Legacy
- 4 years ago
- 15
- 0
“Are you sure about this, Martina?”
“No, my love, not really. But it’s the best idea I have at the moment.”
With our success in the city, I had a few of the residents of Chorrol that were actually related to members of the Imperial Legion company stationed at Battlehorn Castle and Fort Rayles with our small group, as well as Honditar. The main army had continued on to the west after two days of rest and replenishment to join the Cheydinhal forces.
The battlements of the castle were visible from the road. “Damn, that’s an impressive sight,” I said.
“I agree, Your Majesty,” Honditar agreed. “I’m just hoping that the forces here are open to reason.”
We came up to the gate. The portcullis was down and blocking the entrance. From inside, a voice yelled down, “Who goes there?”
One of the people with me yelled back, “I’m Erlenne Renoene, mother of Captain Feroc Renoene, commander here. I need to speak with him.”
The guard came down. “Oh, sorry, ma’am, but ... you know security. Please wait, while I get him. My apologies.”
We waited patiently. After a few minutes, a Breton man wearing Imperial plate mail came out of the castle. “Mother? What’s going on here? Guards, open the gate.”
“Captain, you know the orders.”
“Screw the orders, this is my mother.”
“Yes, sir.” The portcullis was slowly raised and we entered the castle courtyard as a group. Several of the off-duty guards came over to listen, as this was a break in their routine. The Captain glared at them and they hurried off.
In a quiet voice, he said, “All right, Mother, what is it? I know you didn’t come see me on a whim, not with...” He raised an arm to point at us. “these armed people with you.”
“My son, do you trust me?”
His brow furrowed. “Of course. I may be in the Imperial Legion, but ... you’re my mother. What’s wrong?”
She pointed to me. “Listen to her. She speaks the truth.”
I said, “Captain Renoene, are you in charge of the troops here in Battlehorn Castle?”
“Yes.”
“Do you have any Thalmor stationed here?”
“Not bloody likely. Those stiff necked bastards wouldn’t leave the comfort of a town unless they had a reason.”
“And now a very important question. If a Septim was on the throne, would you follow her instead of Titus Mede?”
He rubbed his chin. “I presume you have a point to these questions. Considering the minor detail that my mother said she’d never leave the safety of the walls of Chorrol, and she appears to be here voluntarily, I’m guessing that’s not a rhetorical question. There’s not that many of you, but at the same time, you and two of your people are wearing armor that I’ve never seen before. While you’re of Imperial descent, most of those with you are Nord. And ... your sword. What in the gods name is that made of?”
“Dragon bone. And my armor is dragon scale.”
He blanched at that statement. “I may be a Breton, but ... I’ve been in the Legion a few years. Served a tour in Skyrim five years ago, before the civil war got going.”
“What civil war?” I smiled. “There’s no civil war in Skyrim. At least, not now.”
“A Septim Heir, eh? I’ve three hundred soldiers here, you know. There’s another three hundred, also under my command, up at Fort Rayles.” He continued to look at me, still rubbing at his chin. “I don’t suppose you are in a position to offer us anything, are you?”
“Well, there would be two choices available to you. The first is service to a true Septim Empress of Tamriel, a descendant of Martin Septim and Chantal Grize’. It’s even likely that your mother might be able to support that claim, especially since it was recognized by Primate Analya of the Chapel of Stendarr in Chorrol, and of course Honditar is here as well as a living witness to some recent ... events. Shame about Count Valga, but there’s also a position open for a Count in Chorrol now.”
“Do I even want to know the second?”
“Probably not. You said that you served in Skyrim. Have you ever heard of the Dragonborn?”
“The bards up there used to sing their songs in the taverns. Some story about a hero that would prevent the end of the world, if I remember right.”
“Heroine. Related to both Akatosh and man. You know that all of the Septim blood are Dragonborn.” I paused, looked off into the distance. “I don’t suppose that you’d perhaps care for a demonstration of the Voice, and the Power that it represents?” I looked back at him. “The Fighters and Mages Guild in Chorrol didn’t believe in the Dragonborn and her power. Now there are no Fighters or Mages Guild members remaining in Chorrol.”
“There’s what, a dozen of you? And I have three hundred troops here, you know. It’s ... look, I’m a reasonable man. That you have my own mother with you is ... it counts for a lot with me. But I can’t simply abandon my command without something...”
Honditar spoke up then. “Firmer, Captain? You know how the Aldmeri Dominion has done things here. You’re from Chorrol, I watched you grow up as a child, taught you when you were younger. You know me. I’ve not heard anyone say this, so I will. This woman before you is the rightful Empress of Tamriel. She’s already liberated Bruma, liberated Chorrol, from the Dominion. You have a few hundred troops, she has a few thousand, not like she needs them.”
