The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Hints

Infiltrate Mercer's house.

  • 1 of 7: Do the "(Optional) Speak to Vex about Vald" objective, then go check out Riftweald Manor.
  • 2 of 7: Its front door is unlocked, but it's barred from the other side, so you'll have to find a back way in.
  • 3 of 7: Enter the Temple of Mara area that's to the right of the manor and go up to the locked gate that's near the NE corner of the area at ground level. Vald should see you and turn hostile.
  • 4 of 7: Go up the stairs to the temple door, then turn left to find another locked gate. Vald can open that gate, and will do so to come through and attack you. Kill him, then take Mercer's house key from his body. (Note that since he was a hostile, you won't get a bounty for killing him.)
  • 5 of 7: Once Vald is dealt with, enter the manor's backyard and do the "(Optional) Shoot the mechanism to lower the ramp" objective.
  • 6 of 7: Go up the stairs and then the ramp to reach the manor's only unbolted door. It's locked, but the key you got from Vald will open it.
  • 7 of 7: When you enter the manor, you'll get the "Discover evidence of Mercer's location" objective.