The Shattered Star

Chapter 2

Lines In The Sand

The bells of the Imperial City rang sombrely through the cold winds of the surrounding hills. The winter months had brought in a truly bitter chill with them this time, so much so that the surrounding waters of Lake Rumare had all but frozen still. The heatless shafts of light littered small portions of dew covered grass as the sun tried feebly to push through the thick blanket of cloud that converged above the lands. This tragic cold morning was no reason to call stop to the work that must be done as the citizens of the Imperial City began their preparation for the day's works. Store owners setting up their wares and placing the billboards on the shop front to hopefully attract some business. By the docks sailors hurried themselves as they readied the final crates and supplied that they needed for their journeys. The sounds of horns echoed through the city streets signifying the change in guard as the weary night shift slumped off for rest as they changed hands with fresh morning guard.

"Any activity?" Questioned one of the morning guards. His armour was is pristine condition, steel plates decorated with the symbols of the city. Although a guard by duty, his position was more of decoration and reassurance as opposed to one of authority.

"A wretched rat felt it necessary to remove from me the ownership of some bread...Other than that...Nothing to report." Jeered the night guardsmen as he began to trudge off to the guard's beds chamber.

"Rest well, friend." The guardsmen laughed as he patted his tired companion on the shoulder before assuming his position.

Further into the middle rings of the city the gatherings of official statesmen and governors drew nearer as they prepared for their business. These portions of the city were a fine visage of upper class nature as those seen here dressed only in the finest and richest of robes, decorated with regalia from their respective realms. Even the guards here were graced with the pleasure of more prestige armour, plastered with gold trims and tassels another case of ornamental soldiers placed here mainly for the citizens reassurance instead of the necessity to fill the city with police. The deafening ringing of the bells finally came to a halt as the masses of envoys and statesmen began to gather into the chambers of the central tower in the Imperial City.

The confines of the tower were as to be expected, the walls lined with tapestries made from the rarest of silks depicting stories of heroes and portraits honouring former emperors. The central lobby was the starting place is this almost labyrinth like structure. The stair case in the centre of the lobby lead up to the main governor's chamber, unlike the other paths of the lobby this staircase was granted a group of at least five soldiers lead by a single Shattered Star elite, changed with the protection of the main council chamber that lay at the top of those stairs. For most all they ever saw of that chamber was the two huge oak doors carved with intricate patterns.

The council chamber was split into ten separate raised sections, one for each of the nine different realms of Tamriel and one slightly higher raised platform for the Council Peacekeeper. His duty was strictly one of coordination, designed only to keep order and control of the chamber should the debates become more intense. The room soon filled with the noise of gathering governors, each bringing with them four other statesmen for support. Moments passed before the Peacekeeper stood raising his hands and clapping three times to attract attention, his huge hands caused the noise that could only be compared to an explosion in the echoes of the hall.

"If you will, gentlemen. Please take your seats we have much to discuss." His voice was full of stern authority. He was a short man, balding in his age. His expression alone showed just how serious he took his job, like a stone statue.

The other men knew not to tempt the wrath of this particular Peacekeeper as they all took their seats in silence only sharing the briefest of whispers. The Nord of Skyrim in particular despised this kind of treatment, a race that didn't take kindly to being pushed around by smaller races as they sat there whispering nothing but harsh insult in their native tongue.

"Forgive me, but does something bother you...Gentlemen?" The Peacekeeper looked down his nose at the Nord as he spoke raising one of his eyebrows inquisitively.

The only response he was able to rouse from the beasts of the North was a simple yet effective grunt of disdain.

"As I suspected...Now...Onto the first order of business...Does anyone have any reports on the recent activities of Mage kind?" He scanned the room with his cold gaze.

Laven Trith, one of the Dunmer of the Morrowind state rose to his feet letting out a large cough clearing his throat before he would begin. He was a typical specimen of his raise, a tall and proud in stature, his black hair pulled back tight in a pony tail of roughly waist length, his piercing crimson eyes peering around the room before speaking.

"Reports from our scouts indicate a decrease over recent months...We are satisfied with work of our infiltrators and would like to officially offer their services to any other realm that would wish so." He bowed his in graceful respect as he awaited a response.

The response came from a young Bosmer of the Valenwood province. She was youthful for her kind, yet she held the main position of power among her people. Her skin was soft and reflected the light beautifully; heir golden hair framed her face perfectly as its gentle curls lay softly either side of her face. Her beaming green eyes connected with the Dunmer's as her soft voice shakily entered the hall.

"I am Seline Aldreth of the Bosmer...I have taken my father's place on the council due to his unfortunate illness...Unfortunately it is difficult to keep a track of rogue mages in our forests due to its unforgiving nature, and thus would like to accept your offering aid." Her face reddened slightly as she stood there admitting her race's incompetence to track people in their own land.

"As you wish my lady, we shall discuss the arrangements after the meeting." Laven bowed his head as he shot her a warming smile, almost trying to show her support and ease her nerves slightly.

