Meeting The Restless League

Cyrus: I delivered that amulet like you wanted. I think you owe me some money.

Kotaro: Indeed I do! I am... Amazed to see you! I'd heard there was some misunderstanding with the Governor. Perhaps you were, um, wanted by the Imperials? I never put stock in rumors, however. Here is your 200 gold, as promised.

Next, I went to the Draggin Tale and spoke with Tobias.

Tobias: Ach! There he is, Lizard! I told you they'd be no match for him!

Dreekius: We heard about your capture, Cyrus!

Tobias: I was never worried, laddie! They didn't see you at Sancre Tor, when that Akavir mongrel--

Cyrus: Tobias, I have to tell you something important. Iszara was a part of the Restless League.

Tobias: Whaaat?!

Cyrus: It's true.

Tobias: Start at the beginning.

Cyrus: I met the Governor. Beautiful man. He told me that Iszara was in the Restless League and that he had nothing to do with her disappearance.

Tobias: But he's been hunting them! He knows more than that!

Cyrus: I believe him about Iszara. He's the kind that would gloat if he could. He's still not found their Hideout. I have to find it first.

Tobias: How did you escape?

Cyrus: Good looks. The Catacombs let out near the Harbor, and they seem to sprawl for miles. I didn't see any Dragons, though.

Tobias: It must have returned to Cyrodiil.

Cyrus: From starvation, I guess. There's no one left in the League to feed it. They're all in good hiding somewhere here in Stros M'Kai. And Iszara is with them. I have to find the Restless League, Captain.

Tobias: They say they can be contacted through the abandoned Lighthouse over in Saintsport --

Cyrus: Aye, a Leaguesman I met in the Catacombs told me that I could signal his mates from there, but he didn't tell me how.

Tobias: I don't know the signal.

Dreekius: Sorry, Cyrus, I don't either.

Cyrus: Damn.

Tobias: You bes' find someone who's seen it. And hope they haven't told the Empire about it already.

Cyrus: I don't have much time. Thanks again, Tobias.

Tobias: Cast off, laddie. And don't forget your old Captain.

Having spoken with Tobias, I spoke with Dreekius.

Dreekius: Cyrus! I heard that Lord Rotund got you, but that you got away. Be careful, though. Imperial patrols are everywhere now. Richton's incensed anew, heh-heh! Good lad! By the way, that Captain you rode in with was looking for you. Brennan, that's his name. Oh, and Siona wants to see you too. Getting to be the well-sought sort around town, now, eh?

Cyrus: I think I got away too easy, like maybe the Governor is watching me, hoping I'll lead him to Iszara.

Dreekius: So you saw no sign of her in the Catacombs?

Cyrus: There was a section closed off from me, true, but I don't think she was in there. The Governor admitted he would have executed her if he knew where to find her. I don't think he cared enough about me to lie to me. Dreekius, I need to get in contact with the Restless League.

Dreekius: Try the Lighthouse over in Saintsport.

I left the Draggin Tale and went towards the Docks, where Siona usually was. On the way to Siona, I encountered Crendal, who I spoke with.

Crendal: Ey! Redguard! What about a drink?

Cyrus: Any ideas on how to contact the Restless League?

Crendal: Here's an idea, Redguard... Tie a gold chest around your ankle and sink yourself. Hahahah.

I also encountered Mariah. I spoke with her as well.

Mariah: Sir?

Cyrus: Excuse me, Mariah.

Mariah: What can I do for you?

Cyrus: Any ideas how I can get in contact with the Restless League?

Mariah: You could try the Smuggler's Den, I've seen them there from time to time.

After talking to Mariah, I went to Siona.

Siona: Cyrus, sweetheart.

Cyrus: Hello, Siona. Miss me?

Siona: Cyrus, don't be such a stranger! By the way Captain Brennan is looking for you. But if I were you, I'd stay away from him. He's a traitor!

Cyrus: Is there anything I should know about Brennan?

Siona: Listen, Cyrus, I happen to be friends with a couple of Fatboy's Guards, and I heard them talking about paying Brennan to set a trap for "that Redguard the Governor's so hot after". Do be careful, won't you?

Cyrus: This Restless League -- How could I contact them?

Siona: Dangerous business that, but it's your skin... There's shady dealings in Maiko's basement, the Smuggler's Den it's called. They could be connected to these League pirates.

I decided to go and talk to Brennan anyway.

