Chapter 58
Empire
"And finally, Nornalhorst claims that they have reaped an excellent harvest, far exceeding what they typically manage to grow," Telepe read aloud. "To that end, you could either elect to maintain the current level of taxation, which would fill both our granaries and coffers with far more than what we had anticipated, or, if you wish to garner their support, you could lower their taxes for this season and allow them to keep the surplus for their own use."
Telepe glanced up from the scroll he was reading from to gaze at Al-Esh, who was seated on the marble throne of the White-Gold City, clad in resplendent red silk robes trimmed with gold. She was sitting upright, with her hands folded on her lap and her bright blue eyes fixed directly on Telepe. From a distance, one might think her the picture of regal grace and poise. Telepe, however, could see that her eyes were glazing over with exhaustion and boredom as he recited the dry figures from the seemingly endless reports. After a few moments of silence, she snapped out of her reverie when she realized he was awaiting a response. He suppressed a slight smile as she looked down at her hands, considering her options. He wasn't surprised by her waning attention, as he knew the reports were tedious, but they were also vital for ensuring the smooth operation of the empire.
Al-Esh was silent for several more long moments, to the point that Telepe began to wonder if she had drifted to sleep. Finally, she asked, "You mentioned that the north had poorer harvest than usual?"
"Slightly," Telepe replied, quickly unfurling the scroll until he reached an entry higher up on the papyrus. "Not enough to cause worry, but this has been a particularly cold year for both Sancre Tor and Rielle." He looked up at her again and added, "If you're considering diverting grain from the south, the northern kingdoms would surely appreciate it. If we're careful about how much we provide, there will also still be a surplus in the south, even after the redistribution."
"Then let us do so," Al-Esh commanded. "Please also calculate how much will remain, and I shall decide what to do with it once I know more."
"As you wish," Telepe replied as he rolled up the scroll. As he did, he suppressed a smile as he overheard Al-Esh let out a soft sigh of relief.
"Was there anything else?" Al-Esh asked, her tone hopeful that the audience was almost at an end.
"Three other items," Telepe replied. Al-Esh frowned faintly and sank back into the throne, and this time, Telepe was unable to keep from grinning at her exasperation. "Rest assured, these will be brief," he consoled her. "First, General Morihaus reports that he has successfully suppressed the uprising in Mackamentain. The Blue Legion suffered only a few casualties, and the conspirators from the royal family have been arrested. They will be brought to the White-Gold City as soon as possible for your judgement." He smiled slightly as he looked up and added, "He also wishes to send his personal regards, and anticipates his reunion with you. He asked to tell you that he will see you in two weeks at the latest."
Al-Esh chuckled and lowered her gaze, a flush spreading across her cheeks. "Excellent," she murmured.
Telepe grinned, then looked back down. "Next, King Dynar of Nenalata once again wishes to request that you consider his petition for the title of High King of the Blackwood." As Al-Esh began to frown deeply, he added, "He would like to reiterate that granting him dominion over the southern kingdoms will simplify regional administration, and considering Nenalata's steadfast loyalty and the kingdom's contributions to the foundation of the Empire-"
"My answer remains the same," Al-Esh said curtly.
Telepe abruptly stopped reading and inclined his head. "I thought as much," he said evenly. "Nevertheless, I should warn you that he may consider your continued refusal to be an insult, if not an outright humiliation."
"So be it," Al-Esh replied simply. "He would do well to remember that it was his son who fought alongside us while he remained within his city. Certainly, his kingdom's aid, both economically and militarily, was greatly appreciated, but if any rewards for service should be rendered, they should be given to the prince. Furthermore, I am not in favor of regional high kings, as it encourages my subjects to seek ever more power for themselves. He is a king. Let that be enough."
"I shall see to it that he receives your answer, then," Telepe said simply.
"Very good," Al-Esh nodded. "And the final matter?"
Telepe's expression became much more grim as he rolled up the scroll. "Our scouts have reported that the Nords are once again massing east of the Bjoulsae River," he said softly. "While they have not yet crossed the border, all signs point to an imminent invasion of the Highlands. It seems that King Vrage intends to conquer the rest of Malabal."
Al-Esh's eyes widened slightly as she leaned forward on her throne, studying Telepe's face. Telepe looked away, unable to meet her gaze, until she cleared her throat. When he reluctantly turned to face her, he saw that she was smiling gently at him.
"Do you wish for me to order our armies to assist the Highland kings?" she asked softly.
Telepe exhaled slowly as he looked down again. From her tone, it was evident that Al-Esh was offering her aid as a personal favor to him. It was a sorely tempting offer, as even several months after his exile, he still loved his homeland dearly. However….
"That would not be wise," Telepe replied slowly, the words bitter in his mouth. "For one, it is far more important that we maintain our alliance with Skyrim. Aiding Malabal is certain to damage, if not destroy, our relationship with them. Furthermore, there is little to be gained by assisting the fractured kingdoms of Malabal. If we were to offer our aid, we would need to establish treaties with every individual city-state, which would take months. The rewards we could reap would also be scant, and there is no guarantee we would even receive recompense for our assistance, as the most remote kingdoms could renege on any bargains we strike with them, and we would be hard-pressed to retaliate if they did. Finally, in truth, there is very little chance that Malabal will triumph against King Vrage. His warriors gained valuable experience fighting alongside us during the rebellion, so much of his army is now battle-hardened. What's more, Vrage is no fool. He will have learned from his previous attempt to subdue the region. He will not make the same mistakes twice. I also doubt the kings of Malabal can unite swiftly enough to oppose him a second time. Therefore… no, I do not believe it is in Cyrod's best interest to intercede on Malabal's behalf."
