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Assassination Plot

Author: 
Xan

MOURNHOLD, ROYAL PALACE

King Hlaalu Helseth

"Ah...so you're the one Tienius has been telling us about. Interesting. You'll have to forgive us for the slight inconvenience earlier. It appears we were given a bit of misinformation. The Queen Mother has spoken of you as well."

:slight inconvenience:
"We understand you were visited by some Dark Brotherhood assassins. A regrettable occurrence. They are a difficult lot, but they do have their usefulness. I'm certain that will no longer be a problem for you."

:Dark Brotherhood:
"They are usually a very effective group. Not always, though, I have recently learned."

:bit of misinformation:
"Yes...we have various sources throughout Vvardenfell that are paid well to provide us with information. Unfortunately, sometimes it proves to be incorrect. One of our informants had suggested that you could pose a threat to our monarchy. That cannot be allowed, as I'm sure you understand."

:threat to our monarchy:
"It is never easy for one to assume the throne, especially after the unfortunate set of circumstances that led to our beloved King Llethan's death. There are those who would seek to profit from such events, to take the opportunity to create unrest among the people. There are those, even, who would wish to see us dead."

:see us dead:
"Does this surprise you? Even now, there are those that would see our head on a pike. What better way to achieve one's goals than to have others remove those that would oppose you? Surely you have some understanding of this? In fact, we have recently been told of a plot against the throne."

:plot:
"Some of my informants have learned of a possible assassination plot against our royal person. I would like more information on this. However, I do not want to compromise the safety of my guards or of my informant. I believe, however, you would be suitable for this matter."

:this matter:
"I wish for you to meet an informant of mine at a local cornerclub, The Winged Guar. You'll find it in Godsreach. He's an orc, and shouldn't be hard to pick out. Find him, and ask him about his "uncle's farm." He'll know what it means. Then report back to me with your information."

:uncle's farm:
"Just ask him about it."

Faern Sargtlin

(go talk to Barenziah)

Barenziah

"Good day to you. How may I help you, Faern Sargtlin?"

:plot:
"My son believes someone would try to assassinate him? It's possible, I suppose, but not likely to succeed. He's more well-guarded than the emperor himself. It's all a bit overdone, if you ask me. Still...someone could be up to something. I suggest you speak with an old friend of mine, Plitinius Mero."

Faern Sargtlin

(go talk to Plitinius Mero)

Plitinius Mero

:plot:
"You're not speaking of the type of plot I'm used to, are you? Helseth has told you of a plot against his throne? Odd. He's well protected, you know. I would suggest meeting his informant and seeing what he has to say. If you have any further questions, please come and speak with me. If the Queen Mother has sent you to me, she must feel you worthy. Good luck to you."

Faern Sargtlin

(go to Godsreach)

MOURNHOLD, GODSREACH

Faern Sargtlin

(enter The Winged Guar)

Bakh gro-Sham

"What do you want?"

:uncle's farm:
"Yeah, I get it. Code words. Whatever. Here's what you should know."

:what you should know:
"Our king is a paranoid. I know, I know...it's treason to even think that sort of stuff, but it's true. He always thinks someone is out to get him. The man's had me checking into a different conspiracy every week for the last month. I keep telling him, "You're king. You're gonna have enemies!" Does he listen? Psssh. This time, though, there might be something to it. I've found some disturbing information."

:disturbing information:
"My sources tell me that there's a plot, but not against the king. From what I've been able to gather, there will be an attempt made on the Queen Mother's life. I'm not sure who would want to target her--from what I know, she has no enemies in Mournhold--but that's what my sources are telling me."

Faern Sargtlin

(go back to Royal Palace)

MOURNHOLD, ROYAL PALACE

Faern Sargtlin

(go talk to Plitinius Mero)

Plitinius Mero

:plot:
"A plot against Barenziah? That's ridiculous! I can't think of anyone who would want to harm her. Take care with this friend. King Helseth is a wary one, and delights in testing the loyalty of his new friends. I do not believe the King would hesitate to put his own mother in danger in order to do so."

Faern Sargtlin

(go talk to Barenziah)

Barenziah

"Good day to you. How may I help you, Faern Sargtlin?"

:plot:
"Someone try to kill me? Ridiculous! Certainly I've made my share of enemies in my life, but those times are long forgotten. I suppose someone might think to use me to get to my son, but with the way this palace is guarded, if someone could reach me, they could just as easily reach Helseth. The whole idea seems ludicrous to me. But, if someone wishes to try...I've forgotten more about defending myself than most will ever learn...."

Faern Sargtlin

(go back to Helseth)

King Hlaalu Helseth

"Ahhh...Faern Sargtlin. Have you learned more about that plot?"

:plot:
"Yes...I expected you would find out as much. Other sources of mine indicate the same thing, and that the attempt will be made tomorrow night. Our mother must be protected at all costs, but I do not wish to tip my hand to these assassins. Here is how we will protect Barenziah."

:protect Barenziah:
"It would be unwise to station more guards outside her doors, as that would alert the killers to our knowledge. Better to catch them in the act. One of our royal guards could be involved in this attempt, so they will be kept occupied elsewhere. You will stay in the antechamber outside our mother's chambers tomorrow evening, and deal with these assassins when they arrive. Close the door behind you and hide behind the screens, so as not to alert them to your presence. Meantime, find out whatever else you can."

"Wait in the antechamber outside Barenziah's room at nightfall and protect her from the assassins. You are to hide behind the screens in the anteroom, and make sure to close the door to the room behind you. We do not want to let the assassins know they are expected. In the meantime, find out whatever else you can about the attempt. Report to us when you have completed your task."

Faern Sargtlin

(go to meet Barenziah)

Barenziah

"So, what information have you uncovered about this mysterious plot my son believes is afoot?"

:protect Barenziah:
"My son has sent you to protect me? Ha! Please, friend...I mean no disrespect. I'm not laughing at you, or at the seemingly noble sentiments my son exhibits. It just seems odd to me that any would want to have me killed. And my son knows as well as any that I can protect myself. Still, do as he has commanded you. He is the king, and it is best to concede to his wishes. Take care, my friend."

Faern Sargtlin

(talk with Plitinius Mero)

Plitinius Mero

:protect Barenziah:
"Protect her? Ha! My sympathies lie with the assassins, friend. The Lady is far from helpless, as many have come to find out the hard way. Still, it is odd that someone would even attempt it. Why kill her? Her son lives only down the hall, and he bears the burden of rule. There is no understanding the machinations of madmen or politicians."

Faern Sargtlin

(wait for one day and then go back to Barenziah's Chamber)
(go to a place behind a wall screen and wait)
(...assassins come)

Assassins

"...supposed to be here somewhere..."
"...he told us in the Queen Mother's chambers..."
"...behind the screen..."

Faern Sargtlin

(engage the assassins)
(...all three assassins are killed eventually)

Barenziah

"Why, hello! My protector has returned! What is it I can do for you, my friend?"

:plot:
"It seems that's been taken care of. Good work."

Faern Sargtlin

(go talk to Helseth)

King Hlaalu Helseth

"I understand you were able to protect Barenziah."

:protect Barenziah:
"You were able to hold off the assassins. Interesting. Perhaps the threat was not as great as it seemed. We commend you. Take this as a show of our appreciation. We are impressed with your efforts so far. When you are ready, speak to me about further service to your king."

Faern Sargtlin

(receive Helseth's Collar)