Chapter 14

It's done.

The Castle's former illegitimate occupants' bodies had risen and were now walking again, as if nothing had happened. A few had broken bones but nothing Cyrus' magic couldn't fix. The undead had been instructed to maintain a strict routine and were to warn their master should anyone take the road between Italica and the Capital.

As he exited the fort, Cyrus came across Rory who took a quick look from where he came from, watching his new minions. She had her trademark smirk when she gazed back at the Necromancer.

"You're very loose when it comes to respecting the cycle of Death and Life."

"Are you going to stop me?"

Was that a snarky comment? the Apostle wondered. Was Cyrus even capable of that? He always looked so serious.

She shook her head. "Not really. You didn't bring them back with their souls. At least I didn't sense it."

"Correct, they're just meat puppets."

"Right…" even to her, an answer like that was enough to make her deadpan, "unlike that one time I sensed you walking around with a soul. You know, like, yesterday."

That made the Heartlander raise a brow. She's talking about Clibitius. "Yesterday? Why didn't you say anything then?"

The girl shrugged. "Truthfully? I couldn't care less. Sure, Emroy should have been judging the soul upon death but given it would then have ended up in Hardy's domain… I'm okay with it. Let's just say that was my judgement as Emroy's representative, m'okay?"

Again with that Hardy, Cyrus thought, scratching his beard. If she's willing to disregard that, mmm…

He crossed his arms over his chest. "You seem awfully willing to dismiss any consequence with that Goddess… what did she do to you?"

The girl's face hardened as she tightened her grip around her weapon. "I really don't want to talk about it. It's…" she took a small breath, "look, it's not that I don't trust you, I'm just…"

"Yeah, I get it" he cut her. "You have the right to keep it to yourself." He presented his arm to the Apostle. "Come on my lady, let's go back to the airship."

Rory's face brightened as her smile came back. She took the offered arm. "I had missed that tone, Sir Cyrus."

Sadera, Imperial Palace

Molt sat on his throne, drumming his fingers on the armrests out of exasperation, occasionally gazing at the door facing him. Aside from two bodyguards, the throne room was empty.

It had been several days since he had last heard from his son and heir, Zorzal. It was unnerving to say the least. Not that the Emperor was even slightly worried about his eldest son but rather more about what he could be doing.

If the incident in the North-Eastern plains was something beyond a mere incursion of barbarians… like a guerrilla waged by remnants of the Warrior-bunnies, there was no telling the damage Zorzal could bring to stamp it out. There were a few villages around here. Should they even prove suspicious to the Prince… he wouldn't hesitate a second to raze them, thus setting back the region's colonization effort.

Molt clenched his teeth. His eldest was too bloodthirsty. He was good at warfare but mediocre at everything else. It didn't seem to matter to him but rumors had started to spread in the Capital and beyond. If he was to be crowned, Zorzal would rule through fear and brute strength.

He could even decide to seize the Throne himself should I lower my guard.

The Emperor then thought about his second heir in line, Diabo. Unlike his brother, what he lacked in warrior skills, he made up with his political mind. An acceptable trade, Molt wasn't much of a general himself. Still, Zorzal had the loyalty of his men while Diabo had only a few Senators.

Suddenly, the image of Piña came to his mind. Three days had passed since she had departed and he had yet to receive anything from the Princess. But he wasn't worried, in spite of what most generals thought of the Rose-Order, they were quite capable.

It made him smile a little. Piña was both as capable as Zorzal and politically savvy as Diabo, she would have made an excellent successor. Unfortunately, she was both illegitimate and a woman, as well as being soft, no doubt a result of her gender.

Had she been a boy… Molt sighed.

The sound of a door opening got him out of his reverie. He looked to see Marcus entering the room. The bald man immediately bowed. "Your Imperial Majesty."

Molt acknowledged him with a nod. "Marcus. You said you had news, anything from Godasen?"

The other man shook his head. "No, I'm afraid, not since Italica. He has been unusually quiet, but maybe the communication takes time?"

The Emperor snorted, showing his discontentment. "Perhaps. What about my eldest?"

"A runner just arrived. The Prince is making slow progress, it seems. The enemy is clever and avoids confronting his army directly, as a result his Highness elected for a policy of scorched earth."

Of course he would, so much for the colonization then.

"And the Princess? Any news from Italica or Alnus?"

