4E 204 year… 2nd of Evening Star… 1939…

The first thing Azriel noticed as the door opened to the War Room was the number of people had grown. The smell of the fireplace mingled with sweat, food, and alcohol. The Legionnaire escorting her, Aela, and Serana were still blocking most of the doorway, but she could see some of the new faces. It only took her a second to register some of the men weren't wearing Imperial armor.

"General Tullius!" The guard saluted, "The Dragonborn and her company have arrived."

Azriel shoved him out of her way. "I have a damn name, Nord."

Tullius looked her up and down from where he stood at his planning table. "You look… uh… well."

Azriel glanced around the room filled with people. The most interesting people in the group were two Argonians and three Redguards that wore the same highly polished armor. "I've had a really long week and let's just leave it at that." She was absolutely aware that the way she felt reflected with her appearance.

Tullius shared a quick glance with his Legate and then looked at Azriel's companions. His eyes landed on Serana and Azriel smiled when he swallowed hard. It amused her to watch him squirm under his armor.

"What do you need, Tullius?" Azriel tried to make sure she didn't come off harshly on the man that had basically committed treason against the Emperor for her.

The Argonian in front of the table smiled at Tullius. "Perhaps General, introductions are in order first?"

Tullius nodded in agreement. "There's a lot to discuss, Dragonborn..."

Azriel groaned loudly.

"Since last you were here… things have changed considerably." Tullius extended his hand toward the Argonian. "This is Sir Imhotep of Battlehorn, Leader of the Knights of the True Horn. He is here to provide aid to the Legion."

The Argonian extended his hand to Azriel. "Ah, this is a pleasure to meet you, my Lady."

It struck her as interesting the Argonian spoke like an educated Colovian rather than a dock worker. "I assure you, I'm no lady."

The Argonian's smile brightened. "Except you are Dragonborn, yes? Therefore, you are very much a lady, even if you do not think you are."

Azriel pulled her hand away, hearing the excited squeak from the doorway behind Serana. She gave Theron a smirk. "What?"

Theron shook his head, his face was bright red.

Imhotep chuckled and motioned to the other men wearing the same armor to step forward. A younger Argonian stood next to him. "This is my son, Ptah of Battlehorn and Master of Arms for the Knights of the True Horn."

The younger Argonian smiled at his father and bowed to Azriel. "Talos preserve you, Dragonborn."

Interesting how comfortable he is using Talos' name so freely. Azriel glanced at Aela before looking at Theron. It wasn't hard for her to see how excited he was, he practically leaping for joy. "Thanks, I guess."

Imhotep stretched his hand to Theron, who greedily took it. "You know of us?"

"Who doesn't?" Theron chirped excitedly. "Imhotep of Cyrodiil was the Grand Knight of True Horn. He's my hero!"

"I guess I'm lost…" Azriel said with a shrug to Theron.

"My father is… erm… was..." Imhotep said softly.

"THE Hero of Kvatch!" Theron squeaked out, bouncing up and down.

Tullius rolled his eyes. "Yes, yes, all very exciting, but we have many things to discuss."

Azriel touched Theron's shoulder, "I never knew his name. We'll talk later. Go grab a chair."

"Perhaps you will allow the boy to tell us each at supper?" Imhotep smiled warmly as Theron ran to the chair to sit quietly.

Azriel glanced at Aela, who raised an eye brow and gave a nod. "Dinner it is."

Tullius waved them over to map table. "Azriel, these knights and their men were some of the last to make it past Falkreath. I guess I should tell you the Stormcloaks have cut off the Pale Pass and Falkreath Hold is fully under their control."

Azriel took a deep breath and found a chair. She suddenly felt nauseous as the blood drained from her face.

"Are you alright?" Tullius asked.

Aela snapped at Theron "Boy, fetch her some water!" Aela knelt down next to her, "Are you still feeling ill?"

Azriel nodded slowly. She ran her hand over her face. So little time…

Theron snatched the pitcher and goblet from the table and ran to Azriel.

Serana leaned down next to her and stroked her arm, but Azriel waved them off. She took the goblet from Theron and downed the water. "Continue, General Tullius."

The map of Skyrim held so many red and blue flags on it, it made Azriel's head swim looking at it. Theron poured more water into her goblet and Azriel decided she definitely need more sleep to deal with everything that was going on.

"Very well…" He looked back down at the map. "…we've managed to gather information in the North and have more aid than I thought we'd get. We have two retired Legionnaires that the Stormcloaks haven't counted on. I'm waiting on one now."

