Chapter 4: The Blades, the dark heart of Markarth, some diplomatic immunity, and the Imperial Legion.
"What!?" I said to Delphine. She quickly rose up.
"We are the Blades, you are the Dragonborn Emperor we have been waiting for all of these years since the Empire 'disbanded' us, ever since then we have been hunted down by the Thalmor." She explained a bit while I was both mind-blown and ecstatic.
"You have managed to survive all of those years?" Delphine nodded at this.
"Yes and while were almost broken but not defeated or willing to be brought down me and a member known as Esbern found something. Esbern!" Suddenly an old Nord man in rather nice clothes came along.
"Tell him what we have found here and show him around, in the meantime Blades. Fall out until I or the Emperor who's name is Ruigus gives you something to do." The Blades did as she said, their glorious armor was still a treat to my eyes. Esbern had a smile on his face like every other Blade.
"Come with me my Emperor, I will show you around Sky Ruler Temple and explain ourselves a bit further." With me, Lydia, and Delphine in tow we went with the old man as went to a wall adjacent to the table which seemed to be attaced to another upper floor that was barely any higher than we were, it also protruded an Eagle like face as well.
Esbern stopped in front of the wall to our left, it had a lot of writing and carvings into it. It seemed to be a picture or painting of sorts.
"This is Alduin's wall, it tells the story of Alduin's time of Dragon rule. It shows that the human rebellion at the end of her rule was led by ones who could Shout. The next panel here is most odd, as you can see." It seemed to be of a person and another person with wings holding hands, it kind of seemed adorable.
"Wait this is too much to bear with, what is the point of this wall?" Esbern continued to marvel at it while he spoke.
"It helped us reveal the time when the return of Alduin the World Eater would return, and it seems that all hope is lost with her coming about." He said crossly.
"I see, so the Blades have been here ever since the White Gold Concordat?" Delphine shook her head at this.
"Ever since Cloud Ruler Temple was destroyed by the Thalmor, I had figured out the location of this sacred area of the Blades. Nobody had known about it for a very long time, had I not shared it with the rest of the Blades I would have feared our fate, more so if we had not discovered the Dragonborn prophecy which brought you to us, my Emperor."
"I am no Emperor! What makes you think that I am?" Delphine now explained.
"We no longer accept the rule of those without the blood of a Dragon within them. You are our natural and only choice for a leader." I gulped, so they saw me as the true Emperor of Tamriel? This was almost surreal.
"But I have no leadership experience at all! I do not think I can do so effectively." I said honestly.
"Do not worry for now you will learn how to do it one day Ruigus, as Grandmaster of the Blades I should be able to take care of things here. But you will lead the Empire when the time is right." She is saying that I will be the Emperor soon?
"My Emperor, I and the rest of the Blades will die for you if that is your wish." Lydia said. I was still shocked at all of this, I had gone from nobody to Dragonborn to possible Emperor.
"Thank you, but do not die for me. I would not want to see that happen to any of you yet this is still a lot for me to take in."
"I understand." Came the reply from all three of them. They were devoted, to me.
"So how were you able to rebuild?" Delphine then explained.
"It was because of people such as Lydia here. The Blades are a mixture of many types of people, there are few that are old veterans. Most that are new to us but very eager. Some had nowhere else to go when we recruited them, some eagerly joined and some were born into it. We all have our different strengths and weaknesses, but we are all equal in our devotion to you. Lydia in this case joined us." I wondered why she left Whiterun.
"So why did you leave Whiterun?" Her eyes widened a bit at that, before she spoke.
"I had met Delphine sometime before Helgen had happened. I had expressed my dissatisfaction with so much of what was going on in Skyrim and the rest of Tamriel I suppose I must have impressed her. And my skills with a sword were pretty decent too." She said.
"That is reassuring." I smiled and she seemed happy with it. Esbern now spoke once more.
"I must show you the other rooms."
I was shown the other Blades rooms. There was a smithing room, a alchemy room for the apparent Mages in the Blades and living quarters, and I was finally led to one grand room.
It was not too big or too small. There was a really nice bed in there that seemed both pleasing to the eye and comfortable. I then noticed that on the wall to it's right and left were very grand looking blades armor and a special well crafted Blades sword with a perfect shield. There were also cabinets and other assorted things you would see in a room.
"This is your room." Esbern said to me, it was the most grandest room I had seen in my life.
"Thank you."
"Take the armor and weapons, I think you might like them." Delphine said.
I walked up to the Sword first.
"Dragonsbane, an excellent of sword said to cause electric damage to every enemy it hits as well as doing physical damage. It would not be a proper weapon if it didn't." I got a feel for the Akavirian sword. It was amazing! The same for the shield as well, it had far superior protection.
I now went up to the armor and quickly stripped myself of my armor and revealing my normal clothes, I put on the armor piece by piece. Blades armor was both fancy and unique in it's look I must say.
"This armor was specifically made for you, as our Emperor." Delphine said.
It sure looked that way too, there were some gold markings with the symbol of the Empire on them. It also had a few special markings, a Dragon holding a hammer and a screeching Eagle on both of my shoulder plates. There was black clothing in it that dropped a little from my shoulders and pants. It really did feel fit for an Emperor.
"We have a cloak so you can hide your armor, additionally we have disguises for you in the case you it might raise unneeded attention or rather just hide from the Thalmor if they become too inquisitive." Delphine informed me.
"I do not deserve this armor." I told the accompanying Blades and they responded with a bow.
"Any idea on what we should do?" I asked curious what task the Blades had to ask of me before I could return the horn to the Greybeards.
