SSE 41: Drunk and Hunted

I head back to Whiterun where I was accosted by two fellows wearing masks. They denounced me as a "false dragonborn" and attempted to take my life... it was a piss-poor attempt, considering that the dragonborn is equipped to down entire dragons single-handedly - but the fact that someone is keen to stop a dragonborn is disconcerting enough.

On the bodies of these cultists I find a note that says I am to be prevented from reaching Solstheim, an island far to the north. Well well. Talk about not giving the enemy your plans... but suppose this is a trap, though?

Speaking of assassins, I also ran into some Thalmor that attacked me as I passed them on the road. This I would swear is a mistake - I have done nothing to contradict the Thalmor... but then I found their orders to kill me on sight. It would seem that the Thalmor now consider me an opponent... 

I decided to head to the Bannered Mare to gather my thoughts and plan... but then I encountered a strange man challenging everyone to a drinking duel there. He even offered to give anyone who can beat him with a magical staff he has in his possession. Since this Sam Guevenne had apparently outdrank everyone in the inn - that's formidable considering that we're in Skyrim - I decided to give him a challenge.

Things went swimmingly - until I woke upon... somewhere.

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