"Just two? Who are they?" Aela asked without taking her eyes off Azriel.

"I've managed to convince a retired Legate to reenter service." Tullius said smiling.

"Brina Merilis overthrew that hard-head Skald the Elder a week ago. The Legion now holds the Pale. Legate Merilis is now in charge of the Pale until another Jarl is elected." Rikke added.

"Controlling the Pale gives us another port town and takes the pressure off of Solitude as our sole resupply by sea. Now we can hopefully get warships further up the coast."

"Ulfric has been sending small, fast attack ships out from the Northern islands here." Rikke pointed to a group of islands Northeast of Dawnstar. "Gaining Dawnstar as a port will give us a chance to cut off Ulfric's ships from Windhelm. Captain Wayfinder and his crew are using the Sea Squell to outrun Ulfric's ships and get supplies to Dawnstar now."

"Somehow, Ulfric has managed to cut off almost every ship coming from High Rock except a few. We think he has sailed vessels farther up the coast to the West." She pointed a small group of barrier islands near the border of High Rock. "We haven't been able to track down which ones their using yet. We think we've lost at least three scouting parties, but we're not sure."

"You're probably right." Serana looked at the map. "These small cluster islands would provide cover for a small ship. The waters here in the Northwest are treacherous. They could give chase in the fog and ground the ships on the pinnacles through this channel here."

Aela watch as Serana skirted the area around Castle Volkihar.

Rikke's face betrayed her concentration as she watched. "We've heard sailor's yarns about some of these islands being cursed, so they avoid them. The scouts haven't reported in and the last crew we sent disappeared also."

Serana looked directly at Tullius. "They are cursed. Don't send anyone else there." There was no mistaking her warning to him.

Rikke looked at Serana's hooded face and scowled. "I don't believe in curses."

"You don't need to, Legate." Tullius studied Serana as he spoke. "But, those sailors do. I'm not going to waste time trying to convince them otherwise. Besides, with this information we can update our maps with a navigational hazard here. I'll take your word for a curse, we can't spare anymore men in this hunt anyways." Tullius tapped the map and looked up at Serana. "Thank you, madam."

"This doesn't solve our problem with ships disappearing." Rikke's scowl deepened as she watched Azriel stare at the floor. "Are you paying attention, Dragonborn?"

Azriel looked Rikke in the eyes. "Yeah, I'm paying attention. What do you want me to say? I'm sorry your Navy sucks so bad that you can't stop Ulfric from raiding your boats?"

"It's more than that!" Rikke yell back at her. "He's effectively halted all merchant traffic by sea!"

Azriel shrugged. "What do you want me to do about it? Swim after the boats?"

Rikke's face changed three shades of red in an instant. "By Julianos, send a dragon to destroy his fleet!"

Azriel laughed at her and shoved herself out of the chair. "Not happening."

Tullius sighed. "And why not? You've got two sleeping on top of your house."

"Didn't you say there was a fleet sailing here?" Azriel looked down at the map. She traced the line that Serana had.

Tullius groaned and motioned to the five people behind him. "We received word that the fleet was attacked by pirates and a dragon. Of the twelve ships that set sail, only five made it through. They salvaged what they could…"

Imhotep tail swished in aggravation. "Where were they attacked?"

Tullius rubbed his head.

One of the men piped up. "Near Daggerfall. There was a dragon with them. They attacked at night, the dragon provided a distraction by burning everything on the water. It was the phantom pirate ship…"

Another of the sailors behind Tullius grumbled loudly in agreement.

"The Abecean, by chance?" The Argonian impatiently asked.

Tullius stared at him.

The sailor didn't hesitate. "Yes. How did you…"

Azriel let out a growl. "I'll deal with him later."

Everyone in the room looked at her.

The Legionnaires in the back stepped forward and Azriel noticed their uniforms were that of naval officers. Azriel waved her hand dismissively, though she was still clearly angry. "Are all five here?"

Tullius cleared his throat. "They're in port, yes. They were the fastest and only one ship circled back. The Imperial Gale got into port last night." Tullius shoved a water-damaged letter into her hand. "That was on the one of the vessels that was lost. It was salvaged with other articles from the jetsam. It was found in a chest, no telling which ship it came from."

Azriel looked at the letter in her hand, but a woman from the back of the room walked forward, glaring at her. "Just so we're clear, there were no survivors from the other ships. Only a few things were salvageable so if you know anything…"

"I said I'll deal with him later." Azriel snarled back at her shoving the letter into her bag absentmindedly.

