Author's note: First, I would like to apologize for taking so long to post the next chapter. I love writing, but sometimes life gets in the way. That being said, I am back to this story and plan to have a new chapter every few weeks. Second, I really appreciate everyone's patience and support. I have some pretty bold ideas for the story, but I aim to stay true to the lore. Please do not hesitate to message me with any corrections to the Elder Scrolls Lore you come across. Finally, I have one plot element that I would like you all to decide on. Delphine appears in this chapter, but her story is not resolved. I would like you all to vote on what should happen to her. Does she pay for trying to betray the Dragonborn? Does she get redeemed and serve the Dragonborn? Does she simply retire back to the Sleeping Giant? Message me on what you would like to see and I will develop the mini story arc that receives the most votes. For now, here is the next installment, with another one, hopefully very close behind.

Thanks again for your patience! ~KP

An Unexpected Visitor

Martin was enjoying some of the benefits of being Emperor. With him were Lydia, Hadvar, Mjoll, Esbern and Nirya. They were enjoying some of the finest food in Tamriel. Everything about the feast was orate. The sculptures that lined the walls in small alcoves, the purple carpet with gold trim on the floor. Even the table and chairs, made from the finest wood in Cyrodiil, were lined with gold. The dishes were pure silver, without so much as a spec of tarnish to be found.

"I see rank really does have its privileges," Hadvar observed.

"This food is far superior to anything in Winterhold," Nirya agreed.

On the table were some of the finest meats and fruits in the land. As well as the high end Surilie Brothers wine from Skingrad and Black-Briar Reserve from Riften in Skyrim. Martin was not at all surprised to receive the "gift" from Maven. Ostensibly, it was a small token of appreciation for helping her rise to Jarl of Riften, but Martin knew Maven was always looking for a foothold. In this case, he was happy to accept the gift, regardless of the real motive.

"I'm glad you approve, Nirya," Martin said. "Tomorrow you earn your keep."

"It's so nice to finally have my talents recognized and used appropriately," Nirya said.

Martin simply smiled in response. While her arrogance could be annoying at times, it could also be a useful tool for Martin to use to further his goal of unifying Tamriel.

Esbern opened his mouth to speak, when suddenly, everyone at the table froze. The air itself seemed to shimmer around Martin, when suddenly, a robed figure appeared next to him.

"Quaranir?" Martin said in disbelief.

"Greetings, Dragonborn," Quaranir started. "You have impressed the order with how you averted a crisis in Winterhold. They have permitted me to issue you this warning."

"A warning? No offense, but it seems a little late…"

"Ah, you are referring to the attempted assassination. No, there was no doubt you would handle that aptly. This warning is for a far greater danger. War is once again coming to Tamriel. Another Great War. While your enemies talk peace, they are planning for an invasion."

"I knew it!" Martin exclaimed. "When will they invade?"

"I cannot say, but you must handle the situation delicately, the whole world will be on fire."

"You know that I have dragons who will fight for me?"

Quaranir seemed startled at that. "We are aware of many things, but that is one thing that seems to have been shrouded from our view. Take heed, Dragonborn, War is coming. It is up to you to prevent destruction of the world as we know it."

At that, Quaranir faded from view and the rest of the table looked at Martin, who appeared, from their point of view to freeze for a moment.

"Are you ok, Martin?"

"I was just visited by someone from the Psijic order."

"Same person from Winterhold?" Nirya asked.

"Yes," Martin replied, and then he gave out instructions. "Hadvar, please send word, I need to meet with our Generals at once. Esbern, let's see if Delphine is willing to talk. Lydia, I have a special assignment for you."

Intelligence Gathering

Lydia arrived at the Silver Fox just after the sun had set for the day. She was wearing a non-descript dark brown hooded cloak, and none of the patrons paid her a second glance. She made her way to the counter up front and sat on a stool.

"Welcome friend," the tavern owner smiled at her. "Tell me are you finishing your journey or just beginning?"

"Beginning, I find nocturnal travel to be much more quiet and peaceful." Lydia replied.

"I tend to agree. If you'll please follow me, I'll show you some of our provisions."

Lydia followed the Gray Fox to the basement and into the room that doubled as the main office for the Thieves Guild in Cyrodiil. Once there he got right down to business. "How may I serve?" he asked.

Lydia was equally straightforward. "We need to know what the troop situation is in the Aldmeri Dominion."

