CHAPTER FOUR
Before I knew it Jauffre was running from where I was standing, and made his way over to where Baurus was being restrained by the soldiers. I heard him yell a few words at Baurus, who said something in return, resulting in a heated display of words that lasted at least twenty minutes. The two argued about several things, while the main was Baurus criticizing Jauffre for bossing him around. Jauffre shot back that he was the Grandmaster of the Blades, and that opened up a whole new argument in which Baurus claimed Jauffre was abusing his powers.
When everything settled Baurus marched off angrily, while Jauffre came back to me. All of the soldiers had stood the entire time, watching the two argue just incase things got out of hand.
"Come inside with me Lukas and then we'll come back here where we'll make formal statement to the city regarding your new role as Emperor. We need to prepare a very small speech"
His face was bright read and drenched with sweat. He seemed even angrier than when he Ocato spoke just a while ago. I was actually almost afraid of Jauffre at the moment. He was showing a side that I had not yet seen.
"What about Baurus? Where is he going?"
"I couldn't care less about him right now. Obviously he needs a few hours to let himself cool down, and if he doesn't want to cool down then maybe he should think about his future with the Blades…"
Jauffre said the last part loud, loud enough for Baurus to hear just as he left the area, slamming the doors behind him. Jauffre told a nearby guard to gather up all of the citizens and bring here to the outside part of the palace.
"I know who you are, but you're not going to boss me around." The guard was very rude and I couldn't wait for Jauffre to hand it to him.
"I'll have you know that standing to my left is the heir to the throne, Lukas Septim."
The guard looked at me and laughed unsurprisingly.
"Ha, that little boy? He's younger than my son."
I looked around and the other soldiers were laughing as well. I was beginning to feel smaller than I actually was. Jauffre ushered me into the palace as the soldiers continued their laughter.
"You'll have to remain calm throughout this event Lukas; you cannot act as you did with Ocato. I know you're young but you have to be strong and show the people they can trust you," said Jauffre.
The thing that kept bugging was how in the world Jauffre knew about me in the first place.
"Jauffre, how did you know my existence and where I lived?"
"Martin told me just before battling Mehrunes Dagon. He told me where you lived and your name as well. It was a sad time; I really do think your father wanted to see you, but alas he never made the journey to where you and your mother lived. He said he wanted to countless times, but could never gather enough strength to go. Despite what your mother told you, Martin was the only person she told of where she was taking you. She thought, and thought correctly, that the father should know where the son was. I have to say that if it were me I would have traveled to see you, but Martin made his decision. But of course that does not make him a bad person Lukas; he really did care about you, even if he never laid eyes upon you."
That was an answer I suppose I could live off of. I don't know, all of this is just so weird. My father an Emperor, and my grandfather one as well, and I would've never guessed in a million years if it were not for Jauffre and Baurus.
"The first thing you need to do is stay strong out there when you are talking to the people. If you can muster up enough courage to face the crowd they will be a bit less critical I think, but how much I do not know. I am afraid this will not go well with the citizens of the Imperial City, but it's something that must be done. If you are to Emperor you must talk to the people and get them on your side."
"But Jauffre, they aren't going to like being ruled by a fifteen year old teenager. This will be a disaster and you know it."
"As much as I wanted to deny that accusation, you are more than likely correct. That is why I invited someone to join our little speech; someone who I am sure will help sway the public on our side."
"And just who might be?"
"Remember when I told if it were not for the brave acts of a certain person, Cyrodiil would have surely fallen?"
"Yes, that sounds familiar. Didn't he go by 'The Hero of Kvatch', or something like that?"
"Yes Lukas, the Champion of Cyrodiil is who I am talking about. Your father played important role in securing Cyrodiil from the enemy, there is no doubt in that; but the Champion of Cyrodiil played the most important role during the struggle. Before departing to find you and your mother I visited with the Hero."
"Wait, I thought you said he had left the country to live alone?"
"That is what we told the people. In fact, he traveled deep in the Jerall Mountains, to a small cave where I thankfully found him. He was badly injured during the final battle here in the Imperial City."
"What happened to him?"
"Well, he was burned severely during the struggle, resulting in his skin being mutated and burnt. He now resembles something of what nobody can even begin to describe, but it is beyond the injury that has caused that. It was because of his horrid figure that the Counts and Countesses shunned him away after the war, even after he saved them from sure destruction."
"The people of Cyrodiil never did this however, and to this day they still talk of his heroic efforts and wish to someday see him walk the streets again. They were heartbroken to see him leave, but their sorrows were nothing compared to the Champion's heart after what Counts and Countesses said to him. He ultimately decided to depart from the public, never to be seen again. Baurus and I did our best to get him to change his mind, but it was of no use. He had made his decision and that was the end of it."