As Telepe fell silent, he could feel Al-Esh's gaze lingering on him. When he finally looked up again, he saw that she was wearing a smile that was equal parts approval and sympathy. Telepe glanced away again, swallowing hard around a lump in his throat. It was extremely difficult for him to voice that recommendation. However, he served Al-Esh and her empire, and it was his duty to provide counsel that benefited her, rather than the land of his birth.
"I see. Then we shall refrain from involving ourselves further," Al-Esh said softly.
"However," Telepe continued, looking up again, a sly glint in his eye. "It may be wise for us to reconsider our trade agreements with both Skyrim and Malabal. The latter especially might now be more receptive to selling us some of their rare luxury goods in exchange for arms and armor to prepare for the coming war. Skyrim will also undoubtedly welcome an influx of goods such as copper and food. While we need not intervene directly, there is an opportunity for us to profit from this coming war."
Al-Esh's smile broadened into a grin at Telepe's suggestion. He could see that she had also recognized the implication behind his recommendation. While they could not send warriors to fight Skyrim directly, there was nothing preventing them from shipping war materials to the kingdoms of Malabal. Not only would Cyrod benefit from the increased trade, but if the Altmer and Manmer of Malabal successfully resisted the Nordic invasion once again, it would help prevent Skyrim from becoming too powerful, and perhaps, in time, threatening Cyrod as well. On the other hand, if Skyrim won, the Empire would still profit from the increased trade, and they would not jeopardize their alliance with Skyrim. Either way, Cyrod benefitted, and they need only maintain a neutral stance.
"Shrewd," Al-Esh praised him, nodding in agreement. "Feel free to draft the trade proposals, then, and we shall see how many kingdoms are receptive to our offer."
"Certainly, Empress," Telepe replied, with a quick bow that indicated that he was done. As Al-Esh sighed and began to rise from her throne, however, he remembered something, and Telepe held up his hand. "Ah… there was one last thing, Perrif," he added, switching to her personal name, which he used when he was speaking to her not as an advisor and subject, but as a friend.
Al-Esh paused, halfway risen from her chair, with a light frown on her face. "What is it?" she asked with a hint of impatience.
Telepe smiled apologetically. "Tari would like to request that, since you are now in the late stages of your pregnancy, you please consider reducing the amount of time you are spending attending to matters of court. The Council can see to the minutiae of governing. You, on the other hand, have a duty not only to the Empire, but to your child, and if you do not rest properly, she fears that the stress of overworking yourself will harm you both."
Al-Esh frowned at him as she rested one hand on top of her swollen stomach. "She's one to chide me for working too hard while she's also carrying a child," she muttered.
Telepe raised an eyebrow, an amused smirk pulling at the corner of his mouth. "She anticipated that you might say that," he mentioned drily. "She therefore also wishes to remind you that she is only three months along, to your seven." When Al-Esh scowled at him, he held his hands up innocently. "This is her request, not mine! She is merely asking this of you as both your healer and your friend."
Al-Esh continued to glower at him lightly, but then she sighed and inclined her head. "I shall… consider her request," she agreed reluctantly. "I suppose that I should obey my healer in this matter, shouldn't I?" She ran her hand absently over her swollen stomach, smiling faintly down at it, before looking up and adding, "When you see her next, would you please inform her that I shall follow her advice?"
"I intend to speak with her before the Council meeting anyways, so I would be happy to," Telepe replied simply as he tucked the scroll into the leather bag hanging off his shoulder. He then folded his hands behind his back. "Now, I assure you, I have nothing else," he added with a chuckle. "Did you have anything you wished to discuss, Empress?"
Al-Esh glanced down for a moment, considering, before shaking her head. "No," she replied. "If you'll excuse me, I shall be resting in my chambers. If the Council has need of me during the meeting, please send a guard to fetch me."
"Of course, though this should be a fairly routine session," Telepe replied. "Please, enjoy your rest."
Al-Esh smiled at him thankfully and nodded, and then both turned and made their way out of the room, Telepe through the main entrance, and Al-Esh through a door behind the throne that led directly to her private chambers.
Once he had departed the throne room, Telepe turned left and began climbing the stairs to the upper levels of the White-Gold Tower. Al-Esh had insisted upon changing the name of the tower, now that it no longer housed the Ten Ancestor statues, which had been spirited from the Temple before the rebels had stormed it several months ago. Telepe didn't know where the Ayleids had hidden the precious statues, and he did not have any interest in uncovering their location. Since they were such important artifacts to the Ayleids, he felt it better that they remain hidden, especially since he feared that some of the more vengeful men in the empire might seek to destroy them purely out of spite. For the sake of maintaining a peaceful relationship between man and mer, it was better that no one knew their location. Besides, he thought with a wry smile, he would rather that relic-hunters focus their energies upon retrieving much more valuable and powerful artifacts than a mere set of statues.
He ascended two flights of stairs, passing by the palace guard quarters and emerging onto the fourth level of the palace. As he approached the door leading into the central room on the level, a pair of guards bowed deferentially and opened the door for him, then stepped aside. Telepe nodded to them gratefully as he stepped into the room and slowly gazed around.