The Gray Fox did not look surprised at all and started off playing coy. "Our information from that region is little more than scattered fragments and vague rumors."

Lydia just looked at him.

"You must understand…" he began.

Lydia interrupted. "Listen, we're not looking for you to divulge all of your assets…yet" she added with a twinkly in her eye.

The Gray Fox smiled in return. "We have had…reports…of troops massing a various staging areas throughout Valenwood. The biggest are garrisons at Falinesti and Arenthia."

Lydia started, "already? From either of those two cities, they could easily invade Cyrodiil. Please, where did you get this information?"

"I am happy to help my Emperor and fellow shadow walker, but lives are already in danger in Valenwood. I could not risk exposure."

Lydia thought for a moment. "Meet me half way? I will travel to Valenwood as a merchant. Allow me to meet with one of your operatives. Just one, I won't even ask about the rest. Martin has a plan, but this is urgent."

The Gray Fox thought long and hard and then finally relented. He wrote on a piece of parchment and handed it over to Lydia. "Go to this shoppe in Arenthia. Ask the owner for a statue of Nocturnal. If he responds, 'they're hidden in the shadows' then you will know it is safe to talk with him. If he responds with anything else, get out of there and return immediately."

Lydia nodded. "This will not be forgotten. The Emperor has no desire to tread on your network or to assume control of your operations, but until he establishes his own network, we're going to be relying on you pretty heavily."

"I aim to serve-" he stopped short, opened his mouth, closed it again, and then spoke once more. "Maybe, the emperor does not need to start from scratch."

Lydia looked at him quizzically and then it dawned on her. "Maybe not. Would you send word to Riften? Ask Vex and Delvin to travel to Cyrodiil as merchants. Dragonborn would like to meet with them and you."

The Gray Fox nodded, "of course."

Lydia thanked him and left the tavern.

Legions

Martin was meeting with his generals. They were in what came to be dubbed 'the war room." It was rather Spartan, for a room in the White Gold Tower, arranged for function and not splendor. There was a long obloid oak table, with large oak chairs around it. The walls were bare at this point, but Emperor Martin had maps of the continent being made to hang on the walls.

"Where do we stand with reorganizing our legions?" The Emperor asked.

He was met by abject silence from his generals.

"Gentlemen, I asked for a plan to be ready yesterday. What is the status?" Martin repeated.

"Well, my lord, there are issues of logistics, moving supplies, personnel, getting messages to the far reaches-"

"Stop. Just stop. All I asked was for you to put a plan together, and you could not be bothered to do that? Gentlemen, we are staring war dead in the eyes, with an enemy that wants to eradicate our way of life. I will not let that happen. I expect you all to do everything in your power to stop that from happening."

Martin stopped for a moment and looked each one of them directly in the eyes. "I realize I am making abrupt changes. Frankly, the Mede dynasty very nearly destroyed Tamriel. I will restore it, but I cannot do it on my own. I need your help. If you are more comfortable retiring to the Colovian hills, tell me now and I will ensure you a very comfortable life. If you want to help restore Tamriel, then I expect each of you to step up. Am I clear?"

The Nord, General Whitestone, was the first to speak. "Emperor, my liege and my lord, I will do everything in my power to restore Tamriel to its former glory. We will work late into the night to get you your reorganization plan. With your approval, I would like to oversee the reorganization."

"Very well. Bring me a plan, and a list of Generals to head each of the five legions. We'll review it over breakfast tomorrow." With that, the emperor rose and left the room.

"What was that about?" General Laudis asked, barely hiding his distain.

"That was about our failure," Tullius replied.

"Failure? Nothing! He asks the impossible!" Laudis spat.

"Then we deliver the impossible," General Whitestone said. "His request was a simple one, and we failed. We failed the first task our emperor gave us. I will not fail again. Perhaps you should consider his retirement offer, Laudis."

Laudis sneered but Tullius cut in before he could respond. "We don't have time for this. We have a task and we have a deadline. Let's get to it." He turned towards a guard. "Get Hadvar in here, I'm going to need his help."

Whitestone added, "You might as well get all our aides…and some food. It's going to be a long night."

The guard left to follow his orders and the Generals, some eager, some reluctant, got to work at the task given them by their emperor.

Spygame

Skyhaven Temple

While the Dragonborn was meeting with his Generals, Esbern was travelling with Mjoll back to Skyrim. They were headed to Skyhaven Temple. Martin Septim II had intended on restoring Cloud Ruler Temple, but the current crisis had put those plans on hold.

