Author's Note: A thousand apologies for taking such a long time to write the next chapter. I blame 2020. It's been a year, hasn't it? I hope that everyone is staying safe during these crazy times. I really do appreciate everyone's support and patience. I hope this chapter is to your liking. The next few chapters will be focused on the war. Then, there will be a few chapters focusing on the aftermath of the war. I will try to make updates and post chapters more regularly going forward. As always, your constructive criticism is welcome and appreciated.
Battle for Arenthia
Border between Cyrodiil and Valenwood
Second Seed 1st
The gray of dawn was just starting to spread. Through the twilight, two separate armies were lined up. Each one still on its own side of the border. The silence was stunning, given the sheer number of soldiers lined up on both sides. Not the animals, not even the insects were making noises this morning. Still, the air was charged. Both sides were expecting a quick victory. This would be the first battle of many, but this battle could set the course of the war.
The Imperial Legion placed their cavalry in the front, with the infantry immediately behind them. Behind the infantry were the archers. Magic users were behind and to the sides, ready to lend support as needed.
The Thalmor did not have a cavalry. In their arrogance, they determined it was not needed. They placed their infantry up front, ready to deal with a cavalry charge from the Imperials. Behind the infantry were their magic users. Their archers were many paces behind the main formation.
As bright orange started to pierce the gray along the horizon, a roar sounded through the silence. First one, then another, and then still another. Three dragons appeared high in the sky, coming from the north. Two of them landed on the Cyrodiil side of the border, facing the Thalmor. The third one flew in a wide circle around the battlefield. It descended slowly, each circle getting smaller.
As the dragon flew in a small, low circle, Martin could be seen with his sword raised. The Imperial Legion let out a loud cheer as Odahviing made his final circle, and then landed between the two armies. Odahviing lowered his head and Martin dismounted. Three horses left the Thalmor ranks and approached Martin with their riders.
The Thalmor commander was on the center horse. His aide was to his right and Elenwen was to his left. They met right on the border between their two empires.
Martin was standing his ground, his small stature made for an almost comedic mismatch in height between him and the Thalmor on the horses. Martin was forced to look up to the Thalmor commander.
He was undeterred by the height difference and spoke with confidence. "Good morning, Commander," he said courteously.
The commander nodded, acknowledging the greeting. "Your troops are awful close to our border," he observed.
Martin looked over his shoulder at his army, then back at the commander. "Simply a training exercise," he responded. "I'll happily move my troops away if you would do the same."
The commander scoffed. "Do you take me for a fool? If you had wanted peace, you should not have thrown our ambassador across the room."
Outwardly, Martin maintained his composure. However, inwardly, he winced at the remark. That was definitely not his best moment. "Listen, Commander, we do not have to start a new war here. I am willing to grant that there were, perhaps…misteps…on both sides, but we can talk things through without anyone having to die today."
"You had your chance at diplomacy, you failed. This is the consequence." The commander asserted.
"Commander, I am offering you the chance for all your troops to leave here alive—"
"Let me guess," Elenwen interrupted. "You'll kill all of them and let us live to slink back to our home?"
Martin looked at Elenwen with cold fire in his eyes, "No, Elenwen, today you die."
"You first!" She yelled as she pulled out an ebony dagger and swung for the emperor.
Martin was too fast for her. He deftly moved out of the way, then grabbed her arm, one hand grabbing her wrist and the other her elbow. He then twisted and pulled her off her horse. She landed hard on her back and let out and "oomph" as the air was pushed out of her lungs by the impact. Martin then twisted her wrist and wrested the dagger from her hand. As he did so, the tip of the blade sliced the palm of Elenwen's hand.
Her eyes went wide. Her golden skin, turning pale gray. "Looks like you…were…right…" she let out her last breath and died.
Martin looked up at the commander. "FUS!" he shouted. That was enough for the commander to lose his balance and fall of his horse. Before the commander could recover, Martin grabbed the neck of his breastplate pulled him close and put the poisoned dagger close to his throat. "Is this how you planned to fight? Through treachery? You dishonor your entire race!"
