The Battle for Gilane
Imperial Encampment, North of Gilane
Second Seed 9th
Not since the great war, had so many soldiers been gathered around one city. Three divisions of Thalmor troops surrounded Gilane. Just to the north were over four divisions worth of troops from the combined force of the Reguards and the Imperial Legion. The main Thalmor camp was south of the city and the main Imperial Camp was north of the city.
Emperor Martin was in his tent at the Imperial camp, along with General Laudis, General Rikke and Amir Razelan. The Amir was put in charge of all the Arifs assembled to break the Thalmor siege of Gilane. The Redguards had brought 14 Arifs to bear, roughly one and half legions worth of soldiers.
Rikke had managed to assemble nearly two legions worth of soldiers. Once word spread that the Empire was actively fighting the Aldmeri dominion, volunteers came in droves. Many of them were former Stormcloaks, but many were simply citizens of Skyrim who were adamantly opposed to the treaty and the Thalmor.
They were all surrounding a table with a map of the Khefrem region, with Lydia, standing in the background. The Thalmor had surrounded the city of Gilane, and had begun work on siege engines to take the city. While there had been some light skirmishing as the Thalmor probed the city defenses, thus far there had been no serious fighting.
Amir Razelan had taken the lead on breaking the siege. "We only have one Arif garrisoned inside the city, and they will be divided between protecting the walls and preventing a landing at the port."
"So we'll need to move quickly, is what you're saying," General Laudis observed.
Razelan nodded and continued, "My troops will make the main push from the north. I would like to request the Legion move from the east. Also, if you could, prevent them from fleeing to the southwest. We don't want them to get a foothold anywhere in Hammerfell."
General Laudis looked over the map. "My liege, I recommend we split Rikke's troops. Station some here," he pointed ot the narrow neck southeast of the city, "to prevent the Thalmor from fleeing. The rest can approach the city from the southeast. I'll take my legion and approach from the northeast. That way I can support Rikke or Razelan if needed."
Martin nodded. "Good plan. Razelan?"
"That will work your majesty, thank you. Forgive me for saying, but we did not believe the Empire would follow through, certainly not with the contingent that you sent. We very much appreciate the assistance."
"We cannot change the past, but we can change the future," Martin said. Then he turned to General Rikke. "Please leave one cohort of heavy infantry behind, and move out with the rest of your troops."
Rikke nodded and left to station her troops.
"Razelan, if you are open to the idea, I would like to lead one cohort of imperial troops along side your troops." Martin requested.
Razelan thought for a moment and then nodded. "That would be good, your majesty."
Outskirts of Gilane
Second Seed 9th
The sun was high in the sky when all the troops were in position. Rikke's troops fought a minor skirmish when they ran into a Thalmor scouting party, but the Thalmor quickly retreated in the face of overwhelming numbers. The Thalmor were lined up, currently out of range of the city walls, with their infantry in front, their archers behind and their mages lined up behind the archers. They had no cavalry for their assault on the city.
Martin was sitting on his horse, next to Razelan. Lydia was also mounted on a horse, on the other side. The Redguards had their sword-signers in front, their regular infantry behind and their archers in the back. The Imperial Infantry was lined up with their Redguard counterparts. The overall goal was to push the Thalmor close to the city where the defenders on the walls to send volleys of arrows their way.
"Razelan, this is your fight, but may I say something before we begin?" Martin requested
Razelan nodded.
Martin looked at Lydia, who smiled slightly, then raised his face to the sky and said, "Od…ah…VIING!"
For a moment, nothing happened and Razelan looked confused, but just as he was about to give the order, her heard a distant roar. The roar grew louder and he turned his head.
The entire Redguard army turned to see Odahviing flying in and landing right near Emperor Septim. "He commands Nahfahlaar!" one of the soldiers shouted.
Martin assumed (wrongly) that they were using a Akivir word for dragon and smiled. He dismounted and walked over to Odahviing.
"Shall I wait, as usual?" Odahviing inquired.
Martin smiled broadly. He had not thought about calling lightning here, but quickly decided it was a good idea. "Of course. After things clear, might I ask that you focus on their siege towers and other siege engines? Us mortals will take care of the troops."
