Chapter 9: Trouble in the Imperial City and Elsewhere
Helseth and Iszel stared at the guard who had informed them of the trouble in the Market District. Iszel, still not sure if she actually survived, wondering if this was a sick joke by the Gods, could only stare. Helseth, on the other hand, asked, "What's happened in the Market District?"
The guard slowly responded, "No one's quite sure. An Altmer murdered one of the guards, and, and…we're still confused as to the details, but the guard that was murdered came back from the dead, and the citizens began turning on each other in violence."
Both Helseth and Iszel were confused. "What do you mean the guard came back from the dead?" Helseth asked. Helseth was rather confused. There was only one group of people who had that kind of power, and to Helseth's knowledge, they had been inactive for a hundred years.
"Your Majesty-I mean Chancellor-I can't explain anymore. We only know that the guard has returned from the dead and began killing people. The Altmer is helping him, that's all I know. I'm sorry, Chancellor." said the guard.
"It's fine." Helseth quickly said, not needing the distraction of the apology. "What is being done to lessen, and stop, the damage?" Helseth asked. Iszel wasn't sure of what was going on. First of all, Iszel had always believed 'dead is dead', and secondly, she was still wounded and dizzy.
The guard seemed bemused. "We don't know what to do, Chancellor. The Altmer is a very powerful sorcerer, and is impervious to our attacks. After causing mass destruction, he took over Palonirya's, and every time we send a sizeable force in, they come out trying to kill us! Many of the shops have been broken into, and not only are the guards fighting each other, the citizens have become involved."
Helseth had grown worried over the seizure of Palonirya. She was the wealthiest merchant in Cyrodiil, and most of the court had relied on Palonirya for their clothing. On the other hand, Palonirya was very demanding, and she was an Altmer. It was possible she was on their side. "What has happened to Palonirya?" Helseth asked.
The guard shook his head. "We're not sure. No one who has entered the store has survived.
Not sure what to say, Helseth inquired, "What is happening in the district itself? Has the outbreak of civil unrest been contained?" Helseth knew the answer, but he wanted a more detailed description.
The guard looked worried. "The District is in complete chaos. Buildings are being burnt to the ground in the chaos. The Altmer must have had this planned out for a very long time, to be able to go through with his plans with such efficiency."
Helseth stared at the guard. "Very well. I want any means necessary taken to capture the Altmer, as it seems should he fall, the chaos may end. Who is in command in the Market District?"
"Commander Crito Tullius, the Watch Commander, has taken control of the Market District Forces. Captain Lex, head of the Market District Security, is reporting to him." said the guard. Helseth was unimpressed at the efforts of the Commander of the Imperial Watch.
"Fine. Tell Commander Tullius that he has the authority of the High Chancellor to use every available soldier in the city. I want the Altmer alive. I shall be coming to the Market District very shortly, perhaps with other members of the Nobility, perhaps with the Empress herself. I want order restored, or Commander Tullius may be demoted." Helseth ordered.
The guard simultaneously nodded and said, "Yes sir." He immediately did as instructed, running out of the Temple of the One very quickly.
Helseth helped Iszel up, not wanting to leave her unattended, and helped her walk over towards Barenziah, who was standing near Alessia. "Mother," Helseth said, "We have a serious problem."
The look Barenziah gave was very unhappy. "What is it? We've been through two assassination attempts today. How much worse can it get?" she said.
Helseth looked at his mother, and said, "An Altmer sorcerer has assaulted the Market District, and is killing many people. And, even worse, he's brining them back from the dead to kill more people."
Barenziah's face paled. "Necromancers?"
Helseth nodded. "Those were my suspicions. But the Necromancers haven't involved themselves in anything since the death of Mannimarco."
Alessia looked up, and interjected, saying, "Mannimarco doesn't die. Mannimarco became a God after the situation in Daggerfall. Killing Mannimarco is like killing Azura. It doesn't work. You can temporarily destroy their physical avatar, but you can't kill them, at least without the usage of magic that hasn't been seen on Tamriel since the arrival of the Aldmer."
