I just finished the Tribunal main quest, and I'm puzzled that they never explained whether or not Helseth actually murdered the last king (I assume he did). Additionally, it seemed he could decide on whether he wanted to kill you or reward you. He did apologize about the assassins once, but then later set up a ruse with Barenziah to try to kill you again, without ever explaining himself. Did I miss something?

He did murder the last king, Athyn Llethren. You should also read "A Game At Dinner" to get a better persepctive of out friend Helseth.


He does not try to kill you in the Protect Barenziah quest, he is testing you. If you look at the assassins that come into Barenziah's chambers, you would see that they are Imperials. All other Dark Brotherhood are Dunmer. That quest is a test of your loyalty and devotion. Although he maintains the illision that the assassins were not his doing, the veidence indicates otherwise.