Odahviing snorted at the sarcasm and made a sarcastic response of his own. "I would love nothing more, Dovahkiin." Then he leapt into the sky and waited for his signal.
Martin walked back to and remounted his horse. Razelan was giving him an astonished look. "Truly, you do command Nahfahlaar," he said in amazement.
"I have another trick up my sleeve, if you would be so kind as to hold your men back for just a few minutes."
Razelan switched his look from amazed to puzzled but nodded.
"Whenever you are ready to begin?" Martin inquired.
Razelan nodded again.
The two armies faced each other. Formations nearly a mirror of each other, in the hot sun of the Akivir desert. Each side waiting for the signal from their commander.
In this moment, Martin shouted, "STRUN…BAH…QO!"
Immediately dark clouds gathered over the Thalmor formation, and bolts of lightning struck inside their ranks. The soldiers who were hit died instantly. Others were severely wounded by nearby strikes. It also had the side effect of sowing confusion and fear inside their ranks.
When the lightning cleared, Martin nodded to Razelan indicating it was safe for his troops. Razelan drew his sword, held it high and shouted, "Po Alaba Abaduana! Alaliba!" [For the homeland! Attack!]
The sword-singers ran forward and engaged that Thalmor soldiers. Martin watched in amazement. It was as much art and magic as it was a fighting style. It quickly became clear to Martin how the Redguard were able to hold their own after the Empire abandoned Hammerfell. It also became clear why the Thalmor agreed to a truce.
The style of the sword-singers was so foreign to the Thalmor they were not able to effectively counter it. Their mages quickly summoned Daedra and Atronachs to assist their infantry. At that point Martin raised his own sword and shouted, "Forward!"
The imperial infantry ran forward to battle the Daedra and Atronachs. The Reguard archers let loose a series of volley to try to take the Thalmor mages out of commission.
Odahviing was making quick work of the Thalmor siege engines. Those he hadn't outright destroyed were being abandoned in fear. However, there was one siege tower in particular that had a lone Thalmor archer standing on the top level. The archer drew an arrow from her quiver and notched it.
This was no ordinary elven arrow. Its tip was black, from a special poison created by the Thalmor. The archer took aim threw a slit in the wall of the siege tower. She slowed her breathing, zeroed in on her target. Time itself seemed to slow as she let the elven arrow fly. The arrow sailed from the top of the siege tower, gliding effortlessly through the air.
The tip of the arrow managed to find that small gap between the right pauldron and the breastplate of the Emperor's armor. The arrow barely penetrated the dragon hide, but it did so just enough to break the skin and allow the poison to enter Martin's body. The force of the impact knocked Martin off his horse. Normally, the only thing bruised would have been his ego, but with the poison already coursing through his veins, he lost consciousness.
Lydia saw him fall and shouted "Protect the Emperor!"
Immediately, a squad of imperial infantry pulled back and surrounded Emperor Martin. Lydia shouted orders, directing some of them to carry Martin back to his tent.
Gilane, City Walls, North side
Amir Raziri was continuously surveying the battlefield. He watched the Imperial Emperor get struck and fall from his horse. His concern grew when the emperor did not get up, and more so when the Imperial troops surrounded his position.
He turned to his deputy, "Tell the men to prepare for incoming. I expect the Imperials will pull back."
As he predicted the squad surrounding the emperor fell back, but to his surprise, the rest of the legionnaires kept fighting. Viciously so. Then surprise turned to astonishment, when he saw the Imperial Third Legion charge the Thalmor. They had done nothing all day and he wondered why they were even there, but then they charged with such ferocity, he would have had to eat his words had he openly expressed his concerns.
What's more the red dragon, Nahfahlaar? Could it be? Regardless, the dragon they Imperial emperor had allied himself with had destroyed all the Thalmor siege engines and was now attacking the Thalmor troops directly!
Based on what he saw of their Emperor and the fierceness of their legionnaires, Raziri was developing a whole new respect for the Empire.
Imperial Lines, 3rd Legion
General Laudis was surveying the field of battle. The Redguards were overmatching the Thalmor with seemingly few casualties to their own troops. That situation seemed well in hand. Rikke's troops were not fully engaged just yet as most of the Thalmor were trying hard to maintain that safe zone where they were not in range of the city walls or the Imperial troops.