"But Jauffre, how did you get him to come here and help us now?"
"Like I said, I traveled to the north and was somehow able to find him. There I told him of what was going on. At first he was not the least bit sympathetic for our cause, but with a little bit of persuasion I got him to help us. He now believes, just as I do, that in order to get the people's good judgment he must be by your side. I think with his presence the people will be more likely to be in favor of our cause."
"And what if your plan does not work Jauffre?"
"Then we will have to resort to another plan, but for now we must hope for the best. Now, it is time for you to meet the Champion of Cyrodiil…"
Out from the shadows behind Jauffre came a figure that had been standing there for apparently the entire time. I had never noticed the man, or thing. An extremely bad odor came from him. It was the Champion of Cyrodiil.
He was wearing a golden mask that hid his face from view, even his eyes it seemed. He was also donning silver cloak, accompanied by matching silver boots. Its breathing was wheezy and it appeared that it was having a terribly hard time breathing in the first place.
Then it spoke a raspy tone that chilled me to the bone. The injury must have affected is speech somehow, for I could barely make out his words. Truthfully I wanted to run away from the horrid monster, but as I thought of that I thought how awful the Champion must feel.
"Lukas, I am the Champion of Cyrodiil. I am very pleased to finally meet you."
He brought out his hand to shake mine. As I extended my own hand I noticed his was shaking uncontrollably.
"What is wrong child, are you afraid of me?" The Champion asked after we greeted.
I was unable to say a word. Heck, I couldn't even if I wanted to. I didn't know what to say.
"It is alright to say so child, I will hold nothing against you. In fact, I would be surprised if you weren't afraid of my presence."
Again I said nothing, but simply stood firm in front of both he and Jauffre. The Champion was staring into my eyes with his own black pupils that were almost hidden behind his mask.
"You are a mere boy yet you stand here like a man. I respect that young Lukas, son of Martin, a once good friend of mine. Back when the war was going on your father and I spent a lot of time together. He was a great man indeed, and he will be proud to know that his own son will take his place at the throne."
I smiled at the last sentence because it really wasn't something I had thought about before. I never knew my father, yet knowing I was doing him a proud favor made me feel good about myself.
Then, I think, the Champion smiled back, though it was almost impossible to tell because of the mask. At that exact moment I realized there was nothing to fear from the man, no matter how disfigured and mutated he was. I knew then that he was one of the few allies I had at the moment and that was certainly something to be glad for.
"I am sure Jauffre told you about my disfiguration, and unfortunately it has gotten worse within the recent months. I have contracted several diseases during my stay in the mountains, though none are contagious, I can assure you that. The people of Cyrodiil must realize that you are the answer for the Empire, and I am here to help you in that quest. With my presence the people will be reminded that there is still hope for the Empire, not matter the Council and their puppet Ocato says. The Council is something that I feel very strongly about, but that is a subject for another day. For now I need rest before your speech. Then we will showcase you, my young Emperor, to the people."
The Champion limped out of the room and somewhere to the right, where I guessed he would find a room to rest in. Jauffre put his hand on my shoulder and told me how brave I was, which was fine and all, but I still had some questions to be answered…
"Jauffre, do you mind if I ask some questions?"
"And would I be correct in assuming those questions pertain to the Champion?"
I nodded and then Jauffre closed the door.
"Well ask your questions Lukas and I'll answer them as best as I can; although there are several things which I cannot tell you. The Champion made swear long ago not to divulge that information to anyone."
"First off, what race was the Champion before his injury?"
Jauffre seemed to ponder over the question for some time, almost as if he had forgotten. It appeared that I was right.
"To be honest with you Lukas, I cannot remember what he looked like before the war, which happened almost two years ago. The only thing I can tell you is that he was not of the beast race."
"Alright, my next question is what exactly happened to him specifically?"
"During the battle here in the city he was doused with a cloud of fire, which was cast by an unknown assailant, but most likely, by a Dremora. The injury he sustained caused him great pain and agony, and also resulted in his disfiguration. But I'll also tell you this: his current mutation is far worse than what it was two years ago. His diseases have taken a toll on his body, and I am afraid his condition is getting worse by the day. It is best not to talk about that when he's around, for I am not sure if he would take offense to it. What else can I answer for you Lukas?"
"Nothing, that'll be it, thanks Jauffre."
"You're quite welcome Lukas. Now…..preparations for your speech."