The commander tried to maintain his composure, but wound up stammering slightly. "This was not planned by us. She acted on her own."
Martin starred at the commander for what seemed like an eternity. Finally, he let go of the armor and stepped back. "Get up, go back to your troops, if you wish to ignite another war, we are more than ready to meet you." He threw the dagger into the ground, turned and walked back to his army.
"Not smart of you to turn your back on an armed enemy, especially after that treachery," Tullius observed when he returned to his troops.
"No, it wasn't," Martin agreed as he mounted his horse, "but for whatever reason, I do believe that Elenwen acted on her own."
Tullius nodded. "Orders, my liege?"
"Wards up, then wait for them to make their move. After that, wait for my signal and have the archers let loose."
"What will that signal be?"
Martin smiled. "Trust me, you'll know."
Martin then rode up to Ohdaviing. "After the lightening, you know what to do, my friend."
One of the other dragons turned towards Ohdaviing, "Surely not!"
"Watch and see," Ohdaviing replied.
Martin smiled and then turned towards the enemy. He approached the Thalmor line and stopped about 20 paces in front of them. They displayed exceptional discipline, remaining in their place and at the ready.
Martin drew his sword, but kept it at his side. "Mul...Qah…DIIV!" The display did little to intimidate the Thalmor, but the imperial legion let out another cheer.
The tension was thick, but nobody moved. The seconds ticked by as if they were months.
Suddenly, a fireball came from the Thalmor, headed straight for Martin. He quickly got his ward up and deflected it.
Then, fire and arrows rained down on the imperial legion. The wards kept most of the assault away, but some slipped through. The imperial legion experienced its first casualties. War had begun.
Imperial Outpost, East of Anvil
As the arrows started to fly, a rider left the First Legion lines and made her way to the Imperial Encampment between the Gold coast and border with Valenwood. She rode her horse all the way to the Legate's tent. Hopped down and knocked on the tent post.
The flap opened and the chiseled face of the Legate appeared.
"It's begun," The rider said.
"Credentials," The Legate ordered.
The rider pulled out a folded up piece of fox hide. She unfolded it, revealing the emperor's signet ring. The ring signified that her words were the emperor's instructions.
The chiseled face nodded and then started barking orders. They cohorts didn't even break camp. The cavalry and light infantry formed up and marched to join the battle.
Imperial Guard Station, Gold Coast
The rider continued on to the main camp for the Second Legion. There was less urgency in her actions, but she still moved with haste. She left her horse in the stable area and made her way to the General's tent. There was a guard out front. He nodded to her as she approached.
"Please tell the General I bring news from the border," the rider said.
The guard turned and entered the tent, returned a moment later. General Whitestone appeared just a moment later. "You have credentials?" he asked.
The rider pulled out the fox hide and unfolded it, showing the General the emperor's signet ring.
General Whitestone nodded. "What news do you have?"
"General, the fighting has begun, you are directed…uhh…that is…"
The General interrupted her. "It's ok, you have the signet ring of the Emperor. You speak with his voice," he said reassuringly.
The rider took a breath, smiled slightly and said with confidence, "General, your orders are to hold here until late afternoon. Keep watch to ensure the Thalmor do not try to invade from the across the water. Late this afternoon, release your heavy infantry and send them to the border. They will assist as needed. Keep your archers here, standing watch, until after sunset. Then you are to leave a small contingent to send the alarm in case of an invasion by the Thalmor and send the rest of your archers to Arenthea. The Emperor requests your presence at Arenthia."
General Whitestone nodded. "Tend to your horse, get something to eat and then return to the First Legion. Tell either the Emperor or General Tullius that I acknowledge and understand my orders. By the nine, I'll see you all in Arenthia tonight."
Imperial Prison
The imperial guards were in the prison anteroom, complaining about being left behind to guard prisoners while many of their compatriots were gaining glory and prestige in battle. Their complaining interlaced with bragging on their would-be deeds.
