Gains and Loss
Imperial Palace, Emperor's Quarters
Midyear 18th
The early morning light was starting to come in through the windows as Martin was eating mixture of fruit and pastries. He was watching Lydia, who was still in bed, sleeping. Martin admired her beauty and was sure he had made the right decision.
As he was pondering the previous evening, Lydia's eyelids fluttered slightly and then opened. She saw Martin and smiled. "Good morning," she said.
"Good morning," Martin replied.
Lydia got up, put on a robe and joined Martin for breakfast. The two sat in silence for a few minutes, the big change facing them both hanging in the air. Lydia was the first to speak. "Last night, did you mean it?"
"Of course I meant it. Why? Are you having second thoughts?" Martin nervously asked.
"No, not at all, it's just…well, we're not adventures anymore. You're not a minor noble in a minor court. You're the emperor of all Tamriel! Well, you know what I mean. I'm just, well, I'm just a guard. Shouldn't you marry someone, I dunno, more important?" Lydia explained.
"First, you are not 'just a guard,' Lydia. You are the head of the Emperor's Personal Guard and you are a Consul of the Empire. That makes you equivalent to the Mane of Elsweyr or High King of Skyrim. Second of all, I don't care what your 'title' is. I don't care if you are the palace servant who prepares our food or cleans. You are the one I love and you are the one I want to marry. Frankly, as emperor, I can choose to marry who I want and I choose you."
Lydia smiled a big, happy smile at Martin's response, and then asked. "What would happen to the Emperor's guard? Would I still be a consul? Would I still be a blade?"
Martin was thoughtful for a few minutes. In the heat of the moment last night, he had not considered what would happen to the his personal guard or to Lydia in her capacity as its lead. Finally, he spoke, "Even better, you'll be my queen." He smiled back. "As for the Blades, I think there is a better capacity for you to serve. You'll be making a lot of visits to nobles in all the provinces. People will talk to you, sometimes, with wine, they'll share interesting gossip. You can gather your observations and listen intently to their gossip and prepare dispatches for Delphine to review. You would have an equivalent rank in the Intelligence section of the Blades. As for my personal guard, you can pick a qualified replacement. We have many to choose from."
"But my place is by your side," Lydia protested. "I took an oath to protect your life, with mine if necessary."
"Lydia, when we get married, you will take a new oath, one that supersedes your current oath. And you will be by my side, and you will be protecting me, just in a different way."
The two sat in silence again, as Lydia considered Martin's words. Her face showed deep concentration. Then, her face brightened and she said, "Ok, let's do it. When would you like to hold the ceremony?"
"Would that we could marry immediately," Martin replied, "but I think it would be best to do so after the liberation of Valenwood. We'll get married before we invade Summerst."
Lydia smiled again and happily agreed. Neither of them realized it at that moment, but that decision would have far reaching consequences later on.
Imperial Palace, Emperor's Office
Martin was in high spirits later that morning, in his office. He was about meet with the enigmatic ebony warrior, and he had a special task planned for him. The Ebony Warrior arrived under escort, and the guard almost seemed relieved when he was dismissed by Martin. The Ebony Warrior was not wearing his armor, but some middle class clothing instead.
Martin was also wearing some middle class clothing. Even though he had access to some of the more expensive and fine clothing items, he felt most comfortable in the middle class clothing and wore it whenever he could. His meeting with the Ebony Warrior was less formal than most, so he took the opportunity to dress for comfort instead of for show.
It seemed to put the warrior at ease as Martin explained the reason for his summons. "You said you had no more quests, no more challenges. Well, I have a challenging question that is well suited for a warrior of your caliber. As you know, the Empire and the Aldmeri Dominion are once again at war."
"Forgive me, your majesty, but I usually shy away from drawn out wars. I find it…difficult to navigate the politics and the rigidity of a military." The Ebony Warrior explained.
"Of course," Martin replied. "I found the adjustment difficult myself, but that's not why I called you here. I think your skills would be wasted as a foot soldier. No, as I said I have a special quest that is well suited to someone of your skills."