An Imperial horseman rode up to Laudis, "Sire, I have urgent and grave news."
"Go ahead Quaestor, what is it?"
"The emperor has fallen. Downed by an arrow. He's been brought to his tent."
General Laudis considered the news briefly. With the emperor down, he was in overall command, and he knew Legion morale would drop quickly. He needed to act fast. He made a strategic decision. "Ride hard to General Rikke. My legion will push the Thalmor south, she's to join us and push them to the sea. Be explicit, not a single Thalmor is to pass our lines, all of them are to be pushed to the coast."
"Yes, sire." With that, the rider spurred his horse and rode towards General Rikke.
Laudis turned towards his second, "Pass the word, prepare to move."
Word travelled quickly throughout the Legion. General Laudis rode out in front. He turned his horse so he was facing the legion. "Legionnaires! On me! Drive the Thalmor to the sea!"
He turned his horse towards the Thalmor, drew his sword and raised it high. "To the sea!" He shouted and drove his horse forward. The Third Legion let out a shout and moved forward. The cavalry riding along with the General, the infantry running hard behind them.
The Imperial crashed into the Thalmor lines. The Thalmor soldiers, disciplined and well trained as they were, were simply unprepared the for fierceness of the imperial assault. Between the lightning, the quick destruction of their siege engines, the aggressive action of the Redgaurds, the dragon, and now the Imperial Legion attacking the troops, the determination and confidence of the Thalmor troops was shot.
Before the Imperial infantry caught up to the cavalry and reached their lines, the Thalmor broke and ran. The Third Legion chased them south, along the eastern outskirts of Gilane. The Thalmor ran straight into Rikke's Sixth Legion. Rikke arranged her forces to prevent the Thalmor from retreating and as a result the Thalmor were quickly trapped between the city and the coast.
With nowhere further to retreat, the Thalmor turned to face the Imperial Legions and reformed their lines. The Third and Sixth Legions, completely surrounding the Thalmor, did the same. General Laudis and General Rikke rode out in front of the legions. A single Thalmor rode her horse to meet them in between the two armies.
"Greetings. I am Elamer* Falwen."
"Elamer?" Laudis asked
"Yes, our commanders are currently missing. As the highest ranking officer remaining, I have assumed command. What are your terms?" Falwen asked.
"The sun is getting low in the sky," Laudis observed. "We propose a cessation of fighting for the day. Our terms are simple. You will be able to camp unmolested, but you will make no attempt to break through or sneak past our lines. You will make no attempt to enter the city by any means."
"Agreed. Our dead and wounded?"
"You will be permitted to collect your dead and wounded tomorrow, under escort. Walking wounded will be guaranteed safe passage to your camp."
Falwen inclined her head slightly. "Also agreed." With that, she turned her horse around and made her way back to her lines.
Imperial Encampment, North of Gilane
Rikke rode hard from the south side of the city back to the imperial encampment. She dismounted and left her horse with a quartermaster. She made directly for the emperor's tent.
Lydia was there, as were a few different healers. "Please, Cadriel, my Thane, my Emperor, wake up. The Empire needs you. The Legion needs you…I…I need you." She looked up when Rikke entered.
"Lydia, how is he?"
Lydia smiled sadly. "The healers say it's the infinite sleep. The poison does not seem to be causing any further damage, but he won't wake up."
"There has got to be something they can do," Rikke pressed.
"I'm sorry," one of the healers said, "but at this point, we have done all we can. It is in the hand of the divines."
Suddenly, Lydia shot straight up. "There is something we can do." With determination she strode out of the tent. She cupped her hands to her mouth and screamed as loud as she could, "Ohdaviing!"
The dragon was circling around the remains of the Thalmor troops. The Thalmor were completely surround by the Redguards and were on the verge of surrendering. Ohdaviing heard his name and flew over to Lydia, landing nearby.
Lydia wasted no time. "I need your help." She demanded.
"Why would I help you?" Ohdaviing responded.
"Because the dragonborn will die without my help and in order for me to help him, I need your help," Lydia explained, her jaw set.
Ohdaviing continued looking at her, but made no response.
