with the Daedra, it's that the worst is usually right around the corner. I wonder how this Vigilant would feel if he knew I was the Champion of multiple Daedric Princes. In fact, I wonder how the entire order feels about this whole Daedric invasion and unifying thing.