Ch. 31 The Flames of War

It's officially time for war in Tamriel and to kick things off we have our first Siege on the city of Riverhold in Elsweyr. Keep in mind that I have no idea what Elsweyr actually is like other than it has lots of trees so excuse me if I take some liberties.

Someone pointed out that I have reviews for 31 chapters but only have 30 on FF, the reason is one of the chapters was the AN that I deleted over the weekend so the official count is now 31 chapters straight with this release.

Disclaimer: I own nothing, all characters belong to Bethesda. Any OC's belong to their respective creators.

-Riverhold, Province of Elsweyr-

"I don't care if you burn the entire forest! I want that city taken by the end of the day!" Cipius roared over the launching of catapults and the roar of dragons as the 5th Legion fought for every inch of ground they could get to. The Khajiit were tenacious and great forest fighters but dragons weren't restricted to the ground. Tree's were burning and the Khajiit defenders couldn't accurately target the dragons under the dense foliage and as a result they were free to burn and harass to their hearts content.

"Sir, the 15th Brigade is only a few miles out, we expect them in 10 minutes or so." A messenger told Cipius as he attempted to keep low so he wasn't danger of being hit.

"Understood, get back to the catapults and get them read for long-range support. As soon as they can, start to rain fire on Riverhold." Cipius ordered as he blocked an arrow effortlessly with his shield.

"Yes sir!" The messenger said before he took off running.

"Let them hear the roar of the Empire!" Cipius yelled to the sky as the dragons eagerly followed his command and roared. The resulting sound froze the Khajiit defenders while the Legion surged forward, eager to take control of the resulting confusion and push forward to Riverhold.

With luck, they would have the city by the afternoon.

-Arenthia, Province of Valenwood-

"The Empire has come! Man the catapults!" A wood Elf commander said as he saw the approaching forces of the 12th Forest Brigade as they closed the distance with their own siege weapons.

"Sir, they'll be on us before we can even get a quarter of them ready to fire-"

"I don't care, we are holding this city until we get reinforcements from Elsweyr!"

"Yes sir!" A loader said before he scampered off as the air was filled with alarm bells and the city devolved into chaos as people ran for shelter and the town militia went to their posts or aided in the evacuation. That chaos soon turned to unbridled fear as various roars were heard over the chaotic nature of the city as all eyes moved to the sky as the clouds parted and a flurry of various colored dragons swooped in from the Heavens. It was as if the Gods themselves were sending them down as a form of justice, even if it wasn't clear what justice was being dealt.

The commander didn't even have time to blink before he was snatched up in a pair of talons and hurled away from the city.

"Flee if you want or die if you fight!" Odahviing roared as he swooped low and set a large path of the city on fire. No one was safe as large balls of fire came soaring over the city walls and started mercilessly destroying anything they hit while the Legion brought out a massive battering ram and pounded the doors of the city while the combined might of dragons and catapults laid waste to the interior.

By the afternoon, the city was no longer standing and the Legion was moving on without a backwards glance.

-With Marius-

"We'll be in Elsweyr within a day sir." A scout said as Marius surveyed the surrounding landscape. Lush forests and grasslands dotted the landscape between Cyrodil and Elsweyr but that wasn't what he was interested in.

Something was off with this area.

"Have the unit make camp for the night." Marius said simply as he went over every detail of the landscape carefully.

"Sir, Cipius expects us..."

"I know what Cipius expects but he has our own dragons going ahead to bolster his own. He'll be fine until he reaches the first objective." Marius said dismissively as the scout turned around and walked away before he stopped. "I understand your concern soldier but you heard Cipius, we are to move to the alternate route and wait for his signal."

"I understand sir but I don't like it."

"I know soldier but we are also establishing the best supply path as an army can't move on an empty stomach. Cipius will be fine and we will reach our destination before the signal comes, for right now have the patrol do one more perimeter sweep then get back here." Marius ordered as the scout saluted before walking away.

'Were they that unprepared or did they pull off their forces to deal with Cipius?' Marius thought with a frown. Even his heightened sense of smell couldn't find anything out of the ordinary and that included Goblins that were usually in the area. With a grunt of irritation he tore his eyes away from the foliage and went to help his men make camp, all the while being watched from the shadows.

"Nocturnal commands your death and she will have it." Karliah said from the tree tops before she disappeared into the dense foliage.

-Cyrodil-

"The first Legion units have invaded Valenwood and Elsweyr, they are expected to fall within two months if everything goes well." General Tullius said as he looked over the Council. He loved his home city but the Council had always given him a bad vibe.

"And the status of the Strike Force?" Titus Mede II asked as Tullius gave a small frown.

"The first unit has been deployed to the Isles. They'll be able to handle any ships coming in or out of there while we knock out Valenwood and Elswyer."

"Good, you are dismissed General." Mede said with a wave and Tullius departed.

"Yes my Emperor." Tullius said before he bowed and departed with a flash of irritation in his eyes. He was really starting to hate that stand-in.

"More trouble sir?" Rikke asked as Tullius gave a nod.

"The Emperor's stand-in is starting to irritate me. How much longer do we have to keep up this charade?" Tullius asked as Rikke shrugged.

"Until we take care of the Thalmor, we have to make do with what we have." Rikke replied as Tullius gave an audible sigh.

"When will the Strke Force actually reach the Isles?"

"In a week when the second unit is ready to go."

"And the dragons we have?"

"From my reports they are listening for now but we have no idea how long that will last."

"Then let's make this push count."

-Elswyer-

The Legion's march continued as they pushed forward through the dense forest towards Riverhold. The Khajiit defenders regained their fight but their pride and spirit waned as acre after acre of the forest burned under the merciless march of the Legion and dragons. Tried as they might, the Legion overpowered them and the dragons continued to burn everything in their path while the defenders finally signaled a retreat with the Legion in pursuit.

From the treetops of Riverhold, the city guard saw the approaching flames devouring the forests like a hungry animal would it's prey. They would fight to the last Khajiit but they would fight knowing it was in vain for the Legion would sweep into town with emotion before leaving nothing but burning buildings and sorrow.

When they looked up, flaming stones and dragons were descending on the town.

And I will end it there, expect heavy fighting and tense moments next chapter as we get ready to see just how far the Legion will go against those who challenge them.

I know what you all are thinking, why am I taking so long for updates? Well the answer is life and the expectation that work would be slow in December but as you all saw it wasn't. Still I try to keep on a consistent basis and want to thank you all for sticking with me so far. We've come along way and still have some distance left so keep reading and I will keep writing!

So tell me guys, Cortana or EDI? Which AI get's your blood going more? Leave interesting or creative comments in your review!