The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim presents players with complex moral dilemmas throughout their journeys in Tamriel, but few side quests spark as much debate as In My Time of Need. Triggered after completing the main story quest Dragon Rising, this quest begins near the entrance of Whiterun, where two Redguard mercenaries known as the Alik'r are turned away by town guards. Upon speaking with them, you learn they are hunting a noble Redguard woman who fled her homeland under mysterious circumstances.
Locating Saadia in Whiterun
To begin investigating the claim, players can locate the fugitive working as a tavern maid named Saadia inside The Bannered Mare. Approaching her regarding the mercenaries causes her to panic and request a private conversation upstairs. Once away from prying eyes, she reveals her true identity as Iman and claims that assassins are hunting her for speaking out against the Aldmeri Dominion.
Saadia asks you to eliminate the mercenary leader, Kematu, to ensure her safety and scatter the remaining pursuers. If you agree to help her, she directs you toward the Dragonsreach Dungeon to question an imprisoned Alik'r warrior for information on Kematu's whereabouts.
Tracking Down Kematu at Swindler's Den
Visiting the Dragonsreach Dungeon allows players to speak with the captive mercenary, who demands that his bail be paid before offering assistance. After paying the required sum to the guard, the prisoner reveals that Kematu operates out of a cavern called Swindler's Den. Navigating through this hideout requires battling through multiple hostile bandits until reaching the inner chamber.
When you finally encounter Kematu inside the cave, he does not immediately attack and instead offers his own version of the narrative. He claims that Saadia is actually a traitor who sold out the city of Taneth to the Thalmor, and his group simply seeks to bring her back to Hammerfell for justice.
Choosing Between Saadia and the Alik'r Warriors
Players must make a definitive choice between supporting Saadia or handing her over to Kematu. Deciding to side with Saadia requires defeating Kematu and his warriors inside Swindler's Den, after which you can return to The Bannered Mare to receive a monetary reward from her.
Alternatively, agreeing to help Kematu requires tricking Saadia into meeting at the Whiterun Stables under the pretense of an escape attempt. Once she arrives, Kematu uses paralyzing magic to capture her without harm, granting you a reward for your cooperation. Both choices yield equal gold rewards, leaving the final verdict to your personal sense of morality and roleplaying preferences.