They were deep into their mixture of complaining and bragging when the door to the courtyard opened. They were surprised to see Esbern. Word had spread that Esbern was a close advisor to the emperor, but little more was known about him. "May I ask who is in charge here?" Esbern asked.
"That would be me, Quaestor Arillius," the man in charge replied.
"I have special dispensation for one of your prisoners, from the emperor himself," Esbern stated, handing over a document to the Quaestor.
Arillius read it over briefly and then nodded. "Very well. You may bring your items to her and speak with her at your convenience. I will ensure the other shifts are aware."
The Quaestor handed the document back to Esbern. The old scholar took it with a nod of thanks and moved towards the cells. One of the other guards got up and unlocked the door for him and he went through to see Delphine.
Delphine was less than pleased to see him. "How could you let him do this to me? I thought you were my friend?"
"I am your friend and I will always look out for you." Esbern replied.
Delphine scoffed.
"I mean it. I brought you some things. Martin told me to make you as comfortable as possible and to bring you whatever you need. Within reason, of course."
"Reason? What does Cadriel know about reason? He is very much a ruthless, power-hungry tyrant who destroys anyone who does not go along with his plans. Assassinating the former emperor, baiting the Thalmor to attack, then blaming them for the slaughter, forcing citizens to join the army, and seizing lands from sovereign nations are just the more blaring atrocities your Bosmer has and is committing." Delphine spat.
Esbern shook his head sadly. "The Thalmor did attack first, brought to Skyhaven temple by you I might add, and Martin tried to talk his way out of that situation. Granted, he didn't do it very well, and he could have dealt with the Thalmor ambassador differently, but a lack of diplomacy is one of his flaws...something he is going to have to work on. Still, he has so much potential, and the blood of dragons in his veins. I believe he can truly unite all of Tamriel. Has he made mistakes? Yes. Will he make more mistakes? Absolutely. He will either learn from them and prosper or remain obstinate and be destroyed."
Delphine refused to meet his gaze. "He won't ever change. He is a tyrant and will always be one. He doesn't listen to anyone else and no one will ever change his mind."
"I did." Esbern said. "I changed his mind. He wanted to kill you. I asked him to spare you. He listened to me."
That caught Delpine off guard. She finally looked at him. "Why would he do that?"
"Do what? Kill you or listen to me?" Esbern paused, but she made no comment, so he continued. "Delphine, you betrayed the empire and you betrayed the Dragonborn. He had every right to execute you for treason. I convinced him to spare you. I believe people can change. I believe he can change and I believe you can change."
For the first time since Esbern can remember, Delphine wept. The hard exterior cracked and emotions poured through "What have I done?" she cried through tears. "I tried to have the first dragonborn in hundreds of years killed!" Her hands went up to her face as the full enormity of what she did fell upon her.
Her body continued to be racked by sobs as Esbern moved to comfort her.
Border between Cyrodiil and Valenwood
Emperor Martin Septim II was on his horse, about two dozen paces from the Thalmor lines. He looked back and saw his own lines intact, in spite of the Thalmor attack. He smiled and let loose with his Thu'um, "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. As soon as the lightening began to strike, the Imperial legion let loose their own volley arrows. Three times, the arrows flew.
Between the lightening and the arrows, the Thalmor lines were barely holding together. Martin raised his sword high above his head, then pointed it towards the Thalmor. The Imperial cavalry began its charge.
Martin dismounted and stood in front of his horse. The Imperial cavalry continued its charge.
Martin took five paces towards the Thalmor line. They stayed firm, awaiting orders. The Imperial cavalry continued to charge.
After closing roughly two thirds the distance between the two armies, the Imperial cavalry split into three groups. The two outside groups moved to flank the Thalmor, while the center group continued to charge forward.
Martin stood firm. The Thalmor stood firm.
The cavalry charge got closer.
Martin remained motionless. The Thalmor waited.
The cavalry charge got closer.