"There is something I can have you do that will hurt the Thalmor by a tiny peg. There is a Thalmor embassy over in the land of Solitude, now we think that the Thalmor may perhaps have a hand in the return of the Dragons. How? No clue but even if they are not a factor in the return this as I have said it will annoy them." Going into an embassy with Thalmor seemed to be a dangerous move.
"Will there be any backup?"
"No, but we do have a spy that can assist you in getting into the Embassy without causing any suspicion, as a matter of fact they will think you to be their guest. We would like to send one of our agents with you Ruigus like Lydia here but we cannot risk their detection or suspicion that we are still around." That was reasonable.
"Well I guess it could not hurt. And besides someone has to make the Thalmor pay bit by bit. I will do it." Delphine and the others looked pleased.
"The spy's name is Malborn, a Bosmer who lost his family to them when they attacked Valenwood. You will meet him in The Winking Skeever. Odd name I know. We will hand you party clothes and some new armor that shouldn't draw any attention but it is Scaled armor."
I gasped at the mention of Scale mail armor, while it was nowhere near as good as the Emperor armor that seemed to be heavy yet almost weightless, Scaled armor offered a great amount of protection and did not sacrifice speed in the slightest. I was curious as to where the Blades got all of these weapons, armor, money, and materials from but I suppose they were inventive if not genius.
I told them I would go to Markarth first, the Blades accompanying me out said that I could bring the legendary sword and their shield because they did not think it would attract any attention to them. I had dropped the old Imperial sword and shield that had saved my life many times for these Blade weapons now. I had switched out my Imperial armor as well for the superior Scaled armor. It fit rather comfortably. And it looked stylish.
I wonder what their opinion is on the Dragons, they seem to go with whatever I desire but I want to really ask Delphine or Esbern and to ask about anything else there is.
If anyone had told me that a year or so back that one day a group of the Empire's best warriors and agents considered me to be the true Emperor I probably would have laughed as if I had gone insane.
But as I walked into Markarth a very unique city in appearance that was like nothing I had seen before. I saw a man sneaking up to a woman with a knife.
Immediately I took out Dragonsbane and stabbed him in the back before he could slit her throat.
"By the Divines, the Forsworn here in the city!" Said one woman as she saw the man with the knife die. Did she mean me or him? A bunch of guards came around circling around the body as I quickly grabbed a note off of the dead man.
"Everyone stay back. The Markarth city guard have this all under control. There are no Forsworn here." Forsworn? I think I heard some conversing travelers talking about that once and how Ulfric fought them or something like that.
Suddenly the woman who I just saved ran up to me.
"By the Gods that man nearly killed. You have saved my life!"
"Thank you. Here, I was just going to bring this to my sister, but I think you should have it." She handed me a Silver Emerald Necklace.
"Keep it, I do not need it anyways." I closed her hand at that.
"Speaking of which do you know why that man was after you?" If he is Forsworn it would be best to learn of what they want if they do things such as this.
"No. I don't have any idea. I was just shopping for a pendant for my sister back in the Imperial City." People from Cyrodil such as me and her were not uncommon. Still it seemed as if she were hiding something.
"I heard someone say something about Forsworn, do you know how that might relate to the man that is dead?" She shook her head.
"I've heard of them. Something about the men who live in the hills and attack caravans. I'm sorry, I have no idea why he would want me in particular, I am just from Cyrodil." I do not think these Forsworn are just a group of malevolent individuals who just attack at random.
"I see, stay safe." I began walking away from the scene at the stalls, I think there was no more blood being spilt.
"I will." She said to me before heading off towards an inn that seemed to be built into a stone hill itself. A man now walked up to me, he seemed a bit older than me and also very normal compared to some of the other people I have seen so far.
"Gods. A woman attacked right on the streets." And the very entrance into this city.
"I haven't seen anything like it before." I said to him.
"Are you all right? Did you see what happened?" He sounded very concerned.
"The man pulled out a knife and was about to kill that woman before I stopped him." I gestured over to his body.
"Odd, oh!" He quickly put a note into my hand.
"I think you dropped this. Some kind of note. Looks important." I was confused.
"Is this your note? What does it mean?" He shrugged.
"My note? No, that's yours. Must have fallen out of your pocket." I think I still had the one I nabbed off the would-be murderer's corpse. It definitely belonged to him and he had something to say to me that was not allowed near others.
"Well best get going, I just wanted to check out the city you know?" He looked a bit expectantly at me before we parted ways.
Finding myself where nobody would be able to look at a note I decided to read the one he gave to me.
'Meet me at the Shrine of Talos.' I would have to look around for it. I decided to pull out the one from the 'Forsworn' man I killed. It opened.
'Weylin,
You've been chosen to strike fear in the heart of the Nords. Go to the market tommorow. You will know what to do.
-N'
Hmph, this bode ill, nor did I like the sound of it.
Eventually I found the entrance into it, I saw the man who talked to me before in front of a glorious shrine of Talos.
"I'm sorry to bring you into Markarth's problems, but after that attack in the market, I'm running out of time." He said visibly upset at the whole affair from earlier.
"I want to help but what is going on?"
"You want answers? Well so do I. So does everyone in this city." He said angrily as if stressing it out.
"A man goes crazy in the market. Everyone knows he's a Forsworn agent. Guards do nothing. Nothing but clean up the mess." He finished with a disgusted tone. It seemed this city was the Imperial version of Riften.
"Tell me what you need done."
"Please. You need to find out why the woman was attacked, who's behind Weylin and the Forsworn, and I'll pay you for any information you bring me.
"No payment is necessary, but where do you think I should go?" He thought for a moment.
"Check out the slums where Weylin lived, somebody may be able to give you the key to his room, or you can pick it. Margret stays in the Silver Blood Inn I would think. You should be able to ask someone there to help." I had my guidance, I just needed to figure out this city.
