The Battle
Mjoll was out of breath as she ran into the main room of Skyhaven Temple. That was unusual for a warrior of her caliber. She had run quite the distance to deliver her disturbing news and run hard.
Dragonborn was there, waiting for her to catch her breath and receive her report.
"I was out hunting for dragons and when I saw the Thalmor marching. They are headed our away!"
"Impossible!" Esbern cried out. "This place is well hidden."
"How do you know they are coming here?" Dragonborn asked.
"I heard some of them talking about 'retribution' for the 'assault' on their embassy, and dealing with the dragonborn 'once and for all.' There can be no doubt where they are headed."
Dragonborn took charge immediately. "Ok, Mjoll, reset the traps and then close the entrance. Lydia head to the armory and get every weapon you can. Areana, you and Esbern prepare for massive amounts of healing."
"What are you going to do?" Esbern asked.
"I'm a legate in the Imperial Legion. I think it's time I used some of that authority.
Castle Dour, Solitude
A small number of imperial soldiers were training in the courtyard. Captain Aldis was there giving pointers to his men, then shouting insults to encourage them some more.
"Captain! I need you to assemble a company of men and come with me, immediately."
"Of course legate! Stormcloak remnants rallying?"
"No…it's the Thalmor."
"What? Are they invading? Taking advantage of the death of Emperor Mede?"
"I'm not sure what their game is, but we must investigate. Then, we must be ready for whatever our investigation uncovers."
"Right away, Legate! My men and I will meet you by Katla's farmhouse," Captain Aldis then turned to his men. You heard the Legate! Get your gear and get moving, you puny goblins!"
On the Road, Near Skyhaven Temple
A full company of the Imperial Legion was mustered at Katla's Farm, just outside the city. Dragonborn and Captain Aldis then lead the company towards Skyhaven Temple. Dragonborn was not sure how long they had, and as it turned out, they didn't have much time at all. They ran in to the Thalmor on the road near the temple. The cliffs went high up to the temple. While not an impossible climb, it was a difficult one.
Captain Aldis brought his company to a halt and the Dragonborn went to meet with Elenwen. Nominally, she was the ambassador to Skyrim. Functionally, she was much, much more.
Elenwen turned her company around to face the Imperial Legion and strode over to confront the Dragonborn. She was cold and calculating in her speech. "Dragonborn. It took a lot of digging to find out who you really were. Your assault on the Thalmor Embassy will not go unanswered. You and your followers will be destroyed."
"Would you really risk another war with the Empire to cover up your own failures?" The Dragonborn asked.
Elenwen scoffed. "The Empire is no more. The Emperor is dead. The provinces are in open revolt. Skyrim is still in tatters, in spite of Ulfric's death. There will be no retribution but mine."
Dragonborn let out an exaggerated sight. "That's where you are wrong. The Empire is about to be reborn, and if it takes destroying the Thalmor to make that happen, so be it. To be clear. I am not looking for war. I believe the Empire and the Aldmeri Dominion can co-exist peacefully, side by side. However, that depends on you. You have a choice to make. You can take your soldiers back to your embassy, and this meeting of ours is nothing more than a friendly interaction on the roadside."
"And if I don't? You'll kill every single one of us, I supposed. You and your ragtag assembly there?" Elenwen sneered.
"No. We'll kill your soldiers, sure. And your aides. But you? You I will let live, so you can slink back to your superiors and give them a message for me. Like I said. The choice is yours." Dragonborn turned his back on Elenwen and walked back to Captain Aldis.
"Make no move until I give the order, Captain. We won't start a war here, but if a war is to be had, not a single Thalmor will remain alive here today, save Elenwen."
"What if she dies in the melee?" The Captain asked.
"Captain, Elenwen is not to be killed, under any circumstances. Make sure your men are aware and understand this clearly. She will be the sole survivor. Not a single person is to engage her. If she tries engaging anyone, I will take care of it, are we clear?"
