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When Raerek informs him that he has been chosen to serve Markarth’s newest thane, Argis is sure that there must be something wrong with this new nobleman. He’s watched the Jarl honour younger men than he for years, and it has been a long time since his wounded pride was soothed by false praise and promises.

Still, he doesn’t hesitate; any position is better than remaining in the palace, feeling pitying eyes following his every move.

*

The new thane is no nobleman, but a woman – that alone would be nothing, but she is an elf, a dark elf at that, and there is a sinking feeling in Argis’ stomach. Knowing he had been right was cold comfort.

He chooses not to look too closely, bows and intones the set phrases, swears his fealty to her until the day he dies. He means it too, for whatever the rest of the City of Stone might think, Argis has not sunk so low as to forget his honour.

Igmund smiles at this woman, Thane Cassienne, and at Argis too, but there must be some derision in it. Argis respects Igmund, but any love he felt for his Jarl has been worn down to broken fragments over the years; he nods and accepts the praise because it is his duty.

She does not speak as she leads him from the throne room, and if he must shadow her, he thinks, then at least it may be in silence.

*

On the steps of the palace, Argis discovers that this Cassienne is already a thane of Whiterun hold. It is no real surprise; Balgruuf’s she-elf bodyguard is also Dunmer, and he has always been more sympathetic to outlanders.

She already has a housecarl too, a