He began pacing. “I saw what happened in town when the forces there, and you know how stubborn they were, how much under the thrall of the Dominion they were, fought against her. To be perfectly blunt, I suspect that she and her companions would be tired of killing long before you ran out of soldiers if you were to be against her. But they would prevail, this handful, even against three hundred.”
I spoke up then. “Captain Renoene, my name is Martina Grize’. I am the Dragonborn, I am the High Queen of Skyrim, and I am Septim Empress of Tamriel, recognized as such by all of the Jarls of Skyrim as well as all the Temples of the Nine in Skyrim, and also as such by the Count of Bruma and Primate Analya of Chorrol. I would prefer that your force here and at Fort Rayles join mine in our fight against the Aldmeri Dominion without casualties to them. Make no mistake, though. Honditar is correct. We can and will destroy your force should you stand against us.”
“It is ... difficult. What of the Emperor?”
“Titus Mede? His last words to me were to rule my Empire and to give death and damnation to the Thalmor. And yes, he died at my hand, weeks ago.”
The Captain looked around in disgust, muttering under his breath. Finally, he raised his voice. “Sergeant! Call the assembly! I want everyone here, front and center! No exceptions, pull all the guards from the walls.”
His sergeant looked puzzled, then shouted out the commands. There was a large flurry of activity as the soldiers of the Legion within the fort assembled upon the parade ground. It took a few minutes, but the sergeant was finally able to turn to and report that all of the troops within Battlehorn Castle were present or accounted for.
While that was going in, Irileth had come up to me. “You’re planning on having him as the new Count, I presume? He handles his troops well.”
I said back to her, “Yes, he does. I’m honestly surprised at his skill. He learned well when in Skyrim.”
The assembled companies of soldiers stood at attention. Captain Renoene paced in front of them for a moment, then stopped. “Soldiers of the Imperial Legion! Men and women of the Fourth Regiment!” His voice lowered a bit. “Most of you have served with me for years. Many of you did a tour in Skyrim with me. I ... I cannot order you to follow me in what I am going to do now. But I have news to tell you, news that we should have heard weeks ago. News that has been kept from us by the Aldmeri Dominion.”
There was a muttering in the ranks at that comment. “Titus Mede the Second is dead! But for those of you who know the history of the Empire, you also know that he was a usurper to the Septim Throne. The Septim family has ruled the Empire, ruled Cyrodiil, for hundreds of years. It was said by the Imperial Council that when Martin Septim died defeating Mehrunes Dagon in the Imperial City that there was no successor. That is why they seized power, which allowed the Aldmeri to later dictate things in our Empire.”
“They lied.”
When he said that, I knew it was time and motioned to Lydia and Jordris. They again brought forth my crown and robes. This time Surgus brought up my Imperial banner.
“I present to you, soldiers of my Fourth Regiment, the High Queen of Skyrim and true Septim Empress of Tamriel, Her Imperial Majesty Martina Grize’! To her, I pledge my sword and my honor. What you do yourselves is upon your own conscience.”
With that, he turned, pulled his sword and then went to his knee before me, presenting the hilt of his sword to me. His sergeants and troops looked stunned at his words, then looked at what I wore, looked at who was with me. First one, then another, then finally all of them emulated their captain.
I stepped forward, taking the hilt of his sword in my hand. “As the Empress of Tamriel, I accept you, and with your sword, all your soldiers, into my service. Choose one of your soldiers to take your place as commander of the Fourth Regiment, for you are no longer Captain of this Regiment.” He looked up at me in shock at my words. “You are now Count Renoene, Count of Chorrol and member of the Imperial Court.”
A short time later, the new Count of Chorrol and I examined the map of Cyrodiil spread out over the table in the main hall Battlehorn Castle. “The troops at Fort Rayles, they were also under my command, so they won’t be a problem. The commander of the troops stationed along the border between Forts Ontus and Linchal is a reasonable man as well. I can pen a note to him and send a messenger that he’ll recognize this evening, if you wish. I expect he will join your forces without an argument.”
“What about along the coast, between Hammerfell and Anvil? I have an army of two thousand that, if things went according to plan, will be at the gates of Anvil in the next few days. They’re to announce the death of Titus Mede and that they are present to return the city and Cyrodiil to rule by a Septim. I’d like to take the city ... gods, I’d like to take all of Cyrodiil ... without killing anyone at all.”
“Two thousand? There’s only two hundred troops there, so that won’t be a problem. No, the problem here is going to be this area, centered on Kvatch. There was an effort to rebuild some of the town, but when the Aldmeri moved in, they threw everyone out and turned it into a city of their own.”
“Of course. With those Ayleid ruins around, it’d make the perfect location for them to gather relics and do research. I don’t think Delphine knew about that.” I raised my head and looked around the room. “Aela! Time for your first mission.”
She came walking up. “Yes, Your Majesty?”