Martin drew in a deep breath. "Fus…roh…DA!"
The front few ranks of Thalmor soldiers flew backwards. An opening was created in their lines.
The center cavalry group split around Martin and charged into the opening. Some of the Thalmor were able to grab their anti-cavalry stakes and point them diagonally outward just in a nick of time. Some of the imperial cavalry, those on the outside of the charge, were snared. Their horse killed from underneath them, some of them recovered to fight, some of them were killed by the Thalmor before they could right themselves.
Most of the cavalry, however, made it through the opening in the lines created by Martin's thuum. While they did not get all they way through, the were able to broaden the opening.
The two outer groups tried to outflank the Thalmor, but the Thalmor adjusted their lines to compensate. The rear ranks moved out to the side to meet the Cavalry. The results were mixed. Some of the infantry were easily overwhelmed, while some of them managed to slow down the imperial cavalry.
Overall, the Imperial cavalry charge failed to break through or flank the Thalmor, however, they did cause significant disruption to their lines. Enough that the Imperial heavy infantry could charge right through their front lines. The resulting melee was fierce and confused. Battle plans on both sides quickly fell apart as soldiers fought aggressively.
Thalmor mages summoned atronachs and daedra to fight for their side. Their conjurations initially created havoc for the empire. Martin, not yet involved in the melee, signaled to the dragons, which, in turn, focused their attacks on the Thalmor mages. The magic users were decimated by the onslaught.
Thalmor archers responded by shifting their attacks from the imperial lines to the dragons. One of them was hit with enough arrows that he crashed to the ground, taking out Thalmor and imperials alike. The remaining two dragons each let out a roar of outrage and attacked the archers. Not content to fly over and use their breath, they landed right in the middle of their formation and furiously attacked with their claws, tails and teeth.
The fallen dragon tried to fight after he crashed, but Thalmor soldiers quickly overwhelmed him. He let out a final roar and collapsed. His soul left his body and went straight to Martin. The site astonished the Thalmor and emboldened the imperials. Martin shouted for effect and charged into the melee.
Back at the Imperial lines, General Tullius was on his horse. The light infantry, archers and mages still in place. Tullius shook his head as Martin charged. "He is not a soldier any more, he should not be there," he said to Lydia.
"I'm not so sure," Lydia responded. "Look at the men. Look at their demeanor, their stances, the way they swing their weapons. There was a dramatic change when Martin absorbed the soul of the dragon and charged in. Look at those rushing to his side. They are not there to protect him, but to fight along side him."
Tullius nodded. "I see you point, but he can't always get into the thick of things. If we are going to win this war, he is going to have to start thinking and acting more like a general and less like a foot soldier."
"Agreed," Lydia said, "but for now, I think we have the field.
Lydia was correct in her assessment. When Martin absorbed the soul of the dragon and charged into the melee, the demeanor of the imperial legion troops changed. They were now more determined. The fought more aggressively. Martin and the soldiers gathered near him and broken all the way through the Thalmor lines. The Thalmor commander was dead, as was his aide.
The brutal assault by the dragons caused many of the archers to break and run. Once the archers broke and ran, many of the soldiers did too. Those who didn't run were cut down by imperial troops. After several hours of hard fighting, the imperial legion was victorious. The legion soldiers let out a cheer, which quickly spread through the ranks.
Aftermath
First Legion Encampment, Outside Arenthia
Martin was in his tent, cleaning up from the days events. He had a servant to assist him, which he found unusual and uncomfortable. He put on some light garments, when another servant entered to announce visitors. He dismissed his servants and welcomed the generals and Lydia.
"Lydia, Generals, today was a good day."
"It was, my liege," General Tullius responded. "By the nines, the city will be ours tomorrow."
"What is the status of your legion, Tullius?" Martin asked.
"We lost about a quarter of our troops today," the general replied somberly.
Martin nodded. "They will be remembered. Your men fought well. Many of them kept fighting, in spite of severe injuries. They did the legion proud today."