Already it had a stink to it that was the same as Riften.
But I am curious about the Forsworn, I think he may know about them.
"Who are the Forsworn?"
"They're remnants of the old rulers of Markarth. Natives of the Reach. Followers of the old ways. The Nords drove them out of the city. Ulfric Stormcloak and his men. That was about 20 years ago." Twenty years is a long time. And it seems that the Forsworn are proof of one thing Ulfric could not crush.
"But somehow they're still here, and they're killing people." Damn them.
"When did you start looking into these murders then?" It seems as if he had dedicated a good amount of his life to this.
"Yes. It all started when I was a boy. My father owned one of these mines. Rare for anyone who isn't a Nord. He was killed. Guards said it was just a madman, but everyone knew the murderer was a member of the Forsworn." His father had died to them, just like how my father had died to the Thalmor. The thought of it bothered me, I zoned off. Thinking about what life would have been if he lived. I wish I could have met him before he died.
"I've been trying to figure out why ever since. Gone nowhere so far, and then I got married. Have a child of my own on the way." I perked up at this, a family? My mother had wanted to get married sometime, and I kind of wanted to myself but…..I just cannot tell why I am not attracted to most of the women here, they are very beautiful but I do not feel anything of the sort to them. I really want to have kids one day, I really do.
"I swore I was going to give up, for my child's sake, but it's like my father's ghost is haunting me. Asking me 'Why?'."
"I think my father may start haunting me soon, he was killed by the Thalmor." He gave a nod.
"Sorry to hear friend, my name is Eltyrs. What is yours?"
"Ruigus. And I will bring justice upon the Forsworn. I must go and check out Margret first and see what the deal with her is."
"I see, Divines guide you, keep your eyes and ears open." And our meeting was ended.
I walked down to the Inn, the night sky was a good to see but also haunting thanks to city.
I found Margret in the Inn after a little bit of searching.
"Hey, there is something very wrong inside this city and I do not think the man came after you just because you were here from Cyrodil. I need to know why are you really here." She was stunned at my question but kept herself calm as possible while she looked around quickly, a small sigh escaped her lips.
"Was it that obvious? Damn. I must be losing my touch." Hmm?
"I'm one of General Tullius's agents. I was sent to investigate the Treasury House and the Silver Blood family." Uncle sent her? It seems he didn't like this place either.
"They own Cidhna Mine, one of the toughest jails in Skyrim. I was hoping I could buy or steal the deed, but I don't think that's how things work around here." She went on again.
"Mark my words, Thonar Silver-Blood was behind that attack in the market. Somehow." Perhaps it may have been the Silver Bloods the entire time?
"Thank you, I will bring them to justice one way or another." She gave an awkward smile.
"I'd rather not talk anymore, I have to head back to Cyrodil soon."
"Just one thing! How's Tullius?"
"He thinks he needs more men, you are welcome to join the Imperial Army of course." Were her final words as I walked out of the Inn. Only to be stopped by a guard.
"You. I've seen you snooping around. Asking questions." Had he heard my conversation with Eltyrs and Margret? Best not to say anything that involved either of them.
"Back off. You don't want to know what happens to troublemakers here." He finished venomously
"And you didn't say that to the man who tried to kill that woman in the market? You must be getting poor at your job." He gave an angry look.
"Funny. This is your last warning outsider. We keep the peace here. Stay out of our business." And then he walked away, corrupt bastard.
I walked towards the Warrens now, a structure built into the rock. Going inside it was like looking into the slums of Bravil. There was a dirtied man in rags standing against a wall.
"The Warrens isn't a place for your type. What do you want?" He sounded more curious than hostile.
"Did you know Weylin?" He contemplated the name for a second.
"Oh yes. I know everyone who sleeps in the Warrens. Kind of the person who passes the keys around. Though I guess someone else will be taking his room now."
"I need the keys to his room, it is important to as why he tried to kill that woman."
"All right." He gave me the key. Now I just needed to find it.
I paused for a moment, remembering the letter from him, looks like I already had what I needed. Still, I checked his room to find nothing else, I did reread it to look at the 'N' on it. I had to find out who he is.
Giving the key back to the man and walking back outside a rather burly man approached me in Leather armor.
"You've been digging around where you don't belong. It's time you learned a lesson." If he intends to fight me with any sort of weapon, he will find himself being thrown like a ragdoll as I recalled the Shout I could use.
"Who sent you?" His face didn't change from the rather crude expression.
"Someone who doesn't like you asking questions." I now had to dodge a fist from him.
"Fus Ro Dah!" I sent him flying into rocks, some smaller ones falling on him, thank goodness I had them. I do not think I could have won a fist fight.
"Ugh! You mangy piece of pit-bait." He said with anger.
"Just tell me who sent you okay?" He grumbled.
"I was sent by Nepos the Nose. The old man hands out the orders. He told me to make sure you didn't get in the way. That's all I know I swear!" He ran off.
It was time to report to Eltyrs. Walking into the holy shrine he was still waiting.
"Thonar was investigating Thonar Silver-Blood while Weylin got orders from Nepos the Nose." He seemed a bit shocked.
"Thonar makes sense, he has connections in all facets of the city. Nepos, he has lived here for a very long time and is highly respected. I think he may get his orders from someone, maybe Thonar. Definitely check on those two and be careful."
I went to the Treasury House first, I think Eltyr's wife was the receptionist.
"Rhiada yes? I need to see Thonar immediately. Eltyrs sent me." I finished with a whipser.
"Go right ahead, here is the key." I walked towards his room, feeling a couple sets of eyes on me.
I unlocked it to find both a disturbed and angered bald man.
"What are you doing here!? I told them no visitors!" Thonar was alarmed by me.