Helseth was stunned at Alessia's knowledge of the King of Worms. Helseth had never directly dealt with Mannimarco, although both his mother and sister had before. Barenziah than said, "She's right, Helseth. The King of Worms is far too powerful to be killed as easily as the Mages Guild describes it. It is very possible that wasn't even the King of Worms that Axenon killed, and that it was just one of the many pretenders. However, it can't be doubted that the King of Worms is acting again, and this time, he has a much larger goal in mind than stealing my first grandchild and turning him into one of the undead." Barenziah bitterly remembered learning the deal Morgiah had made with the King of Worms, remembered that Goranthir almost became one of the undead forever.
Helseth had a thought, and asked, "If the King of Worms is back, do you think that Goranthir…or worse, his children and grandchildren…may be in danger?"
Barenziah looked at Helseth, and said, "Goranthir and his family are in danger regardless of the King of Worms…the entire Royal Family of Firsthold is in danger. Remember what Firsthold is near." Everyone there, save Iszel, knew to what it was Barenziah was referring.
In the Market District, Commander Crito Tullius, a tall and noble Imperial, was on the losing side of a major battle. The District had been thrown into such chaos and disaster, Commander Tullius could no longer tell who was friend and who was foe.
Commander Tullius had station himself in the Merchant's Inn. His original hope would have been to be in the North Eastern Watch Tower, but it had been overrun before he had arrived in the Market District, most of the guards inside slaughtered and revived as forces of the Altmer. The Merchants Inn now served as the temporary base of Imperial Operations, as it was one of the stores furthest away from Palonirya's.
Hundreds of Imperial Guards had been called into the Market District during the crisis, but even with such overwhelming numbers, the Altmer had been able to keep himself alive and winning in Palonirya's. The last wave they had sent in after him contained nearly two-dozen soldiers of the Imperial Legion. All of them had been slaughtered by the Altmer, and all of them came charging out into the city.
While Commander Tullius had a fair amount of guards in the Merchants Inn, most of them were outside of Palonirya's, under the command of Captain Orius Lex. They had been stationed there incase the Altmer attempted to leave. Commander Tullius believed that if the Altmer could be drawn out into the open, they would be able to capture or kill him, and end this crisis. Commander Tullius also knew that the Altmer could not be allowed to leave the Market District free. If he did…the Market District was the most heavily defends section of the city, save the Palace, the Temple of the One, and the Imperial Prison.
The Commander had just given the order to stop sending waves into Palonirya's, as it was futile to do so. Now, they were just waiting for the Altmer to make a move. Commander Tullius knew there was a fat chance at that-the Altmer had all the time in the world.
The other potion of the Imperial Legion was running around the Market District, killing the spawn of the Altmer. They had killed a number of the citizens, and had taken over many of the buildings in the district, and guards were running in buildings to search for survivors. Commander Tullius knew that there would be very few, but he thought that any lives that could be saved, should be saved.
Commander Tullius only wished he had more men. During the chaos that morning, many of the Imperial Legion members were killed, and it became even worse in the Waterfront District. It turned out there had been a nasty surprise waiting, compliments of the Tribunal Temple. Much of the Imperial City's Legion had been killed, and many of the Legion's forces in Cyrodiil were busy protecting border cities-something that had seemed wise before this incident.
How the Altmer had gotten into the Market District puzzled Commander Tullius. The Imperial Watch had been warned to be wary of Altmer, Bretons, Orcs, Bosmer, and Nords. How was it that this Altmer had passed the security, especially with such a powerful weapon as this staff?
As Commander Tullius was plagued with this dilemma, Pilo Nuccius, the guard he had sent to the Empress and King Helseth returned. "Commander," Pilo said, saluting Commander Tullius. "I have news to report from the Temple District."
Commander Tullius grew intensely interested at this remark, and asked, "What is it, soldier?"
"There was another assassination attempt on the Empress. She was able to survive, but she was greatly wounded, although she was being healed as I arrived by an Altmer from the Mages Guild. Evangeline Beanique, Count and Countess Caro, Lord Avellan, and Lady Nepia were killed. The Lord High General was severely wounded in the collapse of Martin's statue." Pilo said.
"Altmer from the Mages Guild? The deaths of Evangeline, the Count and Countess Caro, Lord Avellan, and Lady Nepia? The collapse of the Dragon Statue?" Commander Tullius asked in confusion. "What are you talking about?"
"I'm not quite sure myself, Commander, but an Altmer assassin attempted to kill the Empress, but failed. The Chancellor-" said Pilo before being interrupted by Commander Tullius.
