Dragonborn Rising Ch. 10

Chapter 10 - Doing Time

So we're up to Chapter 10. I appear to have a few followers as each chapter is given around 20 or so votes, a few will favourite it, and my list of personal followers is slowly but surely growing. But I've had very few comments so far. Anyone have anything they'd like to see going forward? Things they liked so far? Things they didn't like for any reason?

Don't feel obliged, but I do like to hear from those who take the time to read and vote, even if you just want to say 'It was good' or 'It was shit'. If you don't want to comment, send me private feedback. If you leave an email address, I'm always willing to reply.

*****

Markarth... Now there is a city I hope I never have to visit again in all my days. What should have started as a simple job to ensure Guild influence ended in... well, quite frankly, unmitigated disaster that I'm still trying to wrap my head around. The fact I'm still alive speaks volumes to pure luck, and is another example that Nocturnal must now watch my back.

It was meant to be a simple job, much like the others. Meet a contact, do a job, ensure the spread of Guild influence, not only in the city but throughout the entire Hold. It all started to go horribly wrong the moment Karliah and I walked in the city gates...

*****

Stabling our horses, it had been some time since I'd visited the city. In fact, I'd only visited the place once, when I had to find Calcelmo, infiltrated his laboratory and retrieved the information that eventually found Karliah innocent of what she'd been accused of.

Remembering how on edge the city had felt last time I'd visited, I mentioned it to Karliah a couple of times during our ride, and reminded her a final time before walking through the gates. Coming to a stop just past the entrance, the marketplace was busy, as they always are, but it was the glint of a weapon that caught my eye. Before I could even shout a warning, Karliah had her bow out and arrow knocked. There was a loud voice of someone shouting something about Forsworn, the scream of a woman, and then a loud groan as the arrow Karliah fired found the exact spot it had been fired.

City guard were on the spot in seconds. Thankfully the woman still lived, though had taken a wound across her stomach, Karliah immediately stepping forward to help heal her. Meanwhile, the guard herded everyone who had been present into a corner and warned us to forget what we'd just heard.

"We know what we heard. The Forsworn are here!" someone retorted, with plenty of agreement.

Swords were unsheathed. The city guard were apparently not fucking around. The guard in charge pointed his sword at various people. "I will not repeat myself. The Markarth City Guard are in control. There are no Forsworn in this city. Do I make myself clear?"

There were murmurs of agreement, I think most people simply saying yes so the guard would piss off and leave the rest of us to talk about what happened. Karliah was still looking after the woman as the crowd finally dispersed, and that's when I had someone hand me a letter, claiming it was mine. Before I could even say anything to him, he'd already walked off. Opening the letter, it simply said 'Meet at the Shrine of Talos.'

"What's that?" Karliah wondered.

"Someone just handed me this letter." I told her what it said, and though both of us were intrigued, we agreed to help the woman first. Karliah had managed to heal her and we escorted her to the Silver Blood Inn, where she had a room. Once we had her lying down on her bed, she told us who she was and, to our complete surprise, admitted why she was in Markarth. If the knowledge that she was an Imperial spy had been known, little wonder someone had tried to attack her, though she was adamant no-one could possibly have known.

I showed her the note I'd been given, and while I couldn't explain who had given it to me, as it had happened so fast, I couldn't describe the person, but she suggested it could be related to the attack on her. I think that was a suggestion for me to head out. So I headed out alone, Karliah letting me know that she would buy us a room for a few days.

Walking into the Shrine of Talos, I was surprised it was still open, considering the worshipping of him was banned. I walked in without a weapon in hand, but my sword and dagger were both sheathed, shield on my back. I could have one or two weapon in hand within two seconds if this was a ruse.

The man I met introduced himself as Eltrys. He wanted the help of an outsider as he couldn't trust a soul within the city walls itself. Asking just what the hell was going on, he replied, "You want answers? Well, so do I. So does everyone in this city. A man goes crazy in the market. Everyone knows he's a Forsworn agent. Guards do nothing. Nothing but clean up the mess."

"Why not go to the guards? The jarl?"