"Nothing, Sire"

Molt raised a brow. That was unusual coming from Piña, he would have expected her to send him a report as soon as she had taken control of Italica.

Ah well, I'm worrying too much. Maybe there was nothing worthy to report, he rationalized.

"However, I do have some concerning news," his minister continued.

"I'm listening."

"The Senators opposed to the expedition beyond the Gate organized a meeting today at the estate of Marquis Casel El Tiberius, here in the Capital."

Molt frowned. "What do they plan? Not open rebellion, I hope? It would be bad… for them."

He sincerely doubted he would come to that. It wasn't the Marquis type, he was rather upfront.

"They're going to talk about the next Senate session. They intend to challenge you on the cost of this 'adventure' through the Gate. They were clearly not happy with yet another war."

The Emperor grinned before merely scoffing. "So what? Do they really think they can rally others to their cause? Like Senator La Moltose? They will shut their mouth when Legatus Sartorius comes back with wonder from the other side."

He turned his head to admire briefly a map which was hung on the wall. It represented Falmart and the nearest smaller landmasses in the Blue Sea. In truth, the Gate had been a veritable gift from Hardy.

"Look at this, Marcus," Molt suddenly said as he motioned to the map, "look at our Empire. All of the continent is under our control. What isn't under our direct rule pays us tribute. Sadera was built on expansion! Are they so quick to forget our history?"

"They do make a sound argument, though. For them, war is costly and we should better consolidate our Provinces."

"And with what slaves? What resources?" the Emperor retorted. "This is why the Gate is here, an unique occasion to replenish the workforce and resources needed for our Empire."

Maybe even something to improve our navy, the Gods know we are lacking in that area compared to those Avion Sea barbarians

"You're not afraid about Antonius' potential defeat?" Marcus dared ask his liege.

The Emperor's lips spread into a predatory smile. "Very well. Let's imagine for a moment this what happened, that our army beyond the Gate has been annihilated. What would be your first reaction if you were a denizen from the other side?"

"I would take this as a declaration of war and invade Falmart."

"Precisely. And what do you think would happen to them once they cross the Gate?"

"They would find themselves in an unfamiliar land," the minister paused as he deduced where Molt was coming from, " and at a disadvantage against us who have the field's knowledge."

"Indeed. And with the Vassals combined armies soon fortifying Alnus, launching a counter-invasion will be impossible."

"Which meant it would leave the otherworlders only two outcomes…"

Molt clapped his hands while nodding his head, still smiling. "Yes. Either they keep wasting their manpower by throwing men at us and we eventually counter-invade to make them submit, or they realize the futility and surrender immediately. Of course, that's assuming the Legatus was defeated rather than being reckless in establishing a beachhead."

"Yes, you're right, your Majesty. I'm worrying too much." The bald man then bowed. "I will make preparations to have men watching El Tiberius' mansion. I'll be sure to report you if I learn anything worthwhile."

"Very well, you may go." Molt turned towards the window behind him walking towards it before opening it. He set foot on the balcony to admire the city his palace overlooked, feeling content. "Another victory to add to the mightiest Empire to have ever existed."

Something emerged from the shadows on the Imperial Palace's highest cupola. It, or rather she, was outfitted into the trademark ebony chainmail armor of the Nightblades, her red helmet's crest indicating her rank of Magus-Captain.

You forgot the third option, your Majesty : we kick your sorry ass and force you to surrender

She briefly waved her hand. A purple glow briefly enveloped her as she cast a Recall spell.

District of Akusho, Sadera

The district of Akusho (also called the Red Light District) was situated outside the city's walls. Originally the rural suburbs of Sadera, it became a district of its own as the city grew over the centuries. Since Demihumans weren't allowed inside the city, this was where they all ended up.

In a way, it was comparable to the Tamrielian Imperial City's Waterfront District as both were the poorest quarters of these respective cities with one big difference. Where the Waterfront District was always bustling with activity due to being the harbour and had an Imperial Watch presence, Akusho was a poverty and crime-ridden slum ruled by four crime families. The inner city couldn't care any less about what happened in it as long as it stayed there.

In short, it was the perfect hiding place.

The Nightblade officer re-appeared inside a warehouse. She was joined by the rest of her team who saluted her, Azad among them.

"Anything to report, Battlemages?"

