Preparations
Ragged Flagon Tavern – Thieves Guild
Delvin Mallory sat at his usual table, eating and drinking his usual fare, when the Dragonborn entered and sat right across from him. "Why dontcha pull up a chair lad," he said, half with sarcasm, half with humor.
Dragonborn smiled and got right to the point. "Have you managed to unload that amulet yet?" He was talking about the amulet that was payment for assassinating the emperor.
"No, lad. That is not something you can simply fence away. It requires a special buyer and the transaction needs extra caution."
"I'd like to buy it back from you."
"HA! Seller's remorse? You know all transactions are final."
"Of course, Delvin. I'm not looking to undo the previous transaction. I'd like to initiate a new one. You'll want to make a profit no, doubt. Name your price."
Delvin was incredulous. "You can't be serious. Who on Nirn would you want to lose money on the deal? What possible use could you have for such a thing?"
"I plan to use it in my claim to the Throne of Tamriel."
"Wait, what? You plan on making a claim to becoming Emperor? YOU? Master of the Thieves Guild?"
Dragonborn nodded.
Delvin laughed so hard he nearly fell out of his chair. "I think Vex hit you too hard upside the head in your last sparring match, my friend."
Dragonborn chuckled. "That may be, but would you really let that stop you from earning an easy ten percent on an item that valuable?"
"Ten percent, eh? You're offering me 22,000 septims to sell it back to you, then?"
Dragonborn nodded.
Delvin tossed it over in his head. An easy 2,000 septims in his pocket, and he wouldn't have to go through the effort of finding a buyer. He considered making a counter offer, but then decided to take dragonborn up on his offer, before he could change his mind.
"Agreed." Delvin said. "Amulet is in the vault. You have the coin?"
Dragonborn pulled out a pouch from his cloak. "Would you like to count it here or in the vault?"
"I'll do you the decency of waiting for you to leave before I count it," Delvin replied as he snatched up the pouch. "Follow me then."
Whiterun, Outside Warmaiden's
"You've been a good friend to me, Dragonborn. What can I do for you?" Adrianne asked.
Dragonborn pulled out a set of Blades Armor. "I have a commission for you, Adrianne," he said. "Can you fashion armor like this? If so, how long would a full set take you?"
"Eorlund Greymane would be better suited to a job like this," she replied.
"To be honest, I'm going to be asking him as well. I need many sets, but there are few people I can trust to handle this type of job."
Adrianne's eyes flashed in recognition. "You want this job kept quiet. I understand. I can make a full set in one day. It will run you 1,500 Septims."
"Fair enough. I want thirty sets."
"From me?"
"Yes."
"And you'll be asking Eorlund for the same?"
"Yes."
She did some quick math in her head. "Are you sure? That's a lot of Septims."
"Adrianne, I've been adventuring in Skyrim for two years now. I'm Harbinger of the Companions and Archmage of the College of Winterhold. I've explored enough ruins and old forts to recover enough treasure that I will have no problem paying for what I've asked."
Adrianne nodded thoughtfully. "Rumor has it you have a house in each hold as well."
Dragonborn did not confirm the rumor, he simply smiled.
"Very well then. Thirty sets. One a day. I'll have them ready in a month."
"I'll come by in ten days to collect, and provide payment for, the first ten sets, and then again ten days after that. Fair enough?"
Adrianne nodded. "And the final ten sets ten days after that. I've got you covered, and I'll keep the project quiet."
College of Winterhold, Archmage's Quarters
Nirya entered the Archmage's Quarters for the first time in many years. She was surprised by the summons, not that she didn't deserve the invitation (according to her), it was just a surprise that the new Archmage wanted to see her. She'd offered her advice and he'd always spurned her. She wondered what had changed.
"You wanted to see me, Archmage?" she asked.
"Yes, Nirya, thank you for coming up so quickly. I have…a proposal for you, one specially suited towards your skills." Dragonbon replied.
"Finally, someone recognizing my skill. Archmage, you have no idea how long I've waited—"
Dragonborn interrupted her. "I want you to come to Cyordiil with me."
"What? Whyever for?"
"As I said, I have a proposal for you, that you are well suited for. I plan on making a claim to the throne of the Emperor. You've seen my Thu'um, and you know I have the dragonblood in me. The Septim Dynasty was based on the Dragonblood and that will be the basis of my claim."
"So you want me to come along as your advisor. Yes, that would be a role I'm well suited for," Nirya replied.
"Not…exactly. After I am crowned Emperor I am going to reunite all of Tamriel. Part of that reunification will include the mages guild. There used to be one guild in all of Tamriel, as the Empire has split, so has the guild. I want to reestablish its charter. To do this fairly, I will create a council of mages, one representative from the Synod, one from the College of Whispers and one from the College of Winterhold. I would like you to represent the College of Winterhold."
Nirya began to protest. "That is hardly a use of my skills, Archmage. Sitting around a table? Talking politics?"
"Nirya, let's be blunt, shall we? You know me well enough by now, I think?"
Nirya eyed the Dragonborn warily.
"You thrive on politics. You are confident, you are able, you are persuasive. Do you deny any of this?"