Unlike most floors in the tower, this level was still illuminated by glowing white stones, rather than the torches that had largely replaced the Ayleid lights. It was a precautionary measure, as the fourth level of the palace had been converted into a library. High wooden shelves lined the walls, laden with scrolls and heavy clay tablets, while marble tables were arrayed in front of the shelves in a circular formation, giving the scholars a place to sit and study.
Telepe idly glanced over the men and women hunched over papyrus rolls and clay tablets, dutifully etching runes into them, until his eyes fell on a small figure standing in front of one of the shelves with her back to the door, her nose roughly an inch from the tablet she was studying. Telepe grinned to himself as he silently walked up behind her, then gently pulled her back against his chest.
"Wha-?!" Tari cried, only to be silenced when Telepe turned her head up and kissed her sweetly over her shoulder, his other hand resting gently on her slightly swollen stomach. She briefly struggled until she realized who he was, whereupon she relaxed and returned the kiss. When he pulled away, however, she scowled and shoved him playfully.
"Don't do that!" she growled, flushing pink in the pale light of the Varla Stones. "You know that I can't see you coming!"
"Come now, your vision hasn't faded that much, and your ears are still sharp anyways," Telepe retorted smoothly as he gazed into her milky green eyes. While her vision had worsened slightly in the past few months, she could still see almost as well as when she had dueled with Arcanalata. She had difficulty discerning shapes beyond about thirty feet, but she could still see well enough to read. She was grateful for that, at least, as she felt that losing the ability to read so soon after she had mastered the art of literacy would be a living hell for her. There was still so much she wanted to learn, after all.
Tari glowered up at him, then turned and glared at a pair of her scribes, who were snickering in the corner. "If you two have time to gawk, you have time to write!" she barked. "Has the fourth stanza of the Song been rewritten yet?!"
The girls' grins faded as they looked sheepishly down at the floor. "N-not yet, mistress," one of them answered meekly.
"Then get to it! And do not call me mistress!" Tari snapped. "I am not your owner! Now, back to work!"
The girls quickly scurried off as Tari sighed and turned back around to see Telepe grinning down at her, amused. "Work on Pelinal's epic is progressing smoothly, then?" he asked conversationally.
Tari nodded, her scowl fading. "Actually yes," she said. "The scribes have been following your notes carefully, and they've already completed five tablets, though I've advised them to make some corrections to their work. At this rate, the Song of Pelinal should be completed before the year's end."
Telepe smiled warmly and pulled Tari gently against his chest in a warm embrace. "Excellent. Thank you," he said softly as he gently ran his fingers along her chin."
Tari smiled and tilted her head to press her cheek into his hand affectionately, before frowning up at him. "I must say, though, I'm surprised that you didn't include more of your own accomplishments in the Song," she commented.
Telepe shook his head. "The tale is about Pelinal, not I," he replied. "It's a celebration of his deeds." A self-deprecating smile pulled at his lips. "Besides, history more fondly remembers kings and heroes than advisors and councilors. I doubt many would be interested in hearing the tale of the Manmer who negotiated trade agreements and peace treaties."
Tari pouted up at him as she pushed her cheek more insistently into his hand. "You don't give yourself enough credit," she murmured.
"Perhaps," Telepe chuckled. "Regardless, the people of the empire need a hero, and for all his faults, Pelinal is the greatest hero Cyrod has ever seen. His story should be passed down through the generations. Just as he wished."
Tari smiled faintly and shook her head before leaning in again and resting her head gently against his chest. "That self-effacement of yours is exactly why you aren't a king right now, you know," she murmured.
Telepe smirked down at her and brushed his fingers affectionately through her hair. "Come now! You refused the crown as well!" he pointed out with a laugh.
Tari grinned up at him mischievously, but didn't deny the accusation. Six months prior, shortly before they'd held their wedding in the throne room of the White-Gold Tower, Al-Esh – who had, as Telepe asked, personally wed them – pulled them aside and proposed an idea that she had been considering. As a wedding present, she offered Telepe and Tari the opportunity to become the king and queen of Ceya-Tar, which was once again leaderless after Akripa had peacefully passed away in his sleep.
Once they stopped reeling, Telepe and Tari both immediately refused the offer. Tari pointed out that while she was a native of the city, she still was not widely loved by its people, as many still remembered her apprenticeship under Arcanalata. Although her mistress had forced her to commit the deeds she was most hated for, such as mixing poisons and force-feeding them to her fellow slaves, and although she was now known as one of the heroes of the rebellion, Tari felt that those who had suffered at her hand would be hard-pressed to forgive her. She also had never felt truly comfortable in the city, which was why she had spent as much time as possible in the jungle, and she believed that if she returned to Ceya-Tar, her worst memories would continue to haunt her.
Telepe, meanwhile, refused on principle. He reminded Al-Esh that she had asked him to serve as an advisor to her because he was neutral. Presenting him with a crown would encourage him to place the welfare of Ceya-Tar above that of the Empire. What's more, since Ceya-Tar had already chosen one ruler from their ranks, he felt that a precedent had been established, and that the citizens should be free to choose their next ruler as well.
For her part, Al-Esh seemed surprised but pleased by their responses. However, while she accepted their refusal, she insisted that they allow her to at least grant them some land. Before they could respond, she asked a servant to bring her a map, and after consulting it for a few minutes, she decided to gift them an enormous swath of land near the north-eastern edge of the Great Forest, centered around the canticle tree and sacred grove where Tari had first read the Elder Scroll.