"Yes, I must say, you inspired them, greatly." Lydia chimed in.
"There is no doubt the men saw your skill and bravery first hand," Tullius agreed.
"Do I sense a 'but' coming, general?"
"May I speak freely?"
"When we are like this, always," Martin said.
Tullius nodded. "Sire, the soldiers of the first legion are already sharing tales of your exploits with the soldiers of the second legion. Tales will only spread from there. You have truly inspired the men, you have shown them your bravery and your skill."
"Please general," Martin interrupted, "get the speaking freely part."
Lydia chuckled, but Tullius simply nodded. "General Whitestone and I are new to the command of our legions, we must inspire our men as well."
Martin was thoughtful for a moment. He grasped what Tullius was trying to say. "You want to lead the assault on Arenthia while I stay out here."
Tullius and Whitestone looked at each other and then nodded.
"Very well. Tell me of your plan to do so. First, though, tell me about the casualties."
"Most of our dead and wounded came from the heavy infantry cohorts, they did most of the fighting. We lost some of the cavalry in the initial charge and a few more during the melee. The rest of the cohorts took some light casualties during the initial exchange. Many of the wounded are able to be healed by our mages. Those with the heaviest of injuries are being sent back to Cyrodiil for treatment, along with the dead."
"How many?" Martin asked.
"Roughly two thousand dead and five hundred too injured to fight." Tullius answered.
That weighed heavily on Martin, but he pushed it aside for now. "What of the Thalmor?"
"It appears the division we faced today is completely defunct. Some of those who broke and ran will join up with camps scattered around the area. Some will likely flee all the way to their homes."
"Prisoners?" Martin asked.
"There were roughly a thousand left after the battle, but most of them had injuries too severe. We have about a two hundred who are injured and a hundred who seem able-bodied. May I ask your intentions, my lord?"
"Keep the Altmer who are able bodied. We can lock them up here after we take the city. As for the Bosmer, take their weapons and armor and let them go. Any Bosmer who are injured, do your best to heal them and set them free."
Tullius nodded. "It will be done, sire."
"Good. Thank you. Now, please tell me about your plans for tomorrow." Martin stated.
General Whitestone nodded. "Yes, sire. First, we need to take the hills on both sides of the Strid River. Once we control the hills, we can take the bridge and break through the gates into the Merchant Quarter. Once we're in the Merchant Quarter, we take Thalmor Square.* From there, we can move into the Residential, Tower and Temple districts."
"Sounds easy enough on paper," Martin said with a half smile. "Once you take Thalmor Square, hold there and send a runner. I would like to address the population."
"Do you think that will accomplish anything?" Tullius asked.
"Arenthia used to be a multi-cultural city. Now it's mostly Bosmer. Even with the Thalmor rule, not many Altmer have decided to live here. I may be able to talk some of them into laying down their arms." Martin explained.
"And if not?" Whitestone asked.
"Then you and Tullius continue to prove yourselves to your men," Martin replied matter of factly.
"Do you think it wise? Or safe?" Lydia asked.
"I'll have you by my side, and Tullius' best battlemage." Martin replied.
Tullius nodded. Lydia seemed placated.
"You've done your research," Whitestone observed. "Very well. We will do as you have instructed. Will we have your, uhh, allies?"
"I'd like to take the city intact," Martin replied. "We'll do this the old fashioned way."
Whitestone nodded.
"Is there anything else?" Martin asked.
They all shook their heads. "Very well," Martin said. "You are dismissed."
Battlefield, near the boarder
Martin had almost managed to sneak out of his encampment, but Lydia had caught him and insisted on coming. Together, they walked over the battlefield. The wounded had all been collected, as had many of the bodies, but quite a few still remained. Looters had passed through, taking what they could. The site would likely be a mess for days.
As they were walking the grounds, they felt a rush of air and heard a loud "KA-THUMP" as Odahviing landed nearby. Martin walked up to him, Lydia hung back to give them some privacy.
"I'm sorry about your compatriot," Martin said.