“We’re changing our plans, so you’ll need to travel. Are you up to a trip?”
“That’s why I’m here. What do you need?”
“Count Renoene, could I trouble you to borrow, say, fifty of the troops stationed here?”
He chuckled. “Last time I looked they’re in the Imperial Legion. That makes them your troops, Your Majesty.”
“Ah, just so. Very well. I need a sergeant and fifty troops. They’ll be going with me to Skingrad. Our original plan had the force coming up from Anvil securing Skingrad, but if there are Thalmor at Kvatch, there’s no way they’ll not react to a large army coming north. So I’ll take care of that, then continue on to Kvatch myself. Aela, you’re to tell the Captains of the groups that took Chorrol and Cheydinhal that they are to continue south and secure Leyawiin. Once you do that, come find us.”
“The borders with Hammerfell are now not in question, so the need for a large armed force on them is a moot point. Instead of twelve companies in six forts, I want three, split among the six forts. That’s enough for bandits and smugglers. I want seven companies gathered near Weye. I want that bridge to the city blockaded. The other two are to blockade the northern bridge. They won’t be able to stop ships, but that’s why Aela is going to change orders. With Leyawiin in our hands, then ships can’t enter or leave the inland sea.”
“A favor from you, Your Majesty. I want to lead the troops to the Imperial City.”
“I will be very vexed if you get yourself killed and are thus unable to fulfill your duties as the Count of Chorrol.”
He smiled. “Gods, it’s good to have someone in charge that understands. When do you leave?”
“We’ll head for Skingrad at first light.”
“I’d like to say that the rest of our troops will be on the road within the day. I can’t. But within three, at the most. I’ll make sure you have one of my best units with you as well, just in case.”
Lydia had been listening in from a distance and snorted when the Count said that. He looked at her with a puzzled expression on his face. She chuckled a little. “I’m sorry, Count. It’s just ... you’ve not seen Martina in combat. I have. Most of the time it’s more a case of trying to keep up with her, not protecting her. And just ... don’t. Don’t say that she can’t be that good. Trust me, she is.”
He looked across the room, where Honditar was sitting quietly, observing things like the hunter he had been. The old Altmer noticed him looking, so then got up and moved a bit closer. “I don’t feel like yelling across the room, Captain Renoene. Sorry, Count. But just because my voice can’t carry far doesn’t mean my hearing doesn’t work. And this young Nord lady is quite correct. Chantal Grize’ was the deadliest person, either man or woman, that I’ve ever seen use a blade.” He looked at me. “Until now.”
Count Renoene sighed. “Very well. It truly does go against my grain as both a soldier ... well, former soldier ... but I understand the need. We’ll be there when you need us, Your Majesty. Be careful.”
“Of course, I’ll try. And don’t you snort at me, Lydia. I do at least always try, even if I don’t always succeed. Except at winning, of course, and in that, I think we’ve had some modicum of success.” I paused for a moment. “You know, one thing I realized just now that was lacking in my reports from Delphine. It’s possible she didn’t know. It won’t matter for Anvil, but ... who is in charge of Skingrad?”
“It’s Skingrad. Who else would be in charge but Janus Hassildor. He’s the only noble that no one has dared bother, even the Aldmeri. He’s such a powerful sorcerer, no one really knows how he’s still alive and not an elf. The Aldmeri sort of leave him alone to run his city. With you as Empress, well, I hope he accepts you.”
I started to say something, then stopped. If he’s kept his secret this long, I can keep it a few days more. “Very well, Count. Good luck, and ... good hunting.”
We quickly covered the distance back to Chorrol, then continued eastward along the road. The ruins of a fort straddled the road, but no one stirred in its depths. When we got to the bottom of the hill and the trees cleared out, I could see the lake ahead and across it, the walls of the Imperial City and the Ayleid tower of the Imperial Palace reaching into the sky.
I glanced at it, then turned my eyes away and towards the road ahead. I’d soon enough see more of the city. The road turned south and we passed a small group of soldiers on horseback heading north. The leader of them started to stop us, then noticed that we had Imperial soldiers escorting us. “Sergeant, where and why are you going with these people?”
The sergeant looked up at the soldier. “Ah, Knight Lieutenant. Just following orders from our Captain to escort them. The lady is from near Bruma, and she’s in a family way. I think she’s related to an important family of the region, so ... you know, I’m a sergeant, he’s a Captain, so my men and I are doing what we’re ordered.”
The Knight looked us over a couple of times, then said, “Fine. Carry on.”
Leah woke me from my slumber. “Pardon me, are you ... officially ... here?” I smiled up at her, then took a bite from an apple on my nightstand. Then I pulled her down to me, giving her a deep kiss. “Good morning, Leah. I’ll be down shortly for breakfast after I get dressed.” She hurried down the stairs, excited. I could hear her saying, “Get everyone ready for breakfast, Martina has returned to us!” I lazily got out of bed, luxuriating in feel of my own bed without any deceit after so...
