A Cornered Rat

A Cornered Rat sends you to Riften to find Esbern, an old Blades archivist who has been hiding from the Thalmor for years. The Thalmor files you stole in Diplomatic Immunity show they are hunting him – so you need to get there first.

Walkthrough

Asking around in Riften

Riften is the home of the Thieves Guild, and that is who you need to ask. Talk to Brynjolf in the marketplace during the day or at the Bee and Barb in the evening. If you have not met him before, the conversation also introduces you to the Thieves Guild. Keerava at the Bee and Barb can point you in the right direction too.

The Ratway

The entrance to the Ratway is on the lower level of Riften, near the canal. Inside you will run into a few unfriendly locals – and Thalmor agents who are also searching for Esbern. Make your way through to the Ragged Flagon, the Thieves Guild’s tavern.

Vekel the Man

In the Ragged Flagon, ask Vekel the Man about the old man. He will want a little persuasion first – a good speech check, a bribe or a brawl will do it. He then tells you where Esbern is hiding.

The Ratway Warrens

Continue into the Ratway Vaults and the Ratway Warrens, where Esbern has barricaded himself behind a door with a peephole. He is extremely paranoid and will not let you in until you prove Delphine sent you – pass on the question she gave you, about where he was on the 30th of Frostfall.

Esbern

Esbern opens up – in every sense. He explains that Alduin has returned, just as the old prophecy said, and he believes the secret to stopping him lies in Alduin’s Wall, an ancient carving hidden in a lost Blades temple. Thalmor agents will attack on your way out, so stay close to him.

Tips

• If you are already in the Thieves Guild questline, talk to Brynjolf or Vekel directly in the Ragged Flagon.
• Esbern is essential during the escort, but keep an eye on him anyway – he loves to wander into fights.