Erikur
"Someone has been sending letters in your name, my Queen." Falk Firebeard told High Queen Elisif, "We have not identified the source, but rest easy my lady, we will find whoever has done this."
"You are not working hard enough!" High Queen Elisif seemed very angered, "Whoever sent those letters has the whole Empire in an uproar!" then her tone softened. "Not only that, but I have received no words as of yet of Valor's whereabouts."
"You need not worry, my lady; he can defend himself." The Steward of Solitude always seemed to calm Elisif's nerves during a crisis.
"I hope so, it would be a shame if he is truly dead." The High Queen sat back and sighed sadly upon her throne. Erikur simply sat in his chair not far away, not caring. He had no doubt that Elisif was troubled by the news of the Dragonborn, as her feelings toward him were one of the worst kept secrets in the Blue palace. The Thane of Solitude flipped a page of the book in his grasp; it was a collection of all of the letters Elenwen had sent him since he had partnered with the Thalmor. Fifty, a whole fifty letters, and still growing.
"Thane John, you may approach." Elisif had to get on with her other duties; the realm still needed her Queen. As much of a Queen as she really is. Erikur had no faith in his Queen, that much was known even to Elisif herself, since Erikur was bad at hiding it.
Thane John approached the royal court, his clothes spoke of a wealthy man. His short brown hair barely covered his head, along with his almost pale white skin. He was not like most Nords, as he did not have a love for battle and honor, instead he preferred the life of a royal court, and politics. Erikur had spoken with him many times, yet he still did not feel comfortable around him.
"My lady, the festival is poised to be the largest in living memory, due to this; Captain Aldis has asked that we post more guards inside the city." The Thane began, "Perhaps we should send for the soldiers from Dragon Bridge?"
Elisif seemed disgruntled; obviously she did not want to be there. "Tell Captain Aldis that it is his decision whether he thinks it is wise to discard the guards from Dragon Bridge."
"I will tell him those exact words, my lady." Thane John bowed, "I do not wish to disturb you any longer, and I will head to the Captain at once."
Elisif did not reply, and Erikur watched as Thane John walked off. The Queen is aggravating him. He could tell none of Elisif's Thane's or any of the other authorities at court aside from Falk Firebeard had any respect for their Queen. If it wasn't for General Tullius and the Dragonborn, Ulfric would be High King, and perhaps Skyrim would be better off. Ulfric could have lead Skyrim in the Draugr war, or at least could have inspired his men to fight, yet Elisif did none of these things.
"I just want this day to be over with," Elisif said to Falk Firebeard. "And looks like I won't get much sleep, since the festival will be all week."
Erikur had no plans to attend the festival at first, yet now he considered it. What harm could come in celebrating the victory over the Draugr months ago? Even in his state, Erikur found that something worth celebrating. Plus, there may be some Bosmer women there. Nothing could satisfy him like Bosmer women did.
The court singer began to play on his harp while Erikur began to rise, ready to leave. The man had a nice voice, but Erikur was in no mood to stay. Elenwen had warned him of her arrival today, and he could not be late. But even though he was in a rush, he could hear the words of "The war of the Accursed." From behind him. "And the dragons came down; jaws outstretched and wreaked havoc below."
Erikur was already heading down the stairs, "Bringing the death of many heroes, and the lives of ones we know." Erikur had never favored the song, but he could not help but pay attention to the words as they were sung. "A tale of fire, a tale of death, that's all the Draugr are good for. And would have been lost, all death, if not for the Dragonborn."
Erikur's hand went for the handle of the door, and he did not stop to hear the rest of the song. Who knows how it ends, I've never listened to it. Perhaps the song had a happy ending like most, but Erikur preferred the tragedies, the ones that ended in betrayal and death. Songs of Valor and courage did not interest him, they were unrealistic.
The door was finally opened to him, and Erikur could see the preparations finally coming to a close for the festival. There were streets blocked off, being replaced with decorations and stalls, soon to form a market that would be full of the most expensive wines, the most diverse foods, and the best sweet rolls. Colorful décor was hanging from every building, and he could see the town guard speaking with Aldis, probably getting ready for the night that was to come.
Erikur went to his home, the book of Elenwen's letters still in his hand. He expected the elf to be there already, as she had always been when they had met. Erikur went up the small amount of steps, opening his door shortly after. He had left it unlocked so Elenwen would find an easy way inside, even though it probably wouldn't stop her if it was locked.
The inside of his home looked the same as it always did, full of books sprawled out over the tables, and many chairs. He was not surprised to see the High Elf women sitting not far away from the entrance. She gave him a look as if she had been expecting him. Erikur was not surprised, what news does she have for me?
"Sit," she commanded, yet she had no authority over him yet. Skyrim is not hers, and Allalian has not yet claimed Tamriel. As long as the Empire still stood, Erikur was no lower than she was.
Erikur took his seat. "I heard the Dragonborn was killed, you wouldn't know anything about that, would you?"