"No," she replied, warming slightly.
"You're influence will be more than the remnants of one magic sect. You will influence policy for the entire empire. Surely an individual of your skill is necessary for such an achievement?"
"Well, when you put it that way, I can see why you've nominated me. I accept." Nirya replied.
"Wonderful! I'll be leaving in a few weeks. I'll send word for you when I'm ready to depart. Thank you, Nirya. Would you mind sending for Faralda and Tolfdir?"
Nirya simply nodded and left the chamber. Both Faralda and Tolfdir arrived a few minutes later.
"What did you say to Nirya?" Faralda asked. "I don't think I've ever seen her with a smile before."
Dragonborn chuckled. "I'm taking her with me on a special trip. You may have heard rumors, but I intend to make a claim to the throne."
Tolfdir nodded "I knew you would, Archmage. You are a natural leader. Savos saw that in you the moment you arrived."
"What will become of the college?" Faralda asked.
"That's where the two of you, come in," Dragonborn replied. "I am taking Nirya with me to Cyrodiil. I plan on reestablishing the mages guild. She is going to help. As for the College, I am leaving in your capable hands. I'll retain the title for now, but the two of you will handle the day to day affairs. You are both Master Wizards and I have no doubt the College will thrive with the two of you running things."
"So, co-Master Wizards?" Faralda asked.
"And co-assistant-arch-mages" Dragonborn replied.
Tolfdir smiled. "You know you have my full support. Faralda and I will keep the place together while you are gone. If there is any other way we can be of assistance, don't hesitate to send word."
The Dragonborn smiled. "That's why I chose the both of you," he said.
Skyhaven Temple, Main Antechamber
While Esbern had initially protested becoming acting Grandmaster, he was proving to be a good choice. He knew the history of the blades by heart. He know their customs, their traditions and their ways. He was wise enough to know which needed continuing and which needed…revising. He was meeting with Aranea, Mjoll, Lydia, Aldis and the Dragonborn. They were the de facto council of the Blades. Esbern wanted to establish something more permanent.
"Numbers are not on our side. Not yet, anyway. That means now is the time to establish ourselves proper. The order of Talos was extinguished at the end of the war. That is something I intend to re-establish. I believe the blades should have four main branches. The Priestly order, a Scholarly order, an undercover order and a military order." Esbern said
Dragonborn thought it over for a moment before responding. "I like it. Aldis can head the military order, that's a given."
"But, I'm just a captain, I lead a small group of men," Aldis protested.
"No, you were a captain. I think Tribune is appropriate for you now. Maybe even Legate." Dragonborn replied.
"You do me to much honor, Dragonborn," Aldis said.
"Very well, Legate Aldis. You are the head of the military order of the blades. Congratulations. What's next, Esbern?" Dragonborn asked.
"The scholarly order. Aranea, you were a priestess of Azura, were you not?"
Aranea nodded.
"I think you would do well as our head scholar. I think your abilities are well suited to the position. Dragonborn, what say you?"
"I couldn't agree more, Esbern. What do you say, Aranea? You up for it?"
"You are my champion and soon you will be my Emperor. I live to serve." Aranea replied.
"Thank you, Aranea," The Dragonborn replied, then he turned back to Esbern. "I assume you'll head the priestly order? That seems like a good semi-retirement position. That would leave the spy ring, no?"
"You are correct on both counts, Dragonborn," Esbern observed.
"Lydia? Mjoll? Either of you up for it?" Dragonborn asked.
Lydia was the first to respond. "My place is by your side, whether you are a Thane of my Jarl or Emperor of Tamriel, your life is my life."
The Dragonborn was touched by her comments. "Ok, Lydia. That gives me an idea. Inside the military order, we'll want a specialized guard. My personal guard. Would you be willing to head that up? You'll be a Tribune in the Imperial Legion and report directly to Legate Aldis, but you would also have a good deal of autonomy, choosing the best of the best for your elite unit. What do you say?"
"I'd be honored, my Thane," Lydia replied.
Dragonborn smiled. "That leaves you, Mjoll. Feel up to some undercover work?"
Mjoll shook her head, "No, covert has never been my thing. Send me in with my trusty Grimsever and I'm a happy lass."
"Dragonborn, I know someone who thrives on intrigue, and covert," Esbern said with a sly grin.
Dragonborn's smile disappeared. "No, Esbern, after what she did?"
"Don't give up on her yet," Esbern replied. "Delphine may still come around, especially after you are crowned Emperor."
Riverwood, Alvor's House
It was raining, not just any rain, but the heavy, big drop, come at you sideways rain. Dragonborn was wearing a thick, hooded cloak, but it did little to keep him dry. He made his way into Riverwood and knocked on the door to Alvar's house.
Alvor answered the door, "Come in! Come in! You're getting soaked! Come, sit by the fire and warm yourself. Looking for Hadvar, I take it?"
"Yes, Alvor, and thank you. You're hospitality is unmatched."
"I'll get Hadvar, you keep flattering an old man," Alvor said with a smile. "Help yourself to some food and mead."
Dragonborn was munching on some bread and cheese by the fire when Hadvar came up from below.