"Ok, now I am intrigued."
"Good," Martin smiled. "A few days ago, one of our legions was ambushed in Valenwood. Many of the soldiers were killed, but there are quite a few that are still unaccounted for, including one of our generals, Igmund Blackmane. I'd like you to infiltrate enemy territory, see if you can locate the missing general and his soldiers and if they are alive, escort them safely back to Cyrodiil. What do you think?"
The Ebony Warrior was reflective for a moment before responding. "What kind of opposition is there? How many enemy soldiers? What type? You said Valenwood, so I assume the terrain is forest?"
"Ok, enemy forces are unknown. The Legion was ambushed from both sides of the road by archers in the forest. We were not sure what the size of the enemy force was and we're not sure if they are still there."
The Ebony Warrior nodded thoughtfully. "Am I to engage if enemy soldiers are present, or is this to be a stealth quest?"
"I'll leave that up to you. The main objective is to locate and rescue General Blackmane or any of the surviving soldiers."
"Sounds easy enough, when do I leave?" The Ebony Warrior asked.
"Should be a very easy for someone of your caliber," Martin replied. "Leave as soon as you are ready. You can take one of the horses from the palace stables to get to the site of the ambush, but would probably be better on foot from there."
Valenwood, Road to Stone Keep
Midyear, 19th
The Ebony Warrior brought his horse to a stop. Signs of battle were all around him. Even though it had been a few days, and even though both looters and wildlife had been thorough in the area, the signs were unmistakable. He dismounted and made a search of the immediate area, looking for the minute details that an average individual would easily miss.
He was able to discern much, looking at the where the arrows lay, the position of some of the bodies, the scuff marks on the ground, broken scrub near the side of the road, etc. After searching the area, the Ebony Warrior took off in the direction that Blackmane charged. He was slow and methodical, paying attention to every detail.
He had advanced into the forest far enough that the trees and scrub were just starting to obscure the road when he found himself surround by a Thalmor soldier and two Thalmor archers.
Without preamble, the soldier charged at the Ebony Warrior. The Ebony Warrior grabbed the soldier, turned and using the soldier's own momentum was able to throw him into one of the archers. He then charged the other archer. The Thalmor dropped her bow, drew an elven short sword and attacked.
The Ebony Warrior parried a few blows and shouted, "Zun…Haal…VIIK!" The short sword went flying. The Ebony Warrior pressed the tip of his ebony sword against the throat of the Thalmor archer. Just enough to indent but not break the skin. "Choose to live," he said.
The Thalmor archer stepped back, "I yield," she said.
"And the others?"
She looked at the other two Thalmor, who were just starting to get up. "We all yield, we'll leave you be."
All three of them dropped their weapons and ran off. The Ebony Warrior assumed they would be reporting the incident and returning in greater numbers, so quickly left the area.
After a few more hours of searching, the Ebony Warrior found some more broken branches in the underbrush, and what appeared to be dried blood. He followed the broken branches and came upon a cave. He drew his sword and cautiously approached the cave. Two soldiers dressed in Imperial Legion armor challenged him.
"State your name and your business," one of them demanded.
"I am here on a mission from your emperor to find and rescue General Igmund Blackmane and any other survivors," the Ebony Warrior replied.
"Credentials," the other soldier demanded.
"They are only for General Blackmane."
"Very well, but you will be escorted. Make one false move and your life is forfeit," the first soldier explained.
"Auxiliary!" the second soldier called, "Escort this individual to the general. If he tries anything funny, kill him."
The Ebony Warrior smiled to himself as he was escorted to see General Blackmane. He knew he had nothing to fear from the legionnaire, but they also had nothing to fear from him. The general was towards the back of the first section of the cave. He was injured, in his side and in his leg. There were a few other injured soldiers lying on the ground nearby, all being tended to by some of their peers.
The Ebony Warrior walked up to General Blackmane and removed a leather bundle from his bag. He unwrapped it and presented a scroll, sealed with wax that contained an imprint from the Emperor's signet ring. "Here are my credentials, General."