"Trierarch Umbranox, at ease." Tullius motioned the woman back. "I understand your distress. The Dragonborn has already given her answer."

The woman stared holes into Azriel's face. "By the Nine, if you know why we lost so many good sailors…"

Azriel cut her off. "It was the Pirate King of the Abecean." Both Imhotep and the Trierarch gasped. "Happy? I said I'd deal with him and I will. As for the dragon, I'll take care of that too." She drew a breath and used her Thu'um. "Now drop it! I said…"

"Azriel…" Serana whispered in warning from her corner.

Azriel threw her an irritated look and quieted her voice. "Later."

Tullius nodded at her. "Fine. But, we all expect answers. There are a few…"

A knock at the door interrupted them once more.

"Damn it all to Oblivion. Come in!" Tullius shouted completely irritated.

The guard stepped through the door and found his superior glowering at him. "General Jonna and her escorts have arrived, sir."

"Well… let her in."

Azriel could hear the anger in his voice. Her jaw dropped as the Redguard tavern owner stepped through the door dressed in Imperial armor. The bright red dyed horse hair on her helmet hung down her back and her armor looked as though it had been to every plane of Oblivion and back.

"Hello again, Tullius." Her smile was warm and her eyes landed on Azriel's troop. "Hail Companions."

"You have got to be kidding me." Azriel mumbled to herself.

Aela laughed and clapped her on the back. "You mean to tell me you didn't know? Jonna led the Nords to victory against those damned elves at the Battle of Red Ring."

Jonna bowed her head to Aela. "Thanks to the Companions. Your mother was one of the bravest women I ever had the honor to serve with. She could make the wind bend with her arrows and she used them to scatter the Aldmeri in every direction." She chuckled lightly. "She also could keep Skjor and Kodlak in check better than anyone. She also out drank them…" She walked to Aela and embraced her with a light laugh. "I never thought I'd wear this uniform again. I think I'm getting too fat and old for it."

"Don't be an ice brain, Jonna." Aela laughed, returning her embrace. "You look great!"

"And you need to visit more often."

For a second time, Tullius cleared his throat. "Thank you for coming on short notice, Jonna."

"Let's just get this over with." She broke with Aela and moved to the table. "We have a lot of work to do and very little time. I've left Fallion with Benor to train the recruits." She motioned to the two men accompanying her to have seats.

"What recruits?" Aela pulled a few corks from the beer bottles and passed one to Jonna.

"Refuges from the South and farmers mostly, not real soldiers." Jonna put the bottle on the small table next to her, her eyes landed on Azriel and she smiled at her like she knew a secret. She looked back at Tullius and continued. "I've got local hunters scouting the back roads from Morthal to Karthwasten, Rorikstead, and Whiterun. They're following the old trails and keeping an eye out for travelers on the roads and in woods. We've already found stragglers and small parties there in the mountains…" she pointed to the mountains between Morthal and Dawnstar. "… We dealt with those little problems."

Tullius grinned, but it faded quickly. "Let's not get complacent. We know the Stormcloaks are using Imperial armor and I wouldn't put it past them to lose their armor all together. Anymore vampire attacks?"

"Agreed and no. We haven't seen anything from hostile vampires of late. Makes me wonder and worry a little bit." Jonna tapped the map and took another drink of beer. "It'd be bloody helpful if we could get the Companions' help." She looked pointedly at Azriel.

Azriel rubbed the back of her head trying to stop the already forming headache. "The Companions are tied up in Whiterun. Even if we could get a few hands freed up, it would just leave Balgruuf and the others even more shorthanded. I had to call in a few favors to get him more help. What about Erik?"

"He's doing the best he can with what I've given him." She laughed. "Even his uniform is getting too tight." Her laughter quickly died in her throat. "Honestly, Erik and a few others have been keeping an eye out for vampires and were the ones fending them off for the townsfolk. Erik's managed to round up a few retired Companions and they are with Fallion now."

Azriel and Tullius shared a brief glance before Tullius started to pace. "Hjaalmarch is an important buffer zone between the rebel forces and the capital. Ulfric will try to break through at some point. I'm not convinced he'd necessarily wait until after an attack on Whiterun. Splitting Whiterun and Haafingar down the middle with troops in Hjaalmarch would kill our chances of resupply and reinforcements. Tactically, it would be a sound move. He can still lay siege to Markarth and attack Hjaalmarch at the same time."