At first, Telepe and Tari had tried to insist that she was being too generous, but Al-Esh did not allow them to refuse her gift a second time. She pointed out that the location was ideal for both them and her, as it was far enough from the White-Gold City that they could comfortably retreat from the pressures and politics of the city when they needed a respite, but near enough that if an emergency arose, she could send for them, and it would only take them a mere few days to return. Al-Esh told them that they were free to do as they wished with the resources in their territory, though she recommended they treat the land with respect, especially in the area nearest to Kyne's grove. She also informed them that she would be personally sending masons and carpenters first thing in the morning to begin construction on a grand villa for them. Telepe could still remember the smug look of satisfaction Al-Esh wore as she took in their stunned expressions.
Within days, Telepe and Tari had scores of foresters, hunters, and freemen asking to become tenants on their land. In exchange for regular taxes of crops, hides, and timber, the tenants were permitted to build homes and lodges within the territory that Telepe and Tari owned. These taxes, as well as the bounty of the jungle and the generous gifts that Al-Esh showered them with for their service in the White-Gold City, ensured that Telepe and Tari's family would be very wealthy for generations to come.
"I believe we made the right decision by refusing," Tari commented, wrapping her arms around Telepe's waist and drawing him a bit more tightly to her. "We have enough responsibility as it is."
"Quite," Telepe agreed firmly, before grinning and sweeping his arm around the library. "Besides, I feel that the title of Queen of Ceya-Tar doesn't suit you nearly as well as 'Queen of the Library.'"
Tari tilted her head up to rest her chin on his chest while raising an eyebrow up at him. "A title that I never would have achieved without you," she said fondly. "You were the one who taught me to read, after all."
"Yes, but I never tirelessly sought knowledge the same way that you do," Telepe countered with a warm smile down at her as he brushed his fingers through her hair. "And you've put your thirst for knowledge to far better use than I. Founding this library was a brilliant idea," he praised her.
"As you've said several times," Tari replied blandly, though her smile showed that she appreciated the compliment. "Though I do wish that more of my apprentices showed more of an interest in studying magic as well. The only spells that most of my students wish to learn are those that will allow them to become Battlemages in the future."
"Well… it truly isn't surprising that most Nedes are reluctant to learn transmutation, given how their former masters gleefully used it for torture," Telepe pointed out. "Even you recoiled from learning it at first."
"I know," Tari admitted with a sigh, glancing away. "But I had still hoped that with the war over, more of my apprentices would show an interest in at least trying to understand it. Magic is more than the raw power of flame and lightning, after all."
Telepe smiled sympathetically as he brushed his fingers through her hair. "Perhaps the realm simply isn't ready for the widespread study of magic," he said soothingly. "That's no fault of yours. Until attitudes towards magic change, all you can do is preserve what you know of spellcraft and pray that, in the future, other scholars will seek your knowledge."
"Perhaps," Tari murmured, smiling gratefully up at him, though she was still clearly disappointed.
Telepe smiled softly down at her and brushed his fingers through her hair again before pulling away, realizing that Tari wanted to change the subject. His gaze drifted along the wall until his eyes fell upon a heavy bronze door that was locked tight and guarded by a pair of armored hoplites. Telepe tilted his head at them, then turned back to Tari. "How goes the search for the Elder Scrolls?" he asked.
Tari followed his gaze, then turned back to him as her expression brightened slightly. "Actually, Reili and Pasare just returned today with another scroll," she replied. "Apparently they managed to find it in a cave to the west of Nornalhorst, not far from where that new settlement is being built. The small village east of Miscarcand?"
"Yes, I'm quite familiar with it," Telepe said drily. "I've had several complaints from Miscarcand about it. Their king is accusing us of violating the terms of our treaty by founding a settlement so near their territory. Nevermind the fact that I've told them several times that the village was founded outside of our boundaries by men who didn't wish to be subservient to the Empire. Nor does it seem to matter that, even then, the village is still far enough away from Miscarcand that the settlers aren't violating the treaty anyways. Apparently, when the King of Miscarcand said he didn't want settlements within fifty miles of his borders, he actually meant 'go found them in Argonia.'" He sighed, then smiled and added, "Regardless, I'm pleased that the hunt goes well."
"As am I," Tari agreed. "Especially since I was worried that Pasare would decline my request. She seems rather intrigued by that new settlement herself, and I'm beginning to fear that she might choose to leave the Empire in favor of settling outside its borders."
"Well, she did grow up on the western frontier," Telepe pointed out, before smirking slightly. "The question is whether Reili will join her."
Tari shook her head. "I don't believe so. At least, not in the manner that you're thinking." When Telepe tilted his head curiously, she explained, "While they are partners and work well together, they're not lovers. At least, not yet."
"I see," Telepe replied. "What of the Scroll itself? Do you intend to read it, or merely keep it?"
"I will not read it, no," Tari said firmly, reaching up to tap the corner of her eye gently. "I treasure what little vision I have left." She then smiled up at him and said in a much softer, tender voice, "I'll happily trade foreknowledge of whatever the future holds for the ability to see your face for as long as possible."
"Flatterer," Telepe grinned, running his hand affectionately through her hair.
Tari winked, then continued in a more serious tone, "That said, I do believe that Calu is nearly ready to try reading a Scroll, and I am curious about the one that we've just procured. When he feels that he's ready, I shall take him to Kyne's grove and have Moralasil teach him."