The general took the missive, broke the seal and read it. Then he looked up at the Ebony Warrior. The general studied him for a moment, then nodded. He handed the missive back to the Ebony Warrior and then reached for his sword, handing that over as well. "You are the Warrior who fought a dual with the emperor in the Arena, are you not?"
The Ebony Warrior nodded.
"I was unable to see the bout, but I heard that the two of you fought most of the day and that a few times you nearly bested the emperor."
"Your emperor fought well. He was a worthy challenge and he won with the dual with honor," the Ebony Warrior replied.
General Blackmane seemed satisfied by the response. He thought for a moment before replying, "I am in no shape to travel, and most of my men are no better. The few uninjured among us will not be enough for an escort. Go to Praetor Whitestone and ask if he can spare a detachment to bring us back to Cyrodill. Take the missive and my sword."
"Understood, General Blackmane. I will set off immediately. I'll see to it that you and your men get back to Cyrodiil safely."
General Blackmane nodded and the Ebony Warrior set off, his escort remaining behind.
Vulkwasten Wood, Valenwood
Praetor Whitestone was sleeping in his quarters at the inn in Vulkwasten Wood, when he was suddenly awakened by a presence in his room. He looked over and in the dim light could make out a vampire approaching his bed. He reached for his sword, but then stopped. He didn't need his sword. The vampire wasn't his enemy, it was…his…friend…yes…yes, his friend. And suddenly he felt compelled to help his friend. He sat up and knew that he had to help his friend…
The vampire approached the praetor and leaned in to feed. The vampire was going to drain him dry. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door, the vampire stopped and looked at the door. There was a second knock and when it went unanswered the door opened. An aide to the praetor stuck his head through the door, but quickly retreated when he saw the vampire.
The vampire turned back to Praetor Whitestone when the door was flung open.
"Fus…roh…DAH!" the vampire when flying to the back of the room, slamming into the wall hard, before crashing to the floor. The commotion shook the praetor out of his reverie, and he grabbed his sword. The vampire hissed and motioned with his hands. A red glow appeared around the praetor.
The Ebony Warrior charged the vampire and attacked with this ebony blade. The vampire turned his attention away from the praetor and engaged the Ebony Warrior. The Praetor slashed at the vampire from behind, giving the Ebony Warrior an opening. The vampire was being slashed from both sides and was unable to heal himself quickly enough. The Ebony Warrior spun and with a flourish, decapitated the vampire. The headless body crumpled to the floor, the head landing nearby and rolling slightly.
Whitestone studied the Ebony Warrior. "Thank you for your help. I see word of your skills were not exaggerated. I'd be dead now if not for your help."
The Ebony Warrior nodded, but was quick to get to the business at hand. "I have a missive from your emperor, along with credentials from General Blackmane." He handed over the missive and the sword.
Whitestone took both and read the missive. "So, Igmund is alive. Good. You were tasked with finding him and escorting him back to Cyrodiil. Why come here?"
"General Blackmane and many of his men are injured," The Ebony Warrior explained. "He has requested a detachment to escort us back to Cyrodiil. He is worried that his wounds, and those of his men will slow the group down and leave them open to attack."
"Makes sense. How many Thalmor soldiers did you encounter?"
"Three between the road and the cave where I found the general. None between the cave and here."
Praetor Whitestone considered his options. "Ok, I'll send two patrols with you. That should be enough to provide a sufficient escort, without attracting too much attention. I will also write a short report on our vampire friend. Please deliver it directly to the emperor."
The Ebony Warrior nodded.
"Kallus!" Whitestone called.
Tribune Kallus, his aide poked his head through the door, and Whitestone gave him his orders, "Instruct General Hadvar to form a detachment of two patrols. They will report to…? I'm sorry what are you called?"
"The people of Cyrodiil have taken to calling me the Ebony Warrior. I rather like that moniker."