"Because they're either in on it or refuse to deal with it, keeping their heads in the sand." He sighed and sagged against the stone pillar behind him, running a hand through his long hair. "Look, all of this, what you just witnessed in the market, it's been going on for years. And all I've been able to find is murder and blood. I need your help. Please. Can you find out why that woman was attacked, who's behind Weylin and the Forsworn? I promise I'll pay you for any information you bring me."

This was well above what I normally did. I was a bloody thief, not an investigator. But a part of me, a small part, but it was surprisingly vocal, was interested in what was going on. Who in their right mind would attack a woman in broad daylight, knowing they would probably die because of it? You'd have to be an absolutely bloody fanatic.

I said I'd help, on the proviso he told me everything he knew. So I asked about the murders, unsurprised to hear they'd begun around the time of the civil war and just afterwards. The Forsworn themselves were natives of the Reach, opposed to Nord rule. As for Weylin, the man who'd tried to murder Margaret, Eltrys knew little about him, and knew nothing about Margaret except her name. Asking the best way to keep in contact, he said I would be watched by a couple of people who did believe him, and whenever I entered the shrine, he would already be waiting.

Returning to the Silver Blood Inn, Margaret was alone in her room, so I sat down with her and discussed what I'd spoken about. She knew Eltrys, and warned me about the reputation he had in Markarth. However, once I'd explained what he told me, she believed him and me, and went into further detail of why she was in Markarth.

"Apart from just keeping an eye on things, I was sent here to obtain the deed for Cidhna Mine."

"Whatever for?"

"It's the largest silver mine in Skyrim, and its proceeds are used to fund the Stormcloak army. Aside from that, I'm also investigating Thonar Silver-Blood."

"Okay, why him?"

"We believe he is the man behind the Forsworn. But I think your first avenue should be looking into the man who tried to kill me. What was his name?"

"Weylin. Apparently he lived in the Warrens."

"I can only suggest you find what you can there and come back to me."

Karliah was sitting at the bar, so I pulled her aside next to the fireplace and explained what was going on. She thought I was getting in over my head, and that Markarth's problems were not my own, but I had to admit that I was intrigued by it all, and though part of me was screaming to simply do the job we'd come for and leave, the other part wanted to see it through. She wasn't particularly pleased, but relented in the face of my yearning to do it. "I might make us a few coin too," I suggested.

It had already been a long day, so by the time I visited the Warrens, it was already growing dark. The Warrens reminded me of the Ratway in many respects, so I remained quiet as I moved down the dark hallway. I eventually found a couple of people huddled over a campfire and asked a few vague questions about Weylin. Of course, they knew him rather well, and after saying I was looking into the matter, one of them gave me a spare key and said I could take a look around if it helped.

To say Weylin had absolutely nothing would be close enough to correct. There was some hay and a tatty blanket which I assume he slept on. It was under the blanket that I found a letter. The words were few, but it was clear Weylin had been ordered to kill. But there was no name, just an initial from whoever sent the letter.

Walking back outside, there was a large brute of a man clearly waiting for me. I was always amazed that people would want to fight me, considering I looked rather sinister in my black armour, but some people were obviously idiots. I strode forward until we were a couple of metres apart.

"I assume you want something."

"You've been digging around where you don't belong. It's time you learned a lesson."

His first swing was so telegraphed; it was actually rather pathetic. Blocking that and putting my own fist straight into his gut, following that up with a knee to his groin. I have no problem fighting dirty, and I hate prolonged fights. Get your opponent on the ground as soon as possible were the words given to me by Corvus.

Grabbing him by the collar, I raised my fist and put it straight into his nose. He cried out as blood flowed, and I glanced around to ensure no-one thought they should step in. "Now, who sent you?"

He looked around, obviously hoping someone would help him. I raised my fist again and he pleaded with me not to hit him again. "Nepos the Nose! I was sent by Nepos the Nose! The old man hands out the orders. He told me to make sure you didn't get in the way. That's all I know, I swear!"

I let him go and told him to fuck off. He rose to his feet and scarpered without looking back. I now had a name, but it was dark, I was tired and already fed up, so I figured I could at least spend a night in the Silver-Blood Inn before finishing up. I did head to the Shrine of Talos, where Eltrys wasn't lying, he was already waiting for me. Informing him of what I'd found out, all he suggested was that I be careful when approaching Nepos.