‘Twenty below with the wind-chill,’ announced the weather reporter on the local PBS radio station. ‘A perfect day for a funeral in Chicago,’ Ed thought wryly, as he gazed from the darkness of the window in the second story brownstone. His cold blue eyes noting how the snow fell upon the dimly lit brick street, as the ancient barren Oaks stood watch. Compact cars lined up on both sides, parking, as people do in the city, bumper to bumper. The steady stream of people, entrepreneurs, socialites,...
+ + + + + Weblink: Nestled in the Berkshires, ‘The Virgin and the Unicorn’ Bed and Breakfast sports some of the most beautiful scenery of the Northeast. As featured in ‘Haunted America’ tours, perhaps as you sip apple cider this Halloween, you will be visited by the couple reputed to haunt the grounds. Local folklore holds that this working farm and manor house was built by Ethan Verence to impress the woman he wanted to make his bride, Corrine Parsons. + + + + + Rowan Knapp was at her...
Sweat trickles down your forehead. The thought of your entire future and dreams depending on the contents of the cold piece of paper in between your hands is almost enough to make you not want to look at it. Let me run you guys through the process behind this. The year is 2420 and humans are now capable of doing extraordinary things. After the gruesome, yet quick, war of 2070 countless died bringing humanity from the billions, down to hundreds of millions. The radiation followed by the atomic...
FantasyIt was a very sad day when you heard the news. You're favorite relatives, eccentric Uncle Benny and his sister, your Aunt June, had passed on. Most of the family mumbled their good riddance's under their breath, even speculating that Benny & June were incestuous lovers. You didn't care though. Uncle Benny was a scientist and always around to help you with school and while Aunt June wasn't around as much, she always made time to sit and talk when she wasn't on one of her archaeological...
Mind ControlAmy Schiffer was staring at the trees as they raced past her, trying to ignore her mother by turning up the volume on her phone’s earbuds. She had ceased being mad and angry at what was happening and had resigned herself to simply sit in silence and let her mother worry about whether she was making the right decision about her daughter’s future. She was done arguing and fighting. She just wanted to listen to her music and think about Greg. “I know you think I am being a bitch and that I am...
John found himself at a somewhat large seaside town, just two days later. The group that had intercepted John had been the local baron and his men. They were checking the area for bandits. Complaints had come to the Baron, and he had responded by going out with one of four groups of men to put a check on the bandits. The Baron, Jaston Brevor, was the hereditary lord of Breverton, which was the port city. They were just ten miles from the Duke's home city of Candon. Duke Candon was lord of a...
The place that John was given was huge. It had been a warehouse, housing the overflow from the farmers. Now that the farmers had better locations that were more centrally located, this one had become an out of the way nuisance. The first thing that John was going to need was a furnace, a very large one. It would need to be bigger then any that had been built, to date. Also needed, were containers large enough to hold the molten steel when it was made. The forms were to be made out of...
The main section of the farm house was three stories tall. It had two wings that were two stories each, and there were several out-buildings on the property. Two barns were connected by a corral. Close in pastures held horses to do the farm work, and a small heard of cattle. A chicken coup, a blacksmith shop, an ice house, tool sheds, and two root cellars completed the set-up. The chickens supplied fresh eggs and meat, and the grain silos stored the grain that was harvested. The house was...
For the next three weeks, John stayed at Foxworth Manor. He liked the place, and with everything growing as it was, there was something new to see almost every day. All the plowing and planting was done. The flower gardens close to the house itself, were starting to bloom with a riot of colors. John considered some improvements to the house almost on a daily basis. It was impossible for him to do otherwise than to want to improve things as best he could. Some were simple improvements. Others...
"How much do you know about the political situation here in this land?" Count Treff asked John intensely. "I have no political knowledge, and I am not looking to get involved in any jockeying for position. I am a newly made baron, and probably the most apolitical person you might ever know," John replied firmly. Count Treff pursed his lips, and looked thoughtful. "I had hoped to convince you to join my group, in trying to pressure the king for Lords Rights," the count mused loudly,...
The interview with the king had started out cordially enough, until he started asking John about his meeting at the inn with the count. It went downhill from there. The king asked point blank if John was supporting the king's position or the lord's position. John tried to point out he was totally not committed to either side, but assured the king he was not for the lords. The king paced a bit in thought then told John outright if he was not for him, he was against him. John said he was...
“HASKILL!” “Yes, Lady Sheogorath? How can I assist you today?” “Have I told you how much I hate this job?” “In the last year as they measure time on Mundus, that would be one thousand, three hundred, and forty-two times. Forty three if you count Sun’s Dawn the 2nd twice, since you seemed to enjoy that day enough that you lived it twice.” “Well, it IS the traditional summoning day for Sheogorath, after all. But I digress, as I find myself wont to do after these centuries of either filling...