"I want answers about the Forsworn."
"They're crazy. Thinking that they own the Reach." Evasive answer.
"Well guess who really runs things around here? Me. I own the mines. I make the coins pass to the right hands. That answer your questions? Now get out." No! I will not get out until he admits it.
Before I could do anything the sound of weapons being pulled out happened behind me and a woman fell over dead, Thonar rushed over to her.
"What!? By the Gods. Betrid….." Two of the people in the room came at me with their weapons, intending to kill me. A quick stab with an Akavirian legendary sword was more than enough for any cloth as both of them died to smple cuts.
Looking around I saw Thonar getting up away from his wife's body.
"My wife. They killed her." The Forsworn?
"Damn Madanach. Damn his Forsworn backside." The Forsworn are responsible for this then.
"Who is Madanach?" I would not be kind to this man, he was of the same cloth that Maven was.
"My puppet, along with his Forsworn that reside in Cidhna Mine. As their 'King' he was supposed to keep them under control." Thonar was undoubtedly angry, but with no remorse.
"So you made a deal with the Forsworn?"
"When their uprising was crushed, I had Madanach brought to me. He was a wild animal, but a useful one. I offered him a stay for execution if he used his influence to deal with any annoyances that came up. Competitors, agents, idiots." My fist was now clenched, my disgust and hatred was barely showing itself.
"So I've let him run his little Forsworn rebellion from inside Cidhna Mine. Now he's out of control." Damn this blasphemous bastard.
"Maybe your wife would not have died if you had killed him and his Forsworn, you brought this upon yourself." And then I left. Thank goodness Rhiada was okay.
I now entered Nepos's house, ready for combat. An exotic looking Nordic woman came up to me.
"Excuse me. What is your business here?" Beyond her was a rather nice room with a couple servants walking around.
"I'm here to see Nepos." Her eyes narrowed a bit.
"We haven't been expecting you, and the old man needs his rest. Come back some other time." I growled internally at that answer.
"Wait. It's okay my dear, send him in."
"Hmph, yes Nepos." I now walked towards an old man writing a book on a chair, right next to a hearth.
"I'm sorry about my housekeeper. She's a little protective of me." That seemed…...Odd
"Now what is it you want?"
"I know it was you who sent Weylin after that woman. And that you are a Forsworn." His facial expression didn't change.
"Ah yes, You've proven to be a real bloodhound. Well, you've sniffed me out." He said indifferently.
"I've been playing this game for almost 20 years. Sending the young to their deaths. All in the name of the Forsworn. And I'm tired. So tired." I could only stare at him, almost incredulously.
"Why?" He continued writing.
"Because my king told me to. Madanach. When the uprising fell at the hands of the Nords, they threw him in the mines. I don't know how, but he lives. I get his messages, and I hand out his orders without question." A horror had hit me, the servants were all now in the room, the four of them sweeping the room.
"Why are you telling me all of this?"
"My dear boy, what makes you think you're getting out of here alive?" I looked to see them pull out daggers and ready spells, Dragonsbane and my shield were ready to be taken out.
"You were seen coming in. The girl at the door is a Forsworn agent masquerading as a maid. You aren't the first to have gotten this far. You won't be the last. I'm sorry but you're not leaving alive." I stabbed Nepos in the chest. The others came at me in a rage matched only by my own.
They came at me one after one, I killed the first two but the Forsworn agent and another servant were still alive.
"Die damn you!"
The Agent casted a strange spell and I heard something move behind me, Nepos was now a zombie or rather just ressurected.
"Yol!" Immediately the two Forsworn agents were set ablaze, the fire washing over them before the resurrected Nepos could get a hit in. And all three died in a matter of seconds.
Everyone except for me was now dead.
I walked over to Nepos's corpse and quickly searched his body to find a book and stabbed him a couple of times, half out of secret rage and half out of to make sure he would not come back.
Reading the book, it was nothing interesting except for the words of a murderer who seemed to only have slight regret. Though he did make it seem Madanach was indeed insane.
I had to get back to Eltys
Running into the Shrine of Talos I saw blood, walking up to it I saw Eltyrs but he was lying down, the blood belonging to him. I stared at his body for a while, it seemed impossible that he would be dead now, a man that was to be a father.
"No….No!" I began checking his body to make sure he was still alive but there was nothing….. Then I heard a voice next to me.
"We warned you, but you just had to and cause trouble." A guard came out of the shadows to my left, two more came from the right. I got up and looked at them viciously.
"You piece of shits! You killed him!" The guard continued to look at me, his helmet sallet covering his face making it impossible to see his expression.
"It was the same thing we do with all other natives who want to change things around here. We had a nice deal going on between Thonar and Madanach until you and Eltyrs started snooping around." I wanted to rip this man apart! To tear out every bit of his flesh and make him and his fellow murders suffer!
"Well, you wanted to find the man responsible for those killings? You'll have plenty of time with the King of Rags when you're in Cidhna mine." Before I could even draw my weapon the other guards had me restrained. I resisted violently but I was too weak, I could Shout but one of them gagged me quickly. I could not even breathe through my mouth now. But I could manage a few words.
"You bastards! You'll pay for this when the Divines smite you heretical bastards down like the scum you are! Die!" And then I was knocked out.
Eltyrs…..You died before you could even see your child just as how my father was killed before he could see me.
Good men the both of them, and they died to a bunch of disgusting evil monsters, no matter the different skins they had for they are like Daedra.
Damn them. Damn them all.
I will make them pay Eltyrs, they will pay for what they have done to you.
Father. The Thalmor will be forced off of this land and sent back to their island. I promise you that.
I promise revenge.
I awoke to the voice of an Orc female.
