Chapter 18

Politics of the Empire

Imperial City

24th Evening-Star 4E-02

Hadrian didn't expect to see the Countess of Anvil in his Palace anytime soon but when word came that the Countess was riding hard towards the City with a large contingent of guards and a prisoner that looked like he was of noble birth.

However, he would soon find out as the Countess walked into the Throne Room stoping at the steps to the throne kneeling before him alongside her son still dressed in the Legion gear. "My Sovereign it is an honour to be in your presence I come to ask for your intervention".

"Countess umbranox its always a pleasure to see you in the Capital and you as well Legate welcome back from your deployment in Morrowind, General Antonius sent me your records of your Deployment, House Redoran sing your praises after saving the Daughter of one of its leaders being injured in the process".

"Thank you your Majesty I was only doing my duty and would gladly do so again". The Legate bowed his head Honoured that the Emperor took the time to read his report, sure he was the Heir to Anvil but there were Hundreds of the Imperial Nobility serving in the Military.

"Yes, and I will discuss it with you after this Intervention, now Countess what is so urgent that you rode all the way to the Capital".

He didn't expect 2 Anvil city Guards dragging in a man in full leather Armor while Amelia walked in behind them holding a strange grey cowl in her fist as the two guards placed the bound man on his knees before the Imperial Throne.

"What is the Meaning of this Countess who is this man". Ocato bellowed at the site.

"My Sovereign my a present my Husband Corvus the long-lost Count of Anvil". With that she gave Amelia a nod who placed the grey cowl on Corvus head. "The Infamous Grey Fox wanted for multiple crimes including stealing an Elder Scroll".

Now that had Hadrian and Ocato silenced a Count of the Empire was King of Thieves and now they had him, looking at the Shocked Palace Guard at the door Hadrian told him to find Captain Lex and bring him here.

Looking at the now known Grey Fox Count, He asked the Countess what she wanted from him her answer was not that surprising, she wanted him as Emperor to Officially declare Count Corvus dead so Anvils reputation would not be tainted,

"If this is what you wish Countess it will be done, Captain Bones-Black if you would please Obliviate his Memory of him being Count Corvus and bring me the grey Cowl.

It seems being completely ignored by everyone was not nice feeling for Corvus as he roared in anger at the Emperor even considering this option and not giving him a chance to defend his rightful title, oh he would have his vengeance he would escape from here and order the guild to cause chaos across the Imperial Province.

Then he would gather a large host while the Imperial Military was distracted and retake his city Anvil was his, so what if he was the Grey Fox so what if he was a thief, he could do what he wanted.

He wound not get the chance as he was pinned down so Amelia could wipe his memory the Last memory of Count Corvus was him screaming in rage before it all went bank leaving nothing but his memories as the Grey Fox.

20 minutes later

Captain Hieronymus Lex of the Imperial City Watch made his way to the palace from the market District following the Palace Guard who had told him the Emperor himself had summoned him, he had no idea why as he was one of the Captains that commanded the different Districts of the Capital.

As he entered the Palace Throne Room, he saw not only the Emperor and High Chancellor, but also the Countess of Anvil and her son. "Ah Captain allow me to introduce you to our guest thanks to the Countess of Anvil, a member of the Thieves guild."

"He is also it's leader, tell me do you recognise this cowl." With that Hadrian held the cowl up controlling his emotions as he has Lex face pale in complete shock.

"It seems Captain despite your attempts at capturing him, you failed miserably as he was located in Anvil this whole time, now Agents Escort the Grey Fox to Fort Grief to await trial".

Legate Umbranox asked his Emperor why not keep him in the capitals Prison as it was much easier and that was exactly the point the Capitals Prison despite having it located in the Legion Compound it wasn't invulnerable.

Fort Grief however was invulnerable only 2 real ways to enter the city facility and that was by boat or Teleportation as long as your Magicka was linked into the Forts Ward-stones, the only exception was the Emperor and his Dragon.

As the Grey Fox was whisked away Countess Umbranox thanked her Sovereign and he informed her that the Elder Council would officially declare her Husband dead and that she had nothing to worry about.

That night

Hadrian still on his Throne looked down at the Grey Cowl as long as it existed on there world if it ever fell out of the Crowns control it would be used against the Empire once again it was then he knew what to do.

He left the Imperial City that night with 4 Penitus Oculatus Agents and rode south into the region of Blackwood near the border of Argonia to find a shrine of the cowls rightful owner however he had ordered another agent to head to the market District and speak to the tailor and owner of Divine Elegance to make a fake mask.

25th Evening-Star 4E-02

10 am

Blackwood

Shrine to Nocturnal

Mor Gra-Gamorn had lived at this shrine to her Deity for many years now she had never felt any fear of living in the wilderness, but now she did, as she watched 5 cloaked men on Horseback dismounted at the Shrine lowering their hoods to reveal the Emperor himself and 4 of his Bodyguards.

"Your Majesty please we had nothing to do with the Oblivion Crisis, I beg you show Mercy to our following we mean no threat to the Empire".

"I know citizen I know; I am here to return an item to the Prince." With that he walked towards the statue of Nocturnal kneeling before it.

"Greetings Emperor of a Tamriel, what brings you to my shrine Young Dragon." Came the voice of the Prince shocking the Devotees into silence as they to could hear the voice of Nocturnal.

"Lady Nocturnal I have com ego you today to correct a great wrong and return to you your Cowl."

He placed the grey cowl onto her shrine and watched in amazement as it vanished from sight.

"Ahhhh my Cowl returned to me after all this time, I thank you Dragon of the North and offer you this in return my Skeleton Key to aid with your problem in Morrowind and to tell you to Find the Shrine of Sheogorath, farewell Emperor of Tamriel."

And with that she was gone leaving him with the famous skeleton Key and a task to find the shrine to Sheogorath how the Prince of Madness could help he didn't know but who knows maybe a situation like this called for a little madness.

Authors note: hey people hope you like the chapter until the next time.

Revan Shan 2077