Captain Aldis was confused, but he was used to following orders. "Yessir." He replied. Then he observed, "It looks like they are getting ready to attack."
The Thalmor were forming up to attack. They had archers and mages in the back. The archers notched their arrows and let loose a volley that flew into the Legion's ranks. They used their shields collectively to prevent any injury.
"Have your men hold until I give the order. I have a trick or two up my sleeve."
"Yessir." Captain Aldis had heard rumors of Dragonborn's power. Now he would see it firsthand.
Dragonborn walked out about a dozen paces in front of the legion's first rank. He looked up to the sky, "OD…AH…VIING!"
A moment later a dragon's roar was heard off in the distance.
Dragonborn turned his head back to Captain Aldis. "Have your men hold their ground, Captain. They have nothing to fear."
The roar of the dragon got closer, but Captain Aldis managed to keep control of his men. A small shape appeared in the sky and another roar was heard. That shape grew larger until a large, fiery red dragon landed between the two opposing groups of soldiers.
Dragonborn confidently strode up to the dragon. "Odahviing. Thank you for answering my call. I could use your assistance."
"You wish for me to involve myself in the politics of man, Dovakiin. I have no desire to do so. Is this why you called me here? Can the slayer of Alduin not handle a few Altmer?"
"Oh, I can handle them. Listen, I know I've been a little foolish in the past, but you did offer to aid me when I was in need. You have no desire to be involved in the politics of man. I'm sure the politics of dragons are keeping you very busy. BUT. If you aid me, I can ensure that the dragons will no longer be hunted, and even provide you with land where you will be undisturbed. Plus, you get to eat some Altmer."
Odahviing chuckled, the way dragons do, "You are wise as your thu'um is strong, Dovakiin. I will aid you now, and should you call me again for even larger battles, I will aid you then. I cannot promise many dragons will follow, but I do expect you to keep your promise."
"That I will. Eat Altmer until you've had your fill, but be careful, I intend to call down lighting."
"Surely not, Dovahkiin! Only Alduin himself had such power."
"Watch and be amazed, my friend."
Odahviing snorted and jumped to the air. Dragonborn went back to Captain Aldis.
"Now?" The Captain asked.
"Not just yet. Watch." The Dragonborn looked up to the sky again, "STRUN…BAH…QO!"
Immediately, dark clouds began to form overhead. Lightning struck inside the Thalmor ranks. Few of the soldiers were actually hit, but those that were died instantly. The Thalmor were thrown into disarray as a result.
When the skies cleared, Dragonborn drew his daedric sword, given to him by General Tullius as a sign of his rank and prestige. He lifted it high in the air, paused a moment and drew it down sharply. The Legion soldiers screamed their war cry and charged their enemy.
The melee was fierce. Both the Legion and Thalmor were well trained and well skilled. Dragonborn and Captain Aldis were in the thick of it. Showcasing their skill not only to combat the enemy but also to inspire their soldiers.
Elenwen tried to engaged, but every soldier she met up with deflected her blows and quickly moved to another enemy. She was clearly getting frustrated when she cornered a legion soldier and knocked him to the ground. Captain Aldis saw this and shouted, "Dragonborn!"
Dragonborn saw the soldier on the ground, with Elenwen poised to strike. "FUS…RO…DAH!" Elenwen went flying, tumbling like a straw filled doll. The soldier got up, nodded his thanks and respect to Dragonborn and engaged the next Thalmor soldier he could see.
Up on the ledge, high above the battle, the blades watched in awe. Each of them had fought side by side with the Dragonborn, but to watch him from a distance was something else entirely. He moved like a warrior, seamlessly using his sword, magic and thu'um. The only one not impressed was Delphine. She scoured as she watched. More so as the Thalmor seemed to be on the verge of defeat.
