Online:Concealed Weapons

Help investigate an assault on a thane by their housecarl. Zone: The Rift This quest is part of the Zone Story Faction: Ebonheart Pact Objective: Nimalten — Investigate the disturbance in Nimalten. Quest Giver: Hauting, Korra, Thane Fjora Location(s): Nimalten, Nimalten Barrow Previous Quest: To Nimalten Next Quest: Pinepeak Caverns Reward: Thane-Guard's Helm Very High Leveled Gold XP Gain: Very High XP ID: 4153

Speak to Fjora and Aera

I've arrived in Nimalten to find the city under threat. Thane Fjora was attacked by her housecarl. Aera Earth-Turner, my old friend from Bleakrock Isle, is leading an investigation.

Quick Walkthrough

1. Talk to Thane Fjora.
2. Talk to Borodin and Golun Drenduf.
3. Talk to Aera Earth-Turner, then investigate Betar-Nes' house.
4. Return to the Thane's Hall.
5. Use the glowing orb to talk to the projection.
6. Enter the crypt through the secret passage.
7. Kill the traitor and find Thane Fjora.
8. Find Aera Earth-Turner and decide her fate.
9. Return to Thane Fjora.

Detailed Walkthrough

Hauting says your news may distract the thane from a recent assassination attempt. Sergeant Aera Earth-Turner and her squad are looking into it.

"There was an attempt on the thane's life. Her housecarl, of all people. Bastard. Sergeant Aera and her squad arrived just recently to look into the matter."

Did the thane survive?

"Aye. Our Fjora's a tough one, she is. Cut that horker down where he stood.
Look, I have to keep to my post. I'm sure the sergeant and our thane will want to speak with you. The hall is just up the stairs off of the main square."

Thanks. I'll speak to the thane.

Enter the Thane's Hall and speak to Thane Fjora.

You can also talk to Aera Earth-Turner if you want.

"My friend! I would swear we only spoke days ago. I can see by the look on your face you know of Nimalten's dark times."

How are you doing?

"Well enough. It's good to have a reason to get up in the morning. Without my family the way it was … it's easy to wallow in thoughts of Bleakrock. Of the good days."

The thane reveals that Betar-Nes was a Worm Cultist. Her advisor, Borodin, is questioning townsfolk at the inn, and her court mage, Golun Drenduf, is researching the Worm Cult.

"What brings you to my hall? You don't look in need of a thane's help. And if you are with Aera, I am not in need of her help, either."

I'm just here to help.

"A friend of Aera's? Well then, welcome to Nimalten."

Aera and I met at Bal Foyen.

"The King's Arrow, yes? Well met.
Tell no one that Betar-Nes was a member of the Worm Cult. I won't have Nimalten fall into chaos. We're on his trail. My advisor and the court mage search for any hint of the cult as we speak."

Betar-Nes … your housecarl was a Worm Cultist?

"Keep that to yourself. I won't have Nimalten fall into chaos. We're on his trail. My advisor and the court mage search for any hint of the cult as we speak."

How goes the investigation?

"Slow. My advisor Borodin is at the inn, questioning townfolk. My court mage, Golun, is at the Mages Guild, researching the Worm Cult. Would you help them?"

I'll do what I can.

"My people should not suffer for any problems within my court. I should have seen Betar-Nes's treachery before it came to roost in my very hall."

Can you describe what happened?

"There's not much to tell. Bastard asked me for a private conference, said he had something sensitive to tell me. When we were alone, he pulled a knife. I had to crush his scaly neck with my bare hands."

Did you suspect anything before the attack?

"Not a thing. To think of all the days I let that scaleback drink my mead. Live in my hall. Bah!"

Talk to Borodin upstairs in the inn. He hasn't found anything, and he doesn't believe there is anything to investigate. He even thinks it's shameful that the thane had a fight with her housecarl, and suggests that Thane Fjora isn't fit to rule..

"Let me guess: you're looking for Worm Cultists, right?"

Yes, I am.

"Well, here we are! We're all Worm Cultists. Hah! Everyone in Nimalten worships worms and dances with Daedra."

You haven't learned anything, then?

"I've learned that the thane needs to settle down. Having a troubleshooter come all the way out here? Because Fjora had a fight with her housecarl? Shameful. It makes Nimalten look bad. I'm thinking we need a new thane."

Thanks.

Golun is at the Mages Guild, directly across from the inn. He needs to check a book in the library, then he will meet you.

"Get out of here, I'm busy."

Thane Fjora said you have a theory about the Worm Cult.