"He died; there should be no more about it." Elenwen said, "A group of bandits killed him on the road."
"I'm sure, and I am also assuming that Titus Mede II just fell on his own sword? And that Althalos Mede just happened to lop off the head of a random peddler?"
"He died; there is no more to it." Elenwen told him, "Althalos managed to evade my assassin, but it does not matter, either way, war will come. The common folk will not stand to have him on the throne much too longer, they will rebel, claiming their true Emperor was the Dragonborn."
"I was surprised when I heard he was given the throne, it seems the Elder Council are not as elite as they think. They did not even bother to look into the Dragonborn's death." Erikur pointed out.
"They are a fractured order. Once a proud organization, now fallen so low as to succumb to scheming and betrayal. Did you know that it was one of the Council's own that supplied the assassin that killed Titus with a poison to ensure his death?"
"Such loyalty should be rewarded." Erikur smirked.
"No worse than your own loyalty, Erikur. You have betrayed your Queen and your Empire, even if it was the right choice."
Erikur ignored that last comment. "Elisif has received word of the letters you sent out in her name, surely she will cleanse her reputation soon enough after she finds out the person responsible."
"That is why I came here to talk to you," Elenwen said. "I have no further need of Elisif, her being on the throne will become a problem sooner or later, and undo years of planning. I mean to deal with it."
"How?" Erikur asked.
"You will see, make sure you attend the festival tonight, stay in the market, and when Elisif comes to see the wares, keep an eye on the shadows." Were Elenwen's last words before she abruptly rose from her chair, wasting no time to say farewell. Erikur was going to follow her, to ask what she meant, but he never did. Keep an eye on the shadows, what does that mean?
He stayed the rest of the day, rummaging through the pile of books, scrolls, business ledgers, and notes all over his home. He waited for the sound of festive celebration, joyous laughter, and music. He waited for a long time, his mind looking forward to when he heard the first blast of song. Erikur had little interest in the array of shops and contacts he kept contact with. Still, he briefly glanced at all of his clients. Enthir was usually at the top of most of his orders. The elf always had need for something that was not usually permitted.
Then he heard the sounds of dozens of singers, all in unison reciting the words to some of the greatest songs known to Skyrim. "Ragnar the Red," "Age of aggression," and "The Dragonborn comes," were among them. He thought he heard "The war of the Accursed" as well, but he paid that no mind. He was already heading to the door when he could hear the cheers of the guests that were just arriving.
When Erikur opened the door, he was greeted with the joy and happiness of the festival that had been planned for seven months. He could see lone market stalls selling what seemed to be Cyrodiilic Brandy. Not only that, but the Bards were going to work, those that did not sing were playing the flute, drums, or the harp. It was a joyous event, yet Erikur could not help but wonder what was to happen. Look at the market; she said something would happen there.
High Queen Elisif had come out from her Palace along with her advisors and counselors soon after. Clad in a dark red dress that showed a little cleavage, and much of her back, she strutted through the crowds in a royal manner. A few guards kept an eye on her, making sure that if anyone tried to make a move, they would be ready.
Thane Bryling approached Erikur soon after. "Looks like you're having fun."
"This is a great day to celebrate, just not for me."
"I thought when you said you would attend; you would at least try to enjoy it." Bryling started, "It seems I was wrong."
"I am enjoying it; I'm just not showing it."
"Find any Bosmer women you like?" Bryling smirked.
"Not one." Erikur replied, "Find a Nordic warrior with large muscles and a war axe to rub in my face."
"No." Bryling said, "Although I am looking, so far this place is full of peasants who need a way to get cheap mead, and the Bards."
"We're not peasants."
"Are you sure?" Bryling asked, "The way we live, the peasants are better off."
She didn't say anything after that, only made her way to the festival. Erikur stood still, and watched as the High Queen of Skyrim made her way to the market stalls, a small gold coin in her hands. Erikur began to look around, checking all of the dark corners and such that he could find. No hidden Thalmor soldier or such was visible.
The screams from the crowd were loud enough to be heard in Cyrodiil.
He thought he could hear the words of "The Age of aggression," while the deed was done, but he was not entirely sure. His eyes were fixed on the scene before him, as High Queen Elisif the fair dropped to the ground, an arrow in her chest. Erikur did not see where it came from, nor did he know who sent it, all he did know was that the High Queen was lying on the ground, dying. The guards rushed towards her, and Sybille Stentor came as well. But Erikur could tell that she was dead, as she was still, and the arrow looked to be in her heart.
Elisif is dead, now nobody can know that she didn't send the letters. Erikur thought, and finally he thought he understood Elenwen's plan.
Well, I finally made a chapter. Hope it wasn't disappointing, as I have thought about making Erikur a POV character for a while, disregarding the Epilogue for Dragonfire.
Like or no? Were you surprised with Elisif's death? I am starting to wonder whether any of the canon characters will survive once i finally conclude this story.
REVIEW!