"It's good to see you my friend! What brings you to our humble home in this horrid weather?" Hadvar asked.
"I wanted to see you, Hadvar…or should I say Captain Hadvar?" Dragonborn smiled. "You've done well for yourself."
"As have you. Going from a man with his head on the block to Legate in the Imperial Legion? What's next, Emperor of Tamriel?" Hadvar joked.
"Actually, yes."
Dragonborn's admission, stopped Hadvar short. "Wait, you're serious?"
"Yes I am. The entire Septim Dynasty was based on the Dragonblood. Tiber Septim himself was reported to be Dragonborn. I have that same Dragonblood flowing through my veins. You've seen me use the Thu'um in battle, Hadvar, you know what I say is true."
"Aye, that I do, but Emperor? Of all Tamriel? How are you going to do that?"
"I'm heading to Cyrodiil to make my claim to the council." Dragonborn replied.
"That's crazy!" Hadvar exclaimed.
"Aye, that is crazy," Alvor agreed. "But let me tell you what else is crazy. An imperial prisoner banging on my door telling me wild tales about dragons. That's crazy. Alduin, the world eater, returning after thousands of years. That's crazy. YOU, an imperial prisoner, the Dragonborn, a Legate. That's crazy. You becoming emperor? That's crazy, but not so crazy as you going to Sovengarde and slaying the world eater. That is crazy. No, becoming Emperor of Tamriel really isn't so crazy after all you've done."
Hadvar was impressed. "You have been paying attention, uncle."
Dragonborn smiled and Hadvar continued. "So what do you want with me? I'm assuming you're not hear to brag."
"Bragging is for taverns. I'm here to try and recruit you."
"Recruit me for what?" Hadvar asked.
"Have you ever heard of the Blades?"
Both Hadvar and Alvor started at the mention. "That's really dangerous talk," Alvor warned.
"I know," Dragonborn replied, "the Thalmor already tried to stop us."
"Us?" Hadvar asked, "you mean…?"
"The Blades were truly wiped out." The Dragonborn said. "The Thalmor tried, and nearly succeeded in completely destroying the order. The order was decimated, but a few members went into deep hiding and escaped the Thalmor's 'justice.' They sought me out when I first realized I was Dragonborn, and we've done a little bit of recruiting sine then."
"The battle a few days ago!" Hadvar exclaimed. "I heard rumors that a large group of Thalmor were killed on the road near a Forsworn encampment. Details were sketchy, but not for you, eh?"
"No, not for me, I was there," Dragonborn replied. "The Thalmor got wind that some Blades were meeting in an old temple and tried to destroy us. We defeated them in open battle. Aldis and his company helped, greatly. After the battle our ranks swelled. I'd like you to join, along with some of your men, if they are willing."
"Join? How? What would it mean? What would we do?" Hadvar asked.
"First, you would be promoted to Tribune, effective immediately. After that, you and your men would be recalled to Cyrodiil and work to restore Cloud Ruler Temple. Officially it would be to 'restore and old imperial fort.' However, it will become a Blades training facility. I want you head that up."
"Wow…I'm…I'm stunned…I don't know what to say." Hadvar replied.
"You don't have say anything now," Dragonborn said. "Think on it a while. I'll invite you to my coronation and you can give me your answer then."
"That I will, my friend, thank you." Hadvar said.
Dragonborn got up to leave, but the weather was still quite fierce outside. Hadvar insisted that Dragonborn stay the night and wait for the weather to clear before heading out. Dragonborn agreed and the two of them shared many mugs of mead late into the night.
Skyhaven Temple, Makeshift Prison Cell
Esbern was sitting with Delphine, trying to convince her to accept the Dragonborn as the leader of the Blades and soon to be emperor. Delphine was being obstinate. She had a soft spot for the old man, but that only got him so far. Delphine honestly believed that the Dragonborn had betrayed the blades and all they stood for.
"Delphine…please…at least consider some of what we've talked about?" Esbern pleaded.
"I'll think about it, old friend. I suppose if you can change at this late stage, then it's not impossible for me, but…" Delphine sighed, leaving the statement unfinished.
"I truly believe, that this is the ticket to seeing the blades fully restored," Esbern pressed.
Delphine smiled. The two of them had been through so much. Each were forged by adversity, but each had come out of the fire different. "I'll consider your words very carefully, old friend." she said.
Esbern smiled sadly and got up to leave. He sincerely hoped Delphine would come around. Time would tell.
Author's Note: Thank you to everyone who has been reading the story so far. I appreciate your support and your patience. We'll actually get to see the Dragonborn make his claim in the next chapter. We may learn a little more about the plot to assassinate Emperor Mede as well. I'm working on two stories concurrently, so I apologize for the long time between updates. My goal is to update one chapter of each story per month. More often if I can work it, but once a month is my goal for now. If you have any thoughts on the story, please let me know. Constructive criticism is always welcome!
HELP WANTED!
I am actively seeking and recruiting Beta Readers. I'll freely admit I am not a good editor, and I want to put to put out a quality product. That's where I need your help! If you like the story, but want it to be better, why not drop me a line?