"Nothing, Ma'am," the mixed Redguard answered. "Some of the local 'enforcers' just passed by, some time ago. We gave them a few shinies, enough to buy their 'protection'. They didn't ask questions and let us be."

"Good, we don't need to attract attention. As far as anyone knows, we're just a group of mercenaries waiting to gain entrance in the city for work. Now I'll make my report to Commander Sejanus, the hunt has been plentiful. Dismissed"

"Very well, Ma'am."

The officer then sent a communication to her superior. "Commander Sejanus, this is Captain Eveline Dulion, stationed at the enemy's Capital of Sadera. After spying on their Emperor, I have new information to report that I believe critical to the war effort."

"Here's Commander Sejanus, I'm listening, Captain."

Imperial camp of Ykalon, Nirnian Side of the Gate

A reunion had been called out in the War tent, mostly for the daily update. Aside from the Imperial Battlemage, the Emperor and Basil, Liliah had come too.

Hector waved his hand above the map set on the central table, adding new landmarks.

"What are the news? Did Councilor Mei have anything interesting to report?" Ivan asked him as he looked on the map.

"There have been some… interesting developments. One in particular is quite troubling. But let us start with the good news. Mei is to meet with the Princess tomorrow to present her the list of prisoners."

"And among them, a few that we are willing to release immediately," Ivan continued. "Provided they are treated fairly and not like traitors. We gave our word after all."

"Now, excuse me for interrupting," Liliah cut them, "but those negotiations are strictly between us and that Princess, right?"

The others nodded in confirmation.

"I haven't been able to learn everything so I have to ask, how much power does she actually hold?"

"Well…" started Basil, "not much directly. It's more subtle."

His wife gazed at him, confusion showing on her face. "Subtle? You mean she doesn't have any official power?"

Her father in-law confirmed it with a nod. "Yes. Women on the other side of the Rift… don't really hold much power. At least in the Saderan society. The Princess however seems to exert a strong influence within her country's politics and we need her as an ally. Giving her the list is giving her power her father does not have."

Upon hearing this, the Dunmer looked disgusted. "Women aren't considered equal? And they call us barbarians. It's the Prince of Debauchery calling Lady Dibella a whore." She shook her head. "And so, you believe in backing her? Why?"

"It's simple. I've discussed quite a lot with Lady Sartorius. Princess Piña carries a lot of influence within the local aristocracy, in part thanks to her knightly order. She's seen as a positive influence. There is also some sort of power struggle going on between the primary heir and the rest of the Imperial children."

She raised a brow. "We are taking side in their internal affairs now?"

"The eldest Prince has apparently an… unpleasant reputation," her husband informed her. "And he's a warmonger. The Princess is reasonable, the interlocutor's choice is easy."

"And the faster this mess is resolved, the faster we can focus on rebuilding from the last war," Ivan concluded. "And if they end up fighting themselves, well they aren't fighting us."

"Moving on," Hector said by motioning to the map where the Kingdom of Elbe was, "Captain Alexios and his team managed to obtain an interview with the King of Elbe. It's as Count Formal predicted, their Emperor asked him and the other vassals to send armies to the Gate. Fortunately, we secured a promise from the King he would remain neutral in the conflict between us and his Emperor and would use his influence to ask the same of his fellow vassals."

"Seems like this Emperor doesn't inspire much loyalty from his subjects," Basil commented as he looked on the map.

"This is what ruling by fear does," Ivan said. "This is why I always try to reach a compromise where both sides have something to gain."

Liliah smiled at hearing this. "Obviously"

"Right, anyway," the Emperor continued, "without the Vassals breathing down our necks, our control of Alnus and Italica should remain undisputed."

Hector then pointed to a new landmark he had added east of Clan Formal's city, next to a mountain range. "We've been informed of a fortress located here, keeping the main access leading to the capital. It's been taken by bandits but, as we speak, a cleanup team has been sent to take control of it. It should already be done as we are speaking now."

"Good, so now the entire region will be secure while the Capital still doesn't know what happened. That will keep us several steps ahead of them for now." He then looked to another landmark, Northwest of Italica behind the Romaria Mountains. "What is that? It seems to be not far from Captain Za'Kir and his team."

"It's something Captain Caranya reported recently. You know that she and her team evacuated a village, right?"

"Yes, I do remember now that you say it. This is where they encountered that 'Apostle'."