"The Chancellor? High Chancellor Ocato is dead." Commander Tullius asked.
Pilo looked rather confused, before realizing why Commander Tullius had said that. "Oh, I'm sorry Commander, but I forgot to tell you. King Helseth has been made High Chancellor. Anyway, when the guards were about to kill the assassin, he seemingly killed himself, by blowing up, taking several nobles and Blades out with him. The Dragon Statue fell, and the Empress was wounded. Because Queen Mother Barenziah couldn't do anything about it, they called an Altmer woman from the Mages Guild, and she began to heal the Empress."
Commander Tullius nodded, and said, "Okay. What did you tell them about our situation?"
Pilo stood still, and quickly blurted out, "I told them that the Market District is under siege by a powerful Altmer, who is able to bring those he murdered back from the dead to serve him. The Chancellor told me to tell you that if the situation has not been resolved by the time he-and a few other nobles, perhaps the Empress herself, get here, you risk demotion."
Commander Tullius sarcastically said, "This is a great day." Changing tones, he said, "The Altmer is in Palonirya's, and we can not get inside without losing most of the Imperial Legion." Commander Tullius meant what he said. Without an Emperor to fight for, fewer people had joined the Imperial Legion in the past century…in the last ten years, on Imperials had joined. "Right now, I want you to go tell Captain Lex, outside of Palonirya's, to force the Altmer out into the open. If the Altmer makes it into the open, he'll be an easy target. Tell him to make sure that all of the undead creatures he has spawned are dead, as well. I want this district to have some sense of order by the time the Chancellor arrives."
Pilo nodded and said, "Yes, Commander." He quickly left the Merchants Inn. Commander Tullius was slightly insulted at the threat of demotion, but did not, as he only cared for the safety of the city.
Commander Tullius could only hope that the situation in the Market District would be contained.
Captain Orius Lex waited at the barricade outside Palonirya's, waiting for orders, waiting for the Altmer to come out. Normally, this situation wouldn't be being handled by Captain Lex-there were other Captain's in the Imperial City that would get these jobs. Captain Lex normally dealt with theft (and murder) and the Thieves Guild (and the Dark Brotherhood), following in his grandfather's footsteps in trying to capture the Gray Fox, amongst other things.
Although only a Captain in the Imperial Legion, Orius Lex had noble blood in him. His mother had been Leone Umbranox, a younger daughter of Countess Millona. His father had been Manillian Lex, the second son of Hieronymous, who had been raised at Court, rather than with the Imperial Legion, where he had met Leone, and they had fallen in love.
Orius had been raised differently. His parents had been murdered during the post-Oblivion Crisis chaos, along with half the Umbranox Family. Dark Brotherhood Assassins had snuck into the Countess's Palace during the night, successfully murdering the guards on duty, and had broken into various of the Castles bedchambers, and…Orius couldn't stand the thought of it any longer. Aside from Manillian and Leone, fifteen other members of the Umbranox Family were killed, including the infant Miles Umbranox-a twin to Countess Miranda. That was why he joined the Imperial Legion. To avenge those who were murdered on that fateful night.
This Altmer had been able to get past him, and had caused death in the Market District. Dozens, perhaps hundreds, of deaths. Orius hated this Altmer as much as he hated the demented assassins who murdered his family.
Orius now sat waiting to take action against this foul killer with over a hundred men. Most people would think that would be sufficient, but this Altmer had killed far too many to take any chances without an order from the Commander.
Orius wanted to see the Altmer die, wishing he would suffer greatly. Orius wanted that monster to pay.
As he thought this, Pilo came to the barricade. Orius had known Pilo since only this morning, but he had served as an excellent messenger, giving accurate and honest messages with great swiftness. "Captain," Pilo saluted as he said this. "I have orders from Commander Tullius."
The Altmer sat inside Palonirya's, waiting for the Imperials to charge in. He had all the time he needed, but he was growing impatient. A Necromancer of his status shouldn't be waiting. As one of the lieutenants of the King of Worms himself, he was privy to much more information than most.
