Chapter 2: My Servitude, My Legacy

(1 Month later)

Nightime had arrived over the quiet city of Cyrodiil, as darkness had overcome the premises. Orbs of fire danced around the city streets, as soldiers patrolled alleyways and sidewalks with torches, their eyes never losing their coldness. Both houses and shops were closed for the night, and the only building that shined was the Imperial Prision, as dreadful events were about to unfold...

The cell was dark, and the only source of light came from the serene moonlight piercing through the metal bars of the window. Inside the cramped area, consisted of a small wooden table, with an equally small stool placed against the moss covered brick walls. Even though there was a torch near the gate of the occupants cell, the warmth failed to reach the prisoner in the corner, who let out a harsh laugh as he thought of his current position.

"How did a short jog around the city turn into being tossed into a jail cell?" he said bitterly, brushing a strand of his shoulder length blond hair.

"You shouldn't speak so loud peasant, your voice is starting to annoy me." came a sharp reply from the other end of the hallway

Using what little strength he had left, he hobbled over to the gate that sealed him in, and slowly concentrated on the shadow that was kept within another cell right across from him. It was only when the torchlight beamed upon his face, could he tell that the cold man was a Dunmer, a Dark Elf.

"I am not a peasant, did your rude tounge become the reason as to where you are now?" shot back the prisoner, his hands gripping the bars for support

"As if you care...wait...you're an Imperial aren't you?"

"Who wants to know?" he replied, knowing what was coming to him. He could hear the quiet snicker before it evolved into a full hearty laugh

"Oh..this is so grand! An Imperial...locked within an Imperial Prison! It looks like the don't play favorites nowadays. Oh the irony, it brings up my spirit, really it does." mocked the Dark Elf as he continued to laugh

The blond Imperial muttered to himself before replying. "Say what you want, in due time, you will experience something far worse than being a prisoner."

The Dark Elf's ears perked up to the advice. "Oh, is that so? Don't throw around threats so easily, I could burn you to the ground right now if I wanted to. The distance between us is nothing compared to the things I can accomplish. Wait...it seems as if they guards themselves are coming to deal with you.. Sweet dreams, Imperial trash!" he shot back, as he turned his back against him

The blond Imperial was both confused yet angered by the cocky reply, yet before he could respond, the sounds of armor were quickly clanking down the stairs, followed by a few voices.

"I cannot leave this castle! The people here need me!"

"What they need your majesty, is for you to live on, and for that to happen you must leave. Jauffre made it his upmost importance for us to escort you back to Weynon Priory as soon as we can. There's no time to argue." came a smooth yet strong reply

"But my people..." he insisted

"The people will be fine, if you are. My job right now is to get you to safety." came a feminine voice. It was only minutes later that the prisioner noticed that the three people were standing in front of his cell. As if the same moment they had realised the same issue, the female spoke.

"What's this prisoner doing here? This cell was supposed to be off limits!"

"Being kept in question for something he hasn't done." replied the Imperial, his voice laced with anger

"Hmm...whatever the case is, it is not of my concern. Stand back prisoner, we will not hesitate to kill you if you get in our way." she proceeded, motioning her fellow soldier to open the gate

"Glad to know i'm so cared for." mocked the Imperial, his hand resting on his heart

"Enough! Stand by the window prisoner and you won't get hurt. Quickly!" shouted the man who was opening the gate

Doing as he was told, he walked to the corner of the cell and stayed there, waiting for the three Imperials to do whatever they had to so he could finally get some rest. His eyes wandered to the gate opener as he noticed that he was staring at him.

"Stay put prisoner.." ordered the man, only to receive a snort

His eyes traveled to the man he watched the least, and instantly noticed that he was indeed wealthy, as he wore a purple velvet robe, as an exquiste red pattern was traced along the middle of his body. Around his neck seemed to be the most beautiful jewel his eyes have ever seen, but not being a theif like most prisoners, he looked away from it. His eyes stared into the nobles as silence had fallen upon them.

"You... i've seen you...Let me see your face.." as he spoke, the nobleman walked to the corner were the prisoner was currently staying at, surveying his face, complexion, and his eyes.

"You are the one from my dreams..." he began, his face becomming grim. "Then the stars were right, and this is the day. Gods give me strength."

Confused by this sudden information, the prisoner spoke.

"What's going on? And why am I in here, i've done nothing wrong."

"Assassins have attacked my sons, and I am next." came the bitter reply, causing the prisoner to sigh. "I'm sorry.."

"Don't be." the nobleman replied. "Things happen for a reason, but currently, my Blades are leading me out of the city along a secret escape route. By chance, the entrance to that escape route leads through your cell."

'You can't be serious...' he thought within his mind, but one question continued to nag at him

"Sorry if i'm not up to date on things within these city walls... but who are you exactly?" the blonde Imperial asked, eyeing the gray haired man

"I am your emperor, Uriel Septim. By the grace of the Gods, I serve Tamriel as her ruler. You are a citizen of Tamiriel, and you, Solethio, too shall serve her in your own way."

"I don't know if I can, since i'm locked within this prison..." he thought sadly. "Wait!...you know my name!"

"Indeed I do, and shall the rest of the citizens of Tamriel when the time comes."

"If that's the case, then why am I in jail?"

"Perhaps the Gods have placed you here so that we may meet."

Solethio chuckled as he responded. "I hope that's the reason, otherwise they have a cruel sense of humor."

The remark had made the emperor laugh as well, but with seriousness of the matter they were enduring, their time of laughter was cut short.

"As for what you have done... it does not matter." He started, before smirking. "That is not what you will be remembered for."

Feeling something within him telling him about destiny, he asked another question

"What should I do?..My lord."

"Haha..please skip the formalities, your eyes tell me enough that you have a good heart. You will find your own path. Take care... there will be blood and death before the end." his voice left a tone of sadness so great that it caused Solethio to become worried.

"Please sire, we must go quickly!" remarked the female blade guard

"Very well.." he faced the eastern wall that appeared to fall back before dissapering to the side, leaving an open pathway to a flight of stairs that would descend. One by one they dissapeared, leaving the last one to stare at Solethio.

"Seems like today is your lucky day, just stay out of our way and everything will be ok." said the man, before unsheathing his sword, and walking through the passageway entrance, leaving Solethio to himself.

He stood there in contemplation, as he stared at the open gate, and at the passageway entrance. Before he made his move, he could hear a voice coming from the other side of the hallway.

"Hey! Your gate is unlocked! Come over here and get me out!" cried the Dark Elf from earlier

Smirking with delight, Solethio refused the gesture. "Ummm...no! See you!" he ran through the passage way, and made his descent down the stares

"If i'm supposed to serve Tamriel in my own way, I can't do that in a prison!"