Whitestone decided not to belabor the point and continued his instructions. "They will report to the Ebony Warrior. Then bring some food for him and a parchment for me." Whitestone turned toward the Ebony Warrior. "You'll head out after you eat. Keep both the missive and Igmund's sword. I'll give you a message for the emperor shortly."
Blades Offices, Imperial Palace
Midyear, 22nd
Martin was rather surprised when Esbern had requested an urgent meeting, and was curious as to what was so important it caused Esbern to reach out. Martin was even more surprised when he found out the reason: One of Morrowind's Councilors was, in fact, a former blade! What's more, that blade had been harboring Malborn. The news seemed too good to be true and Martin had immediately agreed to the meeting.
Now, he was sitting with Esbern, Delphine, Tovas Indalen and Malborn. Esbern got right to the point.
"Thank you for meeting with us so quickly, your majesty. As you can see, we've located Malborn, and we've had another underground blade come forward."
"Thank you, Esbern, for bringing these matters to my attention so promptly." Martin turned towards Tovas. "Tell me, Councilor Indalen, how is it that you managed to become a blade while a councilor on the Redoran Council?"
"Well, this was not always the case, your majesty," Tovas explained. "Originally, my family were minor nobles in House Redoran. It was easy to join the blades with little notice. After the Red Mountain erupted, we stepped up to provide aid, logistics, any and all support needed. My family was rewarded for our efforts with a seat on the council. That seat fell to me, and it provided good cover once the blades were being hunted down."
The group listened intently. When it appeared Tovas was finished, Martin asked, "I'm curious, can you tell me what was behind the seemingly sudden reversal of the council?"
"You mean in our decision to support the empire?"
Martin nodded.
"There are a couple of reasons," Tovas began. "First, there was your most ardent supporter, Councilor Morvayn. He shared how you saved his life and brought new life to Raven Rock. Those actions alone carry quite a bit of weight with House Redoran. Second, there was rumor of your fight in the Arena with this so called 'Ebony Warrior?' Savethi himself witnessed how you ran towards danger when the warrior appeared to be attacking the palace. However, when it turned out he simply showed up to issue a challenge, which you not only accepted, but you defeated him in honorable combat, you showed that you have both the skill and honor of a true warrior. That also carries a lot of weight in House Redoran."
"Surely there was more to it than that?" Martin insisted.
Tovas smiled slightly. "Yes, the one thing that probably helped turn the tide was a slight shift in sentiment among the people of Morrowind."
"How so?" Delphine asked.
Tovas was thoughtful for a moment, trying to find the right words. "After the empire moved to a hands off policy with Morrowind, many of the Dunmer became bitter and disillusioned with it. House Hlaalu had traditionally been very close to the Empire and as public sentiment turned away from the empire, it also turned away from House Hlaalu. This, combined with severe business losses after the Red Mountain eruption, caused House Hlaalu to lose its standing among the Great Houses."
"What kind of losses?" Martin asked.
"House Hlaalu had a bulk of their businesses tied to Vvardenfell. Much of that was trade to and from the mainland, but a big part of it was the various mines throughout the island. Egg mines, ebony mines, glass mines, and the like. With the destruction of the mines, a big source of their income was lost. That, coupled with their close ties to the Empire caused their decline. However, now we are seeing public sentiment shift, with a little more sympathy for the empire."
"And House Redoran does not want to see House Hlaalu regain its standing as a result, do they?" Martin observed.
"No. House Redoran has pretty much solidified its hold on Morrowind. They do not want any other house to increase in standing." Tovas confirmed.
"So is it safe to say that House Redoran alone runs Morrowind?" Martin asked.
"It is. After the Red Mountain eruption, House Redoran led the relief efforts. In doing so, it eventually became the pre-eminent house and the Redoran Council became the de facto government of Morrowind."
"With you as a sitting council member," Delphine observed.
"Correct."
Martin and Delphine shared a look. Martin smiled as he spoke. "Your being here and bringing Malborn back is a tremendous service to the Empire. Would you consider continuing your service as a blade?"
"It would be my great honor, your majesty," Tovas replied.