Returning to the Silver-Blood Inn, my attention was immediately taken by a woman I still fondly remembered, even though I'd only met her once, and even though we'd never done anything more than talk. Taking a seat beside her at the bar, she was surprised to see me but appeared to remember me at least, hugging me from the side as she said hello.

"How are you, Muiri?"

"I'm well, Ragnar," she replied in that beautiful soft voice of hers, "What brings you back to Markarth?"

"Just some work."

"It's nice to see you again. I didn't think you'd be back."

"Did I make a good first impression?"

"Oh, definitely. I enjoyed our night together. It was nice to just enjoy a conversation with a man without anything expected from me in a return."

"Still having it rough?" I remembered one of the many topics we'd discussed.

"It's not as bad as it was, but to put it simply, if I'm interested, I'll let them know. But I have other things on my mind at the moment."

"Any news from Windhelm?"

She sighed, gulping half a cup of her wine before replying. "Nilsine replied to my letter. Instead of being upset by it, I was just left... angered, but also hollow." She paused before adding quietly, "I just feel alone now."

"Surely you have friends around here?"

Sighing, she did reply, "I do, but no-one as close as Nilsine and Friga. They were like family." She turned towards me. "Would you like to come to my place for dinner?"

I'll admit the question caught me off-guard. I figured it was just for dinner, but I thought I should say, "I am here with someone, Muiri."

"Oh... A girlfriend?"

"Not quite. It's... complicated. Let me go have a word with her, and I'll let her know what I'm doing."

To my surprise, Karliah thought it was hilarious when I found her lying back on a bed, reading a book. "By Ysmir, you don't waste any time, do you, Ragnar?"

"Firstly, I've met her before. Secondly, it's just dinner."

"Uh-huh. I'll see you in the morning, Ragnar."

"You don't mind?"

"No. We're on the job, and we're not together. So you go have some fun."

"It's just dinner!" I exclaimed, before I groaned, hearing her laugh away as I headed back to the bar. Muiri knocked back the rest of her drink and took hold of my arm as she led the way back to her place. It wasn't a large place, Muiri stating she certainly couldn't afford one of the bigger houses, but there was a joint sitting room and kitchen, with an adjoining bedroom. A fireplace provided plenty of light and warmth, Muiri having paid for some comfortable furniture, as we sat together on a lounge after she'd cooked a simple but tasty dinner. Opening a bottle of wine afterwards, she kicked off her shoes and curled her feet underneath her as I turned towards her. The faint facial markings she had under her eyes accentuated her cheeks, and she had dark eyeshadow, which highlighted her eyes. She was a lot smaller than me, certainly slimmer too.

The one thing I definitely thought is that she was beautiful.

"Ragnar, can I ask you a rather forward question?"

"Sure."

"Will you stay with me tonight?"

"Of course. But..."

"I know it will most likely be a one-time thing, though if you're ever in Markarth again..."

And, with that, she practically leapt on me. She wasn't desperate. No, she was just very eager. So I picked her up and carried her into the bedroom. No point wasting time starting on the lounge. I had to resist tearing at her clothes, though I didn't take my time stripping her off. She was rather petite as she stood in just her underwear, and once she had me down to mine, she took a few moments to run her hand over my muscular but scarred body. I returned the favour as I leaned down to kiss her again, deftly undoing her bra with a hand, freeing her small but perky breasts.

Lying her back on the bed, I felt enormous in size compared to her, kissing down her neck towards her breasts. I could feel her legs already widen as my tented cock was already pressing against her. As I suckled at her breasts, hearing her sweet moans, I snaked a hand down her body towards her underwear, sliding it under and towards her sex, feeling a little hair before I felt her wetness. I wasted no time sliding a finger inside her, feeling her back arch under me as she moaned a little louder.

Kissing down her body, I removed her underwear as she spread her legs wide, and I immediately lowered my mouth to lick her. She shuddered as my tongue slid up and down, teasing her entrance. She was very excited already, leaving me wondering how long she would last. "Right there," she breathed, so I took her advice and tickled her with tongue, though once I heard her breathing change, I moved up to start tickling her clit as I slid a couple of fingers inside her again. The effect was almost immediate, amazed at how tight she felt with just my fingers, already leaving me wondering how she would take my cock.