Rikke pulled a list in front of her and started to read it. "The Reach has spies on its boarders keeping tabs on Stormcloak movements."

Jonna continued. "Jarl Balgruuf has sent as many horses as he can spare to Morthal and my caravan brought the majority to Solitude. We've got every spare person from Markarth to Solitude on some kind of duty, be it smithing, fletching, or whatever. With the Pale Pass closed, reinforcements will have to either come by sea or sneak through Hammerfell. Rorikstead is pushing its crops to Imperial Holds and cut off the Stormcloak held areas. Karthwasten and other mines are sending in raw materials, but the rates are exorbitant. Jarl Idgrod has cut a deal with that company that's buying up the local mines. I have Legate Duilis tasked with ensuring Cold Rock Pass stays open and the roads are clear. He has his hands full with that and his other duties." She tapped the map in thought. Her fingers traced the water-ways and she took another drink.

"Ah, yes. I have Quaestor Teeba-Ei tasked with keeping the water-ways clear. That includes the Hjaal River down to the Karth River merger. Ainethach has been working with the Legion to keep the Karth River open as well. I've talked with the Jarl to keep the mill working 'round the clock. Jorgen has a couple of new apprentices and skilled labor from Falkreath helping him. We're using the inn to house the displaced. The local hunters and Erik Bardulf have been keeping people fed. So far everyone is pitching in."

"Good. Solitude can't keep up production on its own for lumber and weapons. The windmill is being repaired to open the under-city gates freeing up people. The East Empire Company has agreed to sell products in bulk to the Legion." Tullius started to pace. "That new mining company… what was it called again?"

"Lucky Strike Mining Company… some moneybags from the South named Delvin Mallory heads up the company." Jonna made no effort in hiding her distaste.

"Right. I've never heard of him." Tullius laced his fingers together behind his back as he walked. But, he watched Azriel carefully. "The sea route is hazardous at the moment…" He never finished his thought instead he let his words linger in the air.

With his silence, Rikke continued going through her list. "The Battle Mage ranks are being resupplied now. Dawnstar will be getting its supplies shortly. Winterhold is still being reported as vacant. Our spies in the Southeast report that Riften has fully functional water gates and is now opened trade along Lake Honrich."

Jonna trailed her finger down the map. "Those gates being functional gives the Stormcloaks a chance to move more supplies up and down Lake Treva. That'll keep Ulfric's supplies moving all the way from The White River in Windhelm."

Rikke nodded her assent. "Ulfric's supply lines have been hit on the roads by thieves, the rivers will more difficult to slow down for, especially Darkwater River." She rubbed her face with disgust. "Right now our problems are in Falkreath. It's a cesspool filled with Stormcloak goons. With Dengeir in charge, he'll see Imperial spies everywhere. We'll need to be careful watching them."

"What happened to Siddgeir?" Aela popped the top off another beer, this time handing to Azriel.

"They nailed him to the wooden walkway over the road." Rikke stated flatly.

Aela shrugged. "Fitting end for a troll."

"His housecarl made it out alive with a few people of rank. She ran the entire way to Morthal with them." Jonna added. "Poor thing, ran the Hold on her own. Siddgeir was a waste of skin and left almost everything in her care. She's been providing information and training to the recruits. She's an invaluable resource on the local area and elemental magic."

Tullius pointed at the South Western corner of Lake Ilinalta on the map. "The rebels have stop their Western push and have secured Bannermist Tower. They've skirted the Southern reaches of Whiterun, but they have plenty of supporters there. They're remaining to the South of Lake Ilinalta for the moment. We're waiting to hear back about the route they'll take, but we're gambling on the fact they'll stay out of Whiterun Hold for now. We haven't heard about the Ebon Covenant since Falkreath fell. We do know that thieves have been hitting their lines pretty hard so its advantageous for Ulfric to use his water-ways to resupply as the Legate mentioned. So I believe Ulfric is shoring up his lines to the rear before he pushes on to Markarth."

Azriel shoved herself out of the chair and looked down on the map. "What about the Reachmen? They could route Ulfric through the mountains if he pushes past Sunderstone Gorge."

Tullius stopped pacing and faced her. "I've already sent an Imperial Ambassador to Markarth to see Jarl Igmund."

"And…?" Azriel was losing her patience. They only thing that gave her hope was the Thieves Guild slowing Ulfric down. She knew the river routes would give Ulfric the upper hand.