"What was your rank before…well, before?" Delphine asked.
"I was an operative in the Blades."
Delphine looked at Martin. Martin nodded. Delphine continued. "With the Emperor's permission, I would like to recommission you as a blade. You have already taken the oath. Do you reaffirm that oath?"
"I do," Tovas replied solemnly.
"Then I hereby grant you the rank of Agent. Your task is to grow a network throughout the province. Is this something you can accomplish?" Delphine asked.
"It will take some time, but I believe I am in a position to do just that." Tovas confirmed.
"Excellent," Martin said. "I'm sure Delphine will increase your rank and your responsibilities as your network grows."
Delphine nodded.
"Good. Good. You've done a great service to the empire already and I look forward to more from you." Martin turned towards Malborn. "Speaking of service, Malborn, you have already helped both Delphine and myself. By extension you have also done a service to the Empire. I would like to reward that service by placing you in a similar position to Tovas. What do you think? Are you willing to both serve and be rewarded?"
"But how?" Malborn asked. "I have no prestige, no 'House,' no council seat. What could I possibly do now?"
"That's where the reward comes in," Martin said. "How would you like to rule the province of Valenwood?"
Emperor's Anteroom, Imperial Palace
It was the midday meal and Martin had a few guests to join him for an informal meeting while they ate. Praetor Whitestone, who had been temporarily recalled, General Blackmane, who was still convalescing, the Ebony Warrior, Malborn and of course, Lydia were all present.
"Igmund, I am glad to see you back. How are you doing?" Martin asked.
"I am recovering, slower than I would like, and I fear my field days may be behind me, but I am recovering nonetheless."
"I have some ideas about that," Marin replied. "We can talk later."
General Blackmane nodded.
Martin turned towards Praetor Whitestone, "Rorik, tell me more about this vampire attack. Was it a fluke or is there something more behind it?"
"The attack was…surreal. I didn't feel threatened, in fact, I actually wanted to present my neck to him and allow him to feed. If the Ebony Warrior had not arrived when he did, I surely would not be sitting here right now."
"You were enthralled. Some vampires will do that in order to make it easier to feed on what they consider their prey. We are all cattle to them," Martin explained.
"You have experience with vampires, I take it?" Whitestone asked.
"I used to be one, so yes," Martin replied.
There was shock around the room, except for Lydia.
"It was only a short time, and was deemed necessary to defeat the biggest vampire threat at the time. It's not an experience I would repeat, nor one I care to share, so please do not let that leave this room."
There were a series of nods, and Martin continued. "I would like you to send a small detachment to Fort Dawnguard. It's just over the border. There you will find a man named Isran and a vampire named Serana."
"Wait, you want us to actually invite a vampire here?" General Blackmane interrupted.
"She helped us defeat the worst vampire threat Tamriel has ever seen, so yes," Martin directed. "Have both Isran and Serana report to the palace. This could be a one off, or it could indicate something worse, but those two are the best experts on vampires in all the land."
"Understood, your majesty. I will send a detachment while the sun is still high in the sky," Whitestone replied.
"Good. Thank you." Martin then turned towards Malborn. "Given any thought to what I asked you earlier?"
"You were serious?" Malborn asked. "I am no leader. And why would the people accept me, anyway?"
"I think you have it in you. Your history makes you sympathetic. And given that we are both Bosmer, it will not seem like you are beholden to a foreign power. I will admit, I could be mistaken, but I believe Valenwood will recognize you as their ruler. Treat them fairly and justly and they will accept you." Martin explained.
"I…I need a few days to think about it," Malborn replied.
War Room, Imperial Palace
Midyear, 25th
The senior leaders of the Imperial Legion were gathered for planning the assault on Falinesti. All of the major cites of Valenwood, and many of the settlements, were in Imperial hands. Once they took Falinesti, they would control Valenwood and the Thalmor would be off the mainland of Tamriel.
"Gentlemen, allow me to begin by saying you all have done a phenomenal job in Valenwood. We took more losses than we had anticipated, but we have completed all of our objectives. All but one…Falinesti. Consul Jonna, please brief us on the plan." Martin requested.