I was glad to see it was still daylight when I finally left the cave. I knew how easy it was to lose your sense of time while underground. In the distance, to the north, I could see the roof of a building. I guessed that to be Riverwood, based upon what Hadvar had said. From where this cave entrance was located in relation to the town, it would be easy for the bandits to spy on the town and prey on unwary travelers. I’ll tell the city guards about it so they can make sure it doesn’t happen...
The sign over the door read ‘Riverwood Traders’. Simple and unimaginative, like the rest of the town seemed to be. Time to see what the locals know about Bleak Falls Barrow. I opened the door and walked in, right into the middle of an argument. A blonde Imperial woman wearing simple robes was standing in front of the counter, talking loudly to the man behind it. “Well, one of us HAS to do something!” she said. The man behind the counter shouted, “I said NO! No theatrics, no adventures, no...
I emerged into daylight, looking around as it was nearly mid-day. You can truly loose track of time while underground. I was on a ledge, about halfway up the side of the mountain, overlooking the river. I could see my breath, which is not what I usually expected for any day in Last Seed. Further south this is usually the hottest month of the year. I carefully climbed down the ledge, to get closer to the river so I could follow it back towards town. I presumed this was the same river I’d seen...
I wasn’t paying attention to what Irileth said to her troops, instead I was thinking back to some of the children’s stories I’d heard while growing up. In the old days, even before the First Era, there had been a war between man and dragon. But that was thousands of years ago, and it was said that Akatosh himself had intervened to end the war. But what about today? Certainly we still worship Akatosh as the first of the Aedra, and I’m living proof that he exists now, but still... I realized...
The next morning we left early, before dawn. A good rest before what would be long journey was always the best preparation. But I didn’t totally sleep well. My dreams were of the people I had met since arriving here in Skyrim. Perhaps it’s because of the life here, but in all the months traveling through Cyrodiil to actually get here, I never felt close to anyone I had met there. In just a few days, I had met and fallen for Camilla, I felt an attraction to Irileth, and in my last dream, the...
We awoke early. My plan was to start up the mountain while it was still dark down at ground level, but where the rising sun would illuminate our pathway as we neared the top. That’s what I hoped would happen, anyway. Before we dressed, I took Lydia in my arms, kissing her again. “We have many wonderful adventures awaiting us, my dear. I’m glad to share them with you.” She blushed. “It is my duty, my Thane. And ... my pleasure.” As quickly and quietly as possible, we donned our armor. The...
It was late afternoon when we reached Ivarstead again. I saw Klimmek fishing by the river. “Your delivery has been made.” “Quite a climb, isn’t it? Thanks again for the legwork.” He tossed a bag of coin my way, and went back to fishing. “Let us get something to eat at the inn again, and rest a bit. I’m still a bit upset with Arngeir, I am not his lackey to go hither and yon at his beck and call.” Lydia responded, “So what do you think, My Thane?” “Back in town again, yes, you’re correct...
The circular mound rose from the moor, open at the top, with a set of stairs set into the curved wall descending to the bottom. The body of a bandit we had not killed lay sprawled below. “My Thane, I’ve never heard of bandits cooperating with wizards before. We should be careful, we could be walking into a war zone.” I smiled. “Excellent. Let them kill each other, and we can walk through unhindered.” I paused. “Of course, if this is like every OTHER crypt in Skyrim I’ve been in, I’m sure...
The fire in the center of the main room at the Kynesgrove inn was cheery, as were the regular patrons of the inn. They had been scared by the dragon but were now drinking and singing because it was dead. Things were not as cheery at the table where the three of us sat, bottles of mead and plates of food in front of us, free and courtesy of the grateful innkeeper. The shock at my revelation to Delphine had been too much for the grizzled warrior, and she had fainted. Since the inn was so...
“So, my Thane, what do you think Delphine will tell us when we get to Riverwood?” We were talking as we left Whiterun. “She’ll probably have some detailed plans figured out whenever we finally get there.” Lydia started when I turned left at the intersection instead of right. “But she’ll have plenty of time.” “We’re not going to Riverwood, then?” “Not just yet. And it’s not that I don’t trust Delphine, I do. It’s just...” I paused in both speech and in step. “I ... I don’t think I’m ready....
We beheld the College of Winterhold before us, across what could charitably be called a stone causeway. The problem I saw was that massive chunks of that causeway were missing, such that for several yards, no railings would prevent someone from falling hundreds of feet to their death, and in one spot the pathway itself was barely wide enough for one person. The building itself resembled a giant fortress, stone walls rising high into the sky for defense. Yet the rock it stood upon narrowed...