Back in the battle below, the Thalmor truly were on the verge of defeat. Elenwen moved from frustration to rage as her soldiers died around her and she was unable to engage anyone. Anytime she got close, Dragonborn would send her flying like a straw doll.
After hours of fierce fighting, she was alone. Elenwen was surrounded by legion soldiers. "You won't take me alive!" She screamed, futilely.
"Take you? No. Let you live? Yes." Dragonborn said. "I told you…I was going to let you live so you could take a message back to your leaders."
"And what message would that be?" She spat, defiantly.
Dragonborn's entire visage changed. His eyes were full of fire, yet cold as ice as he said to her, "Tell them, I'm coming for them. I'm coming for each and every one of them."
His change in demeanor had a chilling effect on Elenwen. All defiance and resistance fled her body. She could not even look him in the eyes. Without any response, and looking at the ground, she started moving away. The Legion soldiers parted for her and let her go, defeated and disgraced.
The Blades Reborn
Skyhaven Temple, Main Hall
An hour later, the Dragonborn and all the surviving Imperial Legion soldiers were inside the temple. Lydia was both glad to see him and ashamed at what she perceived her failure to stand by his side in battle. He quickly reassured her that she had fulfilled her oath as a blade and was an honor to Whiterun, Skyrim and the Empire.
Lydia seemed placated, but Delphine was in a rage. She went up to the Dragonborn and started shouting at him. "You talk about honor when you are a traitor to the Blades?!"
The Dragonborn was truly taken aback. "What are you talking about? I just saved the Blades, with some very brave, very skilled warriors."
"And a DRAGON! You are a traitor! First you refuse to kill Paarthurnax. Now you openly ally yourself with a Dragon, joking with it and fighting by its side? You have destroyed the Blades. Hundreds of years of traditions and honor, which you wiped out by befriending our sworn enemies. I had hoped the Thalmor would kill you with their army, but it's clear I must do that myself."
Delphine drew her sword. Before Dragonborn could react, three Imperial Legion Soldiers ran in front of the Dragonborn, drew their swords and leveled them at Delphine. "The Dragonborn saved my life," One of them said. "If you wish to kill him, you will have to go through me."
The other two soldiers nodded. Many other soldiers moved forward as well, protecting their fellow warrior.
"Enough!" Dragonborn shouted. The men parted as he walked forward. "I appreciate each and every one of you," he said with a smile.
His smile disappeared when he got to Delphine. He slammed down hard on her wrist, causing her to drop her sword, his fury barely being contained. "You call me a traitor and yet you bring the Thalmor here? What did they offer you? Amnesty? Money? Power? What was it? What was it that caused you to betray the very organization you swore your life to?"
"That organization is dead! You killed it the moment you refused to kill Paarthurnax!"
Dragonborn softened, albeit slightly. "No, Delphine. You lost your way. You became obsessed and forgot your purpose. You tried to use me as a tool to do your bidding, and when that proved impossible, you sought to discard me, to do away with me. Not to save the blades, but for your own selfish reasons. You have betrayed the Blades and are no longer worthy of the title."
Dragonborn turned to Lydia. "Lydia, please bind her arms and confine her to the storeroom until we can figure out what to do with her."
Lydia nodded and did as she was asked. Delphine did not resist, letting herself be lead away. It was hard to judge if the Dragonborn's words had sunk in, or if she just knew she was defeated. Time would tell.
The Dragonborn went up the stairs and stood on the platform above the great story wall that showed the prophecy he had fulfilled. He looked over the group of soldiers. They gathered close to hear what he had to say.
"Each of us had fought and bled together. Against the Stormcloaks and against the Thalmor. A few of you have shown me your gratitude for saving your lives, however, some of you I am grateful to for saving my own life. Many of you have stood side by side with me, from the small missions with Hadvar, to the defense of Whiterun, to the final assault on Windhelm, right up through today, the Battle of Skyhaven Temple."