"I'm certain that he will be glad for the company," Telepe chuckled. "I worry about him, living in the jungle like a hermit, doing little more than tending to the moths."
Tari shook her head. "I said the same to him when I was helping him get settled into his new home. He insisted that he would feel ill at ease in any city in Cyrod, and he's had more than his fill of politics, regardless of whether the ruler he's serving is man or mer. He would much rather enjoy the forest and the open air after years of imprisonment beneath Ceya-Tar. And if he can teach a few more promising students to read the Scrolls in the meantime, so much the better."
Telepe bit the inside of his cheek thoughtfully, then nodded slowly. "So long as he's content, I suppose," he said with a shrug. "Perhaps we'll feel the same when we're his age."
Tari rolled her eyes. "Yes, I fully expect that we'll both live over three centuries," she said sardonically.
Telepe's grin broadened. "You're an alchemist! Simply invent a draught of eternal youth!"
"Simply-?!" Tari cried, before growling and digging her fingers into his hips in mock irritation, while Telepe laughed and half-heartedly tried to slip out of her grasp. Before the play fight could continue, however, a familiar voice called out from the stairwell.
"Telepe?" Sevri asked. Telepe stopped struggling and looked over to see his personal scribe hovering in the doorway. He uneasily adjusted his rich blue chiton, then continued, "A visitor was asking for you by name." When Telepe frowned, he added, "Your birth name."
Telepe's smile vanished as a mixture of curiosity and worry washed over him. He glanced down at Tari, who sighed with disappointment, then reluctantly disentangled herself from him.
"That seems urgent," she remarked as she reached up and smoothed his tunic, before smiling gently up at him. "And you must attend the Council meeting shortly anyways, so now is a good time to go." Despite her words, however, she tightened her grip on his tunic for a moment. "Would you like to dine together this evening? In our chambers?" she asked softly.
"I would. Very much," Telepe agreed with a soft laugh, letting his fingers run gently under her chin as he gazed down at her. "I'll speak with the kitchens before this evening. If I recall correctly, the palace hunters managed to capture a flock of ducks for the Empress this morning. I'll see if they can spare one and prepare it for us."
Tari grinned and pushed herself up onto her toes. "You're wonderful," she whispered, before pulling him down into a quick, affectionate kiss. She then stepped away and gently nudged him towards Sevri. "Until tonight," she murmured, before turning around to speak with an apprentice scribe who had been hovering nearby, waiting patiently for her attention.
Telepe smiled to himself, then turned to Sevri and motioned for him to lead on. As he followed his apprentice down the stairs, he asked, "Did our visitor mention anything about who they were, or what they wanted?"
"Only that they have business with you that should have been resolved long ago," Sevri replied. When Telepe frowned at his cryptic response, the young man held his hands up helplessly. "They insisted that when you saw them, you would know why they've come."
"I doubt that," Telepe muttered as they stepped off the stairs and followed the circular hallway to the entrance of the tower. However, when he caught sight of who was waiting for him just outside of the Council Chambers, he stopped short, his eyes widening with shock.
A small group of eight figures lingered near the heavy double doors of the tower. Six of them were elven warriors, clad in fine bronze armor and wearing thick, plaid wool cloaks that Telepe had not seen in several months, but which he instantly recognized. He only vaguely registered the warriors, however, as a split-second later, his attention was drawn to the two figures clad in far richer attire than their guards.
In the center of the group stood a tall Altmer standing with his hands folded behind his back, idly gazing around at the marble surroundings. His long, silvery hair hung loose around his shoulders, over which was draped a cloak dyed in a very familiar pattern – the pattern of Telepe's native clan. A deep blue tunic, trimmed with gold, covered his upper body to his knees, under which he wore a pair of tan braccae and dark brown riding boots. Encircling his head was a slender gold band, allowing even the simplest commoner to identify him as a king.
As the Altmer's golden eyes fell on Telepe, they narrowed slightly, and then he nudged a smaller figure beside him, who had been looking the other way. When she turned around, a broad smile spread across her lips, and tears filled her bright grey eyes. The woman was a middle-aged Nede, mildly plump, with hints of wrinkles lining her pretty, round face. Her dark brown hair had been woven into a single thick braid that fell to the middle of her back. While she was not as richly dressed as the elf, she did wear a fine, emerald-green dress made of velvet, which she wore under the same cloak as her elven companion. She brought her hands to her mouth as she stared at Telepe, and then she called out in a choked, joyful voice, "Atkynd!"
Telepe swallowed hard, as his throat had become very dry. "Mother…." he whispered. He felt a brief swell of joy at seeing her again, but the feeling died quickly as the Altmer beside her cleared his throat. Immediately, he felt as though he had swallowed a lead weight, and his limbs became cold and heavy. He took a slow breath to steady himself, and then he bowed deferentially to the elven king. "Your Majesty," he greeted his father, in a much more diplomatic tone.
King Aluciel tilted his head back imperiously, regarding Telepe silently, while the latter kept his head down, not daring to meet his gaze. His mother, Sunnagea, glanced uneasily between the pair, clearly bracing herself for a fight, while beside him, Sevri frowned deeply, but said nothing. After several long, tense moments, Aluciel remarked, "I have heard many tales about you over the past several months, Atkynd."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Telepe answered softly. He hazarded a quick glance up at his father, who scowled at him, then motioned for him to raise his head.
