Journal Entry - 23rd of Last Seed 4E 201
I've done it! I should be safe now...
Though the night I planned. This Astrid was a member of the Dark Brotherhood, probably the leader since she seemed to be giving the orders. I knew of the Brotherhood, everyone did. You performed the rite and prayed to the Night Mother and the person you named would turn up dead. They didn't come cheap, and they wouldn't be easy to find. I would have to lure them out. Perhaps if I found this boy Aventus I could use the situation to draw the Brotherhood out of hiding and track them back to their lair. I set out from my home as dawn broke, and almost immediately noticed something worth investigating.
The poor sod had been tricked into transporting vampires by day, but unwisely opened the boxes. Ahh well, two less vampires in the world and I have a bit more gold to show for it. They died in their sleep as peacefully as babes in a cradle. A few hours ride brought me to Windhelm, quite an impressive city. Cold though... very cold. On my way in I heard about a dragon attack on Whiterun, which is worrying. Perhaps even more worrying though was this talk of a 'growing vampire menace'. When my business with the Brotherhood is concluded I must investigate Fort Dawnguard and see what this is about. Perhaps as the Dragonborn I can aid them in combating the vampires. I found the Aretino residence without difficulty, and my suspicions were confirmed by the talk of the locals. The boy is indeed performing the Black Sacrament.
The lock was trivial, and I entered the home in silence. I came upon a letter explaining that the boy's mother had died... why was he still here? He should have been sent to an orphanage.
Ah, it seems he escaped from the orphanage and made his way back here. A hardy boy, to make the journey from Riften to Windhelm alone.. I admired him. This, however, wasn't what I had planned. I had intended to ambush the assassin, but the boy mistook me for the assassin sent by the Brotherhood. Now that he has stopped performing the Sacrament, no assassin will come to see to his wishes. Now the only course of action for me is to perform the assassination myself and hope that the Brotherhood hears of it. I'm certain that will get their attention. I set out on the long road to Riften. Along the way I am beset by all manner of wolves, bears and other beasts. I even slew a dragon which had attacked a merchant's wagon. Once again I absorbed the creature's... soul I suppose. I took a few choice scales and bones for use later.
Once I arrived, the deed was done quickly and I left the city immediately. The children did not seem bothered by the fact that I had cut down their guardian. From what I had seen of the place, I could understand their elation.
On the way back I stopped in a small mining town for supplies. The blacksmith informed me that they had a small spider problem in the mine. I wasn't in any hurry, so I took care of it. It didn't take long, and got me a small purse of gold. At this rate I could afford to buy the home in Whiterun.
I returned and informed the boy that the deed was done. He was elated, and gave me an old plate which I promptly sold for a small sum. Now that the bait was set, all I need do was wait. I underestimated the Brotherhood's information gathering though... they'd known all along. On the way out of Windhelm I found a note in my pack. How it had gotten there, I did not know... but the message was clear. I spurred my horse onward and headed back to my home.
I made it to the overlook before they caught up with me. I was knocked out by a blow from behind. I awoke in a musty cabin, staring at Astrid herself.
Astrid was playing some cruel game. She had three people bound in the cabin, and wanted me to murder one of them to make up for the kill I had denied the Brotherhood.
I had my own ideas. Astrid had made a terrible mistake... she'd not removed my weapons. I set upon her like a trapped animal, and my blade spilled her blood upon the ground. Astrid said I couldn't leave until I had killed someone... she didn't expect me to choose her. I set out to report these events to a guard of the Hold. When I emerged I realized I was nowhere near Whiterun. Astrid had taken me far to the northeast. The nearest town was Morthal, only a few hours ride. I called my horse, who had been following Astrid. Good horse.
The guard bade me report the killing of Astrid to the Penitus Oculatus. Why would the Emperor's protectors be here in Skyrim? Had they taken an interest in the region due to the war? Was the Emperor coming here? Regardless, they must be worried about the Brotherhood. I set out for Dragon Bridge, interrupted only by a bandit who demanded a toll. Astrid's dagger proved very effective in deterring him. A few hours ride later I beheld the Dragon Bridge which the town was named after.
Commander Caro was overjoyed when I told him the news. He also gave me the passphrase to the southern sanctuary of the Brotherhood, and asked me to finish what I had started. He said I would be handsomely rewarded. The road south was long, but I have arrived and I stole inside, determined to end this Brotherhood once and for all using Astrid's own dagger.
The assassins felt safe in their sanctuary, foolishly trusting in the enchanted door to keep their enemies out. I killed them to a man, and set fire to the place as I left. I returned to Commander Maro, who rewarded me with 3000 gold pieces and a set of Ebony barding for my horse. A suitable reward... and now I am safe from the Brotherhood. I set out again to return home, thinking about what has happened and considering what to do next.
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Topic: A (modded) Skyrim Adventure! [Image Heavy] (Read 13608 times)