Delphine was no longer being kept in a makeshift cell, but she was still restricted to the temple grounds. Many of the blades had returned to the Temple after the emperor's grand entrance to the Imperial City, so she was hardly alone.

Her face brightened a little when she saw Esbern. "How are you, my old friend?"

"The question, dear lady, is how are you?" Esbern replied with a warm smile.

She smiled wryly. "I'm still trying to wrap my head around recent events. I remember when the Dragonborn first walked into my Inn. He seemed so unsure of himself. Then I watched him defeat a dragon and absorb its very soul. Now he rules Tamriel and allies himself with dragons. I find it difficult to resolve the myriad of conflicts."

"Alas, that is something only you can do for yourself. There is hope, however. He still wants you to serve."

Delphine reacted with shock. "As Grandmaster? Surely not!"

Esbern, smiled. "No, as Spymaster."

"Spymaster?"

"Yes," Esbern confirmed. "You have the skills, you have the aptitude, do you have the desire to serve our new Emperor?"

"I'm not sure, to be honest. He's powerful and he's capable, but he allows Paarthurnax to live."

"My dear, Delphine, you must get past this. I agree with you on Paarthurnax, but it is no longer our call. We cannot get so hung up that we put our own issues ahead of the Empire."

"I know, I know, but…"

"There should be no, but, Delphine. You cannot stay holed up in this temple forever. Sooner or later you will need to make a decision."

"To serve or be a prisoner?" She asked.

"No, Martin will not keep you a prisoner forever. You have three choices, 1) continue to oppose him and yes, remain a prisoner. 2) Accept his decisions and move on with your life, retire back to your Inn if you'd like. 3) Accept him as your Emperor, serve him and serve Tamriel, be true to your oath as a blade and guardian of the Dragonborn."

Delphine sighed. "You are a wise old man, what do you say?"

Esbern laughed. "This is not my choice to make, nor can I advise you. This is something you must come to terms with. As for me, I must return to Cyrodiil. Don't take too long, once the war begins, there will be little time for talk."

Delphine only nodded. Esbern left for his journey back to the capital.

Emperor's Office, White Gold Tower

"You wanted to see my, my lord?" Zeno Mor asked nervously.

"Yes, Zeno, please come sit…and relax," Martin instructed.

Zeno did as he was told and asked, "How may I serve you, my liege?"

"I have a special assignment for you, Zeno. By now, word of the attempt on my life has spread. Rumor has it that one of the conspirators escaped justice. Mind, you, one of my servants started that rumor. You are above suspicion in Tamriel, so there is no need to worry."

"I sense a 'but' coming, sire." Zeno observed.

Martin smiled, "But…I want you to travel to Valenwood and claim credit. I want you to request asylum from the Aldmeri Dominion. As a sign of your sincerity, you will even provide them with 'vital information' which they can use to help prove your sincerity."

"My liege, your life is mine, so I will do as you ask, but may I request an explanation?"

"Of course. If it isn't obvious, you are going to be my spy in the enemy's camp. I have a contact for you. I have money for you. You will earn their confidence and share what you learn from them. War is coming, and information from the inside the Dominion is scarce. It is vital that we can any and all information we can. That is where your 'defection' comes in. Perform this service well and you will be highly rewarded."

"And if I fail…"

"Then you will have more to fear from them than you do from me."

Zeno took that statement in stride and gave a quick answer. "When do I leave?"

"Tonight, and take this" Martin slid a piece of paper across his desk.

Zeno took it, read it and looked confused.

"That is your contact," Martin explained. "Go to that shoppe and ask the owner for a statute of Nocturnal. When he says, 'all our statues are hidden in the shadow,' you will know it is safe to talk. You will relay all your information to him. You'll need to do a doo deal of business with him first, so that you have reason to visit the store constantly without arousing suspicion."

Zeno nodded, taking in all the information.

"A horse will be left out of the stabled, fed and provisioned. You will 'steal' that horse in in the middle of the night and being your journey. It won't be easy for you at first and your life may be in danger from the beginning, but you will be doing your Emperor and your Empire a great service."

"I won't let you down, sire."

As soon as Zeno left, Lydia stepped out of the shadows. "You should have let me go, sire."

Martin shook his head. "No, too dangerous. Plus, I need you here. Zeno has a good story and will fit in much better. You are far too valuable to risk."

