Marko had a new plan that he didn't include me in until the last minute, but I still haven't eaten in days.

I could barely stay awake.

For the past day all I was allowed to drink were weakness poisons.

I should have been returned to Cloudruler four days ago.

'Alright, listen up.' Growled Marko. 'This is the plan, and I know it'll work.'

—

Heavy steel boots announced the arrival of a blades guard into the magnificent entrance hall, startling both the Emperor and the Blademaster.

'Your Majesty... there is.... someone here to... speak with you.' Panted the guard.

After catching a little more of his breath, the guard continued.

'Please, you've got to do as they wish or they'll kill... kill Hazelark.'

The ugly vase the Emperor was holding shattered upon contact with the wooden floors at the mention of his best friend as he raced to the tall oaken doors and threw them open, taking in the visitors as he walked down to stand a few steps above them. There were four Khajiit standing in a defensive formation.

'You have been hunting us ever since we took your precious thief from you, determined to catch us and kill us.' Began the leader, his voice booming over the silent blades. 'When in reality, you could not see that we were saving her. Without the help of my group, the thief would not have survived. I bring you Hazelark in return for the clearance of our names.'

There was a rattling of chains as a glowing cage was pulled forth, the thief herself slumped against the back corner.

'I hereby announce your names cleared, just give me Hazelark.'

One of the Khajiit stepped forward, long red hair tumbling down her back as she sent the Emperor a look of pity before unlocking the cage and helping Hazelark stand, escorting her to the door where the leader of the Khajiit stood and lifted Hazelark down surprisingly gently before roughly shoving her towards the Emperor.

Martin Septim himself hurried down the stone steps as a glassy eyed Hazelark collapsed into his arms, shaking and uncharacteristically weak. She was extremely cold, her fur like ice as she clung to the young emperor as though he were her lifeline. With surprising strength he lifted the malnourished and incredibly lightweight Khajiit and ascended the stone steps towards the temple when an assassin in the armour of the Dark Brotherhood dropped right behind the Emperor, who expertly dodged the swing of a blade towards his face.

Before much could happen, the assassin ended up with an arrow to his arm.

A cloud of bright white smoke suddenly billowed from the assassin's arm, clearing to reveal a wood elf, her glowing golden blade blocking the assassin's strike. On her back was a magnificent wooden bow alongside a quiver of silver arrows, each one labeled in immaculate handwriting. The Emperor backed away as the elf twisted her blade and disarmed the assassin before lifting the man off his feet as her blade pierced his body, crimson spilling onto the ancient stone.

With a metallic shink the blade was pulled from the dying assassin's body, his blood pooling around him.

'Venus Gildergreen, Blademaster of Valenwood Blades division and Royal Mercenary reporting for duty.'