Cyrus: Brennan, I understand you wanted to see me.

Brennan: Yes, I'm glad you came. But I'm taking a great risk talking to you. You're wanted by the Imperials, you know. Please, come below deck where we can talk in privacy.

Cyrus: So this is the thanks I get for saving your worthless hide. I know all about your deal with the Governor. Draw and defend yourself, traitor!

Brennan: What...!? You...?!

I fought Brennan and killed him. I then went below deck and fought two Guards that were supposed to ambush me. After I killed them, I went into the dormitory and took the gold from a chest. Afterwards, I left the ship and went to the Yokudan camp, where I asked Coyle about the Restless League.

Coyle: Hey, Cyrus!

Cyrus: Hello, Coyle.

Coyle: Cyrus! It's good to see you again!

Cyrus: Do you know how to contact the Restless League?

Coyle: Well, no. But I'll find out.

I left the camp and went to the apparently ruined village of Saintsport, where I was attacked by a madman who I had to kill. I took a bag of gold lying on the ground and then I used the key given to me by the Catacombs prisoner on the door to the Lighthouse. I went to the top of the Lighthouse and examined the pyre there.

Cyrus: This pyre's been lit recently. Someone's been here.

I lit the pyre and used the signal (flash flash flaaasshhh!) to bring a ship to the docks.

Cyrus: Finally, a ship's coming. Time to find out what these Pirates know.

I went down to the Docks and spoke with the woman that had come.

Yaeli: What do you want?

Cyrus: Where the hell is my sister?

Yaeli: And who the hell are you?

Cyrus: I'm Cyrus, brother of Iszara. And I demand to know where she is.

Yaeli: I'm the one asking the questions. How did you get into the Lighthouse?

Cyrus: One of your men, a prisoner of Richton's, gave me a key before he died of his wounds. And your code is keeping the local crazies up.

Yaeli: Thrown into the Catacombs you were? Well, you've been busy. I'm impressed by the escape.

Cyrus: Just tell me where my sister is. Now.

Yaeli: It is not my place to give you that information. You'll need to talk to Basil, head of the Restless League.

Cyrus: Take me to Basil, if you're just his running girl.

Yaeli: Basil doesn't just speak to anyone, especially a fool who'd use the signal during the day, with all the Imperial warships around. If they find our Hideout, well... Be sure you'll be the first one we'll kill.

Cyrus: Surely you've found a way to deal with Richton's fleet.

Yaeli: Aye, dealt only to avoid them, not meet them ship to ship.

Cyrus: I heard you torched his flagship a while back.

Yaeli: A sly attack of ours. We have the passion, but not the means to tackle his ships on the open sea. We choose to remain in the shadows, causing our esteemed Governor to keep one eye open when he sleeps and check his closets for cutthroats. Haa... He won't find us.

Cyrus: What makes you so sure others don't know where your hideout is?

Yaeli: No one knows the waters around Stros M'Kai like the Restless League. We move in the shadows and lines they don't even know exist.

Cyrus: I know my sister is in the League. Now take me to her.

Yaeli: I'm not sure why I am even talking to you. How do I know you are who you say you are? I'm going to need some proof.

Cyrus: Proof? Of what?

Yaeli: Proof that you deserve the League's attention. Something that shows me I'm not taking a huge risk sailing you to the Hideout.

Cyrus: I thought I already had your attention. A couple of your boys tried to take the ship I sailed on.

Yaeli: That was you? Huh. A necessary raid, I'm afraid. Captain Brennan has been moving a lot of goods for the Empire. But because of your involvement, that's one we'll have to wait on.

Cyrus: Well, I already took care of that one.

Yaeli: Hmmm. I hope you did it with style, but it's not good enough to get you to the League.

Cyrus: Look, if it's gold you Pirates want...

Yaeli: Surely you know by now we're not about wealth and thievery. This is about honor, Redguard history, and the Imperial cancer that plagues Hammerfell.

Cyrus: Come on.

Yaeli: Scoff if you like, shore-dog. But if I'm going to put my neck on the line, sailing you out to the League, you'll need to bring me a sign of trust, not gold.

Cyrus: Risk. Is that what you're worried about? I've taken ten lives worth of them, and as far as I'm concerned, talking to you is one of them.

Yaeli: Those are your risks, not mine. Don't lecture me on your life of adventure, either. I need nothing from you and you need my help. I'm doing you a favor by staying here this long.