Lydia walked right up to him and leaned in, until her face was just a few inches from his eye. "Because if you don't, I don't care how fond of you he is, I will slay you myself and place your head above the entrance to the palace."
Ohdaviing drew his head back and roared in laughter. "You have fire in veins, Vahdin. You have been a companion of the Dovahkiin for some time, yes?"
"Long enough that I would do anything for him," Lydia insisted.
"Very well, I will aid you on his account, but do not think you can command me so easily in the future. Now, what is it you require?"
"I need to get to a small settlement on Solstheim called Tel Mithryn. As quickly as possible," she added.
Ohdaviing let out what could be described as a sigh, if Dragons sighed, but he lowered his head and told her to get on. Lydia did so and Ohdaviing leapt into the sky.
Tel Mithryn, Solstheim
Ohdaviing landed near Tel Mithryn, kicking up a small cloud of ash when he did so. Lydia quickly dismounted and ran to the main tower. The entrance still made her uncomfortable, but she closed her eyes, stepped forward and floated up to the top.
Neloth was there when she got up to the landing. "Oh, it's you. Is your Thane far behind you?"
"Actually, he's my emperor now, and no he's not coming. He's in trouble and he needs your help."
"Emperor, eh? Why would he need my help then? I have nothing to do with the Empire."
"He's dying Master Neloth, and you are the only one who can save him," Lydia pleaded.
Neloth shrugged, "People live, people die. Who am I to counter the will of the Tribunal," he said, with no small amount of sarcasm.
Lydia felt like she wanted to scream. She never cared for Neloth, but now she wanted to throttle him. Then, inspiration struck. "You would seriously allow the Thalmor to murder a member of your house?"
"Why would the Thalmor wish to murder Cadriel?" Neloth asked.
"Because he is the emperor, aren't you listening?"
"I'm trying not to, my dear, but you insist on prattling on so." Neloth remarked.
The urge to throttle him was becoming overwhelming, but Lydia took a deep breath and summarized. "Cadriel was crowned Emperor of Tamriel. The Thalmor started a war. He was fighting them in Hammerfell when he was poisoned. Our healers can't identify or cure the poison. Without your help, he will die."
Neloth sighed. "What are his symptoms?"
"He's pale, there is black around the wound and he's in the eternal sleep."
"Very well, allow me to gather what I need and we'll be off. You have a boat, I presume?"
"Better," Lydia smiled. "I have a dragon."
"Ah, so Cadriel has dragon allies? I knew making him an member of my house was a smart move on my part."
Lydia shook her head. That was high praise coming from Master Neloth. She waited a few minutes while Neloth gathered various items into a travelling pouch.
"Talvas!" Neloth shouted. "I'm taking a short trip. Make sure everything is in order until I return. Try not to burn the place down while I'm gone."
Imperial Encampment, North of Gilane
Second Seed 10th
It was early in the morning when Ohdaviing landed just outside the encampment. Lydia was in a hurry to get to the emperor's tent, but Neloth seemed to be in no rush. She fought the urge to move him along, instead, walking next to him to until they arrived at the tent. Martin was lying in his bed, pale and shirtless, save for the bandage around his shoulder.
"What have we here?" Neloth inquired
"Who are you?" The chief healer asked indignantly.
"I'm the one who will fix what you cannot. Will you answer my questions or let your emperor die?"
The healer looked at Lydia, who nodded, then back at Neloth. "Emperor Martin was struck by a poison arrow." The healer removed the bandage. "The tip barely broke the skin, but it blackened the entire area. We've tried every known ointment, salve and spell, but nothing seems to work."
"That's because there is a salve that is unknown to you," Neloth observed. "Fetch me some water," he commanded.
The healer again looked to Lydia.
"Lydia is not going to heal him, I am. If you get me some water." Neloth said.
Lydia nodded and the healer left. Neloth pulled out his mortar and pestle, threw some ingredients into it and started grinding away. The healer returned with some water and asked, "What are you making?"
"I could explain it to you, but you wouldn't understand," Neloth answered. "All you need to know is that this will cure your vaunted emperor."
Neloth added some water to the mixer to create a paste. Then he reached into his pouch, pulled out a plant the healers did not recognize, pulled off its flower and put it in Martin's mouth. He rubbed the salve over the would and all the blackened skin and said something that the healers were unable to make out.
