I return to the Guild to report my findings.
Mercer Frey does indeed know Karliah. Years ago, Karliah, Gallus, and himself were the three leaders of the Guild. One day Karliah murdered Gallus when the three of them were exploring Snow Veil Sanctum, a barrow southeast of Winterhold. Karliah grieviously wounded Mercer Frey on her escape, and he would have died too, had he not fled fast enough to seek help. He eventually returned to inform the Guild of Karliah's betrayal, and committed to rebuild the Guild.
When Karliah mentioned the place where it all started, she must have meant Snow Veil Sanctum. Mercer Frey is keen to pay the traitor her due. He left Brynjolf in charge at the Flagon, and told me to meet him at the barrow.
At the Barrow, the Mercer Frey says he did a bit of scouting and is sure that Karliah is waiting inside. We have to be careful though - all the traps have been re-laid, and Karliah have doubtlessly added her own little surprises.
The sanctum is heavily trapped and progress is slow. Along the way, I find a Dragon Wall that impressed the words of Disarm Weapon into my mind. We eventually reached the end of the barrow where Karliah awaits.
I entered the chamber and found... betrayal. Mercer Frey stabbed me in the back - literally. As the poison seeped into my veins and consciousness slips, I hear Mercer challenging Karliah... and then, nothing...
-