This brief show of support was broken by the bellowing laughter from the Nord platform. A beast of a man rose from his seat, covered in the ritual tattoos of his people and the typical large thick beard. He slammed his hammer like fist down on the desk; the noise caused a few of the statesmen to jump from shock. His tiny black eyes glared over at Seline before turning his attention to the rest of the room.

"It is people like her that are the very reason we are in this mess in the first place! She is unable to keep her own province under watch; I wouldn't be surprised if the biggest stronghold of Mages we have seen lurks in her own forests!" The Nord roared his words spitting as he spoke.

Seline quickly took her seat and lowered her head hoping to lose the attention of the Nord who had obviously taken a disliking to what she had to say. But much to her misfortune his attack had only just begun as he pointed at her.

"See! She turns tail and runs at the first sign of confrontation...She is a disgrace to her noble father's name! I demand that we call a vote of no confidence and have her replaced immediately!" His booming voice continued to tear its way through the echoing halls; it would be no surprise if the people of Skyrim itself couldn't hear him.

The room fell silent; Laven took his seat also in the fear of evoking the wrath of the beast. The hulking Nord continued to look around the room, many of whom he fixed his gaze on began to fidget in discomfort and avert their gaze. Even his own people grew slightly nervous at their leader's obvious anger. This remained the same until finally a voice spoke up from the back of the Imperial quarter. A tall shadow of a man rose from his seat, his face covered by the shadow casted from his deep crimson hood. The light could only pick out the most basic of details; his eyes were a hazel colour as he raised his gaze to the Nord whose composure had altered slightly to a slightly more defensive stance as he now held his arms in front of himself. The Imperial took a few steps forward as he rested his hands on the desk of his people, his piercing eyes fixed entirely on the Nord not showing a single sign of deterrence or worry at all.

"Tell me Vulkhen...Was it not your people who just two summers ago came into this very chamber and requested aid in locating a band of stray of Mages that you yourself had lost?" His voice was precise and had an obvious tone of education and sophistication to it. This comment struck a nerve in the Nord as he shuffled on his feet in an obvious show of being uncomfortable.

"Order!" The Peacekeeper bellowed as he slammed his hammer down on his own desk.

"This is the council halls not the arena...The Dunmer have offered aid to the Bosmer...This is no excuse for senseless bickering!" The Peacekeeper continued to roar as the Imperial took his head again. Vulkhen took this chance for one more cheap shot as he pointed over at the Imperial who had made such a brave stand against him.

"Your kind disgust me...You alone are a disgrace to the Imperial race!" With these last words he slumped back into his seat letting out a futile growl as one of his cohorts leant over and whispered into his ear.

The Imperial man smirked over at both Seline and Laven who each sent back a slightly nervous smile as they bowed in respect. It was clear that his superior wasn't at all pleased with his actions as he turned in seat, frowning as he whispered.

"It would do you well to follow the traditions of these chambers and show respect...Striking a war with those savages will aid no one...Do you understand?" The only response was a simple slow nod and a quirky smile.

"Perhapss...Ssome good newss iss in order...My people have disscovered a fresh ssupply of Dark Light ore not far from our capital...We will begin production as ssoon as possible." Came the hissed voice of an Argonian.

Like his entire race his scaled skin sparkled in the light of the chamber, his raptor like eyes darted around the room as his tongue periodically flicked out. His race was a wiry kind never really growing in size and sticking to a lean stature which made them perfect for their swamp dwelling ways. The Peacekeeper nodded as he made a note of the events of the meeting so far.

"Good news indeed...If that is everything then I declare this meeting closed." The Peacekeeper slammed his hammer down again to signify the end of the meeting.

The room soon erupted into the murmurs as the statesmen began to rise to their feet and make their way from the chamber. Seline remained in her seat as she waited for the lumbering form of the Nord battalion to leave the chamber; one of her assistants lay a reassuring hand on her shoulder and smiled.

"Your father would be proud...Few people are bold enough to face the Nord head on." Seline nodded slightly as she smiled back up to her assistant.

"Thank you." She finally mustered the courage to stand to her feet.

As quickly as it had all begun it all ended. The chamber fell deafly silent as the cold chill slowly filled it again. Only two people had remained behind, a member of the Khajit and the Imperial man who had spoken out against Vulkhen before.

"Update?" The Imperial stood there with his arms folded as the Khajit quickly scanned the area.

"It should be in place by the next full moon cycle." The Imperial nodded as he reached his pale white hand and scratched his chin, he smirked again as his hazel eyes stared off into the distance of the chamber.

"Perfect...Now return to your people...You know what must be done...It is nearly time." He moved his gaze to the Khajit, who quickly nodded and hurried off to rejoin his people.

The Imperial looked around the room again before reaching into the small leather bag hanging at his waist and pulling out a small vial, popping the lid from it he knocked back the entire contents in one go letting out a satisfied sigh as he placed it back into his pouch and made his way to the exit of the chamber as well.