The quest In My Time Of Need in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim presents players with one of the most morally ambiguous choices in the entire game. Shortly after entering Whiterun, the Dragonborn encounters Alik'r warriors searching for a missing Redguard woman who hides in plain sight. Resolving this conflict requires gathering intelligence, navigating a treacherous cavern, and ultimately deciding which side is telling the truth.
Starting the Quest in Whiterun
To initiate the quest, speak with the Alik'r mercenaries arguing with the Whiterun guards near the main city gate. They explain that they are hunting a noblewoman named Saadia who fled Hammerfell after committing treason. Head over to the Bannered Mare tavern inside Whiterun to locate Saadia working as a barmaid.
When confronted privately in her upstairs room, Saadia claims that the Alik'r are assassins hired by the Aldmeri Dominion to murder her for opposing Thalmor influence. She begs the Dragonborn to eliminate their leader, Kematu, who is hiding out in Swindler's Den. Alternatively, players can choose to betray her immediately by reporting her location to the Alik'r warrior waiting near the city entrance.
Locating Kematu in Swindler's Den
If you choose to assist Saadia, your journey takes you west toward Swindler's Den, a cave system filled with bandits. Fighting through the subterranean passages allows you to clear out hostile guards while collecting valuable loot along the way. Deep within the cavern, you will encounter Kematu surrounded by his personal guard.
Rather than attacking on sight, Kematu will initiate dialogue to explain his version of the story. He asserts that Saadia betrayed her people to the Thalmor during the Great War and must face justice in Hammerfell. Hearing both perspectives gives the Dragonborn one final chance to decide who to trust before taking irreversible action.
Siding with Saadia or Kematu
Choosing to side with Saadia requires defeating Kematu and his elite guards in open combat inside the cave. This fight can prove challenging at lower levels due to the number of dual-wielding curved sword fighters attacking simultaneously. Once Kematu is defeated, return to the Bannered Mare to receive a reward of gold from Saadia.
Siding with Kematu involves leading Saadia into a trap at the Whiterun Stables under the pretense of aiding her escape. Upon arrival, Kematu casts a paralysis spell on Saadia and prepares to transport her back to Hammerfell for trial. Kematu rewards you with 500 gold for your assistance, successfully completing the quest without bloodshed.
Quest Rewards and Story Impact
Both narrative paths grant a maximum reward of 500 gold, making the moral decision the primary focus of the quest. Lore enthusiasts often debate which party is telling the truth, as evidence within Skyrim supports arguments for both factions. Siding with Kematu is generally considered more lore-accurate given Hammerfell's fierce resistance against the Thalmor during that historical era.
Regardless of your final decision, completing this quest removes the lingering Alik'r warriors from the entrances of Whiterun and other major holds. The quest serves as an excellent early-game source of gold, experience, and combat training for new characters. Understanding the underlying lore helps players make an informed choice that fits their character's personal roleplay alignment.