"Indeed. Among the villagers, there were a mage and his apprentice. The Captain recently conversed with them as well with the Elf child they saved. We learned some… interesting facts from it and about the local magic, particularly the research about it was crudely underdeveloped compared to ours."

"Hence why it's so rare among them," the Crown Prince deduced. "Thankfully for us."

"Well after having a discussion with the both of them, she learned the location of their center of magic learning, the Academy of Lindon." The Tharn Patriarch pointed at the landmark. "Right here, in a city called Rondel."

"Good," Ivan smiled, "if we secure it that's another blow to our enemy."

His son gazed at the map deep in thoughts. "There's something that's bothering me." The others looked at him. "Wasn't it Captain Za'Kir and his team that were encountering several pockets of daedra? And there's a magical Academy not that far…"

His wife nodded. "I don't believe in coincidences."

"Mmm… I know what you're suggesting but didn't that 'Apostle' mention Daedra had never set foot on their world before? If she didn't lie it would mean their mages don't know how to summon Daedra." Ivan countered.

"Yes," Hector confirmed them, "they don't know about Daedra summoning… unless taught. The Bandit lord who attacked was a reject but with a little help he was able to summon a little army."

"True," the Emperor said as he clenched his teeth. He then looked where the Kingdom of Elbe was. "And what about those fought by Captain Alexios' team? Were they only acting as minions?"

His Chancellor shook his head. "Negative, those Daedra acted on their own. They were clearly unrelated to the others. We are still searching for the cause."

"Alright, inform Captain Za'Kir about his new objective, he is to investigate the city of Rondel and its academy of magic and take over the city as a secondary objective."

Hector nodded. "Very well, I…" he suddenly shut himself up. "I'm receiving a message from Commander Sejanus. I will relay him the new orders."

A few minutes of absolute silence passed.

"It's done," the Imperial Battlemage announced. "But the Commander relayed interesting information." He pointed Sadera on the map. "Captain Eveline's team had been tasked with spying on their Emperor. They recently learned about the existence of a faction of Senators opposed to this war who were hoping to sway others and their liege to their cause."

The Emperor grinned. "Interesting indeed."

" 'Senators'?" his daughter-in-law questioned.

"Their equivalent of Councilors," Basil explained to her.

"We need to know more about them. They might prove useful. Issue an order for them to be monitored," Ivan said to his Chancellor.

"No need," Hector replied, "the Captain said she was going to do it. She thought the same as you."

"I'm gonna run out of rewards to give out soon with so many good soldiers," the Emperor complained playfully.

"About Captain Erik's team… they are still following the trail of that Plague. Nothing much for now but I have news from Commander Pious."

Ivan blinked in surprise. "Really? What are they? Did he find another way to this world?"

"It's more complicated than that, I'm afraid. They located the plane but it seems to be bigger than expected."

"I… don't understand."

"They did manage to open a portal unrelated to the Rift only to realize they landed on another world." Hector handed him some kind of documents. "Here's the reports. The stars didn't match and the inhabitants have never heard about a Saderan Empire whatsoever. This indicates the plane where the other world is located contains at least two inhabited worlds."

The Emperor briefly read a few pages before looking back at the Tharn Patriarch. "I understand, I guess at least, I'm not the expert here. But what does that mean for us?"

"Hard to say. What we do know from recent reports, however, is that the Gate has been used to draw new people to their world. Maybe, before this mess, it was actually an inter-planar means of travel?"

"Maybe… but why?" Ivan shook his head. "Oh, it's not like it matters at that stage and we keep having more questions than answers. Still, Commander Pious needs to continue on finding the other world. Was that all?"

"There was… something else," Hector briefly hesitated.

This was noted by the rest of the tent's occupants.

"Is there something wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost. Well not a ghost in your case but… ah well, you get me."

"I left it for last for a good reason. I would prefer it if it stayed between us for now."

"By the Nine Divines, Hector, what is it in the end? Spill the beans!" Ivan groaned. "How can it be any worse than the rest we've heard so far? Unless we have confirmation of a Prince's involvement, of course."

The Imperial Battlemage didn't reply, staying quiet. The rest of the tent blinked before having their eyes widening when they realized the meaning of it.

Liliah was the first to break the silence. "Well, you had to jinx us, 'Father'."

Ivan simply facepalmed. "Marvelous. As if this wasn't some grand shitfest already. I understand why my father felt old before his time."

