I remember that night, the night that everything went to oblivion. As I write this by a candle, the light casts shadows around the room, and brings back memories from that place. My cell was dank and dirty, and smelled like shit. Mostly because they only emptied our buckets when they were ordered to, because the stink led into the courtyards. I remember what it was like in the prison, it was always dark, and that is what I remember most. And the fact that I was ravenous, we even ate better in the legion. I was lucky to even get a scrap of moldy bread for a meal.
I had no possessions, the clothes on my back weren't even mine, but the property of the Imperial Empire, for which I have served all my life.
All I had was my name.
My name is Darethian, Darethian Verth, but in my cell I was prisoner 112
I remember being slumped against the bars of my cell, just sitting there holding my empty belly. Across from my cell, there was another Dark elf, he was an evil bastard.
I think he was in there for murder or rape, I cannot recall. One thing I do remember, is that we all hated him, even the guards. Especially the guards. He relished tormenting me or any of the other prisoners.
"Hello there brother, what's with the long face?" He hissed through the bars of his own cell.
I turned around to face him, if I could kill him, I would have taken that chance there and then. I just shook my head at him, and then turned back to my original position.
"Where you from, huh?" He asked in a mocking tone, I could tell just from his accent, that he came from Mournhold
"Vvardenfell" I answered quietly, just mentioning it brought up past memories, as I remembered how my days were like in the legion there.
The bastard smiled, "You got a wife back home? Tell you what. I'm getting out of here in a couple of weeks. When I get back to Morrowind I'll look her up. She must be so lonely" he laughed, slapping his knees in laughter.
I whipped around, nearly slamming my hands on the wrought iron bars, my rage boiled inside of me, I knew I would never see her again, and she was already probably humping an Redoran councilor, but I didn't want to be reminded of her.
"You stupid piece of guar shit! Shut your mouth, before I rip your tongue out, and feed it to a scamp!" I screamed through the bars.
He just smiled wider, "Don't you worry, eh? I'll take care of her long after you're dead. Oh, that's right. You're going to die in here!" He laughed
There was a sound coming from the top of the stairs, I would have yelled at him again, but honestly I was fearful of the guards
"My sons are dead," the voice of an older man said. Torchlight flickered on the walls as heavy armored boots approached.
"You don't know that, sir," said the voice of an Imperial woman. Her voice was hoarse; probably form yelling orders, "The messenger only said that they were attacked."
"They are dead," said the male in despair. "I know it."
"Come, sire," said a deeper, male voice. "We shall keep you safe."
Two men came into view, armored and armed. They weren't the usual guards; they were my worst fear. Blades.
I knew this was coming, yet I was still afraid, for these Blades had come to end my miserable life, for after all, I had betrayed the legion.
I was part of the garrison force in Morrowind, on the isle of Vvardenfell, part of the elite Dragon-Fire legion, that garrisoned a fort outside of the Redoran council head quarters, Ald-Rhun
I guess I could have joined the famous Redoran warriors. Both my parents were kinsmen of the great house, but they were too honor bound, all falling on their swords just because they lost some pointless skirmish.
I joined the legion, the pay was better, and then I wouldn't have to deal with damn nobles who couldn't take a word of criticism without starting a duel.
We all admired our general, Claudius Flavius; he was experienced, rough and capable.
The District commander was an ass hole.
Easy said, he got jealous over Flavius, over a women or something. The commander ended up trying to arrest him, for a bull shit crime, and we leapt to his defense. We defended him to the last breath, and the majority of us died, for we had fought three times our number, and the Redorans had to get involved, Flavius was killed, and us the survivors were rounded up and imprisoned, the majority of us were executed on the spot, and I was the last one. Awaiting my execution
One of them approached the cell, scowling when he saw me there.
"What's this?" he asked, looking back. The Imperial lady moved to look into the cell.
"This cell was supposed to be kept empty," she said. Another blade, this one a Redguard, stepped forward to see.
The Redguard looked at me like I was a dangerous animal "this one was supposed to be executed months ago" he sneered.
"Probably another mix-up with the Watch," muttered the other blade, this one also a Redguard. More forcefully, he ordered me, "Prisoner, step back by the window."
"And don't try anything," added the other man. He opened the cell with his key, odd shaped, probably designed to open all Imperial Standard Template locks.
I did as I was told and stepped back against the wall. The two men entered and watched me, making sure I didn't try anything, each with a hand on the hilt of their katana.
The Imperial entered, followed by the older male, who was dressed in a purple robe that looked expensive. I didn't recognize him then, and little did I know that fate was spinning.
He gave me a look, as if he was far far away from what was happening.
"You…you are the one from my dreams" He said fearfully.
One of the Blades drew his sword, "Sir! Stand back from him! He was part of the Dragon-Fire rebellion!" He hissed
"Stand down Glenroy!! I can handle this!" commanded the grey-haired man
The other Redguard shifted nervously, his hand on his sword, But Glenroy had enough sense and sheathed his sword, but looked at me with contempt.
"May I ask what is going on?" I asked hoarsely.
The old man raised his eyebrows, "Do you know who I am?" he questioned. He saw the look that I had, and smiled, "I am your Emperor, Uriel Septim IV. By the grace of the Gods, I serve Tamriel as her ruler." he said proudly.
My eyes widened, for I was genuinely convinced this was indeed not my execution. I dropped to my knees, into some kind of bow.
"My liege…. I am sorry I did not recognize you…" I said apologetically.
Uriel Septim made a motion for me to stand, I did as he commanded, and stood, but kept my head bowed. "You are a citizen of Tamriel and you, too, shall serve her in your own way today" he said gracefully. "Several days ago, assassins attacked my sons, and I am next," His eyes flickered with remorse.
I was about to speak, to offer my sympathies for his sons, but he held his hand up for me to be silent.
"My Blades, what's left of them anyway, are leading me out of the city, along a secret route, and it happens to start from your cell," He said with a sad smile. "And as for what you done, it does not matter, for you will be remember for something grand…very grand."
My eyes widened, but I did not speak.
"Do you believe in the Nine, my son?" he asked puzzlingly
"I am not on good terms with the gods, either the Tribunal, or the Nine, my lord." I said blankly.
"That is too bad, for we shall need all their help on this day, but you shall forge your own path, and you will be great"
The female Blade interrupted, "Sir, we must keep moving!" she said apologetically, though it was more of a command than an reminder
The Emperor looked at me with sadness in his grey eyes, "Goodbye Dunmer, try not to die before your destiny is revealed" he said with some slight sad humor.
The female Blade, I later learned to be Captain Renault, walked towards the ledge that made my bed, and touched several of the blocks that made up the wall. I was about to ask why, when I heard a loud sound. Like something behind the wall had hit the ground. Soon enough, the ledge sank into the ground. And the wall behind it went up into the ceiling. Revealing a set of stairs leading down into a dark abyss.
"Looks like this is your lucky day prisoner" muttered one of the Blades, as they descended down the stairs.
I looked behind me, to make sure that no one was watching, and followed them.
Little did I know about the part I was to play in this hellhole that we all call Cyrodil.