"All right, prisoner. Eyes front. You're in Cidhna Mine, now. And we expect you to earn your keep." I was in rags, but I felt naked without any weapons and armor. But I was ungagged.
"There's no resting your hide in a cell in this prison. Here, you work. You'll mine ore until you start throwing up silver bars." I could only glare downwards.
"You got it?" She asked harshly.
"Yeah yeah."
"Good enough. Alright, open her up!" She barked at another guard who now opened a door that lead to a wooden staircase going down.
"Now you. Get down there." She ordered, I went down. I will find a way out of here.
I now walked to a campfire that was in the middle of this mine, there was a Nord and an Orc guarding a locked steel door. The Nord looked at me expectantly.
"What are you in for, new blood?"
"Being framed for a crime I did not commit."
"Ah, caught up in someone's schemes are we? Well, you want my advice? Serve your time at the pickaxe and get out. You don't want to end up getting a shiv in the guts over a bottle of Skooma." Skooma, that accursed drink. Sanguine is only responsible for that horrendous creation in one way or another.
"Where is Madanach?" I asked neutrally, though I should have had more anger in it.
"If you're asking, that means you're the new lifer. Tough luck, friend. Those guards sold you out but good. No one talks to Madanach, I'm afraid. Not without getting past Borkul the Beast." He pointed to the Orc who looked menacing.
"And you don't want to talk to Borkul the Beast. Madnach's guard who I heard ripped off a man's arm and beat him to death with it. He is big, even for an Orc." I am certain a Shiv can get this Orc to surrender.
Luckily, someone had left one on a boulder. I already had the weapon that would get me close to Madanach. I walked up to the hulk of an Orc.
"The new meat. So soft. Tender." He said rather oddly.
"What was it like killing your first one, huh?" A flashback of the Stormcloak soldier that I killed in Helgen played in my mind. My expression shifted a little before I looked down a bit.
"The way you would feel when you realize that a life was taken."
"Milkdrinker." He said. I could care less.
"I need to see Madanach." I said, looking him in the eyes.
"You want to talk to the King in Rags? Fine. But first you got to pay the toll."
"How about you get me a shiv? Not that I need on-" I put it against his throat immediately, a fierce look in my eyes as he looked rather impressed with my action, but no fear.
"Hmph. Fine. Go on in. But don't try anything in there. Madanach knows more than you think."
Not enough to save him. He opened the gate now. Walking through I knew I would have to be quick.
I turned the corner to see an older but fit looking Nord on a chair writing something, then my gut told me, 'Madanach'. I clenched my fist.
"Well, well. Look at you. The Nords have turned into an animal. A wild beast caged up and left to go mad." I could barely contain my rage against this monster.
"So, my fellow best, what do you want? Answers about the Forsworn? Revenge for trying to have you killed?" I slit his throat with the shiv, blood all over my hands as he now was dying, I covered his mouth to make sure no sound would come out. And I stabbed him over and over again.
Blood was now all over me, but that did not matter. Madanach was dead. And so was the leadership of the Fotsworn. There was still someone left.
I checked his body to find a key and a note. I quickly locked the steel door behind me in case anyone had heard.
All his note mentioned was a way out through a tunnel. Fortunately I already had seen what he was talking about. I used the key he had and opened it and quickly locked the door behind me.
I would now go through some ancient ruins that I think were built by the Dwemer. Quickly moving through the ancient path I saw more and more spiderwebs.
A few Frostbite Spiders were in my way, I had no armor, but I had speed. I jumped onto one to put my shiv right between it's collection of eyes as it now died.
The same was repeated for the rest. I moved forward.
I now entered the room to see two things that terrified me, Dwarven spheres. Automatons that were constructed long ago apparently, they were used when they had existed before the Dwarves vanished.
I moved silently past, but the two of them activated. They would be as fast as I am and I could not keep up, I had one Shout up my sleeve.
"Fo!" The Automatons were not frozen completely, but were slowed down majorly.
I now had my chance, I ran to a giant door that could only lead outside.
And it did, though the person who greeted me sent up a rage through my entire body.
"My eyes inside Cidhna Mine tell me that Madanach is dead." Came Thonar Silver-Blood.
"You've done a great service to the Silver-Blood family. I've had the Jarl officially pardon you, and taken care of a few other loose ends." I kept my silence.
"I guess we also owe you something for locking you up. Here, my family's ring. And everything the guards confiscated from you." He said, almost sounding desperate for forgiveness. I went for my gear and began putting it on. He came up to me with the Ring.
"Keep your filthy damn bribe." And with that I was done, and had now stormed off.
I was done with this city, Thonar Silver-Blood will pay, soon. For all the good people who suffered and died thanks to you.
After a day of walking quickly, I now entered Solitude. It was a far more pleasant place to look at, far more than Markarth.
Though it seemed an execution was going on. The people seemed to be cursing the name that belonged to no other than Roggvir.
The Guard Captain overseeing his execution he made a speech to him, persecuting him for his treachery while he tried to defend himself by saying the death of the High King was not murder. The crowd booed him.
He now put his head on the block. It wasn't long before the Executioner chopped his head off.
I only felt a bit indifferent and a tiny bit sad.
I wanted to check out the rest of the city and find Tullius, but the Thalmor must pay. I began searching for the Inn that Delphine had told me to meet the Bosmer in. Though eventually I did find it.
Looking around inside, I found who seemed to be my contact.
"Our mutual friend sent me." I have to keep the secrecy I suppose. He gave me an incredulous look, as if he were looking at something that was disappointing.
"Really? You're who she picked? I hope she knows what she's doing." Was he just saying that because I looked a bit lacking in strength? Either way I looked at him crestfallen.