"So which one is it this time? The God of schemes or the Prince of Destruction? Or maybe another fuck up of the Master of Insidious Wishes?" Basil asked in a relatively calm tone. "Come to think of it that sounds like the latter, some wish gone awry, again."

"Please, remain calm," the Imperial Battlemage tried.

"Oh but I am calm, old friend," Ivan replied in a calm yet angry tone. "So calm I will let my hammer do the smashing for me when I find whoever is responsible for making a stupid deal with a godly power. AGAIN!"

"You didn't let me finish, your Majesty. I never said a Prince was responsible for opening the Rift on our side, I said one of them involved themselves. There's a difference."

"Mmmh," the Emperor somewhat relaxed, "alright, so what is then? Cryptic visions?"

"Yes"

The other man rolled his eyes. "Of course, it had to be. So, what was it? Which Prince?"

"One of our Battlemages reported to his superior he had dreams where he conversed with an avatar of Boethiah, the Dark Warrior…"

Liliah red eyes' widened. "The God Ancestor?" She sounded almost overjoyed at the news, which was immediately noted by the others. "It's an honor to have a vision from them."

Basil nervously fidgeted with his fingers. Should I remind her about the Prince of the Plots and Deceiver of Nations part?

"Right," Ivan said, preferring to not debate his in- law on theological matters before turning his head towards Hector. "So, who was the lucky soldier?"

"Cyrus of Argos," Hector sighed.

The Emperor raised a brow. "One of the two Battlemages who recovered Count Formal?"

"The same one, it seems. And before you ask, no, he isn't a member of a cult of Boethiah nor has known Dunmeri ancestry."

"And what did the Prince tell him then?"

"Aside that we already knew of? That Boethiah knows the culprit but won't tell their identity."

"How convenient."

"The other information was that the Rift has a default."

"Let me guess," Basil intervened, "it can attract Daedra to it."

"Sort of, apparently," Hector confirmed, "albeit not just necessarily Daedra but any extra-worlders, if the Rift stays too long in place and that the Goddess who opened knew that."

"Wow, does she not care about her worshippers?" the Emperor wondered, "if we weren't there, things could have turned much worse. Ah well, anything else?"

Hector conjured a document out of thin air which he handed to Ivan. "Here's a full report."

"Thanks," then after reading some of it, "tell me, is that man trustworthy?" He turned towards his minister, "I couldn't help but notice you seem implicated."

The older man nodded gravely. "I am, in a way."

"He is not your illegitimate son, at least? You seem to cover for him," Liliah almost accused him.

"I don't have any of those," Hector defended himself, "as for why I protect him, it's, well…" Hector pulled two more reports that he gave to Ivan. "Everything should become clear."

As the Emperor began to look over them, he turned back to him. "Wait, this one is a report concerning an incident in Valenwood from the Second War and the other Cyrus of Argos's psychological evaluation? What does this have to do with anything?"

"Emperor, you should read the names of the soldiers involved into the first."

"Alright… mmmh, a special commando sent to join with the Bosmeri resistance, m'okay… ah! Two members were taken prisoners, Cyrus of Argos and Jing…" he looked back at Hector, "Tharn?!"

The other gravely nodded in confirmation. "The youngest daughter of my great-Niece, Mei Tharn."

Both Basil and Liliah paled before exchanging looks. "The Councilor's daughter? But then when she went here…"

"She wanted to check on her daughter, as she was still livid about what happened. Jing had only reintegrated briefly the army…" he pointed to the paper still in Ivan's hands, "here."

The Emperor continued to read it before punching the table before him, surprising his son and his daughter in law. "What in Oblivion is… this!"

Hector sat at the table, he seemed tired. "The facility where they were brought was used by the Thalmor to… experiment on Bosmer prisoners. Not even the Dominion military knew what was going on, till very late at least. Had they known… well I guess things would have turned out very differently. I don't think Jing and Cyrus were supposed to be detained here in the first place."

"It's not… stated what they intended to do with the Bosmers," Ivan said with disgust.

"They tortured them, I think I know why, an experiment in eugenics most likely. It rendered the prisoners mad, completely feral and by the time the rescue team showed up, they were all dead. As for Jing, she would have suffered the same fate had Cyrus not stepped up in her place and made his best to endure it as long as he could. He probably saved her from a fate worse than death."