The effect was immediate. The color returned to Martin's skin, and slowly, his eyes opened. He sat up, spit out the flower that was in his month and asked for water. One of the healers brought him a cup and he pulled deeply. He took a deep breath, then looked at around the room.
"Neloth. I assume you fixed me up. I am gra-" Martin stopped himself, considered his words and then continued. "So you saved me for a change. This almost makes us even."
Neloth scoffed, but not in an offensive or angry way. There was a brief flash of respect, as Neloth said, "Yes, well, try not to get hit with any more poison arrows, I cannot afford to put my important research on hold every time you decide you want to take a nap."
"I'll do my best," Martin replied. "Visit me at the palace some time. You welcomed me into your house. I suppose it's only right for me welcome you into mine."
Neloth nodded in reply. "Now if you'll excuse me, I do have important research to attend to."
"Do you need a ride back?" Lydia asked.
"Not hardly." Neloth moved his hands in a specific way and vanished.
Lydia gasped. "Wait, he could've-"
Martin held up a hand. "It's Neloth," was all he needed to say.
Lydia shrugged and then was silent for a moment. "Martin…" she began, "I…well…you, you had me worried."
Martin smiled. "After all we have been through, after all I have survived, did you really think one poisoned arrow would be the end of me?"
Lydia smiled back. "I know, I just-"
She was interrupted when a servant poked his head through. "Legate, there is…oh! My liege! Excuse me!" he exclaimed when he saw Martin sitting up in his bed.
"It's ok, what is your news?" Martin asked.
"The Amir has come inquiring about you. What shall I tell him?"
"Give me five minutes and then bring him in" Martin ordered. Then he turned to Lydia, "Help me back into my armor, please."
Lydia was adjusting the final strap when Amir Razelan was brought in.
"Emperor Martin Septim II. It please me that you are well. There were rumors…"
"Yes, I am sure, Razelan, but I am healed from both the wound, and the strange poison the Thalmor used. What news of the battle?"
"Your legion fought honorably, your majesty. The Thalmor division we faced on the north of the city is completely and utterly defeated. The other divisions are surrounded south of the city."
"No survivors at all from the division we faced?" Martin asked.
"We fought them all the way to the sea. When they realized that the battle was lost, the few survivors swam out to sea. Some made it to their ships. Some drowned." Razelan shrugged. "Either way, that division is no more."
"No prisoners?" Martin asked.
"None, not from our battle. There is a division and a half south of the city that are completely surrounded by your legionnaires. We are trying to decide what to do with them."
"Razelan, would you accompany me to our encampment south of the city?"
"I'd be honored your majesty. If I may, you literally shed blood and nearly your life for our land and our people. This will not be forgotten. I have a rider already set to head to Sentinel with news. Allow me to give him an update on your survival and I will gladly accompany you."
Martin nodded and Razelan left.
Lydia started to say something, but Martin stopped her. "We have business to attend to. We'll talk back at the palace."
Lydia smiled and nodded.
Imperial Encampment, South of Gilane
The sun was still below the horizon, but there was some gray starting to poke through the darkness. The night's campfires were smoldering embers and the camp itself was silent as Martin, Razelan, Lydia and the small detachment that escorted them arrived in the camp. The sentries on watch, however, were fully alert.
"Halt!" One of them said.
Lydia rode up to them. "Good morning, Quaestor. The emperor wishes to speak with Generals Rikke and Laudis. Kindly summon them."
"The emperor! Of course!" The Quaestor quickly gave orders. He sent one soldier to each of the general's tents and had one escort the detachment to the command tent.
General Rikke and General Laudis joined him a moment later. They both looked remarkably refreshed given the early hour and little amount of sleep they'd had.
"Cadriel! I mean, Martin. I mean, my liege, I'm glad to see you are well!"
"It's ok Rikke. I'm glad to be well. If not for the quick thinking of Lydia and help from an old friend, I might not be here." Martin explained.
"Indeed, sire, it is good to see you well." Laudis added. "How may we serve?"
"Please bring me up to speed on what I missed," Martin asked.
