Shadow

'Why he wants the Scythes, I have no clue!' I hissed to Brynjolf, taking out another three deathlords with well placed shots.

'Because he wants the world in his pocket, Lass.'

After four weeks of travelling, Bryn and I had finally found the damn resting place of the Crescent Scythes. For a thief, the Scythes were useless because a dagger to the heart would kill anyone just the same. We had spent roughly three days in this stinking crypt, but had finally found the grand chamber of the Scythes and about ten billion dead people.

Mercer hadn't found the Scythes yet, so we were safe for the moment. Though the dead had not noticed either of us, it was only a matter of time. Eight more fell to my arrows, leaving only six.

'Scale the wall! The exit is that little hole. I'll get up there, but try and take them down with the bow of Shadows from a nice spot.' I whispered to Brynjolf, taking down another three damnable dead.

Because Brynjolf had some form of intelligence, he obeyed my orders. Smart. Very smart. I was pretty positive he was suspecting something, because I was always sending him away from deadly battles. Nobody was going to kill him, if I could help it. The last of the dead fell to my arrows, allowing me to safely climb the wall with the Scythes tucked away in my magic pouch.

'See that gap, I'm going to shout the rocks to pieces.'

Without waiting for a reply, I Fus Ro Dah'd the obstacle away, causing the mountain to tremble. Hurrying, I pulled Brynjolf through the new exit and ran with him into the safety of the nearby woods. A landslide had covered the gap in seconds. I leaned against a tree as Nocturnal zapped me with a vision. She never gave me any warning.

So apart from the Grey Cowl, only one other thing was highlighted on the map that was seared into my head: The true Shadowcloak of Nocturnal.

It was hidden back in Cyrrodil, but I knew that if I took Brynjolf he would die.

'Bryn, this is where I say goodbye.'

'What do you mean?' He asked.

'The last part of the journey... it's got to be me. Only I can get the last artefact, because it's right inside the White-Gold Tower. In a place only I can reach.'

'Lass, who are you... really?'

'Brynjolf... Look, I'm sorry you had to find out like this, but I've run out of time. I'm actually the Empress of Tamriel, and my true identity is Sharinzah Septim.' I spoke in a hurry, knowing how precious time was becoming. 'I've been ruling undercover for years now, but I'm also a blood descendant of the Grey Fox and the Champion of Cyrrodil. I'm sorry I never told you earlier, but once I return to the Imperial City I'll never see you again.'

'You...'

'Brynjolf... all I want you to know, is that I love you and want you to move on. Forget about me, forget about everything. I'm entrusting you with the artefacts. Safe travels, please forgive me for what I've done...' I rushed on as he turned to leave.

'And Brynjolf?'

'Yes, Lass?'

I pulled him back towards me and gave him one last kiss.

'Walk with the Shadows, and may Nocturnal guide your hand. Shadows preserve you, and Talos be with you.' I whispered.

'Shadows guide you, Lass.'