Lord Gharesh-ri is a Khajiit and the Speaker of the Mane, Akkhuz-ri. They are both long-time friends. His duties consist of traveling to places incorporated into the Aldmeri Dominion to speak on the Mane's behalf when he is too busy with other matters.
The Vestige has traveled with Captain Jimila to Haven, the largest port on the Long coast. The area has been taken over by a powerful group of pirates, and the objective is to reclaim Haven from them to make it safe again.
Gharesh-ri says that while the Mane Akkhuz-ri and his guards were travelling to The Silvenar and The Green Lady's wedding, the Mane mysteriously attacked them with a dark magic and fled.
"Without the weight of numbers, we can't retake Haven by direct assault. The key to victory is the fort."
Lieutenant Kazargi said you needed some help."Sharp clawed, that one. It's why I left her in charge. This has been enlightening training cruise for my soldiers. I wanted to show them life outside of Elsweyr, for them to see what it means to be a Dominion citizen! I never expected this."
Lieutenant Kazargi mentioned something about Haven's garrison?"Ah, yes. The great General Endare! I wanted to introduce my soldiers to a real Dominion hero. Shame that she's gone. Pulled her fearsome Jade Dragoons out of town before we arrived, and left the place defenseless. Seems the pirates decided to fill the void."
Why would she leave?"A question for another time. Right now, we need to deal with these pirates—Jackdaws, they call themselves. We spotted a few giving orders to the others. These Jackdaw lieutenants are the key."
What do you mean?"We must know why have the Jackdaws lingered in Haven. What do they plan for its citizens? Take my notebook and find the Jackdaw lieutenants. Make note of anything they say which gives us a clearer understanding."
Can't I just kill them?"I can't see why not. If they're of any importance to the Jackdaw's captain, they'll have written orders. As long as we learn their plans, I don't care how you do it."
I'll see what I can learn.
In the fort:
"Well done, my friend! Lieutenant Kazargi brought me what you found."
What should we do next?"The pirate leader intends to fill Haven's streets with undead slaves, but there's still time to stop them. They're coming from the Fighters Guild. I need someone I can trust to get inside and disrupt their foul rituals. Can I count on you once more?"
Why me?"My soldiers are loyal, but if I'm not beside them they'll fight with half a heart. And this way, we keep the pirates' focus on the Speaker for the Mane's flashing weapons and luxurious hair. Meanwhile, you can gut them when they aren't looking."
Of course."By Alkosh's scaly nethers, I knew you'd come through! Now, the pirates are likely to have the Fighters Guild heavily guarded and locked down."
How do I get the key?"I hand it to you. Found it on a pirate's corpse and recognized the markings. The luck of Rajhin was with me! I'm sure the Fighters Guild will approve of you smashing anything that doesn't belong. When you finish, inform Lieutenant Kazargi of your success!"
After defeating the pirates:
"Ha! I knew you'd done it the moment those undead fell to tatters! Half of the pirates surrendered on the spot. They must've thought whatever you did to the undead would happen to them next!"
The pirate leader is dead."This means three things. First, you were instrumental in crushing the pirate invasion of Haven. Second, the Dominion's leadership owes you a debt of thanks. And third, I am privileged to be the one who pays it. An honor to fight beside you."
After completing the quest:
"I'd like to know why General Endare pulled her Jade Dragoons from Haven. Their absence nearly led to the Jackdaws' success."
Lieutenant Kazargi was seriously wounded"What? The last I saw, she was carving her way through undead warriors. How bad is it?"
It seemed bad. She didn't want you to worry."Nonsense. I'll send for Mages Guild healers to treat her immediately. Don't you worry about Lieutenant Kazargi. She fought like she was born with six claws. There's no way she'll go without a fight."
"The pain is bad enough. The surprise and betrayal, worse."
What happened here?"The Mane … we were escorting him to the handfast, when something happened. He stumbled as we crossed the bridge. We stopped to help him and he … he just went mad. He attacked us with tooth and claw … and something else."
What else?"Magic. Dark magic! The guards were dead before we could drive him … it off. It fled north. I think it's heading toward the March. You must find him! Stand back. I can cast a small spell … find where he's headed."
Just tell me where he's going. I'll find the Mane.
After using the spell:
"Agh … that hurt. Probably should not have done that, but … you have to find him. Fort Grimwatch is in the Northern Woods, high up the Reaper's March. This one thinks … that is where he's gone."
I'll find him. Can I ask you a few things before I go?"Of course. I have been Akkhuz-ri's Speaker for years. Our relationship is far older than this Dominion we struggle to keep together. Ask me what you will."
At least we're not assaulting a city this time."Who knows? It may come to that. Haven is a long way away, but it was a warning to all of us. No stronghold is safe. I'm just glad you're here. There's no one I would trust more with such a task."
What can you tell me about the Mane?"His true name is Akkhuz-ri. We've been friends since we were children. He was brought up by the lunar clergy, as all Manes are. I was the son of Elsweyr nobility. We both knew we'd make our mark on the world. I never thought it would be like this."
What do you think happened to him?"I don't … can't know for sure. He never even showed an interest in magic! He's always been a good leader. Quieter than usual these last years, but I just thought he was adjusting to our new Alliance. Dark Moons. Dark Moons."
How were you able to find where he went?"When we were younger I had fears that Akkhuz-ri would be taken captive. The Mane would make for a tempting hostage, I thought. We had Mages enchant a ring he wears on his right hand. My prayer caught up to this ring, and told me where he'd gone."
"Hallowed. Strange to refer to you by that title after everything else you've done for the Dominion. But then, I suppose this was ordained in the moonlight, yes?"
It's been a journey. How does the common Khajiit feel about this?"News of Akkhuz-ri's fall has spread as fast as the wind. All of Elsweyr is talking about these two young women. As you probably know, this is the first time we've had two candidates for the Mane at the same time. There's a great deal of … talk."
Are you worried about how your people will react?"I signed the Elden Accord. The people trust me, they trust my judgment. They know that I will serve ably as Speaker to the next Mane. With my help, the people will grow to love her."
Quotes[]
"You've done it! Excellent work!" – During "Unsafe Haven," after opening the gates to the fort
"Search for him in Reaper's March, near Fort Grimwatch. I sense his presence there." – During "The Dark Mane," after using the spell to locate the Mane