"As am I," Odahviing replied, "but he knew what he was getting into. For far too long, we have considered ourselves invincible. Even with those who have fallen by your hand, we thought ourselves to powerful to be taken down by mortals. That conceit and foolishness is slowing starting to fade. Hopefully before too many of my kind pass. Tell me, Dovahkiin, when you absorbed the soul of Dunliztinvaak, could you tell anything about him?"
Martin considered the question for a moment. Even with the training he received from the Graybeards and Paarthurnax, he did not fully understand the process. "When I…absorb…a dragon, I gain its essence and its knowledge. Sometimes, I can gain a feeling of what it felt as it died. Most of the time, it's anger or hunger and for a while I thought it just a side effect, but today…it was different. I felt…a sense of pride, of purpose."
"Ahhh, yes, good. When you killed Alduin, many of my kind were suddenly lost. Paarthurnax tried showing us a new way. Some followed, but some did not. A few left for our ancient lands in Akavir. A few tried going it alone. If we are to survive, we must unite in common purpose and even forget some of the old ways."
"You are wise, my friend," Martin observed.
Odahviing snorted. "No, Paarthurnax is wise. I am only now opening my eyes to what he has to say."
"That admission in and of itself is a form of wisdom."
Odahviing snorted again, but said nothing. The two of them stood in silence for a while, before Martin spoke. "I really do appreciate your help today. Your support has given us a victory and a good start to preserving our way of life. I give you my word, I will help you preserve yours."
Odahviing nodded, then took off and flew northward, leaving Martin alone. Lydia came to his side. "We should head back, my liege." Martin nodded and the two returned to the encampment in silence.
Arenthia Falls
Imperial Legion Embankment, Just outside the city
General Whitestone stood on the hills overlooking the Strid river, just outside the city. The bridge to the gates was wide open, but Thalmor archers were lining the walls. The general deployed his archers along the hilltops to counter them. General Tullius had tried using Imperial Battlemages to breakdown the gates to the city, but the enemy mages used wards to protect it.
They were going to have to use brute force to break through.
While General Whitestone was deploying his archers, General Tullius was overseeing the construction of a battering ram, with a sloped top to protect the soldiers. It was early afternoon before it was ready, but that gave General Whitestone plenty of time to have his soldiers construct makeshift berms to provide a limited amount of protection. It was not as good as the city wall or their parapets, but it was something.
As soon as the Imperial Legion arrived at the bridge with their battering ram, they came under attack. Thalmor archers tried firing arrows and Thalmor mages tried setting the siege engine on fire. Each time, they tried, Imperial Legion archers would send a volley their way.
Two of the imperial legion soldiers were injured, but the rest managed to get the battering ram across the bridge. Thalmor mages redoubled their efforts to light the siege engine on fire. Some of them received an arrow to the arm or chest for their trouble. Others only narrowly missed getting hit.
Other Thalmor mages summoned atronachs from inside the city to disrupt the breakthrough attempt. Imperial heavy infantry responded by fighting the atronachs. Thalmor archers fired volleys into the imperial troops, but they too were either hit by Imperial legion archers or just narrowly missed getting hit.
Eventually, the imperial legion broke through the gates. A loud cheer went up and the infantry charged through the breach. The first wave was hit by arrows and fire from on high. However, sheer numbers proved to be their ally as they were able to climb up to the walls and fight the archers and mages.
The imperial legion took some heavy losses in the beginning, but the tide quickly turned and eventually every Thalmor archer, mage and soldier in the merchant quarter was dead or captured. The Imperial Legion had taken the merchant quarter and Thalmor Square.
First Legion Encampment, Outside Arenthia
Martin was in his tent, receiving dispatches from the city. Each one was short and was good news. He would much rather be fighting in the city than in the camp, but his generals were right, he needed to let them lead. Lydia was at the city, watching the soldiers, seeing who she could recruit for his personal guard. He was pleased with what he had seen so far. It would have been nice if the siege engine was ready earlier in the day, but that could not be helped.
