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'This is Markarth, traveller; safest city in the Reach.'

'That's not what I've heard.' S'fara scoffed under her breath

Luckily the guard didn't hear her, and allowed them to enter.

Their first stop was the palace, as it made sense to start with where the most important people were. As they approached the throne room, Folcwine noticed a Thalmor Justiciar accompanied by a couple of soldiers.

'The Dominion is here, and we're watching you. The Thalmor know how to deal with Talos worshippers. ' the Justiciar said as he walked past

'I'm sorry what?' Folcwine asked, keeping his tone polite

'We're the ruling body of the Aldmeri Dominion. Saviours of Mer. Victors of the Great War. We re-founded the Aldmeri Dominion, an alliance between us and our Bosmer cousins. You might know them from their common name. Wood elves. We intend to prove the superiority of Mer over Man, one century at a time.'

'Yes, I know who the Thalmor are. What I meant was why you just said that out of the blue? And what are you doing here, you're not from Markarth are you?'

'Watch your tongue, Nord. But you're correct, I am not from here. As if this craggy, wretch of a city could give birth to a superiorly bred Mer such as myself. No, I'm not from Markarth. I was sent here to lead the Thalmor's interests in this corner of Skyrim. It's my mission to root out all Talos worship in this city.'

'It's a long way from the Summerset Isles, why come on such a long jouney?' Folcwine asked as if merely intrigued by their reasoning

'It's a religious matter. The Thalmor do not recognize Talos as a god. He was only a man, and does not deserve to a place in our pantheon. The Empire has agreed to accept our beliefs, and its citizens have a responsibility to cease their heretical worship.' He paused, giving Folcwine an appraising look

'You're awfully inquisitive, aren't you? I like that. Perhaps you'd care to solve a little problem I'm having?' the Justiciar added

'I'm listening.' Folcwine answered

'There's a certain citizen, Ogmund the skald. He's old, respected, and I know for a fact that he worships Talos in his home. But the Jarl has been hesitant to call for his arrest. I want you to break in to his home and find evidence. '

'Very well, I'll see what I can get out of him.'

'Excellent. Succeed, and you will have my thanks and the favour of the Dominion. I bid you good day.'

'This is what we came for S'fara! We came here to find signs of Talos worship, and that pointy-eared bastard has led us right to it!' Folcwine whispered as they made their way back down the stairs

'But what are we going to do once we confront him?' she asked as they stepped outside

'Simple, we threaten him with exposure - that will yield something useful.'

They made their way to the Silver-Blood Inn, where Ogmund was just finishing a song.

'If Alduin is eternal, then eternity's done. For his story is over and the dragons are... gone. '

'A word, kinsman?' Folcwine said in a friendly tone

'You have a request?' Ogmund asked, coming towards them

'In a way, yes.' Folcwine replied smiling

'What is this?' the skald asked sharply, sensing danger

'It's over, Ogmund, the Elves know about your little secret.' Folcwine said quietly

'No! I - you're lying. I don't know what you mean.' he blurted out

'Relax, we don't want to turn you in, even though we have been asked to do so.'

'What do you want then?'

'We need you to name another who stays true, someone who would have knowledge about troop movements, supply lines, things of that nature. Do you have any names for us?' Folcwine said, casually placing his hand on his sword hilt

At the same time, S'fara unsheathed her claws

Ogmund's eyes followed the movement and blanched as he saw the dragonbone sword and claws

'Raerek, the Jarl's steward and uncle. I know for a fact he believes.' came the fearful reply

'That's perfect. Thank you kinsman, you've done Skyrim a great service. Talos guard you.' Folcwine told him, clapping a hand on his shoulder

When they told Galmar the news, he was exuberantly happy.

'How did you come by this information so quickly?' he marvelled

'Actually, a Thalmor Justiciar helped us.' S'fara told him

' A - what?' he asked eyes darting from Folcwine to S'fara and back

'Yes, we went to the keep, and the pointy-eared bastard thought I'd betray a kinsman! After that all I had to do was confront the poor bugger and he named Raerek as our man on the inside!'

'Well done! Both of you.'

'Well, my fiancée and I will be at the tavern if you need anything.' Folcwine told him

He and S'fara laughed uproariously at his look of absolute confusion as they walked out of the room arm in arm.