"And Zeno is expendable. I understand," Lydia said.

Legions Organized

Martin was meeting with his generals…again. This time they did not let him down. There were ten generals present, many who know they would be losing their legions, at least for the time being. Martin, blunt as ever, got right to the point. "Alright, show me what you have come up with."

General Whitestone stood. "My Lord, first we have organized our troops into five full strength legions and one, partial strength legion. We have made the sixth legion a training legion for now and will be aggressively recruiting troops to fill out at least two more legions. The long term goal is ten fully manned legions."

"That's good." Martin said. "Once the empire is re-united, we'll increase that to fifteen and garrison them around Tamriel. For now, getting up to ten is a laudable goal. Who commands the first five legions?"

"We left that for you to decide my liege. Surely that is your prerogative." General Laudis replied.

Martin nodded. "That is appreciated. General Jonna, I would be honored if you would continue to lead the first legion."

General Jonna smiled and nodded. "I am honored to serve the first dragonblood emperor Tamriel has seen in my lifetime."

"You are too humble, Jonna. If not for you, we would all be living under the Thalmor right now." Martin said. Several of the other generals nodded in agreement with his statement.

"Alas, we never would have succeeded if not for Decianus, the nine preserve him, and his legionnaires." Jonna replied.

"Jonna, both you and Decianus will forever be known as heroes of the Empire. You more than anyone have the right to live a comfortable life. Your decision to continue in service inspires all of us. Talos knows we could use Decianus as well, but he is with the nine." Martin then turned to General Whitestone. "Yolfric, your actions while serving under Decianus are also legendary. I would like you to lead the second legion."

General Whitestone bowed his head slightly. "You honor me, my liege."

"Here is where we will shake things up a little. I have served under and with General Tullius. Though our first meeting nearly ended my life," Martin paused and Tullius smirked. "I have come to find him to be a man of honor off the field and a man of fierce valor on the field of battle. Tullius, I would like you to lead the third legion."

"It's a shame Ulfric was killed," General Blackmane said. "We could have used his arm and his head if there is to be war with the Thalmor again."

"Enough!" General Whitestsone snapped.

Martin held his hands up and motioned for all of them to be quiet. "I can see the Stormcloak rebellion was just as divisive here as it was in Skyrim. I'm sure all of you are aware, but if an of you are not, Ulfric Stormcloak died by my hand. If any of you have a problem with that, tell me now."

The generals all fell silent. Martin looked around the table, locking eyes with each and every general. Each one met his gaze and gave a slight nod.

"Good," Martin continued, "Let's move on, shall we? General Laudis, I would like you to lead the fourth legion."

Laudis nodded.

"Finally, General Blackmane, I would like you to lead the fifth legion."

General Blackmane was a little taken aback, but quickly composed himself and said, "Thank you, my lord."

"My liege, if I may," General Whitestone began. Martin nodded and the general continued, "Here is where we recommend stationing our legions. First and second legions will move into Valenwood, to take the garrison at Arenthia. Third legion will camp east of Anvil, in case the Thalmor try to cross the river. Fourth legion on the border with Elsweyr, just north of Riverhold. Fifth legion will camp halfway between Bravil and Leyawiin."

"That's good…well placed, well thought out. I only have one small change."

"Yes, my liege?" Whitestone asked.

"We'll only take the first legion into Valenwood. The Second legion can camp east of Anvil. The Third legion, halfway between Chorrol and Skingrad. They can reinforce any legion that needs it and blunt any attack into Cyrodiil." Martin said.

"My liege, I strongly recommend taking two legions into Valenwood. We should not underestimate the Thalmor." General Whitestone said.

"I must concur with my young friend here," General Jonna agreed.

Martin stood, smiled and let loose his thu'um, "Mul...Qah…DIIV!"

Most of the generals were astonished. Tullius simply smiled.

Martin spoke through the ghostly form that surrounded him. "I appreciate the recommendation, gentlemen. Please believe me when I tell you that I value your insight. Please also believe me when I tell you that I have a plan that will certainly cause damage to the Thalmor will preventing the deaths of many of our own."

General Jonna was the first to speak. "My liege, you truly have the dragonblood flowing through your veins. There is no doubt to your might, but surely even you cannot take on legions of Thalmor soldiers."

"No, General," Martin replied, "That is where you and your men come in." He smiled. "Also, I have another trick or two up my sleeve."

"Odahviing." General Tullius said. It was more of a statement than a question.