Rikke and Laudis looked at each other and Rikke motioned for Laudis to go ahead. "Of course, my liege. The Redguard Arifs had things well in hand. They were decimating the Thalmor, with help from your, uhh, friend of course. When I heard what happened to you, I knew we had to act quickly. We charged the Thalmor that were facing off against us. They broke and ran much quicker than I had anticipated. We pushed them straight south into Rikke's waiting arms."
Rikke smiled and then continued the summary. "Laudis sent a messenger to me before he began his assault, so we were ready and waiting. I had arranged the troops so that the Thalmor would not escape around us. The Third and Six legions joined up and pushed the Thalmor all the way to the coast. Their commanders are dead or missing, an Elamer is in charge of their remaining forces."
"So they surrendered?" Martin asked.
"Not quite," Laudis answered. "We agreed to cease fighting. They agreed to remain near the coast and make no attempt to enter the city or pass our lines."
"Casualties?" Martin asked.
"Very light, a few hundred, and most of those will be back to fighting shape soon." Laudis answered.
"Good, very good. Are you certain they are not using this time to load more troops or supplies so they can breakout this morning?"
"We've kept careful watch, sire," Laudis explained, "their ships have stayed away from the coast."
Martin nodded. "Thank you, both. You've done a tremendous service to Hammerfell and as a direct result, they may well rejoin the empire. You are both to be commended."
Southern outskirts of Gilane, near the coast
A table was set up in the middle of the field. No tent, no shade. It seemed a little odd, but then, these were odd times. The sun was high in the sky, the heat of Hammerfell causing some discomfort. On one side of the table sat Elamer Falwen and two of her aides. On the other side sat Martin, Razelan and Ambassador Elnath. There were a few troops lined up on either side, more for effect. Both sides were confident there was little chance that fighting would resume.
"Your troops will be permitted to leave on the same boats they arrived in. Your weapons and gear are to remain behind. Anyone with the rank of Elamer will remain behind as our prisoners. You will be treated well," Elnath explained.
Falwen scoffed, "You expect us to simply abandon our gear? Our weapons and our armor? Our food and our supplies?"
"We could hold you all prisoner and confiscate everything," Razelan observed.
"And where would you hold us all?" Falwen asked.
"We would make you build your own prison." Razelan answered matter of factly.
That caught her up short. She let out an exasperated sigh. "You are exacting far too high a price. We cannot simply give you everything we brought here."
Razelan was getting angry. "You invaded my homeland. You killed my brothers and sisters. There is no price that is to high for use to extract from you."
Martin decided to chime in. "Excuse me. May I?
"Please, go ahead," Elnath said.
"Elamer Falwen, neither of these to fine gentlemen wanted to let you go. They wanted to confiscate all your supplies and imprison you and all your troops. They agreed to let your troops go, but they must be off their soil today. The only alternative is for you and your troops to build your own prison and remain here for an unknown length of time. That being said, I have a proposal that neither side will like, but I believe it a fair compromise."
Falwen sighed again. "Very well, let me hear it."
"Every soldier of every rank will be permitted to leave," Martin held up a hand before either side could interrupt, "and you can take all the food you need for the journey back to Summerset Isle. However, all your weapons and armor are to remain behind. No exceptions."
"Wait," Razelan spoke up, "You can't let her go, she's a senior officer."
"I understand Razelan, but all of their commanders and commander's aides are dead. She's only senior by virtue of being alive and chances are she won't maintain her rank when she returns to Summerset Isle," Martin explained.
Razelan did not appear convinced, but Elnath was. "I am willing to agree to that, provided not one soldier remains on my soil when the sun comes up tomorrow."
Falwen was resigned. "We have already started moving troops, including their personal gear…but…I will personally see to it that all weapons and armor remain behind and all troops will be offshore by tomorrow morning."
"Good, then we have an arrangement," Elnath said as he rose. "Razelan will help supervise your withdrawal. Emperor Septim, Gilane and Hammerfell owe you and the empire a great debt. Falwen, make sure you tell your leaders, should the Dominion try to invade Hammerfell again, next time we defeat you, we will not be so generous in our terms."