"Hey now. Here's the deal. I can smuggle some equipment into the Embassy for you. She picked you because you were good right?"
"I would guess so." I murmured. The Wood Elf's expression seemed to pity me.
"Just don't plan on bringing too much in with you. The Thalmor take security very seriously." He stated, sighing lightly as he finished. Always the types to restrict weapons and personal gear the Thalmor were, as I've heard.
"Give me what you can't live without, and I'll make sure to get it into the Embassy. The rest is up to you." I nodded.
"I already have everything with me ready to go." I still had the party clothes the Blades gave me.
"Good, now hand what you need to give me and put on the party clothes and get on the carriage that is to head out for the Embassy."
On the Carriage I realized I gave him everything. It really was not much though. Other than just my armor, money, weapon, potions, and a few books.
Since we now arrived at the Embassy I hopped off to see a Redguard waiting around.
"Ah! A fellow latecomer to Elenwen's little soiree." Elenwen? Never heard of the name but that must be who is hosting the party.
"Yeah, kind of got the invitation late." He chuckled.
"You still arrived by carriage no less!" His cheerful attitude brightened me a bit. He went to sit down on a decent sized rock.
"My lateness is due more to getting lost on the way up to this gods-forsaken mountain than for any desire to actually arrive late. I prefer to arrive early. Often the day before the party. So as not to miss out on any of the drinking." A Thalmor guard walked up to us, I gulped a bit as I now was looking almost face to face with one.
The Altmer had some really nice and elegant armor on that seemed to offer a great amount of protection. I would have liked the design had I not been afraid of the Thalmor's presence.
"Welcome to the Thalmor Embassy. Your invitation, please." The towering Altmer sounded polite enough but I nervously checked for my invitation before giving it to him.
"Thank you sir. Go right in." Giving an awkward smile to the man I now began walking up the steps of the elegant building in front of me. I heard the Redguard talking to the Thalmor soldier in a comedic conversation.
Opening the door to the Embassy I saw the female Thalmor whom I had seen not too long ago at Helgen that was talking to Tullius. She came to greet me.
"Welcome. I don't believe we've met. I am Elenwen, the Thalmor Ambassador to Skyrim." She was kind of beautiful, had an authoritative voice that kind of belonged to all Altmer, and had some kind of Blonde-ish brown hair.
"And you are…..?" Snapping out of myself a bit.
"Ruigus Kessel. Good to meet you." Wait, damn it! Now a Thalmor knows my name!
"Ah yes. I remember your name from the guest list. Rumors say that you are a Dragonborn well, are you?" She already knew my name and figured out that I was Dragonborn? This is rather terrifying, although I suppose that it is common by now considering that Klimmek. I could barely keep my calm as I now replied.
"U-Uh y-ye-yes." I felt a little bit of sweat come down at that. She gave me an inquisitive look.
"Please, tell me more about yourself. What brings you to this… To Skyrim?" Before I could speak a voice came from the right.
"What is it Malborn?" Elenwen asked my contact.
"It's just that we've run out of Alto wine. Do I have permission to uncork the Arenthia red..." The female Justicar gave an angry glance and sigh at the Bosmer.
"Of course. I've told you before not to bother me with such trifles." Elenwen said angrily.
"Yes, Madame Ambassador…." He stayed at the counter. Elenwen put back on a diplomatic face as she faced me.
"My apologies. We'll have to get better acquainted later. Please, enjoy yourself." I gave the best smile I could manage as she walked off to see other guests to the party.
Hmm. I could not recognize anyone here save for the friendly Redguard and…..Maven Black-Briar. It makes sense that she would be here, as a sellout to the Thalmor. I would do best to remember the rest of them.
Walking up to Malborn to see if I could somehow sneak by and get this started, he quickly whispered something to me.
"You made it in, good. As soon as you distract the guards, I'll open this door behind me and we can get you on your way. Let's hope we both live through this day."I looked at the disheartened Bosmer.
"We'll most likely make it out of here alive." Now I just needed to find a way to cause a distraction without bringing attention to myself. Walking close to the Redguard I heard him remark.
"What does a fellow need to do there to get a drink." He said dissatisfied. I quickly grabbed a drink off of one of the tables.
"Here you go, one for you eh?" A pleased and happy look was plastered on his face as he grabbed it as if it were a gold bar.
"Ah, the one generous soul among a gathering of pinch-pennies and lick-spittles! If there is anything I can ever do for you, do not hesitate to call upon me." That was really easy.
"Well I suppose I should ask it now, can you get everyone's attention for a little while? Cause a distraction." He gave a mischievous smile.
"Is that all my friend? You have come to the right person. You could say that causing a scene is my specialty. Stand back and behold my handiwork." As he began going into the middle of the room I moved to the counter where Malborn was. He nodded and we went through a door that he closed and locked.
"So far so good. Let's hope that nobody saw us slip out. We need to pass through the kitchen. Your gear is hidden in the larder. Just stay close and let me do any of the talking, got it? Follow me." In the kitchen there were a few servants cooking things and just doing what servants would do in a kitchen, Malborn distracted them while I went into the larder.
My gear was in a chest but as I looked to my right I saw some Thalmor Justicar robes. This baffled me but I suppose I could use it as a disguise so long as none of the Thalmor looked at me.
Taking my gear and putting on the Thalmor robes I began to proceed as quietly as possible through the rooms. I was alarmed when I had heard a couple of Thalmor soldiers but they seemed likable and distracted enough as they were complaining about stuck up officers.
Walking outside I saw a few Thalmor soldiers looking around with the night sky being above us, some torches were lit but they would not be enough. I needed to dispatch them quickly and quietly.
Braving some of my fear I slit a soldier's throat and put her down gently as not to cause noise. A Thalmor wizard was next the trees in this small courtyard were enough cover.