"They say that you became one of the principal agents of this realm's slave rebellion," Aluciel continued, starting to pace back and forth with his hands behind his back, his eyes never leaving Telepe. "That throughout the war, you served as her chief emissary, negotiating trade agreements, alliances, and truces with the various kingdoms of Cyrod. That you traveled as far as Skyrim, where you helped secure the aid of the Nordic Empire on her behalf. That you served her loyally, after you had forsaken your oath to the very kingdom that first sent you to Cyrod."
Telepe winced at Aluciel's final remark. While the king had spoken in the same even tone that he had used while listing Telepe's accomplishments, he still felt as though his father had slid a dagger between his ribs. "Yes, Your Majesty," Telepe repeated as he glanced away, unsure how else to respond.
Aluciel narrowed his eyes and cleared his throat, whereupon Telepe immediately met his gaze again, his heart pounding in his throat. There was another tense pause, and then Aluciel murmured, "Do you know what angers me the most?"
Telepe inhaled sharply through his nose, bracing himself for the king's wrath. "I… do not, Your Majesty," he admitted weakly.
Aluciel shook his head with disappointment. "You have lingered here for several months, long after the rebellion ended and peace had been restored… and yet in all that time, not once did you think to send your mother a message, assuring her that you were well."
Telepe blinked, his fear momentarily lost in his confusion. "I… I'm sorry?" he asked, bewildered by his father's response.
"You should be!" Aluciel barked, folding his arms over his chest as his frown deepened. "She's been ill with worry! Have you forgotten how to use a pen?!"
Telepe's mouth hung open as he glanced between his parents, at a loss for words. "So… you're not upset that I chose to remain with the rebellion?" he asked hesitantly. He knew he was likely poking a tiger with his question, but he needed to know.
Aluciel's expression hardened, and Telepe could see his fingers gripping his bicep tightly. "I would be lying if I said that I was not vexed by your decision," the king replied coldly. "However, I did give you an ultimatum – to either serve me, or this rebellion. You made your choice, and while I had hoped you would choose otherwise, I respect your decision, and admire your conviction. Furthermore, it seems that your decision has yielded substantial rewards." A faint smile tugged at the corners of Aluciel's mouth. "You've done well for yourself, boy."
Telepe let out a disbelieving, relieved laugh, but before he could say more, his mother stepped forward and took his face in her hands. "I concur," she said softly, smiling up at him with tears shining in her eyes. "While it is not the path that I expected you to follow, you have achieved more than I could have ever dreamed. You may not know it, but you have become an inspiration to the Nedes and Manmer in our kingdom. Your tale is a shining example of what a mere human might achieve, and many of our kin now strive to emulate you." Her smile softened as she brushed her fingers gently down his cheek. "But most importantly, you seem healthy and happy. That, my darling boy, is what I wished for you above all else, and knowing that you achieved it by walking your own path makes it that much more wonderful. I could not be more proud of you, my son."
"Mother…." Telepe murmured, his throat tightening as he gently squeezed Sunnagea's hands.
"However, I must confess. It has been many months, and I feared that you might have forgotten your heritage," Sunnagea added, stepping back slightly and frowning. "Have you? You are dressed like a Malabal native, but your cloak…."
Telepe glanced down at himself, grimacing slightly. While most of the Nedes were dressed in brightly-colored chitons, Telepe still favored the garments of his homeland, although his outfit – a burgundy tunic trimmed with silver and cinched with a thick black belt with a silver buckle, black silk braccae, black ankle-high boots, and a white cloak – was far richer than anything he would have worn even while he was at court in Malabal. He coughed lightly as he plucked the cloak with an uneasy look. "While I certainly have not forgotten my homeland, I felt it was improper to wear my clan cloak while I'm serving the imperial court," he explained. When his mother's face fell, he quickly added, "I do still have it, though! I still wear it when I am not tending to my courtly duties. Though, admittedly, it is rather threadbare, as I wore it quite often throughout the rebellion."
"I see," Sunnagea smiled, motioning to one of the guards accompanying them. "In that case, while I'm pleased that you still possess your original cloak… I thought you might appreciate this."
The guard handed her a leather bag, which Sunnagea, in turn, presented to Telepe. Tilting his head curiously, he pulled open the drawstrings, then gasped with surprise and delight as he withdrew a new cloak, dyed in the dark blue and green of his clan, trimmed with silver along the edges. He held it open so that he could admire it, and a touched smile spread across his face. After a few moments, however, his grin faded, and he folded it in half over his arm before gazing down at his mother.
"It's beautiful," he said softly. "However… are you certain that I should have this?"
"Why shouldn't you?" Sunnagea asked, frowning anxiously.
"Well… as an exile, is it right for me to wear our clan colors?" Telepe asked.
"Exile?" Aluciel chimed in, narrowing his eyes. "What ae you talking about, boy?"
Telepe answered his father's scowl with a deep frown of his own. "In your last message to me, did you not say that I was to be exiled from our homeland?"
Aluciel tilted his head slightly, confusion blending with annoyance. "I said nothing of the sort, Atkynd," he replied slowly. "I said that so long as you were part of the rebellion, you could no longer serve in my court, as an emissary cannot serve two rulers. I never said that I was exiling you."
Telepe stared at his father blankly for several seconds, then flatly said, "What."
"Is that why you have not returned to Malabal?" his father asked, raising an eyebrow. "Did you believe that I had forbidden you to return to the kingdom?"