"The thane is impatient. I almost have it. At first, it stumped me. Why would the cult come to this backwater? What could the cult find in Nimalten and nowhere else?"

Well, what?

"I need to do more research. I need to consult a book in the thane's library to be certain. I'll meet you there as soon as I can."

Right. Thanks, Golun.

Talk to Aera Earth-Turner while you wait. She wants you to check out Betar-Nes' house, south of the Thane's Hall.

"Nimalten reminds me of Bleakrock. All these good people, oblivious to danger. If only we could have protected my daughter.
Have you learned anything?"

Borodin's a drunk. He claims everyone in Nimalten is part of the cult.

"He's a fool. Has Golun uncovered anything interesting?"

He said he's close to uncovering what the cult wants.

"Oh? And what is that?"

He didn't say. He needed to examine a book in the thane's library.

"I'm eager to learn what he uncovers. In the meantime, would you investigate Betar-Nes's home? It's just south of the thane's hall. I trust you'll miss nothing."

I'll check it out.

The Housecarl's House

Search Betar-Nes' Home

Within Betar-Nes' house in the eastern corner is a Dark Contract. It says the spirits are key to unlocking Sinmur's power. Once you finish reading it, a Worm Cultist Assassin appears and attacks you.

"You ask too many questions."

Head back toward the Thane's Hall with this information. Stop to talk to Aera on the way. She says Golun is dead, found in the library with a pair of smashed skeletons. She can't figure out how the cultists got past her guards, though.

"Oh! Good to see you. I have sad news: Golun is dead. We heard the sounds of a struggle. My soldiers and I arrived too late."

Where was he found?

"In the library, with a pair of smashed skeletons. The Worm Cult, I'm sure of it. But how did they get past my guards?"

I'll help the search.

"First the attack against the thane and now this. I've asked my soldiers to take a more active role in defending the hall. I pray it's enough."

Aera, I was attacked in Betar-Nes's home. The cult knows I'm here.

"You're not afraid, are you? Stay strong, my friend. We'll find the heart of this corruption."

A Murder in the Thane's Hall

Investigate Golun's Murder

Enter the Thane's Hall, go behind the stairs and examine Golun's body. It looks like he tried to hide a glowing orb behind his body.

"<Golun was stabbed repeatedly until he died. A faintly glowing object is scarcely visible beneath him, as though he'd tried to hide it.>"

The Magicka Memory Matrix

When you use the orb, a glowing projection appears. It is a magic memory matrix; it holds all of Golun's memories. The last memory shows Golun realizing that the Worm Cult wants to use bound Companion spirits to make Sinmur stronger. The cultists are gathering in the crypt below Nimalten.

"Greetings, Master Drenduf. As always, your memories are alive in me. How may I serve?"

What are you?

"I am as you made me, Master. A magicka memory matrix. A place to hold safe your dearest memories."

What's the last memory you have?

"Research entry. As I suspected, the Worm Cult plans to use bound Companion spirits to empower Sinmur. I've found evidence they're gathering in the crypt beneath Nimalten. The footprints lead from this fireplace, here …. What? No!"

That's it?

"Yes, Master Drendruf. Your notes on the Companions indicate they once bound powerful heroes as eternal guardians. I cannot recall any other information on this subject."

Enter Nimalten Barrow through the secret passage in the fireplace.

Betrayal

As you try to walk forward, Advisor Borodin appears. He is a Worm Cultist and wanted to get you out of the way. It's clear that he doesn't plan on fighting honorably, as he teleports you deeper into the crypt.

"My brethren move to take Nimalten. They need you out of the way.
I doubt I could take you in a fair fight. Luckily, I don't have to."

It's time Borodin met his end

A magical blue barrier blocks the door to his lair. You need to take the long way around to kill Anchorite Borodin.

The Thane, wounded after her fight with Aera

Open the now unblocked door across from Borodin and head back into the Thane's Hall to check on the Thane. She says Aera was leading the cultists, but she was able to wound Aera.

"The cultists. They came out of nowhere. Aera. She was leading them! She demanded I join the cult.
Surprised … surprised her."

Where is she? Where's Aera?

"I don't know. I cut her, and she scampered like a skeever."

Will you be all right if I leave you here?

"Shut up and get out of here. Bleeding feels good. Reminds me I'm alive."

Tracking the Assassin

Exit the Thane's Hall, and talk to the Nimalten Guard. He saw Aera head to the water.

"I saw her head toward the water."

Go northeast, and find another guard who says she went into the crypt.

