Denilwen opened her eyes and released the grip on her robes. Gradually the colour returned to her face and she became as normal and shy as when she first walked in.
"Priest Jorg found me on the floor, my skin still warm to the touch. He saw me stumble backwards and rushed over to help me. To him, the event happened in a single moment."
None of the Masters spoke, each taking time to let the words of the priestess sink in.
"Thank you for sharing this experience with us." Master Qarim, known to the students as The Librarian, thanked. "Have you anything else?"
The priestess paused before answering.
Hilda, whose womb bore the forefathers of Ysgramor, beseeched the god Herskídra Ormr to grant her knowledge on the fate her husband who was Anvindr, chieftain of the Nedes of Atmora for he had gone into battle and since not returned for seven years. In a waking dream, Herskídra Ormr took the hand of Hilda and guided her through Maðviðr, the Forest of Life, an endless realm with trees numbering equal to the living, for sheltered in their roots were vibrant pools from which the past present and future could be seen…
"Priest Jorg shared this story with me after I described to him my experience. He says that the Cyrodilic translation of Herskídra Ormris Hermaeus Mora."
"The Daedric Prince?"
Denilwen nodded. "He who is able to read the fates of men and mer as told in the stars. Keeper of the Infinite Knowledge."
"The Daedra are as powerful as they are mysterious. They are deceivers and trouble-rousers." One of the Senior Ansei warned. "If the Princes of Oblivion are responsible for this vision, we cannot go about interpreting their message lightly."
Several members of the Hall Council agreed. Others offered a different view. The debate began. Master Zair listened as ideas were conjectured and the battle lines were drawn, each Ansei suggesting a different interpretation of the same piece of the vision then garnering support among his peers. Priestess Denilwen sat quietly in the middle of the circle, too timid to speak. Zair raised his hand for silence.
"Sister, you can see that there are many ways to go about interpreting this tale. One thing we can all agree on is that you have truly been granted a vision."
The shy Bosmer smiled at the Redguard and bowed.
"I would spare you the bickering of a few old men, my dear." Zair stood and helped Denilwen to her feet. "You may return to your duties. Should you remember anything else, please do not hesitate to come see us."
Master Zair motioned for an Ansei to escort her upstairs. Once the Bosmer had left the room, the debate continued.
"Master, the red diamond must represent the Empire, or at least the Emperor. The four thrones Denilwen saw must be the Emperor and his three sons."
The Council made no objections.
"What of the black wolf? It bore a red diamond as well?"
"Perhaps it means there is a threat close to the Emperor. An attempt to overthrow the Empire?" Master Surro suggested.
"The wolf aided Denilwen. I don't think it was a threat."
"We can't be sure. We should warn the Imperial Council." Master Lencolia suggested.
"Why? The Emperor's bodyguards, the Blades, can handle anything thrown at them. I served with them on numerous occasions and I know them to be capable warriors."
"If the Emperor and his sons are in danger then we must do our best to keep any harm from befalling them. The Blades might not be enough, they need our help! We should warn them." Master Lencolia replied.
"Emperor Uriel has shown he is willing to use the Ansei to achieve his personal goals of conquest. Master Zair and Master Qarim know this better than most. Why help him again?"
"The Emperor is a respected leader and he has done well to keep the Empire in a relative state of peace. We must take that into account." Master Surro countered.
"Peaceful! He subjugates his people with Legionnaires in every corner of Tamriel!"
More arguing. Zair sat in deep thought, contemplating his options. Even with his personal grievances against the Septims, Master Surro was correct in giving the Empire credit for keeping the peace across the majority of Tamriel.
The Hall Master raised his hand for silence and prepared to render a decision.
"Great care must always be taken when involving our Hall in the affairs of the Empire. It is this caution, exercised by my predecessors, that has protected the city of Rihad and our Temple for generations. In this very room Ansei thousands of years before our time sat and passed judgment. As Nirn changed around us this Hall remained. As kings and empires rose, conquered and fell this Hall remained. I have felt the cold sting of regret in my heart for fourty years now but I will not allow this to dissuade me from making a sound decision so that for now and until the ending of time this Hall will remain."
Zair turned and faced the Senior Ansei, proven Sword Singers on their way to becoming Masters, who were all seated together on the opposite end of the room.
"I implore and caution you all, the future generations who will lead this Temple in the years to come, not to use my decision as precedence. My ruling is not intended to further the agenda of an Empire or justify the necessity of our involvement with the 'outside' world. Search your hearts, listen to the songs which resonate throughout your being. Be true to the Way and you willalways find the answers to the questions you seek."
The Redguard came to his feet as did the remaining members of the Council.
"Based on the vision provided to us by Sister Denilwen, I have decided to send one kibut to the Imperial City under the supervision of a Master Ansei. Their task will be to locate the members of the Imperial Family, assess the situation and if necessary safeguard them from any threat."
The members of the Council nodded in approval.
"Who shall we send Master?"
Whoever Zair picked would be facing an unknown danger, charged with a mission of potentially epic importance. His decision might be at the cost of an Empire.
"I will lead our warriorsto Cyrodiil."