Luckily the robes he had on offered no protection from my sword.
These Altmer may have been Thalmor, but they were still innocent as far as I knew. I silently entered the next building, no blood was on my clothes.
I heard a conversation going on between a Thalmor and some man they had brought, I couldn't hear any specifics but they eventually left the room. I entered through to find a key and I nabbed it.
I found a chest and saw a bunch of notes and three dossiers, Esbern,Delphine, and Ulfric Stormcloak.
I would need to find a secure location to read this, I quickly went down into what seemed to be an interrogation room that was surprisingly empty. Now I pulled out Ulfric's and began to read it. It mentioned who he was, his status, and his background.
Reading a bit more it seemed at one point he had been captured by the Thalmor, apparently Elenwen herself was the interrogator and she let him go. The Thalmor kept on saying that we was a valuable asset. Also it seemed they have little knowledge of the Dragons, but that was little compared to what else I saw.
It talked about how a continuation of the civil war would be a benefit, and even mentioned supplying the Stormcloaks only a little bit. And that his victory would be of concern but they were certain they would win.
Finally the dossier mentioned that Ulfric had been taking some bribes from the Thalmor at one point and they had tried to arrange his survival at Helgen. My eyes widened.
This was the evidence that should prove Ulfric was a sellout to his own people. A traitor to them, all the people who were fed up. And had a leader who was merely controlled opposition. I had to get this to Tullius immediately!
Looking around in the room I saw a secret way out and a tied up man. I was about to free him when I heard the door opening behind me.
Three Thalmor soldiers had walked in with Malborn.
"Listen up spy! You are trapped in here, and we have your accomplice!" Yelled one of the Thalmor soldiers as I hid. I crawled so they could not see me, getting into position to rescue Malborn.
"Surrender immediately or you both die!" This was getting bad, but I would not let Malborn be another Eltyrs!
"Never mind, I'm dead already-" Malborn in his defeatism was interrupted by the angry Thalmor soldier.
"Silence, traitor! Move. Slowly. He has got to be around here somewhere." The Authoritative voice came going down the stairs next to me.
My ambush was sprung as I quickly ran up and stabbed him in the back, before I was getting blasted with fire from one of his comrades while the other went for Malborn.
I used my shield to weather the fire as I made a mad dash for the Soldier. He was cut down. Malborn looked at me incredulously but I could talk to him soon as we both had to finish off this remaining soldier and escape.
I jumped off the second floor and pierced the other soldier straight through the helmet. It was tough, but not tough enough to protect the Soldier. With Malborn running down to me I quickly freed the Nord prisoner and told him to follow me, there was a Dunmer woman as well who explained she was jailed for rejecting the advances of a Thane of Solitude known as Erikur, bastard.
I quickly unlocked the exit out of here and jumped down making sure Malborn and the other prisoners followed me. I kind of felt like Hadvar now when he had led me and the others out of Helgen, heck we were even in a similar cave. I needed to go to Solitude again after this come to think of Tullius and Hadvar.
I heard the sounds of a creature that can only be a troll.
"Wait here, I can kill the Troll." I struggled with the Troll for a little bit, he almost had me by crushing my head before I thrusted Dragonsbane right into it's skull.
Getting back up from the ground I yelled to them.
"It's safe now. Let's go!" Finally we saw light after a minute. Walking outside and making sure nobody was coming after us Malborn walked to me angrily.
"Now the Thalmor will be hunting me for the rest of my life. I hope it was worth it." I turned my head slowly.
"Look, there is some place out there that you can find that you will be safe at." Wait a second, I can kill two Thalmor with one stab.
"You can live where the Blades hide out at. I am pretty sure they could use someone like you anyways, besides you helped us and we can help you." He contemplated this for a bit, the other two quickly said goodbye and gave thanks.
"I suppose I could go with the Blades. But where are you guys?" I pulled out my map and showed it to him.
"There and bring these notes and these two dossiers with you. That will convince them to let you in, say Ruigus sent you if that does not work, and if that fails too, Delphine might recognize you." He looked rather pleased with it.
"Will do, I guess I dedicate myself to your group now." He began walking off.
"Thanks Malborn and stay safe." I needed to change armor quickly. Now, to give the dossier to Tullius.
Walking into the beautiful city of Solitude I see that they now have cleaned up Roggvir's execution site.
I asked some guards where I could sign up at and they told me to the keep that had Imperial flags everywhere and a lot of training soldiers and guards. Also that there was a room that would take me to where Tullius and his command staff would be.
Nervously opening the door that would lead to the room General Tullius and the rest of his officers would be after being approved by guards who knew I was the Dragonborn I entered.
"He'd be insane to try. He doesn't have the men." General Tullius said, fixated on a female officer who had her arms stretched across a map of Skyrim with strategic flags.
"That's not what my scouts report, sir. Every day more join his cause. Riften, Dawnstar, and Winterhold support him." She replied factually.
"It's not a cause, it's a rebellion." He stated.
"Call it whatever you like, General. The man's going to try to take Whiterun."
"Jarl Balgruuf…..." Tullius said nervously, at the very least, it's what he seemed.
"Balgruuf refuses the Legion's right to garrison troops in his city." Was her reply.
"On the other hand, he also refuses to acknowledge Ulfric's claim." Tullius gave a sigh as her accurate report came in.
"Well, if he wants to stand outside the protection of the Empire, fine. Let Ulfric pillage his city." Tullius remarked harshly on the matter. She got up a bit fiercely.
"General." She got up, the subject was a bit touch to her as Tullius was still pacing around the room, not noticing me yet.
"You people and your damn Jarls." I almost chuckled in agreement, but in the case of Balgruuf, I did not want him to die for all that he did for me and his people.