Cyrus: I'll be back with your proof.

Yaeli: I'll give you a few hours, no more. I'm not waiting around for the Imperials.

I left Saintsport and went back to the city. I decided to try to get into the Smuggler's Den, so I spoke with Lakene, who I remembered knew how to get in.

Lakene: Oh... You again.

Cyrus: I know you've been gambling at the Smuggler's Den, Lakene. And I need to get in there.

Lakene: Damn. Where'd you hear that? Look that's not something I'm proud of, so keep your voice down. Let's move this conversation elsewhere.

I followed him to a nearby cliff.

Cyrus: Gambling away your wife's silver locket? Not good. Tell me what I need to know. What do you know about Iszara, the League, and that Den?!

Lakene: Calm down, please! I know nothing. I've only been there to gamble a few times! I've heard the League goes there, but I ain't seen them or this Iszara woman! I swear. And if my wife finds out about the gambling... I'll be dead!

Cyrus: Then just give me the password, and I'll take it from there.

Lakene: Sure, sure. But you gotta help me first, Cyrus. Please. Get my silver locket back from that Rollo cheater and I'll give you the password. I swear. Please.

Cyrus: Rollo?

Lakene: Smelly guy, cheats at cards. He won that locket through trickery, the foul dust-belly!

I went to Rollo's house, which was near the Draggin Tale, and spoke to him.

Rollo: Yeah?

Cyrus: Could I have a word with you?

Rollo: What do you want? Can't you see I'm busy?

Cyrus: Do you know a woman named Iszara?

Rollo: Iszara... Scrawny little thing, Chicken legs, no hips? Yeah, I know her. Used to come by, pestering me all the time. You know how women are. Not my type though. Rollo likes 'em larger.

Cyrus: Watch your tongue, cretin. That's my sister you're talking about.

Rollo: Oh, big brother's a tough guy, eh? Topping it pretty high, aren'tcha, coming in to my house talking that way. I haven't seen her in months anyway.

Cyrus: What do you know of the Restless League?

Rollo: Bunch of idiots, if you ask me. You can't fight the Empire. They'll learn though.

Cyrus: How are things in town with the Imperials in charge?

Rollo: What do I look like, the Town Crier? Same old, same old, as far as Rollo's concerned. Politics is for suckers. I got a sweet deal with Gerrick, no need for me to worry about who's sitting in the Palace.

Cyrus: What sort of deal do you have with Gerrick?

Rollo: You know, that fool Elf that runs the Trading Post. Pays me a silver penny for each crate I bring up from the Docks, no lie! And I only have to go down when the bell rings, means a ship's arrived. Yep, Rollo knows a good thing when he sees it.

Cyrus: Bell?

Rollo: Sheesh, you are as dumb as you look. The bell, in the Bell Tower, right outside.

Cyrus: Do you know anything about the Smuggler's Den under the Cartographer's Shop?

Rollo: Maybe I've heard of it. Yeah, I've seen some guys hanging around there, supposedly in the Restless League, but it's all talk. They never do anything. You can't get in there without a password, anyway, so you might as well forget about it.

Cyrus: I know you've been in the Smuggler's Den, Rollo. Tell me the password and I'll leave you alone.

Rollo: You got the wrong guy, I don't know nothing about no password. I was just telling you what I'd heard.

Cyrus: You're a bad liar. Tell me the password or else.

Rollo: Or else what? You'll kill me? I ain't armed, and I know you old-time Redguard types don't go in for that. You don't scare me.

Cyrus: Lakene tells me you have his wife's silver locket. Any chance I could get it back?

Rollo: Stupid Lakene! He's a loser at more than cards. Deserves what the missus will give him when she finds out. It's mine now and I ain't giving it back.

Cyrus: I need that locket. Hand it over.

Rollo: I got your silver locket right here, pal. Take a hike, I'm busy.

Cyrus: Rollo, I have half a mind to kick your teeth in.

Rollo: Half a mind sounds generous. Close the doors on your way out.

Cyrus: It's always a pleasure, Rollo.

Rollo: Don't let the door hit you on the way out.

Rollo didn't want to talk anymore. I went to Gerrick and talked to him about Rollo.

Cyrus: I'm afraid I may have made his acquaintance. Large, loutish, unwashed?

Gerrick: Rollo, yes, a rather unlikely fellow, even if you don't mind the smell. But he'll tote a bale for a silver penny, and I can't even hire a Mule for that.