The Altmer looked at the lifeless body of Palonirya. Yes, she had helped him, but she was little more than a liability. He remembered dying for the first time. After infiltrating the Mages Guild, rising to the position of Archmagister, high enough to have a position of the Council of Mages, and spying on the Guild from within, that foolish Axenon had discovered his plans when trying to get a letter of recommendation. And than, at the Alyied ruin of Silorn, Axenon the fool had killed him, taking his Colossal Black Soul Gem. He remained dead, trapped in a void of nothingness, for sixteen years. It took Mannimarco himself sixteen years to reestablish power, and resurrect his followers that had been lost.
Now, the King of Worms had returned to power, supporting Eldaris's bid to become Emperor. The Altmer was not surprised, as Eldaris was the most powerful of the claimants, and was an Altmer as well. And Eldaris would gladly accept the help of Thras and the Sload, as well as that of the Necromancers.
Captain Orius Lex had just been given the orders from Pilo. He was to bring the full force into Palonirya's in an attempt to kill the Altmer. He would lead the charge; he would be the first man in, and the last man out. He would kill the horrible Altmer who caused all of the death and destruction in the Market District.
Orius opened the door to Palonirya's, half-expecting to be killed upon entrance. Instead, he saw nothing, but the body of Palonirya. The men slowly began to follow him in, not wanting to be killed by the Altmer. "Search the upstairs, and the downstairs." Orius ordered. The men divided themselves relatively evenly, with about a third of them on each floor.
Orius himself went into the basement. The basement was standard for Palonirya's-it had extravagant clothing, expensive tailoring materials, and other things of the nature. Orius began to lead his men down, and ordered them to look around the entire basement. Orius moved towards the door in the corner, leading to the backroom, preparing enter, with only half a dozen men behind him.
Upon hearing the Imperial Legion troops mobilize, the Altmer had fled into the backroom, where he had immediately cast an invisibility spell upon himself. In the backroom, the Altmer had set up a trap, one that would make short work of the Imperial Legion.
Captain Orius Lex led the half a dozen men into the backroom, when they began to search for signs of the Altmer. The backroom was much larger than the other, and it appeared to have contained numerous doors, including an entrance to the sewers. Orius was not surprised, as many of the buildings had underground entrances, but was annoyed at the escape route for the Altmer.
Orius went towards the sewer entrance, examining it. What he noticed was that it was locked from this side. That meant the Altmer was still inside.
Upon turning around, Orius saw something that had frightened him. There was a bottle, a potion, to be specific, on a desk. The bottle was leaking blood red mist into the air. Orius had never seen this before, and had only heard of it once. This was the potion used to assassinate the Tsaesic potentates during the second era. It was deadly to the Snakes of the Tsaesic, and even more deadly to humans-only pureblooded Elves were immune to it. The mist itself was what was dangerous, as if the mist entered the blood, a person would die.
Orius did the only sensible thing he could. "Everybody out!" he yelled, in a desperate attempt to get the survivors out alive.
Orius charged upstairs, and discovered that the door was locked. He had led over a hundred men to their deaths inside an evil, extravagant clothing store. They would all die because of this mist.
Within ten minutes, they were all dead, Orius included.
Commander Crito Tullius had not heard from Pilo in thirty minutes when he began to grow suspicious. It was strange of Orius not to send a repot back, as he was always very efficient.
Commander Tullius was worried that something had gone wrong, and that Orius, bent on saving people, had led a charge into Palonirya's. If that were true, they would all be dead. Commander Tullius knew the Altmer wasn't any ordinary Sorcerer, and attempting to fight him on his terms wouldn't work.
Commander Tullius got up to leave, to investigate, when his guards beat him down. "Where do ya think you're goin'?" one of them asked. "The Emperor wouldn't pay us much if you live, would 'he?" The guards proceeded to beat him to death.
Helseth, Alessia, and Camandila were being escorted through the Imperial Palace to the Market District by two-dozen Blades. Iszel had been left in the care of Barenziah back in the Temple of the One, as she had not fully recovered from her injuries. Camandila had been able to create a miracle, but even miracles take time.
The three of them marched silently through the Palace Grounds, slowly moving towards the Market District. Helseth was in the center of the three, and leading the group. Alessia was to his right and Camandila was to his left, walking slightly behind him.
Helseth knew that both Alessia and Camandila had been essential in saving this Empire. If Alessia had not known about Camandila, Iszel would have surely died. If Camandila had not known about restoration, Iszel would have surely died.
