4E 203

The White-Gold Tower, Cyrodiil

The Emperor Titus Mede II was transported back to the Imperial City in Cyrodiil and laid to rest in the Royal Tomb, where his successor, Attrebus Mede I, his daughter, Vaenus Mede III and myself stood around as the priest said his last rites.

Despite being the eldest son, Attrebus Mede I was fairly young for an Emperor - he was only 24, and that meant that he felt he had to prove himself to his people. He had decided to raise taxes throughout the empire in order to finance the army, which would battle the Nords in Skyrim, now under leadership of an old family, Wintersheild. Although we had had no intel on who this new leader was, and it was driving Attrebus insane.

I strode through the long marble halls in the tower, towards the shouts and angray shouts of Attrebus. I opened the steel doors towards the war room and calmly walked over to the right side of his throne, which he occupied - he was shouting at his advisors again. He turned to me, his face red with anger.

"Do you realize what they are saying?" I cocked an eyebrow in curiousity.

"My lord, perhaps you misunderstood-"

"So what you're telling me is that we now have twenty thousand Nord screamers in the Imperial province?" He shouted at the old advisor, who instinctively flinched at the words and kept quiet, his gaze falling to the the large map that filled the marble table. I clenched my jaw in thought - I knew what Attrebus could be like at times, especially when in anger - the old man did well not to say anymore. Attrebus looked amongst the advisors, who all stayed quiet, too terrified to answer the question for fear of it being rhetorical. I placed both of my hands behind my back, thinking.

One of the Legion's generals, General Tasus, spoke up with what seemed to be the only solution for a general.

"Sire, we could command Bruma to drive the barbarians back?"

I closed my eyes, as I heard Attrebus' fist launch into the marble table in anger.

"In the field?" He bawled, his voice amplified through the acoustics of the room. "You do understand that these 'barbarians' already destroyed an army twice the size of Bruma's garrison? Sometimes I wonder why I keep you half-wits around!" He shouted in anger, slumping back into his throne, angry breaths escaping his mouth. "First Hammerfall, now Skyrim!" He shouted angrily, knocking the glass of win on the table off onto the floor. "And it's only a matter of time before the Aldmeri Dominion shows up!" I saw General Tasus' mouth open to suggest another bold and pointless battle, so I chose to speak before him.

"My Lord," I said quietly, leaning down to talk closer to him, although I knew that the advisors could hear - although they would never admit it, "forget the Nords - the real threat is the elves." Attrebus seemed to calm slightly. "I will go and deal with the barbarians." I promised. He could hear my anticipation - how I longed for vengeance.

"No," He finally said firmly "I need you around in case the Altmer make their move." I swallowed, trying to decide what to say to persuade him. I looked at the advisors - maybe I could get them on my side - surely they would see reason in this move.

"The Nords rally behind a single leader of strength," I explained to the astounded faces, "if we can just prove that he can be bested-"

"Damn it Cassius!" Attrebus shouted, standing up to his full height and facing me. "You may be my friend, but that does not give you the right to make demands of the Emperor!" He looked me dead in the eye, as I did to him. Finally I calmed, and remembered the wise words 'Anger defeats reason.' I bowed my head and resumed my position by him, with my hands behind my back. Attrebus finally looked back at the advisors, who all hung their heads awkwardly. "If that's all there is, this meeting is adjourned." He informed them, then stood up and stormed out of the room, anger seething from him.

I stood at the balcony, overlooking the entire city. I heard the footsteps behind me, and Attrebus came to my side. He was dressed in his expensive silks and cottons, a cloak hanging from the gold chain that hung between his shoulders.

"I appreciate the offer that you made back in there Cassius." Attrebus said. I nodded.

"I know Attrebus." I said, looking at him. "And I know that you're under pressure - but everything will be fine." I said with a reassuring smile. "This city is a fortress, and you have loyal soldiers here at the heart - the city cannot fall." I promised him. "Not while I'm here for you." He smiled and placed a hand on my shoulder.

"Cassius, you have been a loyal soldier, and a better friend. I have to ask you though," I furrowed my brow at the troubled look on his face, "have you never desired my crown?" He said in earnest. I shook my head.

"No Attrebus." I said honestly. "Honestly, I don't think the people would accept it." Attrebus nodded.

"I know you must have felt wronged." He said. "After all, you are the soldier out of all of us, and you do have royal blood in you."

I shook my head.

"Our father brought me up here as soon as my mother died." I reminded him. "He showed me kindness when it wasn't necessary. In return, I would protect him." I smiled sadly.

"So, if your debt is fulfilled, why do you continue the guardianship of the Emperor?" I shook my head.

"It's no debt." I said, placing my hand on his shoulder - mirroring him. "You're my brother Attrebus, the only one I have. I protect you because we are family - and we can always trust one another." He smiled. "Who told you this anyway?" I asked, thinking, although I already figured out who.

"Vaenus was musing over it, she meant no harm."

"We both know better brother." I said, and we both looked out amongst our city, our family's Empire. I would not let it be taken by barbarians. Our family ruled it - though Attrebus sat in the throne. But he prized his younger sister and half-brother above all else - I knew this as sure as I knew myself.