Reunification of Hammerfell and Tamriel
Palace Great Hall, Sentinel. Hammerfell
Second Seed, 12th
This was the first time Martin was inside a Palace of Redguard design. The architecture was foreign to him, but the splendor was nearly on par with the Imperial Palace. He was dressed in fine robes, an outfit befitting an emperor, and was currently being given an audience by the Hammerfell leadership. Three of them sat on thrones at the top of the chairs and a crowd of nobles lined both sides of the hall, all of them listening intently.
"Emperor Martin Septim II, our commanders from the field have relayed to us that your troops fought with honor, distinction and a ferocity we had thought long gone from the Imperial Legion. They also report that you have allied yourself with Nahfahlaar, is this true?"
Martin still did not know exactly what Nahfahlaar, but he did not want to look foolish, so he chose his words carefully. "I have allied myself with certain dragons who come from the North. The one who came to your aid at my behest is called Ohdaviing."
"I see. And we have also received reports that you nearly died defending our homeland, is this true as well?
"Your grace," Martin began, adjusting to the flowery diplomatic language. "Your humble servant was injured by an arrow that found a chink in my armor. That arrow was poisoned and I fear if it were not for the heroic effort of a Telvanni wizard, I surely would have perished."
"A Telvanni wizard? A Dragon? How is it that you, a bosmer, ally yourself with such as these? How is is that you, a bosmer are able to call lightning out of the sky?"
"Your eminence, while I too, would find it hard to believe that such a simple and modest bosmer could possibly wield such influence, I ally myself with dragons because it is true that Akatosh has blessed me with the very blood of dragons, and while some say that such things are impossible, I am living proof that it is, in fact, possible." Martin answered.
"Emperor Martin Septim II, one final question. What would the empire do with Hammerfell should this great province once again become a part of it?"
This was the heart of the issue. All the previous questions had lead up to this. The crowd had gone immensely silent and Martin felt ready. He began to speak, "Your magnificence, it is with great humility that I tell you the empire has seen nothing but decline since the most grave injustice was done to your people. Like fronds from a palm tree, the provinces are stronger when they are bound together. When they are apart, they all suffer. It is my great hope that we can bound our fronds together to enjoy the strength and the prosperity of a united people. To that end, the empire will rebuild the roads and cities. Our people will enjoy the prosperity that comes with trade and the joy of a family reunited. Our children will grow strong and our parents will grow old, secure in the knowledge of a flourishing future for all!"
Martin thought he might have gone a little over the top, but the crowd erupted in applause. All three magistrates nodded their approval.
"Then let it be said for all to hear. Hammerfell and the Empire are family once more!"
The applause grew into cheering. Martin turned to Elnath, who had been standing next time him. Elnath smiled as he said, "Now the real work begins."
Old Embassy, Sentinel
Later that day, Emperor Martin and Ambassador Elnath were meeting together in the build that used to be an embassy. The building was clean, but it had clearly fallen into disuse. Martin was dressed in less flamboyant and more comfortable clothing.
"I know you are not big on pomp, but it does serve a purpose," Elnath was explaining. "A large majority here in Sentinel are Forebears, but there is a large number throughout Hammerfell that are Crowns."
"Ok, Elnath, I know I am showing my ignorance, but can you please explain to me the factions? And who or what is Nahfahlaar?"
Elnath smiled, "I could sense your confusion, but you handled it well. Nahfahlaar was a dragon that had allied itself with Tiber Septim.
"Wait," Martin interrupted. "Tiber Septim allied himself with a dragon?"
"Oh yes," Elnath replied. "Much like your Ohdaviing, it was a red dragon and it helped Tiber fight his battles. I must say, your red dragon made quite an impression."
"A good one I hope."
"Ha!" Elnath laughed, but then grew serious. "The city of Gilane is heavily weighted towards Crowns. Traditionally, the Forebears have held up our, well, traditions, and the Crowns have always been eager to interface with the Empire. However, since the great war, there was a switch. The Crowns became more isolationist while the Forebears wished for more interaction. In fact, it was the Forebears who initially sent me to you."
"I see," Martin said, "so in saving a Crown city…"
"You have won many of them over, yes." Elnath completed his sentence for him.
"Today's ceremony, was designed to help bring over any who were waffling. There were many nobles from both factions, and you clearly won them over. For someone who hates pomp and circumstance, you sure do it pretty well," Elnath jibed.