Cyrus: Rollo works for you, then.

Gerrick: An exaggeration, to be honest. He's supposed to bring up my shipments from the Harbor when they arrive - A simple task, you would think -- But he's drunk or asleep half the time and doesn't hear the bell.

Orsone: Rollo >>Squawk<< Rollo knowo >>Squawwwwwk!<< Brainpan bone-o!

Cyrus: Bell?

Gerrick: My old friend Favis rings the bell to signal the arrival of a ship, so the merchants know to come down to the Harbor to trade. Rollo is supposed to listen for it, but I've had such trouble with him. Ach, but you don't need to listen to an old Elf complain!

To get Rollo out of his house, so I could sneak in and take the locket, I had to ring the bell. I went to Favis and tried to talk to him.

Favis: Thought you said you were going to fix my bell. Hmm? Hmm?

I climbed up on the rope hanging from the bell.

Cyrus: Hmm. Nothing wrong with this bell. Just the old man's ears that need fixing.

Interestingly enough, I found a monocle on the ledge there. I realized it was Prnell's, so I took it. I went back down and spoke with Favis.

Cyrus: Favis, my friend.

Favis: You're Cyrus, aren't you? Thought so.

Cyrus: I checked, and there's nothing wrong with the bell.

Favis: Good lad! I was right! That fool Prnell said it didn't need fixing. But I knew it needed fixing. So you fixed it, eh? Well, I'm much obliged.

Cyrus: Your friend Gerrick, the Shopkeeper, was telling me about you.

Favis: My friend, you say? Hmph! All right as Elves go, but sure does carry on. Then there's that Rollo, Gerrick's hired hand. Rude as the day is long, and lazy to boot.

Cyrus: This Rollo sounds like an interesting fellow.

Favis: Sometimes I have to ring the bell a good five minutes before he wakes up and gets moving. Gerrick has me watch out to make sure Rollo's up before I stop ringing the bell. Don't know why I don't just go give him a kick in the pants, be easier.

I attempted to ring the bell.

Favis: *Don't* touch that bell rope! Unless you want to be remembered as the cowardly villain who murdered a kind and dutiful old man just so he could play the fool with that good man's bell.

I realized that Favis wasn't going to let me ring the bell. So I went to Prnell to see if he would let me wave the flag.

Cyrus: Prnell, I found your eyepiece. Here you go.

Prnell: Well glory be! How can I ever thank you, Cyrus, my boy? I know! I'll let you wave the flag. It'll be our little secret, eh? Go on, take it! Taaaake it. An opportunity like this don't come along every day.

Cyrus: All right, I think I'll take you up on that.

Prnell: That's the spirit! You'll soon see what I'm talking about. Nothing like it, I'm telling you!

I went outside and waved the flag. The bell started ringing and Rollo came out of his house and went to the Docks. I quickly went to Prnell and gave him back the flag.

Cyrus: Here you go, Prnell. Thanks for letting me borrow it.

Prnell: Of course, Cyrus my boy, of course! I wasn't pulling your leg about the flag, was I? Makes life worth living, even at my age.

While Rollo was gone, I went to his house and took Lakene's locket from a chest.

I left his house and went to Lakene, to give him back his locket.

Lakene: Found my locket, yet? Have you found my locket?

Cyrus: Ok, Lakene. Here's your locket. Now give me the password.

Lakene: Oh, thank goodness! You got it! I'm saved! Never going back to that Den again, no sir! No more for me! But have your own go at it... The password you require is "spoon". Be careful, Cyrus. And thanks again.

I went to the Smuggler's Den's door and knocked on it.

Urik: What's the password?

Cyrus: Spoon.

Urik: Right. Just a second.

I went inside, in a small room with little illumination. A man stood in front of me.

Urik: What's wanted, mate?

Cyrus: Cyrus.

Urik: Urik. Welcome to the Smuggler's Den. What do you want?

Cyrus: A cozy little operation you've got here.

Urik: Thanks, we like to think so. Who gave you the password, by the way? So I know who I need to beat the hell out of.

Cyrus: Don't worry, your secret's safe with me. Not that this place is such a secret. Half the town seems to know about it.

Urik: Yeah, well, we don't rate quite as highly as the Restless League on Richton's enemies list.

Cyrus: I'm looking for Iszara, my sister. Apparently she did business with you occasionally.