Ivan nodded. "I understand now, but why did they do all of that? Couldn't they have just mind-read them? Even with their mental defences, it wouldn't have taken the Thalmor that long."

"They did. They just didn't stop there… Jing wasn't even subjected to it but the place alone broke her. She took months to recover. So, her comrade..."

"And yet, in spite of what happened, you still took him back in the corps instead of letting him rest?"

"That was his choice, he insisted on it, " Hector defended himself. "Despite everything, he made a recovery of sorts."

"Mmmh," Ivan glanced at the psychological evaluation. " 'Partial memory loss concerning the tragic events due to a trauma… was able to recover and behave somewhat normally though drastic change in personality noted, went from outgoing and friendly with a bit of shyness to antisocial behavior masked behind a cold professionalism.' Divines, that's what you actually call a recovery?"

"Believe it or not, but after reintegrating the corps he produced results. As for Jing… I tried to dissuade her too, in vain. That's why I had them both watched by their superior, Captain Caranya. And so far, they have proved themselves reliable."

"And then the Prince of Plots showed up in his dreams… why?"

Liliah was uneasy. It was about the God Ancestor of her people after all. "Maybe…" she tried to say, "maybe the Prince saw something in him?"

Ivan turned towards her. "He's one of my soldiers, not a pawn in a cosmic game!"

Hector shook his head. "I'm afraid it's too late for that. She's right, unfortunately. According to his report, this wasn't the first time Boethiah appeared to him but he has no recollection of something similar before."

"And he suffered memory loss before," Basil remembered, "which leads us... back to that incident."

Ivan took back the report in hand, reading the rest. His eyes widened. "All the prisoners save your niece escaped their cages but only Cyrus was found alive and conscious but with a broken mind. As for their jailors, they seem to have been killed during the prison break, their bodies were found horribly mutilated," he looked back at the High Chancellor. "So Boethiah was involved in this too?"

"Maybe not directly, but I think they might have communicated during the incident, who knows about what. As for the prisoners escaping and their sudden death… I have a theory. I believe the torture had the opposite effect of what they intended, instead of making the Bosmers more 'Aldmeri' it made them closer to the 'Green'."

"So the jailors' bodies…" Ivan started before having his eyes widening in shock, "weren't mutilated but actually devoured."

Liliah looked like she was going to throw out. "By the Reclamations…"

"But then what about Cyrus? What was he doing there and why was he the only survivor?" Basil asked. "It doesn't make any sense."

"On the contrary, it's very simple," Hector retorted. "The Bosmer hyperconnection to the Green as a result of their torture simply consumed them, that's why they died. As for Cyrus, well, I did a background check on him. He's an orphan from a small village in the Heartlands, Argos. The villagers there have a particular tradition."

"Traditional Nibenese Cult you mean," Ivan groaned.

"Yes, the village is known for its good crops. Turns out they have some sort of agreement with the Spriggans of the nearby woods. Among them is having the local orphaned children being partially raised by them, to what goal I couldn't say. Cyrus was able to learn Sprigganish from that, that made him a valuable asset in Valenwood,"

Ivan deadpanned before giving glancing to Hector with a look that meant are you actually being serious right now? He grumbled something about Nibenay and 'stupid cults'.

"So," Basil started, "are you suggesting he was somehow connected to the 'Green' in some capacity which is why he was among the Bosmers where they escaped?"

"In some capacity? I believe so. But there's a lot of details that elude us. Like how they escaped in the first place and anyone that might have known is either dead or amnesiac."

"Right… and assuming Boethiah didn't take advantage of the latter to lie for one of his plots, I guess it's fair to assume the Prince may have played a role in this mess," Ivan theorized. "Or maybe all of this is a bunch of assumptions without any proof and all the torture the Thalmor inflicted them had no other motive than pure cruelty! Maybe those self-righteous pricks weren't that different from the Ayleids in the end!" He suddenly exclaimed. "I trust we were done?" As Hector confirmed it, he left the tent abruptly.

"What… was that?" Basil questioned, surprised by his father's outburst.

"We got bad news earlier this morning," Hector informed him, "we finished identifying the prisoners. The Legatus and a few others weren't among them. They all have spouses and children waiting for them in the civilian camp. We're gonna need to announce the news soon."

"I see… that definitely explains it. That, the Prince and now this."