"What's that?" General Whitestone asked.

"It's a dragon," Martin stated, to the astonishment of his generals. "And an ally of mine. There is also Durnehviir."

"And these…these Dragons…they will help us?" General Blackmane asked.

"Yes. They will. I have no doubt we will be victorious over the Thalmor. My hope is that, with my initial show of force and Dragon ally, the Thalmor will capitulate quickly. But if not, I have no doubt that you and each of your men will route them all back to Summerset Isle!"

Entrance to the Dominion

Zeno Mar made it to the border of Valenwood without any issues. He was stopped by a Thalmor patrol shortly after he entered their territory.

"Halt! State your business, Imperial!"

"Bite your tongue!" Zeno cried. He dismounted from his horse and drew back the hood of his cloak.

"But you…YOU! You are on the Imperial Council! Altmer or not, you should be very careful here." The guard warned.

"Who is your captain?" Zeno demanded. "I have important news and you are not worthy of it. You will take to him immediately."

The Thalmor soldier were unsure of how to respond. As Bosmer, they were used to the arrogance of their Altmer cousins, but it was usually Thalmor Altmer. They were a bit taken aback by Zeno's display. They discussed it among themselves decided to take him with them, and brought him back to their camp.

The wilderness camp was rugged and unrefined, especially for Thalmor. There were a few tents and cooking pots strewn about, but that was it. The Captain was brought out and met Zeno. "What is it you want?"

"First, you will train your Bosmer better. I do not appreciate being harassed." Zeno replied.

"Apologies. As you are no doubt aware, things have become more than a little tense between the Thalmor and the Empire since Martin was crowned." The Captain said.

"Yes, and that is why I have come. I have important news for your government. Where is their nearest administrator?" Zeno asked.

"That would be Naryi Rilis, in Arenthia, why? Why him?" the Captain inquired.

"I have news that will affect the future of the Thalmor. My time at the Empire has come to an end. I wish to exchange this news for asylum. If you escort me safely to him, I am sure you will be justly rewarded." Zeno tried enticing him.

The Captain thought about it for a moment, then summoned his sergeant. "Gather ten men and have them accompany me. You will remain here and take charge of the camp."

"Yes, my lord," the sergeant went off to carry his orders.

Palace, Arenthia, Valenwood

The Thalmor Captain and Zeno Mor entered the main hall of the palace. The rest of the escort remained outside in the palace courtyard. The Captain went to the stairs at the back of the hall. The administrator was sitting on a table that was up on the dais.

"My Lord," the captain bowed low as he began, "I humbly present to you, Zeno Mor, a prominent member of the Imperial Council of the Empire. I beg you grant him audience and hear his words."

"Thank you, Captain. You are dismissed. Zeno, please, come have a seat."

Zeno climbed the stairs and took a seat at the table. Except for the guards at the hall entrance, he and Naryi were alone.

"So, the prodigal son returns," Niryia's sarcasm was clear.

"I have great news for the Aldmeri Dominion, as well as a warning." Zeno said.

"I see. Pray tell, what is so important?"

"You know that the second assassination plot failed, but you don't know why. Martin Septim, is a member of the Dark Brotherhood." Zeno smiled. "And not just any member. He is the Listener!"

"What? Are you sure?" Niryi was incredulous.

"I heard him utter the admission myself. Right before he used the Blade of Woe to slit Gavurus' throat."

"This is fantastic! What marvelous news! Surely this will damage the Empire. We may not have to do anything, just sit back, watch it fall and then move in and pick up the pieces!" Nirya exclaimed.

"Alas, I fear things may not be so simple." Zeno said. "As we speak, the empire is moving its legions to invade Elsweyr."

"What? Where?"

"They plan on using three legions," Zeno explained. "The first will come in from the north. The second will come in from the east. A third is being held in reserve to support which ever unit needs it the most."

"Impossible. Nobody would be so foolish!"

"If you don't believe me, check for yourself. Send scouts to the hills in Eastern Elsweyr. Reports from Riverhold will come in soon enough." Zeno replied.

"Very well, we will. What do you want, should this information prove true?" Niryi asked.

"I want asylum, as well as a position in your administration, an allowance and quarters."

"A pretty bold request," Niryi observed. "Still, if your information proves true, it may be worth it. For now, you may remain here as my guest. You are free to move about the city, but I caution you against going too far outside the city gates."

Zeno bowed his head. "Thank you, my lord."