The three remained silent for unknown reasons. It was not that they were in particular mourning-none of them particularly cared for Count or Countess Caro (especially Countess Caro), Lord Avellan, or Lady Nepia. Perhaps it was that Camandila and Alessia did not particularly like each other, or perhaps it was that Helseth wasn't making very good conversation. However, it was only when they entered the Market District did the silence end.
The Market District had been burned to the ground. Few buildings still stood, and it was in complete and utter chaos, pure and simple chaos. The once populous Market District was gone.
And what had replaced it was terrible. The Altmer watched over the burning Market, and the group saw that nearly a hundred and fifty Imperial Guards were obeying him. Helseth and Alessia could only gasp. The Blades were sickened by such destruction.
However, Camandila could only shout when she saw who the Altmer was. "FALCAR!" she screamed at the top of her lungs, drawing the attention of all of those in attendance.
The Altmer, Falcar, turned towards Camandila, and snootily said, "Camandila. It's been too long."
Camandila looked at Falcar and said, "I don't think it's been long enough Falcar. A century isn't long enough."
Falcar looked into Camandila's eyes, and said, "That's not what you would have said back then."
Camandila grew angry at this remark, and shouted, "You sicken me, Falcar. Defecting to the King of Worms and becoming a Necromancer. Disturbing and demented. Murdering associates. Sick and twisted. Seducing members of the Council of Mages to get information, and turn them to the King of Worms. You stole information from Bothiel and you corrupted Caranya."
Falcar smiled and said, "I never corrupted Caranya. She was a Necromancer before I joined the Mages Guild. And you're forgetting about what I did to you."
Camandila lost her temper at this. She began to throw lightning spells at Falcar. Falcar retaliated by shouting, "My minions, kill these mortals!" The undead guards began swarming the escort.
Helseth and Alessia quickly moved backwards to avoid the undead. Camandila, in a raging fury, continued casting spells at Falcar, and Falcar alone. Falcar began throwing ice bolts at Camandila. Both of them were quickly moving as to dodge the spells of the other one.
The undead guards were charging at the Blades, who surrounded Helseth and Alessia, were far more experience than the undead guards. However, they were also greatly outnumbered. The Blades closest towards the action were quickly killed by the hordes of the undead.
Falcar saw these Blades die, and took out his staff, and pointed towards the dead Blades. The dead Blades were resurrected by the power of the staff. Camandila saw this, and saw her opportunity. As he pointed his staff at the second of the dead Blades, Camandila threw a powerful lightning bolt at Falcar, knocking him unconscious.
Camandila turned her attention towards Falcar's undead hordes, and began aiding the Blades, throwing numerous lightning, fire, and frost spells at them. The Blades were fighting valiantly, and the undead were slowly being defeated.
Three of the undead came towards Camandila, and started cutting her. She was too tired to cast magic, and was not strong enough to hold a decent weapon. She fell to the ground, and the undead began hurting her.
Seeing this, Helseth picked up one of the swords of the fallen Blades, and charged at the undead assaulting Camandila. Killing them, Helseth helped Camandila up, and walked her over towards Alessia, where it was safer.
The undead were defeated after an hour of fighting. Only two of the Blades were able to survive, but they had triumphed. They now turned their attention towards the still unconscious Falcar. The two Blades charged towards Falcar, ready to kill him, when Camandila mustered the little energy she had, and said, "Stop!" The Blades stopped their charge, and turned towards Camandila. She quietly (and snidely) continued, saying, "If you killed him, Mannimarco could resurrect him again. It wouldn't help. Besides, we need to get information from him-he's likely the architect of the assassination attempt on Iszel as well. Killing him doesn't do any good for us. Confiscate his staff before he can wake up."
The Blades did as Camandila instructed, and Helseth nodded approvingly seeing her display of command. Helseth than added his orders, "Bring him to the Elder Council Chambers. The Empress is going to be present for the interrogation, and the Elder Council Chambers is the safest room for anything." The Blades continued to do as instructed, and Helseth said to Alessia, "Go get the Empress, my mother, and the other nobles there, and bring them to the Elder Council Chambers."
When Falcar woke up, he was in the Elder Council Chambers, surrounded by what was unofficially the new Elder Council. He was bound, and he could not yet see, but he heard Camandila say, "Falcar, you stand charged of murder, treason, attempted murder, attempted treason, and a large amount of other charges that would take far too much time to list. In exchange for your life, and perhaps your freedom, we are offering that you answer a few questions."
