Disclaimer: I stole a bunch of stuff from Wizards of the Coast and Bethesda. I'm not making any money off of this.

Chapter One: Journey

Marcus stood at the window of his small cell, a wooden cup half full of water held in his hand. He rubbed his hand over his grizzled beard yet again. No matter how many years he had a beard, he just couldn't get used to it. He noticed not long ago that his beard was turning gray. Not with age, perhaps, but with the lack of freedom he had. He took a sip of his water, just a small one, knowing that he would only get a few more cups in the day.

He heard voices approaching, but didn't bother moving. They weren't coming for him. He didn't get visitors.

It came as a surprise when he heard the jangle of the jailer's keys stop outside of his cell. A second later, he heard the key click in the lock and the rusty door open. His fists clenched, and his still muscular arms tensed, expecting the worst. He turned to see an aged man wearing brown robes walk into the cell and dismiss the guards. He noted that they didn't lock the door behind them.

The old man stared at him for a second before sitting at one side of the small desk/table and motioning for Marcus to sit at the other. Marcus did so, silent. There was another moment of silence before the man reached into his robe and withdrew a small black book.

"Here," he said, tossing it lightly at Marcus. Marcus caught the book and looked at the cover. On the front of it was what appeared to be a serpent with small legs.

"What is this?" Marcus asked, his voice slightly hoarse with misuse. He had not spoken in some time, and his voice showed it.

"A book," was his answer. "Obviously. You do remember how to read, don't you?"

"I don't know. You've left me in here for quite some time."

The man nodded, thoughtful. "Indeed. Tell me, what do you know of current events?"

"I know that a little over a month ago, gates to Oblivion started opening up, spewing out Daedra. The guards came through, released a lot of the people in here, said it was too dangerous for them to just be left imprisoned. They only left the people who were scheduled to be executed. And me." He cleared his throat. "They said that the gates started opening after the Emperor died, and that there was talk of a lost heir who might be able to close them. That's all I know."

"The lost heir was found, and did solve the…immediate threat. However, the situation has grown…complicated. Again."

Marcus merely raised an eyebrow.

"There was a Daedra Lord who sought to…overrun this plane. In the end, the heir, Martin Septim, defeated him, through the use of the Amulet of Kings and the dragonfire. However, whilst the Oblivion Gates did indeed close here in Tamriel, they did not in other areas. For example, Vvardenfell is still subject to them, as is Solstheim. We have reason to believe that they are opening in other areas as well. Especially since they have begun opening here, again. Not nearly as much as they once were, but…there you are."

"What does that have to do with me, Jauffre?" Marcus asked.

"We need you to carry out a task. There was another who I would have like to ask, one who was of great assistance in finding Martin in the first place, but unfortunately, he is indisposed."

"What do you mean?"

"He is a great hero. He was named the first Paladin of the Throne. The first of many, I would hope. He has seen fit to go on a journey to find the missing Nerevarine and Hortator of Vvardenfell, and seek his assistance in dealing with these tribulations."

"What do you want of me, then?" Marcus asked, getting up. He walked back to the window and looked out. "It seems like you've pretty much got everything all wrapped up. You've got your little 'Paladin' to clean up, and some other guy from Morrowind. You have a host of Blades, the most elite warriors in the Empire, ready to die for you, their Guildmaster. Why are you here?"

Jauffre sighed. "I no longer have a host of Blades. There are only eight in this province. Counting myself. And, as much as I'd rather not say, you are the best of them."

Marcus slammed his fist into the stone wall. "I'm not a Blade. Don't ever insult me with that name again. You and your Blades left me to rot in here."

"It was not my decision," Jauffre reminded him. "And there were many who wanted you executed. Your service in the Blades was the only thing that allowed you to keep your life."

He snorted. "Some life. Spit it out. What do you want?"

"There are documents that suggest the possible existence of another Septim, in a far off land. Apparently, almost two hundred years ago two brothers were born to the Septim line. One of them happened to move to another land, far away. We hope that his line still lives today. If so…we have found a new Emperor."

He turned to face his one-time leader. "Go on."

"I need you to go there and search for this heir. It will be dangerous…not only is the land not under the jurisdiction of the Empire, but scout ships have reported a large amount of Oblivion Gates. That book," he nodded at the black book laying on the table, "details some facts about the land of Miroban. This," he now took some sheets of folded paper from within his robes, "will explain some things about the Daedra, and how to close Oblivion Gates. Information the Paladin thought you should have."

Marcus sighed. "What happens if I do this?"

"You will be released, of course. You will be rewarded handsomely, and your record will be stripped. There is armor, a blade, and some gold at the front, if you will accept the quest. If not…your cell will be locked."

"Lovely choice. Another four years in here."

"And then some."

"I'll do it, since you gave me so many options."

"Excellent. You'll find detailed instructions inside the letter from the Paladin. I must be going."

"How do you know I won't just run off?"

"That's a risk I have to take," Jauffre said, staring into his eyes. "I can't afford the manpower to watch you. Otherwise, I wouldn't be here in the first place." He stood up, and walked towards the door.

"One more thing," Marcus called out. Jauffre paused, though he did not turn. "You never told me whether you thought I did it or not. Did you?"

There was a pause. "I did," Jauffre said. "And I still do. Why you did, I don't know. And you don't seem interested in telling." With that, he left.

Marcus stared behind him. It was a long moment before he stood up to leave.

A/N: Yeah, I know, short chapter. It's a little more then half what I usually let a chapter be, but it got the point across and helped give me some loose reins for starting chapter two. Reviews make me happy ;)