The sun was starting to go down as Lydia and I left Whiterun. “You’re very bad for me, you know. Going to lead me all astray, make me forget things, and end up at some point or the other have me doing all sorts of strange and perverted things.” “My thane, if you’ll recall, you’re the one who got the jam out and spread it over my breasts and started licking it off.” “How can that be true? I thought it went well with the honey that you had dripped into my slit and hair and then licked...
Lydia looked bothered as we climbed the pathways of Markarth, heading for the alchemy shop. She continued to look upset after I purchased some supplies from Bothela, and agreed to deliver a potion to the steward. It was only after we left the Understone Keep and were walking back to the stables that she finally broke her silence. “Martina, my love, what happened? In the Warrens, I mean.” “Why don’t you tell me what you saw and heard, so I can explain if possible.” “We went into the...
If anyone ever tells you that getting hit in the back by a frost troll is a pleasant experience, they’re lying to you. I slammed face first into the rock wall of the cave and felt blood gushing from my nose. I saw stars for a moment. The troll apparently simply ate whatever bodies that the Thalmor threw down here and must have thought I was another easy meal, which meant that for a moment, he simply, stood bellowing his thanks for the food presented to him. His mistake. I got turned around,...
The narrow canyon walls would have been perfect for an ambush, or to hold off a determined enemy. Whoever chose this as a location did well, presuming the enemy couldn’t fly. The canyon went on for quite a while, which caused me concern. Where were the guards? As the canyon opened up into a valley with a glacier fed lake ahead. I could see the high and impassable peaks of the Velothi Mountains beyond the lake, reaching far into the sky. A young farmer was sitting alongside the path. “Oh, hey...
“I’m really getting tired of this mountain. Now I understand why Klimmek wanted us to bring supplies up here.” “Look at the bright side, my Thane. It’s doing wonders for our legs and thighs.” “True. Yours were very nice when wrapped around my face last night.” Either Lydia was blushing, or the cold from climbing the mountain was bringing color to her cheeks. “I could say the ... Watch out!” A bear rose from where it was resting beside the path. I quickly ran to my right. “FUS RO DAH!” One...
As we were walking back, Lydia was curious about something. “I don’t understand something, my Thane. We can SEE the College of Winterhold from here. Why is it that if Urag or any members of the College were concerned about Septimus, they didn’t just go out and look for him themselves?” “It’s simple, really. Think about yourself for a minute. About the you that was, before you met me. How far outside of Whiterun had you actually gone?” “Well, I’d been to the meadery, and ... that’s ... I’d...
The gates of Whiterun lay behind us. We had spent a day and a half getting ready to go back underground, and I thought it was time well spent. I’d made some slight improvements to our armor, even finally getting Lydia a Blades sword to match her armor. She was so happy with that present we had to delay our preparations for an hour while she thanked me properly. I had also taken some of the things we’d found in Alftand to Dragonsreach and learned their enchantments. That enabled me to use the...
“I’m pleasantly surprised, Lydia.” “I bet Arngeir has no idea how close he came to, uh, having issues.” “That’s what I mean. He didn’t actually piss me off this time. I wonder if he made this trip to talk to Paarthurnax and got told something by the one being he respects.” “We’ll find out soon enough. There’s Paarthurnax waiting for us.” We got closer and with his deep voice, the dragon spoke. “You have it. The Kel – the Elder Scroll. Tiid kreh ... qalos. Time shudders at its touch. There...
It was two days later before we entered High Hrothgar again. Arngeir was in mediation near the entrance. “Arngeir, we need to stop the war. And while I am Dragonborn, the Nords respect you.” “You misunderstand our authority. The Greybeards have never involved themselves in political affairs.” “Ah, but you you misunderstand why we need to stop the war. Jarl Balgruuf won’t assist me while the war rages.” “I see. The dragon will lead you to Alduin, but without the Jarl’s help...” “Exactly....
I didn’t know that a vampire could faint. You learn something new every day. Lydia was laughing a bit. “ Remember Delphine? Seems like every time you get with an older woman, they have this reaction to you.” “Technically I’m probably older than Delphine, but not really, so I suppose you’re right. Here, hold your dagger tip out, so I can prick a fingertip.” She did, and I let a drop of blood well up. I held my finger under Serana’s nose. That worked like I hoped. “Oh, my. Sorry about that. I...
The entrance to High Hrothgar was before us. I couldn’t delay things any further, so I opened the door and entered the home of the Greybeards. The four of them were waiting in the entrance hall. To my surprise, two familiar faces to me had apparently walked in just ahead of me. Delphine said, “So, Arngeir, is it? You know why we’re here. Are you going to let us in or not?” “You’re not invited here. You’re not welcome here.” Arngeir said, true to form. “We have as much right to be at this...