"I… Y-yes," Telepe admitted sheepishly.
Aluciel sighed and pressed his thumb and forefinger to his eyes. Off to the side, Telepe could see Sevri biting his fist, struggling not to laugh, while his mother stared at him in utter disbelief.
"Unbelievable," Aluciel muttered. He then looked up and cleared his throat to make Telepe look at him. "Then let me say this clearly, so that there is no uncertainty, Atkynd. You are always welcome in my halls, whether as an emissary of your empress… or as an honored guest."
Telepe's embarrassment faded, replaced with a warm rush of gratitude towards the king. Beside him, his mother nodded fervently and smiled encouragingly up at him. Telepe sighed softly again and looked down, murmuring, "I see. Thank you, Your Majesty."
"There is nothing to thank me for, boy," Aluciel stated shortly. "It's not as though I've restored any rights to you that you did not already possess, after all."
"So it would seem," Telepe agreed quietly. He took a slow breath, then looked up again, finally matching his father's steady gaze. "Now then!" he continued in a much more professional tone. "While I am quite pleased to see you both, I doubt that you traveled all the way here simply to wish me well and present me with a gift."
"Indeed not," Aluciel confirmed in a much more serious tone, folding his hands behind his back. "As you may be aware, the Nords of Skyrim are assembling an army near our borders. It is plainly obvious that they once again intend to invade Malabal. Worse, I fear that this time, we may lack the strength to resist them, especially since many of the kings west of the Bjoulsae are engaged in a petty war with each other. To that end, I have come to Cyrod seeking any aid you can offer." Aluciel raised an eyebrow, and he added in a sardonic tone, "I did send an emissary to this realm over a year ago, but aside from supposedly proposing a couple of trade agreements with a few of the local kings, I have had little word from him. As such, I decided to come negotiate myself."
Telepe was unable to keep from grinning wryly as he inclined his head apologetically. "Yes, well… Manmer can be quite capricious and unreliable," he replied in a self-deprecating tone.
"Quite," Aluciel agreed drily.
Telepe chuckled faintly, then adopted a more serious tone as well. "In truth, I was speaking with the Empress about this just a few minutes prior to your arrival. If you would like, I would be happy to serve as the Empire's representative and assist you in forging a trade agreement between the Kingdom of the Bjoulsae and the Empire of Cyrod."
"Would you?" Aluciel asked, his expression softening, clearly pleased by Telepe's offer.
"Telepe…." Sevri interjected. Telepe glanced over at him, and Sevri nodded pointedly towards the Council Chambers.
Telepe grimaced, then turned back to Aluciel and Sunnagea. "Ah… that is to say, I will be happy to assist you after I conclude one final task," he corrected himself reluctantly. "You have my sincere apologies, but I must first attend a meeting with the Elder Council, which is due to start in just a few short moments. I beg your pardon for the delay, but since you've waited this long, might I ask you to remain patient for a short while longer?"
Aluciel frowned with irritation, but when Sunnagea wrapped her arms around one of his, he sighed and inclined his head. "Very well. I understand if you have duties to attend to first," he agreed.
Telepe smiled apologetically. "Thank you," he said softly, lowering his head again. As he looked up again, however, he suggested, "Would you like to attend? I assure you that our meeting will be short, and I can see to your request as soon as it's finished."
Aluciel and Sunnagea glanced at each other. "Very well," Aluciel replied, his tone suggesting that his patience was wearing thin, though he also seemed mildly intrigued. "It may be interesting to witness how the council of Cyrod conducts its affairs."
"Excellent," Telepe grinned as he turned to the guards standing on either side of the entrance to the Council Chambers, who turned to push the doors open for them. "Feel free to take any of the open seats."
"As you say," Aluciel acknowledged. As they began to walk into the chamber, he added, "You truly have done well for yourself. Since you're attending this meeting, might I presume that you are one of the councilors?"
Telepe and Sevri paused on the threshold into the chambers and traded amused looks. "A councilor?" Telepe repeated, turning to look over his shoulder with a slight smile. "Well… not quite."
Aluciel and Sunnagea frowned at him in confusion as he strode into the Council Chambers and gazed around. At the moment, only about a quarter of the seats were occupied. He counted three Ayleid kings, two of Al-Esh's centurions, the Nedic praefect of Sancre Tor, and a representative from Kemen. The sparse attendance hardly surprised him. Most had only come to this meeting because they were nearby anyways, or because they had personal business in the city and thought it wise to first show that they were doing their duty to the empire by attending one of the Council meetings. Telepe doubted that any of them had much interest in what was likely to be routine meeting where little legislation of import would be passed.
As Telepe strode into the room and made his way to the center of the forum, however, every eye turned towards him. Then, from the entrance, one of the guards announced, "All rise!"
At once, the members of the Elder Council stood and waited for Telepe to reach the center of the room. Once he was standing on the dais in the middle of the chamber, he slowly looked around, letting his gaze sweep from one side of the forum to the other. When he turned back to the entrance of the chamber, he noticed that his parents were staring at him blankly, stunned by the deference that the kings of Cyrod were showing him. Although he was supposed to maintain decorum while conducting Council meetings, he couldn't help but grin mischievously at their awestruck expressions.