"We are bound by the sweat of battle and the blood we shed. Blood shed for our homes, our provinces, our empire. Many of you know tales of the Blades. Before the Great War, they were the Emperor's elite. They were his bodyguards. They were his personal guard. They were his spies. Most importantly, each and every one of them were his friends. I consider each of you my friends. I would lay down my life for you, and you all have shown that you would do the same for me."
"I think it is only right that I share with you my true intentions. For hundreds of years, before the Oblivion Crisis, Tamriel was ruled by the Dragon Blood Emperors. Each of them descended from Dragonborn. Today, over two hundred years later, there is a new Dragonborn. Based on ancient rites and traditions, I intend to present my claim to the throne."
There was some murmuring as he said this.
"Listen! Please! I assure you, I will not stage a revolution. I will make my claim legally, to the current ruling body. I will also abide they their decision. That being said, each of you has seen my power first hand. You know I have the blood of dragons coursing through my veins. What's more, I can absorb their very souls and use their Thu'um. I believe my claim is credible and will show evidence of this to the ruling council."
"Why go to them? Why not march on Cyrodiil?" One of the soldiers asked.
"You all know I have the power to take the empire by force, but that is not my wish. I wish to do this legitimately, so that my rule cannot be questioned. I would like each of you to accompany me. Each of us shares a bond that cannot be broken. I would like to formalize that bond. I would like to induct each of you into the Order of the Blades."
There was more murmuring among the soldiers. Some were tepid, some were enthusiastic.
"This will be voluntary. Those of you who wish to be inducted will accompany me to the capital. Those who do not wish to be inducted are free to return to Solitude and continue their service."
Dragonborn drew an ebony dagger. "Those of you wish to join will swear a blood oath of fealty to me and become a member of the Order of the Blades. If you wish to do so, please step forward—" To his great surprise, the entire group stepped forward as one, including Captain Aldis.
"Captain Aldis, would you please line the men up in formation? Esbern, would you assist with the oaths?"
While the men formed up, Esbern met the Dragonborn at the bottom of the steps. "I appreciate and support what you are doing, Dragonborn, but Delphine should be the one here to assist in this great endeavor. She is acting grandmaster."
"Delphine was acting grandmaster, old friend. She may come around, she may not. I'm not sure, but I would like for you to act as grandmaster in her stead."
"I am too old," Esbern protested.
"Ha! Nonsense! You are the wisest man I know, Esbern. That's what is needed right now. Not brashness, not bravado, but wisdom. You have wisdom in spades. Please, for Tamriel…and…for me. Be the Grandmaster of the Blades."
Esbern sighed. "I will act as Grandmaster until Delphine comes around or your find someone more qualified."
With the men all lined up, Dragonborn went to Captain Aldis. "Captain, you will be first and then I will go down each rank."
The Captain nodded. Esbern had him recite the oath of the Blades, then Dragonborn took his ebony dagger, sliced his own hand and then sliced Captain Aldis' hand. The two grasped hands, finalizing their blood oath. Esbern then healed the Captain's hand.
The Dragonborn repeated the same procedure with each and every soldier there, man and woman. When the oath had been administered and signed for with blood, the Dragonborn went back to the front.
"I truly appreciate what each and every one of you has done. This is an historic moment for the Blades and for the Empire. Each of you go get some rest. You have certainly earned it."
The Blades were truly reborn, but would they last?
AUTHOR NOTE: Thank you to everyone who provided feedback! I think this is truly an interesting area to be explored. I know I took a risk with Delphine. To be honest, I never liked her insistence that Paartharnax be killed. I wasn't really a fan of the graybeard either. It seemed to me that both sides were trying to use the Dragonborn to further their own goals. In this case, Dragonborn will pursue his own goals and have little to do with either. In the next chapter, Dragonborn will stake his claim, and we'll see imperial politics tie in with some of the Skyrim questlines. Please keep sending feedback. I love hearing your thoughts, and constructive criticism is always welcome!