"She went into the crypt …."

Enter the crypt through the door near the water. On the wooden bridge, you find a half-burned note to Borodin. Use the trapdoor at the other end of the bridge to enter the lower level. There is another scrap of paper, this one by Littrek called Ode to Oinkers.

Talk to Aera. The Worm Cultists convinced her that she would be able to see her dead family members if she gave them information. Then, the cult asked her to kill Golun and Thane Fjora for them. She is done with the cult. Her dialogue depends on what happened in Bal Foyen.

If Littrek and Denskar died:

"So, you've come to kill me."

Aera, why did you do it?

"Do you remember Denskar? Littrek? Do you remember how they died, bleeding from Covenant blades? I watched it all. I watched them die. You can't know how painful that is."

What about Trynhild?

"I barely see Tryn. She's off on her missions. And she'll be dead soon, too, in this pointless war. The Worm Cult came when I was grieving. They said they could reunite me with my husband, my boy. All I had to do was pass information about the Pact."

If Trynhild died:

"So, you've come to kill me."

Aera, why did you do it? I saved your life.

"Do you remember Trynhild? My daughter? She died on the docks of Bal Foyen, cut apart by Covenant blades.
I don't blame you. I blame them, and myself. She's gone, and I'm alive. Do you know how painful that is?"

What about Denskar? Littrek?

"They're away, on "missions." I never see them, but it doesn't matter. They'll be dead soon, too.
The Worm Cult said they'd reunite me with Trynhild. All I had to do was pass information about the Pact."

Or, if you haven't completed the Bal Foyen quests:

"So, you've come to kill me."

Why did you betray the Pact?

"Have you ever lost a child or a spouse? Do you know what that pain is like?
It's unbearable. The Worm Cult said they could bring them back. We'd be reunited. All I had to do was pass them information."

Regardless, the conversation continues:

You must have known that was a lie.

"Maybe. But I chose to believe. It wasn't just secrets. Soon the cult asked me to kill for them. Golun. Thane Fjora.
My family would despise what I've become. I'm done with the cult, but it's too late, isn't it?"

You can choose to kill Aera for betraying the Pact, arrest her, or tell her to run away and you will say she is dead.

I can't let you live. You betrayed me and the Pact. †/ I can't let you live. You betrayed the Pact. ‡

"Yes. I betrayed you, even after all you did for me and my family. But you'll end my pain, won't you? That's good. It's fitting. But I won't just lie down and die.
If you want to kill me, earn it!" †

"The Pact. Of course. It's all about the Pact, isn't it? Everyone dies for the Pact. Well, why not add me to the tally? See if you're up for it!" ‡

Come. Face justice, or face your death.

"Face justice? Perhaps. But face my family? No. I've hurt too many. I can't do anything about that rotting in a prison.
I'm leaving, going far away. Come after me if you want, but I won't just lie down and die." †

"What justice can the Pact offer? To make up for all I've done by rotting in a cell?
I'm going far away from the Pact and the cult. Come after me if you want, but be ready to fight." ‡

I won't kill you. Run. Never come back. I'll tell them you're dead. †/If you're truly done with the cult, then run away. I'll say you're dead.‡

"I must hide from the cult, and they'll be after you too.
But, why spare me, after all I've done? Never mind. I'll go and I won't be back. My family will forgive me someday, I hope. I won't waste the chance at life."‡

If you try to arrest her, she will reply that she can't face her family. She is going far away. You have to kill her if this happens. She runs into another section of the crypt. After she leaves, you can read Aera's Letter to Trynhild or Aera's Letter to Denskar, depending on whom you chose to aid during the quest Crossroads in Bal Foyen. If you choose to let her go, she will just run away towards the exit and you can proceed through the crypt to fight a Worm Cultist boss.

Return to the thane, who thanks you for your efforts.

"So. Aera was behind much of this, wasn't she? I don't pretend to know her reasons. All I want to know is whether you've dealt with her or not."

If you let Aera flee:

Aera Earth-Turner is dead. [Lie]

"Was it difficult? No matter. You did well. You've avenged Golun and all the others Aera lied to and murdered. Nimalten is safe.
We owe you a great debt. The Worms will find no shelter in the shadow of Nimalten!"

If you killed Aera:

I did. Are you going to make it?

"Yes, yes. I'm thankful for these wounds, in fact. They woke me up. A thane must be ever vigilant.
The Worms will find no shelter in the shadows of Nimalten."