Martin smiled at that, "Ok, so the magistrates, the nobles and both factions are on board, now what?"
"Now we get to the real work, hammering out all the details of our reunification. Then we have a formal signing ceremony and of course a formal ball, celebrating the signing."
"Great," Martin groaned. "More pomp, more ceremony. Are you sure I can't delegate my own ambassador to fill in or all this?"
Elnath laughed again, "And leave me to all that misery by myself? No, absolutely not."
Martin laughed in reply.
"In all seriousness, Martin, your presence on the field of battle outside Gilane made a tremendous impression. And taking that arrow made an even greater impression."
"So, the Thalmor attempt to assassinate me actually backfired." Martin observed.
"Yes, it did and trust me when I say that your presence and your signature on this unification document will make an even greater impression than that."
Martin nodded, swallowed his pride and the two of them got down to work, hashing out all the details of bringing Hammerfell back into the fold.
Aldmeri Dominion Plots
Palace, Alinor, Summerset Isle
Second Seed 13th
The city of Alinor was a city of splendor. Surround by pink cherry blossoms and purple maples, the beauty was nearly unmatched. This beauty, however, was unnoticed by the messenger who rode quickly along the road and through the city gates. Without stopping, he headed straight for the Palace. The news he had to deliver was not good, but it was urgent.
He showed the guards at the palace entrance the seal to the packet he was carrying, and they let him through. He did the same when he got to the great hall in the palace. Ondolemar, Zeno Mor and another Justiciar were speaking at the bottom of the stairs and were the first ones the messenger ran into.
Ondolemar stopped him, asking, "What is your purpose here?"
"I have urgent news from Hammerfell," the messenger responded, showing them the seal on the packet he was carrying.
"Well take that," the other Justiciar said.
"But…it's for…I mean, I…" the messenger tried to protest, but all three Altmer glared at him until he finally bowed his head and handed it over.
Ondolemar took the packet and broke the seal. He started reading one of the missives. "it appears our troops were defeated at Gilane," he observed.
"Losses?" Zeno asked.
Ondolemar skimmed the missive, "Just over a division."
"And the rest?" the other Justiciar asked.
"Apparently they surrendered and were permitted to leave. Elamer Falwen agreed to leave their equipment behind and only took enough food for the journey home."
"That's too bad," the other Justiciar noted. "Falwen had shown promise."
"Mmm hmm," Ondolemar agreed, as he kept reading. "It looks like our plan worked, the emperor was hit…Gaaah! No! He recovered? That's impossible. The empire doesn't have the apothecarial knowledge!"
"So, plan B then? We undercut his image with propaganda?" Zeno asked?
"Do you really think the empire will believe their vaunted emperor is both the Gray Fox and the Listener to the Dark Brotherhood?" The other Justiciar asked.
"We don't have to get the empire to believe it, just the right people in order to undercut his diplomatic efforts, and maybe have some on the council question his leadership," Zeno said.
"Very well," Ondolemar conceded. "We'll look into it."
Zeno nodded and left. When he was out of earshot, the other Justiciar said, "We'll need to lure him into another battle. Perhaps in Elsweyr?"
"Hmmm…if we threaten the Empire directly. Maybe a feint towards Skingrad and then move to take Lewawiin?" Ondolemar replied.
"Possibly. I'll bring it up to Lady Arranelya, since our Commanders are apparently incapable these days. One thing is clear, however, Emperor Martin Septim II must be taken out of the picture," the other Justiciar noted with certainty.
*Elamer - it literally means "Head Mer." I created it as a Thalmor army rank, equivalent to Tribune.
Author Note: I took a few liberties in this chapter. The current government set up for Hammerfell and The Aldmeri Dominion is not quite known. Personally, I think the leaders of the Thalmor are shadowy and hidden from the public. That's how I'll likely handle it going forward. If anyone has Lore-specific information on the ranks of the Thalmor army or the governments of Alinor and Hammerfell in the 4th Era, please feel free to message me and I will update things in future chapters. Otherwise, I will likely proceed they way I have here. Thank you all, for your continued support. As always, feedback and constructive criticism are welome.
