Missing in Action Missing in Action is a quest available in . Walkthrough . The quest can be started in two ways . The first is by speaking to Fralia Gray - Mane in Whiterun . She will tell the Dragonborn that her son is missing , but alive , regardless of what anybody says , and that she would like to discuss it in private at her home . Once there , Thorald ' s brother Avulstein will explain the situation further . Alternately , the quest can be started by talking to Avulstein directly . Either way , Avulstein explains that they would like any proof that Thorald is indeed alive , and they want him found . Find the evidence . There are a few ways to go about getting proof from the Battle - Born s . The most direct is to sneak into their house ( the back door is unlocked for this purpose ) and find the book " Imperial Missive " on the desk . The book is located behind a locked door . It will state that Thorald has been taken prisoner by the Thalmor , and relocated to Northwatch Keep . Instead of steal ing the evidence from the Battle - Born house , the Dragonborn can try confronting Jon Battle - Born with knowledge of his tryst with Olfina . To do so , first pickpocket him for a letter from Olfina . After bringing it up with him , Jon will agree to bring the Imperial missive to the Dragonborn at the Statue of Talos . It is also possible to persuade Idolaf Battle - Born into giving the information , but it requires a high Speech level ( confirmed level 90 without perks or fortifying equipment on PS3 , confirmed 75 or above on PC ) . The third , and easiest , option is to first befriend Clan Battle - Born , which can be done in any of three ways : Having befriended Clan Battle - Born , one can freely enter the study ( requires picking an Adept lock ) and take the missive . Rescue Thorald . With the knowledge of Thorald ' s location , the Dragonborn can choose to relay it to Avulstein and join him , Geirlund and Vidrald in attacking the fort , or simply go alone . Head to Northwatch Keep . Once at Northwatch Keep , the Dragonborn can choose to fight through waves of Thalmor guards throughout the fort to find Thorald . The guards use shock spells and leveled weapons and armor . Alternatively , there is a side entrance protected by a single guard and an Adept - level lock that can be picked . This will make the trek through the Keep much easier , requiring only a fight through a single room with a few enemies . Proceed through the Keep to the prison area . Thorald Gray - Mane is chained to the wall in the back of the room . Kill the Northwatch Interrogator to free him . He will grab a nearby weapon to help protect himself before following the Dragonborn . After exiting , Thorald will thank the Dragonborn for saving him . He will then explain that it is not safe for him to return to Whiterun , as the Thalmor will be after him now . He states that he will join the ranks of the Stormcloaks to blend in , and gives the Dragonborn a message to pass on to Thorald ' s mother : " Suffer the winter ' s cold wind , for it bears aloft next summer ' s seeds . " He then parts ways . Return to Fralia . Once the Dragonborn approaches Fralia with the news of her son ' s survival , she will ask for proof . Give her Thorald ' s message . She will give thanks for bringing her the peace of knowing that her son is alive and safe , and not locked up in a prison cell . She then rewards the Dragonborn with a random Skyforged weapon or an enchanted steel weapon , originally intended for Thorald , and the quest is complete . If Fralia ' s husband , Eorlund , has died anytime before the conclusion of this quest , Fralia will say that she does not have much to offer , due to the passing of Eorlund , and will be able to give 200 instead of the weapon .