Notes

• If you go to the docks during the Bal Foyen questline, Aera will act as though her husband and son are dead, and her daughter is alive. However, if you go to the fort, the opposite happens; Aera's daughter dies, but her husband and son live.

Quest Stages

Concealed Weapons
Finishes Quest	Journal Entry
	I should speak with Thane Fjora to learn more about the attempt on her life. Objective: Talk to Thane Fjora I should also speak to Aera while I'm in the Thane's Hall. Optional Step: Talk to Aera
	The thane has sent her court mage and closest advisor to investigate the attempted assassination. She's asked me to join in the effort. Golun, the mage, is at the Guild Hall. Borodin, the advisor, is at the Inn. Objective: Talk to Golun at the Guild Hall Objective: Talk to Borodin at the Inn
	Sergeant Aera wants to know how the investigation is going. I should talk to her. Objective: Talk to Aera
	Sergeant Aera, worrying that the local people may have missed something, wants me to investigate Betar-Nes's home. It's just to the south of the thane's hall. Objective: Investigate Betar-Nes's House
	I found an unusual document in the house. I should return to the thane's Hall and report this. Objective: Return to Thane's Hall Optional Step: A Worm Cult assassin jumped me at Betar-Nes's house.
	Golun has apparently been killed. I should speak to Aera outside the thane's hall to learn more. Objective: Talk to Aera
	Aera informed me that she and her soldiers found Golun dead in the hall library. I should investigate. Objective: Investigate Golun's Murder
	Golun was stabbed to death. He managed to crawl across the room, holding some kind of glowing sphere. I should investigate this glass sphere. Objective: Use Glowing Orb
	I used the glowing orb, and an image of Golun appeared before me! I should talk to him. Objective: Talk to Glowing Projection
	Golun's research indicates the Worm Cult hopes to use ancient spirits to empower the ghost giant Sinmur. He found evidence their lair is in the crypt beneath Nimalten. I should investigate the fireplace to see if I can gain access. Objective: Enter Secret Passage to the Crypt
	Borodin is here in the crypt! I should hear what he has to say. Objective: Listen to Borodin
	The cult is attempting to take control of Nimalten! Borodin has been set the task of keeping me distracted. It's time Borodin met his end. Objective: Kill Borodin
	I must find the thane. I hope she's still alive. Objective: Find Thane Fjora
	I should speak to Fjora. Objective: Talk to the Thane
	Aera Earth-Turner, my old friend, was behind the attack on Nimalten. She tried to kill the thane. I must leave the thane's hall and find Aera. Objective: Exit Thane's Hall
	I must chase after Aera. Objective: Talk to the Wounded Housecarl
	The wounded soldier said Aera was headed toward the water. I must find her. Hidden Objective: Go to the Water Objective: Find Aera
	I should speak to the wounded guard. Objective: Talk to Wounded Guard
	The wounded soldier said Aera was headed toward the water. I must find her. Hidden Objective: Go to the Water Objective: Find Aera
	I should enter the ancient crypt. Objective: Enter Crypt
	Aera is inside the crypt. I must confront her about her betrayal. Objective: Talk to Aera Earth-Turner
	Aera was with the Worm Cult, but she's done serving them. She wants to flee. I can kill her, try to bring her back to face justice, or let her go. Complete one: Arrest Aera Earth-Turner or Exile Aera Earth-Turner
	Aera is gone, and I should now leave the crypt and return to the Thane. If any Worm Cultists try to stop me, I'll have to kill them. Objective: Kill Worm Cultist and Leave the Crypt (If Aera is let go)
Finishes quest	Aera has rejected all ties with the Worm Cult. I let her go into exile. To keep her safe, I must lie to Thane Fjora and say Aera is dead. Objective: Talk to Thane in Throne Room (If Aera is let go)
	After being confronted with her crimes, Aera fled. She leaves me no choice. I cannot allow her to escape. I must go after her and kill her. Objective: Kill Aera Earth-Turner (If Aera is arrested)
Finishes quest	Aera is dead. I should speak with the thane in her throne room. Objective: Talk to Thane in Throne Room (If Aera is arrested)

Notes

* Any text displayed in angle brackets (e.g., <Alias=LocationHold>) is dynamically set by the game and will be filled in with the appropriate word(s) when seen in game.

• Not all Journal Entries may appear in your journal; which entries appear and which entries do not depends on the manner in which the quest is done.
• Stages are not always in order of progress. This is usually the case with quests that have multiple possible outcomes or quests where certain tasks may be done in any order. Some stages may therefore repeat objectives seen in other stages.

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