Falcar realized he did not of much of choice. He was temporarily blind and bound, so he said a simple, "Okay."
Camandila started. "First question." she said. "Are you a Necromancer in service of the King of Worms?"
Falcar said, "You know the answer, Camandila. And you know what I did to get some information from you on Necromancy."
Embarrassed by this comment, Camandila nonetheless continued her inquisition. "Is it true you attempted to murder Axenon."
Falcar laughed. "Yes. But Caranya succeeded last night." The entire court looked at Falcar in amazement. He had just said that Caranya had killed the Imperial Champion, who was also the Archmage of the Mages Guild, Grand Champion of the Arena, Grand Champion of the Fighters Guild, and a prominent member of the Order of the Virtuous Blood.
"You liar!" screamed Camandila in anger. Falcar shook his head. "You monster! How could you plot such a thing! How could you do such a thing! Why don't you go crawl under a hole and die!" Camandila was in tears.
Barenziah interjected and said, "Guards, escort Falcar to the Imperial Prison. I believe we need a recess before we can continue. That is, if it is okay with you, your Imperial Majesty."
Iszel nodded, and Falcar was escorted away. Camandila was in hysterical tears, and she couldn't help it. She hadn't cried in years, and now she was. It was so strange to her. Iszel looked at Camandila, and said, "Camandila, you saved my life, and I'm grateful. Would you mind explaining to me what is making you so upset."
Camandila shook her head. "No disrespect intended, your Imperial Majesty, but it's been a difficult past few days, and I'd wish that you would let me return to the Arcane University for rest."
Iszel also shook her head. "I'm afraid I can't allow that, Camandila. I need a new Imperial Battlemage, since Evangeline died. I would be most gracious if you were to accept the position. You will have your own chamber on the upper floors." Camandila nodded, and apparently signified she accepted the position. Iszel indicated towards one of the guards that she wanted Camandila escorted to her chambers. "With this break in the interrogation, I'd like to call a brief recess in the meeting."
Countess Narina Carvain was in her Throne Room, waiting from the reports from her scout. She had heard a rumor in town that Herold was sending the might of all Skyrim against her city for an unknown reason.
The very elderly Countess was gray-haired, and wore a sapphire blue dress. However, the most attention drawing thing she wore was the Diamond Necklace around her neck, known as Winter's Will. She had received the Diamond on an expedition to Skyrim, to increase her artifact collection. The Diamond was shaped as an icicle, and was a radiant, deep blue.
The Countess's scout came charging in the room. "Countess," he shouted. "The rumors are true! An army of over ten thousand Nords shall be here within two hours."
The Countess looked grim. "It is just as I expected. Prepare the city's defenses, and send messengers to all allied cities. I have already sent one to the Imperial City. Bruma has survived siege in my lifetime before, and she can do it again." At least, the Countess hoped it could.
High Archanon Fedris Hler had been giving orders for the past several hours. His coup against the Royal Family of Morrowind was going to begin very shortly, and he wanted it to be a complete success. With his planning, and his lord's blessing, there was no way it couldn't.
Empress Regent Aleria Willows was preparing her army for a march on Woodhearth. She would kill King Maglir and his family herself. With such persuasion, Queen Ganredhel would undoubtedly giver her full support to Farwyn, and Valenwood would be a united province in this war.
Empress Mathilda Aureon was in her room, staring in her mirror. Her mirror was an ancient Aldmer artifact, one that showed any city on Tamriel to the owner. She looked at Bruma, she looked at Woodhearth, and she looked at Orsinium. As she stared into the mirror, she schemed on how to remove her council from power, and give it all to herself.
Emperor Herold's army was nearing the Skyrim border, and soon they would attack Bruma. With Winter's Will, the armies of Skyrim would win the war, and Tamriel will be ruled by a nation that would not enslave them, abuse them, or oppress them. With his victory at Bruma, Tamriel would enter a golden age, free from the rule of the Elves, once and for all.
And that's the end of that chapter. You know what kind of questions I want answered, and I'd like to know what I could do better for future chapters. There's bound to be some typos in this chapter, because I wasn't writing on my normal computer, but I felt like I needed to update soon.