I didn't pump her too hard with my fingers, focusing most of my attention on her clit. She was soon whimpering and writhing at everything I was doing, loving all the little sounds she was making. She liked to whisper 'Yes' quite a lot, so at least that was telling me she was enjoying what I was doing it. When I felt a hand moved through my hair, I figured that was her telling me not to move it again.

"Ragnar," she breathed, before taking a couple of deep breaths, "Ragnar!" she cried a lot louder.

I felt her thighs try and press against me, though I managed to keep them spread with my shoulders. Writhing even more, she screamed that she was going to cum. That just made me double down on my efforts, and I was soon rewarded with a last cry as her back arched, feeling her squeeze my fingers so tightly, it was almost impossible to move them.

Then she stilled and I lifted my head, withdrawing my fingers and cleaning them with my mouth. Standing up next to the bed, I looked down at her, and she returned the sweetest of smiles. "Gods, I can't remember the last time..."

She moved so I could lie down next to her and she immediately cuddled into me, making me chuckle to myself. "Don't get too attached," I whispered.

"Ragnar, you're the first man to give me... Who in oblivion taught you all that?"

"It's a long story. My life is a long story."

"I'd like to hear it one day," she murmured, adding, "I need a few minutes here. My heart is racing." To emphasise that, she grabbed my hand and put two fingers to her neck. She wasn't lying. It was galloping along.

"Been a while?" I wondered.

"The last man I was intimate with was... him. And he never did that."

To prove how much I loved doing it, I did it again. Fifteen minutes later, she was little more than an out of breath, sweaty and quite satisfied young woman, eager to smother me in kisses. Despite being rather worn out, she near begged for me to be inside her, so I slid off my underwear and sat on my knees before her so she could see my cock for the first time.

"Gods," she whispered.

"I know. So I'll be gentle."

"Please!" she said with a smile.

I couldn't help groan as I felt her warm, tight wetness around my cock. I had to take my time, as I watched her face, and while it wasn't painful, I could see she was having to adjust, but any time she met my eyes, she simply smiled and urged me to carry on, albeit slowly. Slowly sliding back and forth, she eventually managed to take most of my length, and I warned her that I probably wasn't going to last that long.

"Do I feel that good?"

"Definitely," I muttered.

That made her smile again, wrapping her arms around my neck so I could kiss her. I didn't feel her legs wrap around me, looking down to see she'd spread those wide, feet resting on the bed, just trying to feel comfortable. So I just focused on the feeling of her tight little pussy and her amazing little body. I had to resist the urge to start properly fucking her, though her kisses were quite the distraction, but after barely five minutes, I could feel the end was nigh.

"I'm close," I whispered, "Where?"

"I have potions, Ragnar."

"Good. Anywhere else would be a waste anyway."

I came really hard. I'm talking the sort of climax after which I feel completely drained and want to have a sleep right away. I managed to stay hard for a little while, as Muiri wrapped both arms and legs around me to hold me in place for a while, just enjoying the feeling of my cock inside her. I enjoyed the feeling too, so wasn't going to complain. Resting on my forearms, we continued to kiss despite the feeling of wanting to sleep.

My cock eventually softened so I had to pull out, and after flopping onto the bed, Muiri turned onto her size, placing an arm across my chest, running her fingers through my faint chest hair. I held her petite body next to mine. "When will you be in Markarth again?"

I couldn't help chuckle. "I'm not sure. It will depend on work."

"What do you do?"

"Do you want the honest answer or a lie?"

"Considering my life sometimes, I don't really care what you do."

"Okay..." I paused, thinking if I really should, then figured it probably wasn't going to matter now. I had a feeling she would like me regardless. "I work for the Thieves Guild. In fact, I'm pretty much running it nowadays."

I felt her shrug. "Could be a hell of a lot worse. Are you good?"

"Haven't been caught yet and taken the top job after only a few months in Cyrodiil."

I glanced at her and she looked at me. No judgement whatsoever. Only a contented smile. "Well, if you wanted to get me something nice for when you're next in Markarth..."

"What would you like?"

"A nice dress. Maybe one that I could wear for you next time you're here..."

Chuckling, I said, "Well, if I can't get my hands on one personally, I have people who can."