Urik: That's right, she came by from time to time. Last time I saw her, she was after a piece of malachite for some reason.

Cyrus: What would Iszara want with that?

Urik: Dunno. She sure wanted it bad, though. Traded me a League insignia for it, said I could use it to get favors from the League. But since then, the League has vanished from Stros M'Kai, so I'm stuck with a worthless piece of paper.

Cyrus: Does the Restless League operate out of the Smuggler's Den?

Urik: We've always worked together, since way back before the civil war. Mutual interest and all that. But the League boys must be laying low, I haven't seen any of 'em in weeks. No matter. Smuggling's good business, with or without Pirates.

Cyrus: The Imperial occupation doesn't seem to have cramped your style much.

Urik: Everyone needs Smugglers, like it or not. For instance, Richton likes his Valenwood wine. The League makes sure none of it arrives legally, and we make sure the Palace cellar stays well-stocked. Everybody wins.

Cyrus: Suppose you wanted to get into the Governor's Palace. Could you do it?

Urik: Not me. The Governor tolerates our operation, sure, but he doesn't trust us. Richton's a stickler for security -- And no wonder, the League would love to put a knife in him. Nobody gets in the Palace without a damned good reason.

Cyrus: Still, I'm surprised Richton gives you such a free hand.

Urik: We have our uses. Like if you don't want the Emperor to know how much taxes you're actually collecting. As I said, everybody wins.

Cyrus: I could use that insignia Iszara gave you. Can I have it?

Urik: That depends. What's in it for me?

Cyrus: You claim to be Iszara's friend. I'm trying to find out what happened to her, and I need that parchment to do it.

Urik: I never said I was her friend. Just that I knew her. What makes you think I care what happened to her?

Cyrus: Because I know my sister. She would have liked you. She always did have bad taste in men.

Urik: Is that supposed to be an insult? Hehe, hell, you may as well take it. I can see if I don't give it to you, you'll just stand here talking all day, and I got work to do.

Cyrus: It's been a pleasure, Urik.

Having received the insignia, I decided to return to Saintsport to talk to the Restless League woman again.

Yaeli: You again.

Cyrus: Let's talk.

Yaeli: Your time is running out, Cyrus.

Cyrus: Here's the proof you've been waiting for... A Restless League insignia from Iszara.

Yaeli: I don't know where you got that, Cyrus, but it will do. The insignia scrawled as such buys you at least an audience with the League. Climb on aboard, we're off before the Imperials know I'm here.

I was taken to the Restless League's hideout. Once I was there, I spoke to the woman again.

Yaeli: What do you want?

Cyrus: Thank you.

Yaeli: Don't thank me, buster. Just get about your business. I have things to do.

Cyrus: Where can I find Basil?

Yaeli: I have no idea. Go ask someone. And don't go poking your nose where it doesn't belong, or you'll be sorry.

Cyrus: I need a ride back to Stros M'Kai.

Yaeli: Look. You wanted to come. And here you stay until I hear different from Basil.

Cyrus: Later, then.

I left the Hideout's Docks and headed towards the houses. There, I encountered a Redguard man who I talked to.

Cyrus: Where can I find Basil?

Pirate 3: He's over on West Dock. Just don't poke your nose into what doesn't concern you.

Cyrus: I need a ride back to Stros M'Kai.

Pirate 3: You're going nowhere 'til Basil is finished with you.

After finding one health potion on top of one of the houses and another on top of a barrel, I spoke with another man.

Cyrus: I need a ride back to Stros M'Kai.

Pirate 4: You're the guy looking for Basil, right? You can get back to Stros M'Kai when it suits Basil.

Cyrus: Where can I find Basil?

Pirate 4: You're our nosy visitor, right? Look over on West Dock. He's waiting for you. And don't get into anything. I'm keeping an eye on you.

I then spoke with another man.

Cyrus: Where can I find Basil?

Pirate 5: Basil's over on the West Dock. Go speak with him. And don't get lost where you don't belong.

Cyrus: I need a ride back to Stros M'Kai.

Pirate 5: You need Basil's okay, or you go nowhere.

I went near the West Dock and spoke to another man.

Cyrus: Where can I find Basil?

Pirate 6: Just came in with Yaeli? To talk with Basil? Check over on West Dock. Go straight there, and don't get into any trouble.

Cyrus: I need a ride back to Stros M'Kai.

Pirate 6: Go ask Basil. He says who stays and who goes here.

