Chapter Sixty

The sky rolled with clouds burdened by heavy snow. Wind whipped around every corner, a beggar’s coughing drowned out by it as Gaeolin, Inigo, and Auroth took their first steps into the sickly surroundings that were named Windhelm. Inigo had his ears pinned to his head, his hand never leaving Dawnbreaker as they made their way toward the Grey Quarter. Auroth had his head bent down, his hood drawn tightly to avoid being seen. Of all the places in Skyrim he thought himself unwanted, Ulfric’s capital was likely the worst. 

Gaeolin kept them close to the walls. He led the way past the few shops and taverns that the dark elves ran. Inigo came to whisper beside him. “What a wretched place…”

“I agree.”He turned to his friend. “But this is where the cultists came from. There has to be someone at the docks who can point us the right way.”

They made their way toward a set of stairs, only to be stopped by a guardsman. “Halt! What are you three up to?”

“We are looking for passage to Solstheim.” Gaeolin met the soldier’s gaze. “Could you point us to the docks?”

The guard looked at them with suspicion. “Perhaps, but then again, how am I to be sure you aren’t just common criminals looking to escape justice? A Khajiit and a Wood Elf, and your associate is taking great care not to be seen.”

Gaeolin scowled. “My friend is horribly disfigured, and my guard and I are simply traveling to the Island on business. I had invested in a venture that has so far failed to report any progress. I am going there to find out why.”

The guard squinted, clearly not convinced. “If you’re traveling on business, do you have any documents to prove it?”

Just when their luck seemed to run out, a woman screamed behind them, back towards the Inn. The guard abandoned them, hurrying off to the scene. Normally, Gaeolin would have followed, but saw his opportunity to evade further questions. With a swish of his cloak, he lead his companions down and through the gates to the waterfront.

It felt even colder on the docks. Gaeolin shivered as a wave lapped against the quay. The spray froze as soon as it hit the cobblestones. He marveled at the fact that there were argonians working the docks. They all moved slowly, wrapped in several layers of furs as they hefted the crates from the ships. Three huddled around a brazer, their claws shaking As they fought to reclaim lost body heat. Gaeolin walked up to them, catching the attention of the group. 

“What is it, landstrider?” His eyes glistened, the false lids blinking in an unerved manner. “We are but simple workers, and can be of little help.”

Gaeolin sent as close to a smile as he could muster. “I just have questions about the ships here, friend. Do you know if there is a vessel called ‘Northern Maiden’ in port?”

A female pointed past him, her teeth showing in a grin. “Ah, yes! The ship of Gjalund Salt-Sage is called this. The man has not left port, despite having us load his goods nearly two weeks ago.”She shook her head, huddling closer to the fire. “Man seems unwell since he came back from Solstheim. This one thinks the ash is not good for health.”

Gaeolin looked to the little ship, pulling a coin purse from his bag. “Thank you all for your help. Please, take this.” The lizards chattered excitedly, bowing to him as he left. 

Gjalund was sitting on deck, his head in his hands. He muttered to himself, nearly jumping out of his skin when spoken to. “Are you Gjalund Salt-Sage?”

“Yes… Who’s asking? Who sent you?”

Gaeolin tried to calm the man. “I haven’t been sent by anyone. But you may be able to help me.”

The man’s face was stern. “If you’re looking for passage to Solstheim, too bad. I’m not going back there again.”

“I was attacked by some cultists who came here on your ship.”

The man looked at the three of them, suddenly terrified. “Now hold on a minute! I had nothing to do with that! I had no idea they were going to attack anybody. I don’t even know how I got here!”

Auroth frowned. “How do you not know how you got here? You sailed here, right?”

Gjalund’s eyes grew distant. “It’s… hard to explain… I remember those people with the masks coming on board then…” he looked out into the bay. “Then I was here, and they were gone. It’s not right, losing whole days like that.” He turned to them. “I should have turned them away after the second group never returned. I should have known they were up to no good. There’s been something strange happening on Solstheim for a while now, but after this… I’m done. I’m not going back there.”

Inigo stepped forward, kneeling in front of the Captain. “Yes you are. You are going to take my friends and I there as soon as possible.”

The Captain scoffed. “Didn’t you hear what I said? I said I’m not going back there.”

Gaeolin took him by the shirt collar, pinning him to the mast. His deck hands scrambled for their weapons, but were met by Auroth and Inigo. They stepped back, laying their daggers on the deck. 

“I have been attacked by these people four times… They found my home! They…” He looked down, his breaths billowing in clouds of steam as he tried to calm himself. “Please…” He lowered the man back onto the deck. “They took someone important to me. I have to find him.”

Gjalund saw the pain in his eyes, his face softening. “Hey… Why didn’t you just lead off with that? I don’t fancy the idea, but…” He gave Gaeolin a pat on the shoulder. “I know what it’s like when your family is at stake. You’ve got yourself a ship. We’ll cast off immediately.” He nodded to his crew, heading off to help them prepare to sail. 

Gaeolin made his way to the prow, looking out on the water as the ship began to slide into the bay. His hair whipped around, getting into his eye. Inigo came to stand beside him. He had a small package in his hands.

“I am sorry…” Inigo bowed his head in shame. “I should have been there sooner, my friend. Had I not stopped in the night on my way back, this may never have happened.”

Gaeolin turned to him. “Inigo, you had no way of knowing this was going to happen.” His looked ashamed. “If anything, I should never have left them with no one else to protect them. I should have seen something like this coming.”

The words didn’t seem to give Inigo any comfort. “We will find him, my friend. I promise you.” Inigo held out the package. “I can carry this, if you want. But maybe it would give you some small measure of comfort.”

Gaeolin hesitated, finally taking the bundle of cloth from him. “Thank you, Inigo.” The Khajiit left him, an ear back as he made to sit with Auroth. Gaeolin stayed on the prow, slowly unwrapping the cloth. He stared down, the cord was woven of a deep brown flax. He massaged the golden charms, his thumb running along the grooves of the pendant. As if by some other worldly influence, his heart began to pang. He took off Stendarr’s emblem, tucking it into his bag. He put his head in the loop, letting Mara’s symbol lay against his chest as they made their way onto the Sea of Ghosts.