Finally, he had received the dispatch he was waiting for. His army had taken the merchant quarter and Thalmor Square. "Have my horse made ready and then return and tell them I am on my way," Martin ordered.
"Yes my liege," The messenger nodded and left.
Thalmor Square, Arenthia
The square was oddly calm and quiet, given the recent flurry of battle that had taken place. The Imperial Legion had taken up positions in the square, but took no further action. None of the enemy soldiers approached, they just watched and waited.
Murmurs swept through the crowd when Martin rode in on his horse. He dismounted and walked over to the fountain in the center of the square. Lydia and one of the imperial battlemages immediately joined him.
Martin looked at his troops and then he Thalmor and then the city inhabitants. "Brothers and sisters, hear me!" he began.
"You're not our brother!" one of the Thalmor shouted.
"You're a traitor!" another shouted.
"Brothers and sisters, please. I am no traitor, in fact, this man you see hear tried to take my head simply for being out in the wilderness!" Martin motioned to General Tullius.
The general, for his part, remained stoic.
"Just as I was arrested and condemned by the empire by chance, I was saved by chance when Alduin attacked the city they were going to behead me in."
"Alduin is a myth! A story we use to scare children with."
"Really?" Martin challenged. "I bet many of you believed dragons were a myth, but surely you heard that dragons fought against the Thalmor yesterday? Dragons are no myth and neither is Alduin. I know, I fought him and I slew him, for good."
Most of the crowd were skeptical, but some were beginning to listen with interest.
"Centuries ago, Tiber Septim had the blood of dragons in him. He used his abilities to unify all of Tamriel."
"Tiber Septim was a tyrant! He murdered our kind!" One of the Thalmor shouted.
"No," Martin replied. "He was dragonborn, blessed by the divines. What you have heard is decades of propaganda from the Altmer. Tell me, do they truly treat you as equals? Or do they look down upon you as mer to be exploited? Do they really tell you the truth or do they fill your heads with lies?"
"Brothers and sisters, I know what it is like to be oppressed by the empire. I nearly lost my life to their zealousness. I also know what it is like to be oppressed by the Thalmor, I nearly lost my life to their zealousness too. But I tell you the truth, there is one big difference between the empire and the Thalmor. The empire allows you the opportunity to expand your horizons, to better yourself and to truly be free and exchange knowledge, skills, magic. The thalmor suppress any and all ideas that do not come from them."
Martin looked around most of the crowd seemed to doubt his words, but some were beginning to nod in acceptance.
"The empire is not perfect. It has many flaws. Flaws which we can correct if we work together. Brothers and sisters, you have the power to affect real change. Everything you saw wrong with the empire and everything you saw wrong with the Thalmor, you can change. I truly am one of you. The reason I made my claim to the throne was so that I could improve life for all mer and for all men. I cannot do it alone, though. I need your help. I am asking you, join me, be my brother, be my sister. Let's work together and change things for the better."
"What if we don't!?" One of the Thalmor asked.
Martin paused for a moment. He needed to choose his next words very carefully. "You are all free. You all have the freedom to choose your destiny. You can choose to serve the Thalmor and remain oppressed, or you can choose to shape your own future. I am asking you to choose your own future. Please, there has been enough fighting here already. Sheath your swords, allow us into the palace, and you will be able to choose your own rulers. Your fate will truly be in your own hands."
There was a good deal of murmuring among the soldiers. Martin could tell they were divided, but he decided it was time for him to be silent and all them to talk things out themselves. Finally, one of them walked forward. He looked like a low ranking officer based on his markings.
"I am Gaehir. I am the only officer left in this garrison. We will not fight you, but you cannot occupy our city."
"You speak for your men and for the city, then?" Martin asked.
"I do, and we will no longer be oppressed by the Thalmor, but we will not trade one master for another. We will not serve the empire, either."
That was not quite what Martin was expecting. He knew he had to tread very carefully. He needed the city, but he had put himself in a corner that would be difficult to get out of. He looked around the square. The sun was low in the sky and orange hue had painted the front of many of the shops. Suddenly, he had an idea.