Jonna stood and motioned to the map that was laid out on the table. "Your majesty. Currently the Second Army has its legions garrisoned in Haven, Southpoint, Elden Root and Silvernar. We are going to move the 6th Legion from Haven and they will guard the southern flank as the First Army moves to encircle Falinesti. We intend to use all four legions. The fourth legion will start building siege weapons on your order."
"Consider the order given," Martin said. "How long until we can assault the city?"
"It will take a day for the legions to get into position from where they are now and another two to three days to construct the siege engines. The outer city should not be too difficult, but the Great Elden Tree, well, it can be intimidating." Jonna added.
"It has been rooted for over two hundred years. I don't think it's going anywhere anytime soon. It is still sacred to the Bosmer, but there isn't as much to it as there once was. The once great walking city is a shell of its former self, and nobody really knows why," Martin explained.
"Understood, your majesty. That being said you may notice many of the non-mer soldiers still feel very uncomfortable. I have no doubt they will all do their jobs admirably, but there is still much in the way of superstition," Jonna replied
Martin nodded thoughtfully and turned to Praetor Whitestone. "Rorik, you have been using Thalmor deserters to fill out your ranks, no?"
Whitestone nodded.
"Maybe use them to lead the assault into the walking city?" Martin suggested.
"Yes, sire, I believe that would be a smart move." Whitestone replied.
"Good. Don't think you're getting out of it though," Martin added with a smile. Then he got serious again. "You and I will leave tomorrow at first light."
"Of course, your majesty. The Emperor's Legion will be leading the charge against the city. I think the sword singers will be the perfect tip of the spear."
"Good. What else?" Martin asked.
"Well, we are confident that four legions will be enough to take both the outer city and the Elden Tree. However, the 6th Legion will be close by, guarding the southern flank as I mentioned previously, and will be ready to assist if needed. Also, the 5th Legion is garrisoned in Silvernar and they are prepared to move out if necessary," Jonna explained.
"Sounds like you have things well thought out," Martin observed. We'll launch the attack in three days' time. Jonna, I'd like you to start working on a high level plan for the invasion of Summerset: number of ships needed, time to transport our legions, defense plan for the mainland, including how many legions we'll leave behind. After we take Falinesti, we may have more information on which cities are the best to try our landings in."
"Yes, your majesty. We'll get right on it. Good luck. May the nine be with you." Jonna replied.
Emperor's Offices
Isran was not happy about being summoned, even by the emperor. He was less happy about being made to wait…even on the emperor.
"Apologies, Isran, Serana," Martin began as he entered the room. "We are planning our assault on the last city in Valenwood. The meeting ran a little over. Oh! Valerica! It is good to see you. I wasn't aware you would be coming."
"This…abomination…insisted on using our alchemy lab. Something about her own lab missing ingredients," Isran complained.
Valerica huffed. "Please, you'd be tripping over your own Warhammer if not for me."
Martin stifled a laugh and turned to Serana. "How do you…wait…" Martin noticed her eyes were green. "Your eyes…you—"
"I…I was 'cured' yes," Serana admitted.
Martin turned toward Valerica, "and you were ok with it?"
Valerica demurred for a moment, something that seemed unusual for her. "The decision to become a vampire was not one she was permitted to make. I felt the decision to revert should be hers and hers alone."
Martin briefly got a sense of the mother-daughter bond between the two. Things had definitely changed. However the moment was interrupted by Isran: "If only she would do the same, then things would get to normal around the fort."
Valerica was quick with a retort. "But Isran, dear, who would keep you on your toes?"
This time both Lydia and Serana stifled a laugh.
"As lovely as this is," Martin interceded, "perhaps we should get to the business at hand."
"Yes, let's," Isran agreed.
"As you know, we are at war with the Aldmeri Dominion," Martin explained.
"Yes, we know. The war is of little concern to us," Isran Interrupted.
"Well, something that may be of concern to you is the fact that one of our senior officers was attacked by a vampire," Martin pointed out.