I wasn’t sure what to expect, being a living being entering the halls of the dead. I knew from my reading that I was no longer on Mundus, I was probably on the plane of Aetherius. I found myself at the top of a long flight of stairs. Half a dozen statues of someone in robes lined the stai.rs down. It had been midday when I entered the column of light. Now it appeared to be twilight. A rainbow colored aurora lit the sky, and when I looked straight up, there were clouds rotating in a circular...
Well, even though there had been no formal coronation, it appeared that suddenly a lot more people were ready to follow me and accept me as their Empress. “I accept you into my service willingly and without reservation. Arise.” Elise yelled out, “Three cheers for the Dragonborn!” Everyone joined her. “Hooray! Hooray! Hooray!” “Okay, enough. But now, who’s going to explain this all to me?” “It’s quite simply, milady. We followed Balgruuf in battle either during the Great War or when he...
“Martina, I ought to apologize, I think. I don’t know what came over me last night.” “Well, Ysolda, if I were to make a guess I’d say Lydia, then me, then Lydia again, and finally me.” “You’re ... you’re not upset?” “Love, that was just pure fun. Now, how about we get some breakfast, and talk about your new responsibilities.” “I am hungry enough to eat a horker. Wait, what new responsibilities?” “As my personal merchant and trader, of course. Come on, let’s go see what the Bannered Mare...
We left our horses outside the entry to the canyon leading to the fort. The weather was slightly bad, with a light snow falling. Annekke looked around in awe as we walked through the canyon, then at the lake and what lay beyond. “I was a ranger, but we were never this close to Morrowind. This area is a fortress, you could defend it from attack with only a few troops.” “Unfortunately, that’s all there are right now. I’ve talked to ... someone ... and I’m sure the vampire attacks are only...
“This is a nice home, Argis. You’ve done well in maintaining it.” “It is my sworn duty to protect you and your property, my Thane. You ... well, your exploits are those that will be sung about through the ages. I am honored I was allowed to swear to your service.” “Very good. This is Lydia. Just as you are my housecarl for Markarth, she is housecarl for me in Whiterun. And this is Annekke, someone who is following me as we, as you put it, have exploits.” “I was told to expect the three of...
We ended up spending three days in Whiterun getting everything ready to head out again. Argis got to meet Irileth and Jarl Balgruuf when we had dinner with the Jarl the second evening. Proventius was unhappy at the influence I had in the Jarl’s court, and did a poor job of hiding it. Farengar, on the other hand, was ecstatic that I was able to provide him with some samples of dragon blood and bone, courtesy of the dead dragon just outside the walls, and begged for me to do that more often –...
Wolfskull Cave opened into a natural tunnel that then descended into the mountainside. There were a few torches guttering along the hallway. We’d been walking for several minutes when I saw a draugr patrolling ahead. I shot him with an arrow. We continued past his corpse and soon the passageway opened into a larger chamber. There were two figures warming themselves at a campfire along one wall of the chamber. I quickly dispatched both of them. We checked their corpses, they were both human....
The guards in Riften were a bit jumpy. A dragon had flown over the town recently and while it hadn’t attacked, they were concerned. I did my shopping, then we went back to the Bee and Barb for the night. It was peaceful inside the walls, and we weren’t expecting trouble the next morning right when we left town. More vampires were waiting in concealment for us just outside the city. And there were a lot of them with their thralls. Two master vampires, three fledglings, and half a dozen...
We arrived at the gates of Solitude in time to break up a vampire attack. “Okay, that’s enough of this. I thought that helping Sybille would take care of the issues locally. At this point, I wouldn’t be surprised to find the Thalmor helping the vampires in this.” It was early evening, so we grabbed something to eat, then I sought Viarmo out at the Bards College. “Here’s the verse about King Olaf you were seeking.” “Ah, let me see. Oh, no! It’s aged such that parts of it are unreadable. And...
It wasn’t quite at a run that we made it to the stable but close. “Jordris, grab a horse. Giemund, you know us by now from caring for our horses. We need another.” He nodded and told me a fair price that I immediately paid. “Okay, mount up and ride as if Elisif’s life depends upon it. Which I suspect it does.” We left at a gallop. “Lydia, Serana, this is the way we first went when we headed for Castle Volkihar. Be ready in case of animals, don’t stop, just ride over them.” We actually did...
Climbing down from the ledge was relatively easy. Relative being the operative term, since it was snowing, late at night, and we were all tired. Somehow or other, Annekke Crag-Jumper did not live up to her name and managed to fall and break her leg. “I swear, if I didn’t know any better, I think you did that just so you could share my bed when we get back to Proudspire Manor.” She looked pale from the pain as she took the healing potion I handed her. “Any time you let me share your bed is a...
If Astrid didn’t become pregnant that night, it wasn’t due to lack of trying. After two hours, I was exhausted, and fell asleep with her sprawled across my body, with the toy still impaled inside her. Elisif and Serana had been incredibly supportive, keeping Astrid always at the peak of release while also keeping me supplied with either a drink for energy, or a taste of their own juices for ardor. For the first time in ages, my sleep was not troubled by bad dreams. I did dream, but it was...