I eventually found Basil next to a map of Western Tamriel and I decided to speak with him.

Basil: Well? You want something?

Vander: There's the bastard that spoiled my raid.

Cyrus: That was you? I remember two jokers who couldn't handle their sabers, but you must have been hiding.

Vander: You see me now, though, don't you?

Basil: Vander.

Vander: Plain as day right here--

Cyrus: Are you Basil? You're a hard man to find.

Basil: Mystery maintenance, Cyrus. What do you want?

Vander: We don't need to talk to him! Let me--

Cyrus: Listen here, spotlight, I'm not here for you. I know everything you have to say. Draw your sword anytime you're ready.

Cyrus, whose words had been in reply to what Vander had said, now directed his words towards Basil.

Cyrus: Where is she?

Basil: Wrong strategy this early in the dialogue, son. The game is to find out what the other one knows first, not show how much of the map you can't read.

Vander: Can he die, now?

Cyrus: Step off, Shiny. We'll get to that in a minute.

Basil: See, I thought you were Iszara's Messenger Boy, which would've granted a longer audience, but you're standing there looking like the last loose end of many.

Cyrus: I'm Iszara's brother, and all my loose ends have led me to you.

Vander: She never mentioned a brother.

Basil: And she's been part of us for a long time now. And from her omission of reference to you, I infer little pride or confidence in you... A judgement that seems well-supported in the course of our brief and none-too-gratifying acquaintance.

Vander: He has no idea where she is either.

Cyrus: Shut up.

Basil: He's got the same cordial manners as his sister, that's for sure.

Cyrus: Why are you still preying on Stros M'Kai?

Basil: My. How glibly you parrot Imperial propaganda. Perhaps an ignorant tourist like you wouldn't notice that we touch only the Empire's and Richton's ships. Excitable ship owners and Imperial fellow-travelers raise a hue and cry against plunder and piracy... But the people of Stros M'Kai know the real targets of our activities.

Cyrus: So you lead this band?

Basil: If you say so.

Cyrus: So you plan to take on the Empire?

Basil: A'Tor did that already and died for it. The Empire won't suffer us to live against her, or a history written without her name, so there's no point to resist so overtly.

Cyrus: How very restless of you.

Vander: Let me cut this smart ass.

Basil: I'm not suggesting the League greet the Empire with open arms. I propose we greet them with secret arms, with subtle stings, with blood and coin split in stealth. Sublunar threat. Our purpose is to hint, ever so politely, that there is no profit in Hammerfell... And no prospect of profit. When the Empire despairs of getting rich in Stros M'Kai, she'll turn her hand to more profitable enterprises.

Cyrus: If there's no point in resisting why do you stay here?

Basil: Hear that, Vander? The man thinks to probe my innermost thoughts. Should I share with him a list of my heart's desires?

Vander: Your list is too long, Basil. I'll tell mine. It's short... And to the... Point!

Cyrus: Your list will be short enough, fool, if you pull that sword on me.

Cyrus turned towards Basil again.

Cyrus: I've seen the Cyrodiils expanding throughout the rest of Tamriel. You're not going to stop them.

Basil: Hark! The wise man speaks! But let me advise you, that's the worst thing you could ever say to Iszara when you find her.

Cyrus: When and why would have Iszara ever joined you? Did her association with you get her killed?

Basil: There are some who cannot admit a demise, who in the face of defeat create theories of retaliation. But the secret of theory is that truth doesn't exist. Iszara disappeared appropriately into the very same void.

Cyrus: I hope that meant something to you, because it gets me no closer to Iszara. I want to know what happened to her now.

Basil: Wake up, sucker! We're Thieves and we're bad guys. And Iszara was a part of it whether you like it or not. In case you didn't notice we're hiding out here, so it stands to reason if Iszara isn't here then she's in trouble. Don't you think the Empire might be able to help you solve this mystery a little better? You're wasting your time here.

Cyrus: What kind of trouble would she be in?

Vander: He can't help us, Basil. It's my turn now.

Cyrus: Come on!

Vander attacked me. I fought him and he surrendered before I could kill him.

Vander: You win! I yield!

I resumed my conversation with Basil.

Cyrus: I'm done with your bully boy. And I left him alive.

Basil: And now the altruistic brother-pup wants his bone. First, here's a bandage. Tidy yourself up. Unless you were planning to use that sweet little puppy tongue to lick your wounds clean.