"Where did this attack happen?" Isran asked.
"In Vulkwasten Wood. There is a small inn there. The attack happened in a room in the inn there," Martin said.
Isran turned towards Valerica, "One of yours?"
Valerica shook her head, "No, very few survived the assault of the Dawnguard. Those who did have been holed up. No one has left."
"hmm…" Isran rubbed his chin. "Could be a local conclave, or it could be a feral. I'll send some scouting parties to Valenwood to see if we can locate their lairs."
"I'd like some legionnaires to accompany your scouting parties. Perhaps they could teach them all a thing or two," Martin suggested.
Isran nodded. "They'd probably just get in the way, but there is a lot we can teach them. If they're willing to learn."
"Good. There is something else I would like you to consider. I'd like your group to formally be a part of the Imperial Legion. You would be a special detachment, and you would report directly to me." Martin offered. "I would also like to induct some of you into the Blades."
"Interesting," Isran replied. "We had heard rumors you re-instituted the blades. I'm not sure I want your spies in my fort. As for joining the legion, our work is too important to get distracted by legion affairs."
"Understandable, but there are to things to consider: First, you would be one of those 'spies' and you alone would control the information that comes out of the fort. As for the Legion, you would not be typical soldiers. You would be a special unit, and your unit would grow as you trained more soldiers. You would have a very large pool of recruits to choose from, and you would have access to the imperial treasury to stock your armory and imperial workers to repair and expand Fort Dawnguard."
Isran's demeanor changed slightly. "Access to those resources could benefit our mission. You say I would report directly to you? None of us would be pulled away from our mission for wars or expeditions?"
"Yes, you would report directly to me, and I would ensure you would not be pulled away, except to investigate reports of vampires or vampire lairs." Martin confirmed.
Isran considered the offer, but he wasn't quite ready to commit. "I will give your proposal some thought, but first there is a mission to accomplish."
Imperial Lines, Just Outside Falinesti, Valenwood
Midyear, 28th
The Imperial Legions were lined up outside the city. They were just outside the range of the defender's archers, or so they thought. They would soon find that was not the case. The Legions were assembled in a massive formation. Infantry to the front, Archers just behind them and Magic users in the rear. Most of the cavalry were on foot, though some of the officers were still on their horses.
Inside the city, archers and mages lined the walls, ready to stop the siege engines they knew were coming. Both sides were determined.
Martin was towards the front of the Imperial formation, Whitestone and Hadvar on their horses up front as well. Lydia was on her horse next to Martin, always by his side. They were observing the siege engines being brought into place, when suddenly she fell off her horse. Martin dismounted immediately and rushed to her side. His heart sank when he saw the arrow in her neck.
"Healers! Get me healers, NOW!" he shouted.
Hadvar gave the command and word was sent for the mage. Then he gave another command and the Imperial Archers loosed several volleys in return.
A few minutes later, the most skilled restoration mage was by his side. "Help Lydia," Martin commanded.
The mage knelt down next to her, examined the wound and examined Lydia. There were no signs of life. "I'm sorry my liege, she's with the nine. The arrow...appears to have been poisoned. There is nothing I can do for her."
Martin grabbed the mage by her robes. "HELP HER!"
"B-b-but, your majesty, she's…she's dead. I-I'm sorry, there's nothing I can do."
Hadvar had been standing behind Martin, put a hand on his shoulder. "Your majesty, Martin…Cadriel, I am sorry, but the healer can do nothing. Lydia is gone."
Martin released his grip on the healer, and stood up. He looked at Hadvar with a cold, vacant stare. For the first time since Hadvar had known the emperor, he was truly afraid of him.
Without a word, Martin turned and started walking towards the city.
"Mul…qah…DIIV!"
Martin continued walking towards the main gates of the city, ignoring the arrows, fireballs and ice spikes that flew around him. The siege engines were not yet in place, but Martin did not care. He would not need them.
