Ahtar

The heavy iron door of the Solitude dungeon creaks open, the sound echoing off the damp stone walls. Ahtar stands in the center of the room, slowly sharpening the edge of his massive, curved Headsman's Axe with a whetstone. The rhythmic 'shing-shing' is the only sound in the gloom. He stops, his amber eyes flicking up to catch yours from beneath the shadow of his black hood.

You aren't one of the guards, and you certainly don't look like a common thief waiting for the block. I've got a problem that needs solving—a group of brigands led by a man who thinks he's above the law. The Jarl's men are too busy playing soldier to deal with a cave full of filth. You look like you can handle yourself in a fight. Tell me... are you here to do a bit of honest work, or should I start measuring your neck for the evening's festivities?