“I thought Gelebor was going to try to force things earlier,” Serana said as she finished removing her gown. “I think if it was any other day than today, he might have. But this is one time that my ... what’d you call it, love, adventuring ways ... will not get in the way of family.” Elisif looked up from where she was crouched between my legs, gently stroking my private hair and starting to rub things. “Something like that. But do we have to have this conversation now? I totally drenched...
A very wet and cold group entered the Nightgate inn. “Oh, my, surely you didn’t all fall into a lake?” the concerned innkeeper asked. “No, stupid Dwemer construction, having a water pipe rupture and flood the chamber you’re in is not a good way to stay dry. We’ll need towels and the fire built up a bit to dry off, as well as warm food and drink. Lydia, get dried off first, I want you to get to Irkngthand and bring our party back here.” She quickly stripped her armor and underthings off,...
I don’t mind waking up stark naked in bed if I’m wrapped in the arms of someone I love. Finding myself naked, with my arms and legs tied down, gagged, and with nothing covering my modesty or lack thereof isn’t something I think I care for. That, and seeing a man sitting in a chair near the bed just reading a book. If I’m going to be tied up and on display, at least he could be leering at me, after all. I tried to speak and the gag felt like I was spitting dry sand out of my mouth. He heard...
Everyone at the table sat in deep thought after my last comment. Brunwulf broke the silence. “Seems to me that you’ve been doing what you can to unite it, at least under your own rule.” “It’s not of my original choosing, I’ll tell you that. All I came here, to Tamriel, to do was to find out about my own history. If I had my druthers, I’d have a simple life, work metal, bone, and leather in a smithy, maybe do some alchemy, and be content with the love of my wives as we all grow old together....
“You know, I’ve lived in this town most of my life, and I’ve never been here. This is all new to me and ... what is this? Are you sure this bridge is safe?” “Not really, no. If you mean, do I think it’ll collapse under us, no, there’s magic in play keeping it up. If you mean, am I afraid that we’ll fall off the damn thing because these idiots have never bothered to fix the rails, then no, it’s not safe.” He chuckled at my comment. “That’s ... not what I expected to hear the Dragonborn say...
“I can’t believe you’ve only been here a week, Your Majesty, and accomplished so much for our community, for all of Solstheim. How can we ever repay you?” “Continue leading my subjects as you have, Councilor Morvayn. With the mines open again and the cultist threat eliminated, I think you should be able to keep the Northern Maiden very busy traveling back and forth with trade goods to Skyrim. Hopefully before too long we’ll have more ships plying this route.” Captain Gjalund nodded his...
The lead element of the first column of the Redoran Guard stopped at the rebuilt Traitor’s Post. The bandits that formerly occupied the building had quickly left when the Dragonborn’s Own returned from Winterhold and took to the rebuilding of this post with a vengeance. We had stocked it with food and refreshment for the incoming troops and our cooks were ready. “I am Captain Merano of the Royal Army. My first contingent of troops will be here shortly. From the tables I see you have set up,...
“Pardon my ignorance, but I’m confused. I know that we had planned on going to war against the Aldmeri, at least eventually. We discussed that at your wedding. But you’ve ended the civil war here, and you’re the Empress. Doesn’t that mean something?” “Oh, it does, Jarl Siddgeir. It means that I have a responsibility to all the citizens of the Empire. So while I’ve been successful here in Skyrim, there’s still Cyrodiil, Morrowind, and all the other provinces that are part of the Empire. And...
The warm water in the pool was relaxing to my muscles. I was sitting on the steps, the water up to my shoulders, with Serana in my lap leaning back against me. Astrid was to my left, with Elisif in her lap. They laughed as Serana finished telling them the story of how the brave Njada Stonearm had collapsed in fear. It was rather quiet in my Luxury Suite. Leah was sitting off in a corner, playing soft and gentle music on her lute. Elise had placed a tray of drinks and light snacks near the...
The road leading south from Bruma was packed with soldiers. By now, there were civilians fleeing ahead of them, so the army would no longer have an uncontested march deep through Cyrodiil. But that army was being led by two competent leaders, so while I knew they would have losses, I had no fear that they would see defeat. In the meantime, four companies of troops, five hundred men and women total, were making their way west, away from the main body. Depending upon the resistance we met, the...
With a castle servant leading the way, Frea helped support me to a different room further down the hall from where Rona Hassildor had slept for centuries. My legs were still a bit weak even after drinking a potion of healing. Serana held my hand for support as well. “That was a brave and wonderful thing you did for them, my love.” Once the door to the room opened, Serana told the castle servant, “Please, make sure all of our people downstairs are cared for now, that they have somewhere to...