The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is known for its immersive open world, plethora of quests, and tons of secrets to uncover. While Skyrim's quests might not be as in-depth as other RPGs, the game does a great job of encouraging players to explore the landscape Bethesda has built.
One quest that breaks from this mold is the "In My Time of Need" quest. This quest asks players to look for a missing Redguard woman, but players quickly realize that the situation isn't clear cut. Both parties have conflicting stories, so it's up to the player on who to trust. Completing this questline is rather simple, but it can branch out a surprising number of times. Here is a complete guide to the "In My Time of Need" quest in Skyrim.
8 Talk to the Alik'r Warriors
When players walk into Whiterun during the main story, they have a high probability of encountering two Alik'r Warriors searching for a lost Redguard woman. Talking to them will start the questline, with both warriors asking the player to help them find the missing woman.
If players miss their first encounter with the Alik'r in Whiterun, they will randomly patrol Skyrim near the roads of Whiterun. Patrol around the outskirts of the town to find them.
7 Find The Redguard Woman
Looking for the missing Redguard is incredibly easy. She resides in Whiterun and works in The Bannered Mare. Walk inside and find a Redguard working at the pub named Saadia.
Talking to her and telling her of the Alik'r Warriors will prompt her to move upstairs to hold a private conversation.
6 Listen To Saadia Or Turn Her In
Most players will walk directly upstairs and listen to Saadia's offer, but many do not know that she can be turned in to the Alik'r Warriors at this point. If players wish to complete this quest right now, walk back to the duo and tell them of her location. Players will be compensated 500 Gold and the quest will end.
For those who wish to help Saadia, head upstairs to one of the rooms in The Bannered Mare. She will tell the player that she is a runaway from Hammerfell because she spoke out against the Aldmeri Dominion to House Suda. The two men outside are hired assassins. Whether the player believes her is up to them. If players believe her, Saadia will tell the player of a bounty hunter named Kematu that can be killed to rid of the search.
5 Uncover Kematu's Location
Trouble is, Saadia usually doesn't know where Kematu is. If players have not cleared out his hideout at Swindler's Den, they will need to learn of Kematu's whereabouts. Saadia tells players of an imprisoned Alik'r in Whiterun that might know of his location.
Head to the Dragonsreach Dungeon and talk to the prisoner. He will tell the player that he can help if the player bails him out of jail. Talk to a guard and pay a 100 Gold fine to release the prisoner. The Alik'r will tell the player that Kematu resides at Swindler's Den. Note that this step can be skipped entirely if players have already cleared out Swindler's Den before starting this quest.
4 Enter Kematu's Hideout
Once players learn of Kematu's hideout, they must make their way inside and speak to him. Players can find Swindler's Den to the west of Whiterun near a hill. Head directly east until players stumble across a river. Follow it until it divots to the south. Head southwest of there to find a rock in the middle of the plains.
That rock is the entrance to Swindler's Den. Be aware that there are a few enemies up ahead, so prepare for a small skirmish.
3 Kill Or Convince Kematu
Reaching the end of the dungeon will reveal Kematu and his men. He already knew the player was coming but isn't hostile at first. He explains his side of the story, claiming that Saadia is a traitor and will be brought back to Hammerfell to face justice.
At this point, players can choose to either kill Kematu or side with Kematu to capture Saadia. If players choose the former, prepare to fight a small group of reasonably tough bandits. Take advantage of Shouts, potions, and companions to take them out.
2 Return To Saadia
For players that chose to side with Saadia, they simply need to return to her in order to finish the quest.
Talking to Saadia back at The Bannered Mare will grant a 500 Gold reward and her thanks for killing the mercenaries. The Alik'r Warriors will continue their search but come up empty-handed.
1 Turn In Saadia
Siding with the Alik'r at this stage will trigger a different final step. Instead of claiming a reward from Saadia, players need to lure her to the Whiterun Stables in order for the Alik'r to capture her without causing trouble with the town guards. Talk to her and tell her to run to the Whiterun Stables as soon as possible.
When she is captured, the player will be rewarded 500 Gold and the quest will end. It is presumed that she died as players can find her burial urn at Whiterun's Hall of the Dead when the quest finishes.