I was given a bandage.

Cyrus: You like breathing, Basil?

Basil: Fine. Here's the key to Iszara's lodge. We've already ransacked it for clues to her whereabouts, but maybe you can find something we couldn't.

He gave me the key.

Basil: Clues particularly in a journal, one we can't open... If you can tell me what's in the journal, I'll tell you what I know about Iszara's disappearance. I expect to hear what Iszara says in her journal before I'll say anything more to you.

I then decided to talk to Vander.

Vander: You are wounded. Take this bandage.

Cyrus: Thank you.

Vander: For your good will. And my spared life.

I used one of the bandages and it became a bloody bandage. I tried to talk to Vander again.

Vander: Come to boast of your triumph?

Cyrus: Let's end it. For my sister's sake?

Vander: And what of my men? What of their sake?

Cyrus: Those men gave me no choice.

Vander: We were attacking that ship for its known Imperial allegiance, which--

Cyrus: That's your war and I'll not be drawn in it.

Vander: Even if you add to its casualties.

Cyrus: You're still standing... Forget it, then.

Vander: Cyrus. I... Want to find Iszara, too.

When Cyrus had finished reading the journal, Basil came in. Cyrus threw him the journal.

Cyrus: Where is she?

Basil looked at the journal and then closed it.

Basil: I don't know. I was hoping this would tell me.

Cyrus: What do you know then?

Basil: When Iszara joined the League she changed its face. She gained us the attention of Prince A'Tor. Before Iszara, we were a wild pack of nationalists with sharp swords and enthusiastic schemes. Our wanting reputation kept A'Tor from announcing an open affiliation, but we worked for him in secret removing Forebear traitors on the mainland and killing Imperial emissaries too long lingering at our borders.

Cyrus: And then the war came all the way to Stros M'Kai.

Basil: Where A'Tor should've won. He had Hunding's fire with him that day, he would turn back Tiber Septim from Hammerfell forever! The League wasn't invited to join in the battle for discretion's sake and we were forced to watch from afar! And at that battle, we saw the face of the New Empire. They sent a dragon, and no man could stand against it.

Cyrus: It killed Prince A'Tor?

Basil: A'Tor challenged the beast, but he never reached it. A poisoned arrow from Richton's henchman felled the Prince just as he rushed headlong to meet the Dragon.

Cyrus turned towards Basil.

Cyrus: What does this have to do with Iszara?

Basil: As A'Tor lay dying, his Wizard, the Archmage Voa, tried desperately to save his life. The Dragon was upon them and there was little time. Voa gathered A'Tor's lifeforce into a soulgem just as the fire rained down. The Battle of Stros M'Kai ended then, and Iszara's trouble began.

Cyrus: Get to it.

Basil turned his back to Cyrus.

Basil: In another story altogether, the League got its hands on the soulgem, reservoir of the Prince's power, and the narrative of wishful thinking began. The Restless League now had the means to bring back the Prince! We could restore Prince A'Tor from the soulgem, and under his banner fight the Battle of Stros M'kai again--

Basil turned towards Cyrus again.

Basil: --This time rightly at his side! And then that little Witch took it.

Cyrus: Iszara took the soulgem?

Basil: And with it the fate of Stros M'Kai. The Prince's spirit within that gem was the spark to ignite a revolution. When Iszara stole the soulgem she stole from us that fire.

Cyrus: Where would she have gone with it?

Basil: If we knew that, you wouldn't be here right now. The only reason we let you in the Hideout was to find out what you know... Or what this could tell us. We both seem to still be looking for our answers yet.

Cyrus: I'll be back if you're lying.

Cyrus left Iszara's lodge.

Cyrus: And I'll spare no one then.

Basil: Find the soulgem and you'll find Iszara.

Cyrus went back to the ship that had brought him to the Hideout.

Cyrus: Take me back to Stros M'Kai.

Basil, who was still in front of Iszara's lodge, started shouting.

Basil: This is bigger than your sister, Redguard. Remember that. This is about the kingdom! This is about Hammerfell now.

Yaeli's ship left the Docks. Vander approached Basil.

Basil: Damn fool.

Vander: Maybe just the damn fool we need to find Iszara and the soulgem.

Basil: Maybe so...

By sunset, Cyrus was back in Saintsport.

Next, I would finally find out where Iszara was and what had happened to her.

But that is a tale for the next part of the Redguard Storyline.