Solitude, 4E 201; Ulfric Stormcloak, Jarl of Windhelm , prepares to face execution in the city of Helgen, a friendly settlement in the Falkreath Hold, on the southern border between Skyrim and Cyrodiil. Less than a week ago, the assassination of High King Torygg, Jarl of Solitude, ended in a public uproar and mass revolution across the province, drawing attention from the Empire and the Aldmeri Dominion, as well as the various holds across the province. Ulfric nearly escaped, though the public does not need to know this, so for now it is celebration. But far away from the Imperial City, and even Solitude, to the east, the frontiers have been carved and the delicate balance of power has been set. Though the citizens of the Mede Empire might not know it, the future of the entire north side of Tamriel is about to change. All of it will happen within their lifetime.
"When I first heard about what happened [in Solitude], I was not very concerned. Certainly from all the propaganda we were being fed, it seemed as if Ulfric would soon be dead, and the Legion would be on the offensive."
-Orag Da-Tyrg
Citizen of Chorrol, Cyrodiil
In truth, the capture resulted in an interlude rather than an immediate surrender. The entire east side of Skyrim still answered to Galmar Stone-Fist, and four of the nine holds had no plans of rejoining the Legion. While Galmar consolidated their power, Tulius prepared to execute the one responsible for the rebellion. Ulfric Stormcloak, the respected Jarl and rebellion leader, had become the focus of the Legion's shame. His death, seen over by the Thalmor and Legion forces, was soon to come, or thought to, anyway.
"The reason for Ulfric's execution was simple: he failed in his loyalties to the Empire and [the Legion] had to make an example of him. Whether or not he felt compelled to do this out of his so-called right as a Nord or because he craved power is debatable…, but the end result was the entire Empire saw him as a traitor and murderer."
-General Tulius
Head Commander in the Skyrim Province
Though it quickly became clear to Stormcloak sympathizers that their leader's death was near, the question of whether or not to surrender, attack, or hold their ground remained a large issue among the populace of Windhelm. Galmar was among the few that believed that they should take this opportunity to attack, though not all supported the idea. Out on the front lines, east of Ivarstead, the idea was split. Though the Legion was temporarily weakened, they knew that the sheer force of their military was nothing compared to the ranks back in the Imperial City. Despite this, with each passing day, the opportunity for attack became more and more slim.
With the Imperial escort, the hopes for Ulfric's survival didn't look any more prosperous either. Though attack was undecided, a small detachment was sent to halt the carriage. The men were easily defeated by superior Thalmor wizards, and some forces, along with a horse thief and a Breton, were captured, presumed to all be traitors to the crown. It wasn't long that the carriage made its way to Helgen for the execution.
Jarl Balgruuf the Greater had arranged to meet with Tulius after the execution, to discuss Whiterun's place in the rebellion, it being the center of Skyrim, and the capital of trade. Though Tulius and his party where supposed to arrive in the late afternoon, such a group never arrived. The tremors and roars were heard far and wide across Whiterun Hold, as the colossal winged terror soared across the plains of Skyrim.
"Many people didn't believe me. They said I was crazy… 'Dragon's don't exist,' they said… but then stories were heard across the entire province!"
-Hilde
Citizen of Whiterun Hold
On the 17th of Last Seed, 4E 201, Alduin, the World-Eater, destroyed Helgen. Ulfric Stormcloak and number of other captives escaped the city, and made their way back to their land. Among these captives, was the Breton crossing borders. Few knew the significance of his escape at the time, though it was clear there was something special about him when he slaughtered Stormcloak forces during his escape.
"I swear… [he] was amazing. One moment he was bound, ready on the block, and the next he had flames erupting from his hands, burning… left and right."
-Hadvar
Imperial Soldier, present at Helgen
The Breton in question, who arrived from Helgen later that day, made his way north across the Whiterun Hold. Within the first day alone, Riverwood, Dragonsreach, the Companions, and the Battleborns recorded his presence within the first day alone. His deeds seemed noble, but his motivations were never made clear. Regardless, one thing was clear: he was a friend of Empire.
Not all acts were directly for the Legion, though even when not, they seemed to be good deal of heroism. Whether it tasks for the Companions, or attacking bandit camps, or even running errands for civilians, his presence was emphasized across the entire hold. Within no time, even the Jarl was commanding his assistance in receiving some sort of Dragonstone. His actions even reached the ears of General Tulius within days, which wasted no time turning it into propaganda. The news of this personal connection to Dragonsreach, repeatedly, even, brought him fame.
"I think a lot of people were surprised to see him just waltz into Dragonsreach. Many rubbed their eyes, saying, 'Did that happen? He entered without an audience. That hadn't happened in a really long time'."
-Belethor
Owner of Whiterun General Goods
Even Ulfric, back in Windhelm, was well aware of Whiterun's hero, and, if supported by the Legion, his actions against him. For a moment, it seemed as if this newcomer might be overwhelmed with attention. But instead, his actions turned towards something more serious… Something that would change Skyrim, and the Mede Empire, forever.