"Sir?" Tullius kept silent as he kept up the pacing.
"You can't force a Nord to accept help he hasn't asked for."
"If Ulfric's making a move for Whiterun, then we need to be there to stop him." Tullius replied.
"Draft another letter with the usual platitudes, but this time share some of your intelligence regarding Ulfric's plans. Embellish if you have to. We'll let is seem like it's his idea." He finished darkly. But I knew he was doing what he had to.
"Yes sir." The Officer said with obedience.
"You Nords and your bloody sense of honor." He said dryly, I could tell he suppressed a chuckle. At least, it was something of a behavior he would do. Say something negative and give a mere laugh at the very word or sentence.
"Sir." She finished by putting her hand to her chest as a bow.
Their attention was now focused on me, the Officer looked curious while Tullius seemed pleased.
"Ruigus, you made it." He sounded with a hint of happiness.
"Sorry it took me a while to get here." He shrugged it off.
"It is fine, so what what have you come by for Ruigus? I can probably help you with it." I still had the Dossier and my will to join.
"Uncle, I would like to join the Imperial Legion. Also I have found a Thalmor dossier on Ulfric Stormcloak." The Officer's eyes widened.
"How did you get this?" I gave an awkward and nervous chuckle.
"Oh from the Thalmor Embassy, it's uh, a bit strange." I stated with a quiet voice.
He gave a look of understanding.
"Very well then." He accepted. I suppose this could be incriminating for us both.
"Ruigus can you give it to us? And if you want to join us Legate Rikke here is the person to talk to, have a chat with her will you?" Came his now intrigued voice.
"Legate Rikke, this is Ruigus Kessel. My Nephew but not by blood." She extended her hand and I shook it. She was a tall Nordic woman who screamed military. She had a stern but kind look on her face.
"Good to meet a recruit."
"He survived Helgen with Hadvar, Marcus, Aethan, and Hans." Tullius informed her. As she seemed slightly taken aback.
"You survived Helgen with Hadvar and his men?" They are all now in a squad together?
"Y-Yes I did, they saved my life too."
"I've got a good feeling about you. And I don't often get good feelings about anything. A warrior knows to trust her gut..." She seemed very likable.
"I'm not going to go through the normal process with you. I've got a little test lined up. Pass that, and we'll talk about you joining the Legion. With luck you may even meet Hadvar coming back with his squad while they were sent out to scout." Brimming with happiness I was ready for anything she wanted me to do.
"I am ready to do as you ask!" She seemed to appreciate the response.
"Hm, a little too eager to do something may get one killed. But we will find out soon enough." I raised an eyebrow.
"I'm sending you to clear out Fort Hraagstad. If you survive, you'll pass." Oh….. I see what kind of test this is.
"If you die, then I'll have no further use for your corpse." …..He was being harsh, I could understand why given everything especially if I die.
"What is at Fort Hraggstad?" I inquired.
"The ancients built many of the fortresses that dot the landscape of Skyrim. Sadly most have fallen into disrepair. And nearly all have been overrun with bandits or other vagabonds." That is rather sad. But at least I could reclaim this one!
"We're going to install a garrison there, but first, you are going to clean out the bandits that have moved in."
"It will be yours, the Empires, and the Emperor's fort." I said loyally.
"Good! That's what I want to hear. Now go make it happen, soldier. The location is here on this map." Jotting it down on my own map I quickly said goodbye to her and Tullius. He gave me a pat on the back as I left, pleased with the Dossier. He also said he would get a chance to read it soon.
The Fort surprisingly was close to Solitude. Just a few miles away really. It was odd how the Imperial Legion had not been able to take it yet but I would be able to for them.
It is kind of weird how the weather back in Solitude is nice, but going out here to it's west there is a lot of snow.
Approaching Fort Hraggstad I heard a screams of death going on inside the Fort. Rushing to the gates I saw something that took me by surprise.
Blood was everywhere, bandit dead bodies littered the entrance and the walls. I heard some more screaming, I turned my sight towards the courtyard, scared and utterly enthralled by what was going on.
I saw a tall Nordic woman in fearsome black armor. She had black hair that seemed to go so long as to her waist. I needed a closer look but she would have taken my breath and made me blush deeply. If she wasn't crushing the throat of a bandit with her one of boots, who was gurgling while she did so.
Her sword was also black in appearance, and terribly deadly.
She looked like an Aedra descended from Aetherius itself. I stood there, looking like a fool in awe and some prevalent fear of her strength and bizarre armor and weapon.
Just as she was about to look up at me, a bandit came out of nowhere and I heard her hiss angrily and slit his throat right before he realized it as he fell dead. And she had now finished off the Bandit on the ground.
She now stared at me, I noticed she had brown eyes that almost looked as if they were glowing. I think I was intoxicated by her looks as I struggled to even look back. She now spoke, a voice that sounded beautiful and almost music like. And her foot was still on the dead bandit's neck.
"You. Explain yourself and why you are here." She ordered, her sword was pointed in my direction.
I gulped.
I wonder who that woman at the end was, don't you as well?
I think I fixed all the chapter intros too.
To Guest: The Bee's faces when the Ants comes to seduce the Rock? I am confused.
To Baconlord53: Same, part of the reason why I made them the way they are is because I was confused at how they went from serving the Emperor in Oblivion rather gloriously to now being a tiny group looking out for it's own interests and not the Dragonborn who is by blood supposed to be the Emperor.
To Mind : Evil laughter intensifies
I wish you enjoyed the chapter guys.
And apologies since I am a bit late compared to other chapters, I found out that there is a free version of Battlefield 2142 that is legal and I have been enjoying it a lot.
