Prologue
Xever was a high-ranking member of the Dark Brotherhood from Black Marsh. He was contacted by the Thalmor one day. In the letter he received, they explained that they had a major contract for him. He was asked to meet one of their Justiciars at a nearby inn later on that night.
When Xever got to the inn, he saw the Thalmor Justiciar sitting at a table in the corner. The Justiciar had two drinks, and when Xever sat across from him, he pushed one toward him. Xever took a few sips and then asked about the contract.
“I am sure you have heard about what’s happening in Skyrim. High King Torygg was killed by the Jarl of Winterhold, Ulfric Stormcloak. You have heard this?” The Justiciar asked.
“Yes, I have heard.” Xever replied, sipping more of his drink.
“Stormcloak is the contract. We will pay you very well, as you can imagine.”
“Why are you asking the Dark Brotherhood for help? You’re the Thalmor, why can’t you do it on your own?”
“Does that mean you are refusing the contract?”
“Not at all. I accept the contract.”
“Thank you. The answer is: we need information about his plans. Even if we stop Ulfric himself, he has followers that are loyal to him. Without knowing what he tells his close friends, we cannot put an end to him. We are not sure that he would ever trust an Altmer because of the Thalmor’s presence in Skyrim. The contract involves you joining the Stormcloak rebellion and increasing in rank until you get close with him and hear his plans. You will be a spy for the Thalmor. Then once we know what his plans are, you assassinate him.”
“I have heard that the only people that Ulfric likes and trusts are Nords. I don’t think that he would tell me anything, being an Argonian.”
“While it is true that he oppresses the elves and beast races, he does allow them to join his rebellion. We have heard you are the best mage in all of the Dark Brotherhood, and he needs a good mage. He relies on brute force and his ability to Shout, but he does not have a great magical component to his army. We need someone to become his right hand man for magic. As much as he doesn’t like your race, he will see your talent and he will need you.”
“I see. I am willing to give it a try.”
“Thank you again. We really need this. You are to say that you left Black Marsh in search of a Mage’s Guild leadership position. You discovered the College of Winterhold and that is what brought you to Skyrim. But, upon seeing the town’s condition - Winterhold was destroyed and many suspect that the college was involved - you decided that you do not want to take a position there. Then you heard about the Stormcloak rebellion and instead of going to Cyrodiil to check the Mage’s Guild there, you decided to stay in Skyrim and join the rebellion because you agree with the cause and think that your magical prowess can be of great aid.”
“That is a good plan. I will start making preparations. When do you want me to leave?”
“As soon as you can.”
“Then I will leave on the next boat to Skyrim.”
“One last thing: there is a town in Skyrim called Morthal. We will notify our soldiers there about the contract. You are to report any and all information to them. It is a quiet town, small, and there are never any tourists. If anyone new is in town, our soldiers there will know, unlike a city where it is impossible to keep track. If Ulfric ever gets suspicious of you and sends someone to follow you, our soldiers will find out.”
“You have planned all of this out very well.”
“Yes we have.” The Justiciar stood up. “I never introduced myself. I am Ondolemar, the Commander of the Justiciars of Markarth. If you ever need to report anything directly to me, find me in Markarth in Understone Keep and say ‘Good day to you, Justiciar.’ I will send a courier with information about where you can meet me.”
“It was my pleasure to meet you, Ondolemar.” Xever stood up and shook his hand. “I will leave for Skyrim at once.”