"I've made it clear that we need the Reachmen on our side to end this war. Igmund isn't pleased with the loss of his territory and quite frankly, neither am I. But, Madanach has agreed to the terms of an Imperial brokered deal. The Reachmen will receive a portion of the Reach lands and religious freedom in exchange for their fight against the Stormcloaks. Madanach and his people have been released from Cidhna Mines. It's imperative we hold The Reach. For the rebels to gain control, the silver mines would give them coin to hire more thugs and expand their violence."

"I can't believe you let that murderous bunch of skeevers walk from those mines." Aela sneered at him.

Tullius gave her a hard look. "It doesn't mean I trust him."

"Nor should anyone!" Aela shot back at him.

Tullius tapped his foot impatiently, ignoring Aela all-together. "Which leads me to another topic, the Emperor sets sail in three days from the Imperial City."

Azriel's jaw fell open.

Aela looked between Tullius and Azriel. She watched Azriel squirm and felt the air grow colder.

Ptah interrupted for the first time. "To where?"

"Solitude." Tullius said simply, still eyeing Azriel.

"If you're going to do something about that pirate, I suggest you do it quickly. The Emperor's arrival in Skyrim is of two-fold importance." Rikke pushed the list away, looking directly at Azriel.

"Why were we not informed?" There was no missing the contempt in Imhotep's tone.

"I was just informed this morning by Commander Maro, who arrived with the remains of the Fleet. Penitus Oculatus guards arrived with him. They are making the preparations for the Emperor's visit."

Aela took Azriel's hand in a comforting gesture. "Why is the Emperor coming here?"

"Vittoria Vici is the Emperor's first cousin and is getting married to a damned Stormcloak. The Emperor is trying to use the opportunity to end this war and reconcile Skyrim and the Empire." Tullius tapped his foot faster. "She also oversees all the East Empire's holdings here in Skyrim. Between her and her soon to be husband, they are two of the wealthiest people in Tamriel."

The Trierarch peeled herself away from the pillar. "You need to do something about the Pirate King and that damned dragon before the Emperor sails!"

Azriel looked at her with contempt, but Tullius stepped between them. "All I need to hear you say is that you will take care of it."

The look Tullius gave her confirmed every thought in Azriel's mind. "Fine. I'll deal with it."

"Now that that is settled," Tullius walked back around the table. "Is there anything else?"

Legate Rikke fished another parchment from her pile. "There is one last thing."

Tullius rolled his eyes. "Not this again…"

"Our spies sorted some information from the Stormcloaks. It seems Galmar had found the location of the Jagged Crown." Rikke leaned against the map table.

Aela leaned over the table. "The Jagged Crown? That was lost millennia ago…"

"We sent a party out on the information we had acquired. Our men fought their way through an old Nord tomb and found this." She held up Azriel's ransom note.

Looking for the lost Jagged Crown?

It's not lost anymore.

When you find this you are steps closer to owning the real thing, depending on the coin in your purse.

We'll be in touch…

Azriel tried desperately to hide her smirk.

"It seems thieves beat us too it…" Rikke finished.

Aela was incensed. "Thieves? You raided a sacred tomb! Nord burial grounds are not meant to be disturbed."

"Word on the street is that the Thieves Guild is making a come-back in Skyrim." Rikke shot back at her. "Because they supposedly have it."

"I'll believe it when I see it…" Tullius mumbled under his breath. "I think the damn crown is pointless. The gold can be better spent elsewhere."

"No more pointless than the Amulet of Kings!" Aela was furious. "Just because you don't understand our traditions doesn't give you the right to berate them."

Jonna placed her hand on Aela. "It's alright Aela, breathe."

"What's the going rate for the crown?" Azriel tried to smother her smile.

"Thirty thousand gold is the lowest starting bid." Rikke added with malice. "Damned thieves think they can auction the crown off to the highest bidder. We have thirteen days to come up with the gold for our bid."

"I don't trust them to deliver it." Tullius added.

"Nor do I, but Elisif is putting the gold up. She thinks it will add credence to her claim to the throne."

"Nonsense!" Tullius shouted. "It's ridiculous to bid on a damned crown held hostage by common thugs!"

"It's their custom, Tullius. You may not understand it, but that crown is as important to the Nords, as the Amulet of Kings was to the Empire." Jonna chipped in. "The Nords see it as a powerful symbol and the wearer as the true High King or Queen. If Elisif holds the crown, it may put a stop to this war. Thirty thousand gold is worth it if the war ends sooner rather than later."

Azriel caught Aela glaring at her and shrugged back innocently.