Liliah had remained quiet for a while before looking over to the Imperial Battlemage. "May… may I have a look at the reports?"

"As you wish, Princess." He shook his head after handing her the papers. "To be frank, I would have rather preferred that this tragic event stay buried. Jing and Cyrus have both suffered enough as it is. The Emperor is right, it was pure gratuitous cruelty."

"Yet you keep it all on you," the Crown-Prince pointed out, "you knew something was up, right?"

"It seems so. I don't think there's been one moment in my life where I have wished so much to be wrong. Alas, the Gods didn't seem willing to grant me this."

Liliah walked towards him. "It was because of this, right?" Her finger pointed a particular line on the sheet. "It seems out of the place for a 'simple' act of cruelty."

Hector sighed. "It didn't make any sense back then, it still doesn't know. But at least I think I know why Boethiah took interest in him." He then gazed back at Basil. "You should know something else. The Prince told Cyrus he wasn't the only they communicated with, there have been only allusions but… who knows? I am not worried about the boy's loyalties but there are others who might not be as morally upright as him."

"Bah…" Basil waved him out, "isn't being threatened by plotters part of my job anyway?"

He then left the tent to follow after his father, his wife behind him.

"Father!"

Ivan turned around to see his heir and Liliah walking towards him.

As they caught up with him, the Emperor spoke. "I trust Hector told you where I'm going?"

His son nodded. "Yes, I know. So it's confirmed then?"

"It is." His gaze softened. "I'm sorry for my outburst earlier, I thought I had left the Thalmor behind and that we could start healing from the Second War. It was wishful thinking on my part, and then I suddenly learned a Prince might have been involved. This reminds me too much of the Great War."

The Crown-Prince frowned. "So the rumors about how grandfather wielded Goldbrand were true after all?"

"The Dark Warrior was involved too in this war?" Liliah added, surprised.

"Boethiah, Vaermina… it was more complicated than what is written in the history books. I had hoped… ah well, how do Heartlanders say it, again? Alea Iacta Est*," He shook his head. "I need to see Lady Livia to… inform her about her husband's fate."

"Maybe I should come too," Basil proposed to him.

"No," his father replied, "it's my responsibility. I will assume it." He then walked away.

Basil's wife wrapped her arm around his own.

"Liliah?" he asked the Dunmer.

"Yes, dear?"

His brown eyes looked in her red ones. "What was it you saw in the report?"

"The scars sustained by that man… I can confirm with certainty it was the result of his torture."

"How so? And why does it matter?"

"Too regular to have been the result of injuries for a start and the report mentioned Cyrus' proficiency in Restoration. It's very unlikely he would even suffer scars in the first place, which leaves two possibilities…"

"Ritualistic scarification," Basil continued. He shook his head. "Probably not, Nibeneses paint their body, they rarely scarify it. The other is that…" he blinked in disgust, "Flesh sculpting! It's as Father said, they were just as bad as the Ayleids. But what do these scars have to do with anything?"

Liliah held her chin, deep in thoughts. "Arguably, it's just a feeling. Their shape wasn't actually described in detail, I would need to see them to be sure… but I believe it's what attracted the Prince."

"But why?"

She looked straight into his eyes. "They were located on his chest, where his heart should be."

"Finish your plate, Julius."

"But mother, I'm not hungry anymore!" The child protested.

The Sartorius and their demihuman servant were eating lunch together in their private tent.

"The camp's cooks put in a lot of effort to please you even though they didn't have to. You will finish it," Livia ordered her son calmly.

Julius simply grumbled as a response.

"For prisoner's food, this was really good!" his sister Flavia exclaimed. "How do they call the main plate, again?"

"Potatoes, Mistress," Violet, the ever faithful bunny-warrior bodyguard, answered.

"Right! I wish we had those back home." She then turned towards her mother, "Speaking of which, when will we see father?"

Livia winced. "I… I don't know, dear. I need to see Emperor Ivan for that and I haven't seen him yet today."

"Surely some 'Imperial business' then," the young girl theorized, "nevermind, this isn't so bad so far. We can go almost anywhere we want to play, feels almost like a vacation. Though I admit I'd like to visit around if we could, like a local town…"

"Like guests we may be treated but we remain prisoners," her mother reminded her. "We'll see once this war ends."