Martin stood before the gates. He looked up at the archers on the wall and then back at the gates. "Fus…roh…DAH!" The gates shattered before him. Shards and splinters of wood flying inwards. All activity seemed to cease. Arrows and magic stopped as both sides were stunned by what Martin had just done.
The silence was but a second, but seemed to last forever.
The imperial legion recovered, and with a shout rushed towards the now nonexistent gates. Martin walked into the city, and found the nearest steps. Imperial soldiers flooded the city and engaged Thalmor troops.
Martin climbed the nearest steeps and several Thalmor soldiers descended the stairs to engage him.
"Fus…roh…dah!" The soldiers flew off the stairs.
Martin reached the top of the stairs, and with fire in his eyes, looked for the target of his wrath. A few soldiers tried to engage him, but Martin dispatched them without even thinking. All his thoughts, all his focus was on one thing. Making Lydia's killer pay. He approached a group of archers, who were a little less confident than they were a few minutes ago.
"Which one of you loosed the arrow?"
He didn't have to explain, they all had seen what had happened, and witnessed Martin's actions since Lydia was knocked of her horse.
"Which one of you loosed the arrow?" Martin repeated.
One of the archers stepped forward, to the amazement of the rest. "I did, I was just-"
"GOL…HAH!"
Without a further word, the archer dropped his bow, removed his helm and stood up on the parapet. With a flourish, Martin spun and severed the archer's head with his sword, then he kicked the headless body off the wall.
After witnessing what Martin did, the rest of the soldiers dropped their weapons in surrender.
"Yol…Toor…SHUL!" The group of soldiers was engulfed in flames. Some jumped off the wall, plunging to their deaths, others simply dropped in agony.
The rest ran.
Martin descended the stairs and walked to the main avenue into the city. He was met by General Hadvar and Praetor Whitestone.
"My liege," Whitestone began, "Thanks to the opening you created, our soldiers have made it into the city en masse. The outer parts of the city are ours. The Thalmor soldiers have surrendered. We can now make our way to the Great Tree and install Malborn as the new leader of Valenwood.
Without a word, Martin started walking towards the Great Tree.
The General and the Praetor shared a concerned look.
Great Hall, Great Tree, Falinesti
"Fus…roh…dah!" The doors to the great hall shattered and flew inwards.
Martin walked into the hall, followed by Hadvar, Whitestone, Malborn and the captain of the city guard/detachment.
Martin walking up the stairs and drew his sword, pressing the tip against the throat of the Thalmor installed ruler.
"Your majesty!" Whitestone exclaimed. "The city is ours. There is no need for this. He will stand trial for his crimes against the Bosmer. Justice will be done. Please, don't do this!"
Martin didn't move. He stood motionless and wordless as the sword was pressed against the ruler's throat.
"Your majesty, please!" The Captain of the guard shouted. "This is what the Thalmor would have done!"
Whatever switch had flipped when Lydia died, switched back with those words. The hate and anger left Martin's body, leaving grief and despair. He lowered his sword, slumped slightly as he turned and softly said, "Clear the room."
Whitestone motioned to the ruler who quickly got up off his throne and rushed to Whitestone's side. Hadvar went up to Martin, put a hand on his shoulder and said, "The Praetor and I will take care of things."
Martin made no response, but Hadvar and the group left him alone in the room. The city was theirs. The province was theirs, but Martin didn't care. All he could think about was the loss of Lydia. Martin half sat, half fell into a seated position on the stairs.
Dropping his face into his hands, Martin wept.
Author's Note: As always, I would like to give a Special thanks and shout out to my Beta Readers. The story is much better with their input. I do have a special request for you all on this chapter. If you feel inclined to write a review, please do not mention what happens to Lydia. I know reviews typically have spoilers, but that's kind of a big one, and I think the chapter would be better if readers discovered it for themselves. I love reviews, but I would appreciate if you could keep reviews for this chapter spoiler free. I think your fellow readers would appreciate it as well. If you have any comments, thoughts, criticisms, please feel free to message me at any time. Thanks for reading, I hope you found this chapter enjoyable!