"The empire will honor your wishes and will honor your decision. We do not wish for you to be slaves or servants. Perhaps we could be partners."
Gaehir scoffed at the idea. "We learned how partnership works from the Thalmor."
"We are not the Thalmor. We will not conscript your children into our legion. We will not force our rule upon you," Martin replied. "I am talking about a truly beneficial relationship between Arenthia and the Empire."
Gaehir was skeptical, but he was listening. "Really, now."
"Really. I am proposing a mutually beneficial arrangement. We will offer you and your city food, supplies, medicines and gold."
"And in return?"
"Allow us to rent some unused buildings. We will not force you to quarter and feed our soldiers, but we will pay your taverns for room and board. We will pay your shops for food. We will bring our own food and supplies and give them to your merchants so that they can sell them to your citizens."
Gaehir thought long and hard before responding. "Order all your soldiers out of the city and I will invite you into the palace to negotiate."
"What about your administrator?" Tullius asked.
"He fled at the first sign of fighting, the coward," Gaehir spat.
Martin nodded. "Very well." He then turned to General Whitestone. "Take all of our troops out of the city and back to our camp." He ordered. "General Tullius and Lydia, you are with me."
First Legion Encampment, Outside Arenthia
Masser and Secunda had passed their zenith when Martin had returned to the camp. He, Lydia and General Tullius went to his tent. General Whitestone was summoned and arrived a moment later.
"What was the outcome from your negotiations, my liege?" Whitestone asked.
"Not as good as I'd hoped, but better than I expected," Martin replied.
"May I speak freely?" Whitesone asked.
"Of course."
"Sire, we should have taken the city by force. We had defeated their garrison, it was simply a mop up operation. We could have occupied and held that city."
Martin nodded. "Yeah," he sighed, "yeah, that didn't go quite the way I expected, but it wasn't a total loss. They will permit us to use the city as a staging area, but we cannot setup any sort of headquarters, and they will not hold the Altmer prisoners. We can quarter our soldiers and store our supplies, using the city as a depot. We can maintain a presence in the city, but we'll pay a fair rate for the rooms we use."
"Where will we set up our headquarters?" Whitestone asked.
"I recommend Thormar Keep." Tullius suggested. It's a small settlement just south of here. There is no garrison. We can occupy it and set up headquarters. From there we can move to Silvernar and eventually Falinesti."
Before Martin could respond, he was interrupted by a messenger from the Fourth Legion. "Apologies for the intrusion, sire! The Thalmor have crossed the border into Cyrodiil! General Blackmane has retreated to Skingrad. General Laudis has moved his legion down and is holding them at the Gold Road, but he does not have the troops to push the Thalmor back."
Martin rose immediately. "Why did General Blackmane retreat? Why won't he support General Laudis?"
"I cannot speak to his actions or intentions, my liege," the messenger responded. "I only came to inform you of what happened and to see reinforcements for General Laudis. Although word from the front is half of the third legion was cut down during their retreat."
Martin felt the anger rising in his blood, but forced it back down so he could think clearly. "General Whitestone, take a cohort of archers and a cohort of light infantry and stage yourselves in the city of Arentia. General Tullius, the remaining cohorts from both legions will be folded into one unit under your command. Take them to reinforce General Laudis. Lydia, you have some names in mind based on your observations the past few days?"
"Yes, my liege."
"Good. Gather some of them into a small detachment. You all will accompany me to Skingrad."
Martin looked around the tent. "War has begun in earnest. We knew they would strike back. Whitestone, secure and hold Arenthia. Lydia, we set out immediately. Tullius, let the men get some rest and set out at first light. Send the Thalmor straight to Oblivion. They will find us not so weak this time."
*Thalmor Square: In ESO, in the merchant quarter is "Imperial Square." I took the liberty of having the Thalmor rename it "Thalmor Square" when they assumed control of Valenwood.