"Right… I just wish I could buy some local dress, to show off before the other girls back in Sadera," Flavia daydreamt.

Julius shook his head in disapproval at his older sister's antics.

One of their camp's female guards suddenly called out to them. "Lady Sartorius!" She saluted her. "The Emperor wishes to talk with you." She then added after looking briefly at the other people present, "privately."

Livia nodded before turning to her servant and her children. "Very well, Violet, why don't you take Julius and Flavia outside?"

"Of course my lady," the bodyguard answered as she began to leave the tent.

Flavia went after her, dragging with her her little brother by the hand.

"But I don't wanna go," he groaned.

"We are not asking you, mother and Emperor Ivan need to talk about important stuff we aren't meant to listen to," his sister responded, ignoring her brother's mood.

As she soon found herself alone, the Sartorius Matriarch took a deep breath. An ominous feeling had washed over her since she awoke this morning.

Her thoughts were interrupted when Ivan entered her tent, leaving his two usual green skinned bodyguards behind.

A simple look at his facial expression was enough to betray the news. Whereas he was usually quite jovial, his face was hardened today.

No, she realized, he is grim.

She felt a terrible pain in her chest, as if her heart was going to explode.

"Greetings my Lady. I have news," he announced neutrally.

"He's dead, isn't he?" Livia interrupted him, looking away.

Ivan paused before sighing. "We finished the remaining prisoners' identification this morning. We have confirmed your husband wasn't among them."

For a moment there was only silence between them.

"Why?" Livia finally asked, finally turning back to meet his gaze. "Why did you go out of your way to just bring the news to me?" Tears were threatening to roll from her eyes.

"Out of respect for you, my Lady, you deserve the truth. Besides you are hardly the first widow I have to tell about her late husband's fate. It is an unpleasant task but one that needs to be done and I assume my responsibility as all rulers should."

Commendable indeed, if only others were more like you, she thought, repressing her tears.

"But he wasn't one of your soldiers, he was your enemy. Shouldn't you be glad?" she retorted with difficulty.

"I am not talking to him, aren't I?"

Once again they were both quiet.

"You know," Livia started, "I don't blame you. I can hardly hate you after all you have done for us," she replied as she pointed to the tent and then outside. "In any other situation, my children would have been taken from me and we would have been sold as slaves. Here? I am given the freedom of mourning him, that's more than I can ask."

Ivan didn't answer. Of all the things he had to do as an Emperor, those were among that he hated the most. But I am a Colovian, sending pretty letters to our fallen Heroes' family is not our way.

"Antonius wasn't without faults," she continued, "he was a glory seeker and believed too much in the myth of Sadera's invincibility." She clenched her teeth in anger. "But Emperor Molt held an even greater part by ordering my husband through the Gate, to invade a world we knew nothing about. And for what?!" she seemed to gesture around her, more for herself than Ivan, "More slaves? More wealth? To what end? To sate a thirst for endless conquest?" She sat, as if she had suddenly lost her strength. "I knew this day was coming. I've had to comfort widows myself, you see."

"You have my sincere condolences, my lady."

She smiled sadly. "Thank you. For coming personally, I appreciate it."

"I will let you be."

"Before you leave, your Highness," she called out to him, "about Lady Calia's husband?"

Ivan briefly stopped, trying to remember the woman in question. "The lady with a babe?"

Livia nodded in confirmation.

"I thought so… I fear her husband didn't make it either."

"I see…"

Ivan then left her alone. As he exited the prisoner's camp, he turned back to his Orc bodyguards.

"I will walk alone from here, there's something I need to do."

The two simply answered by saluting him.

Ivan continued his marchand stopped near a lone tree, before turning his gaze to the Direnni Tower on the horizon. He tightened on his fist before punching the ground. A small hole formed as he removed his hand.

"Damn it! It's already bad I have to be the bearer of bad news but now I have to deal with the Deceiver of Nations ensnaring one of my men!" He raised his fist to the sky in defiance. "What are you trying to do, Boethiah? Huh? Was my father's life not enough for you? Do you need more blood?"

As nothing replied to him, Ivan spat on the ground. "Fine. Don't answer me and keep your secrets. It's not like you chose someone with shaky ambitions after all." He then left to rejoin his bodyguards.

Somewhere in Oblivion

Oh but I will have the blood I hunger for, Ivan

* Alea Iacta Est : The Die is Cast