Shortly after she was crowned Empress, Al-Esh had reformed the Elder Council. She had allowed the vassal Ayleid kings to retain their seats, while also appointing human representatives to positions that had been lost or vacated during the war. However, the Council's core function had changed. Where it had once merely been an open forum for the independent kings of Cyrod to discuss political matters, it now also served as a legislative body where the councilors could propose laws to be presented to the Empress for review. In reforming the Council this way, Al-Esh made her intentions clear – while she would allow her vassals to exercise some power over their internal affairs and allow them a hand in governing the Empire, she was ultimately the final authority when it came to deciding matters of state.
However, Al-Esh had also realized that she could not personally oversee every minute facet of ruling the Empire, unless she wished to attend every Council meeting and offer her opinion on even the most minor decisions. To that end, she had decided to appoint Telepe to the Elder Council as well – not simply to take part in it, but to lead it.
His primary duty was to direct Council meetings – to announce legislative proposals that other members had brought forth, to initiate votes, and ultimately, to present them to Al-Esh, so that she could ratify or veto their decisions as she pleased. More importantly, as Al-Esh's personal representative on the Council, he was authorized to speak on her behalf, and it was understood that his word carried as much weight as hers when she was not personally in attendance. At the same time, he also served as the voice of the Council whenever he met with her, relaying any questions or concerns that they had, and then advising her about how to respond.
Outside of the Council, Al-Esh had also asked him to continue to serve as her chief emissary and to meet with foreign dignitaries when she asked. She also relied on him to help resolve internal disputes between her vassal kingdoms, to serve as a mediator when possible, and to recommend military action if necessary. Perhaps his most important duty, however, was to serve as the regent of the Empire in the event that Al-Esh was incapacitated or attending to business outside of the White-Gold City. If he happened to outlive her, it would also be his duty to oversee the election of her successor, and to rule the Empire in her name until her rightful heir could be crowned.
When Al-Esh had first suggested naming him the leader of the Elder Council, Telepe had balked. The sheer weight of responsibility that came with the office was overwhelming – crushing, even – and he feared that he would not be able to adequately fulfill his duties. He also felt that the other members of the Council, particularly the Ayleid kings, would not be willing to defer to a half-breed foreigner whose only experience in governance was serving as an emissary to a rebellion that had few other options.
Al-Esh, however, had insisted that she did not believe anyone else in Cyrod could fill the role. The same skills that had made him an invaluable emissary throughout the war – particularly his ability to see the world from both a human and an elven perspective – would now be essential in helping unite her empire, where men and mer were equal for the first time. If the scales of justice were tipped too far in favor of either race, discontent could quickly lead to open revolts, and her empire would be torn asunder. Al-Esh felt that he was the only person who could treat both races fairly and ensure that equal justice was meted out among all citizens of her realm. She could entrust the position to no one else. If her empire was to survive, she needed him by her side.
After such a heartfelt request, Telepe felt he could not, in good conscience, refuse. Reluctantly, he accepted her offer, and when the Council was officially reinstated, he was appointed as its leader. At first there was some grumbling, particularly from the Ayleid kings, who felt that one of their more experienced peers would be better suited for the role. However, most accepted his appointment with little complaint, much to Telepe's surprise. Not only was he one of the heroes of the rebellion, but the reputation he had developed during the rebellion as a shrewd but fair negotiator helped allay the concerns of those who feared that the Council's new laws might be biased towards either men or mer. In truth, most of the dissent came from those who feared that their own advantageous positions would be diminished in the face of his impartiality. In time, even those voices were quieted as Telepe strove to ensure that all parties felt that their concerns were acknowledged, and that any laws that were presented to him would improve the lives of men and mer equally. He doubted that he would ever fully stamp out the racial factionalism in the Council, but in time, most begrudgingly admitted that his insistence on parity and compromise gave birth to laws that were at least acceptable to all parties.
Now, several months later, Telepe felt that he had more or less settled comfortably into his role. The Council still frequently bickered, and every day presented new challenges, but he no longer felt overwhelmed by the responsibilities that had been laid on his shoulders. If anything, the daily business of running the empire had almost begun to feel routine, even mundane. What's more, now that he was no longer struggling under the weight of his position, Telepe had even begun to enjoy the powers and privileges of his office. While any member of the Council could propose a law, whenever he introduced a proposal that he had drafted, it was almost certain to be approved by the other councilors, as they feared that their refusal would be seen as tantamount to refusing the Empress. He also held the tiebreaking vote when the Council was deadlocked, so if the councilors could not reach a decision on a matter, he could resolve it however he wished. Thus, while Al-Esh had the final say over whether the Council's laws would be ratified or vetoed, Telepe had a great deal of control over which proposals were presented to her in the first place, which gave him immense influence in shaping the policy of the Empire.
At times, Telepe was still amazed by the power he now wielded. He officially bore the grand title of High Chancellor, though the Ayleids also referred to him as Consul, the previous title of the leader of the Elder Council. Kings and rulers were subordinate to him, and his word typically outweighed theirs. As her personal advisor and representative, he had Al-Esh's full faith and confidence, which only one other being in Cyrod could claim. Technically, as her consort, Morihaus outranked Telepe in the imperial hierarchy, but he had very little interest in governance, instead preferring to focus his attention upon the Empire's armies and ensuring Al-Esh's safety and well-being. Thus, Telepe was the second most powerful person in an Empire whose size and strength were exceeded only by Alinor and Skyrim.
Quite impressive for a foreign, half-breed mongrel, Telepe thought wryly as he motioned for his parents to take a pair of empty seats near the entrance of the chamber. His mother's shock melted into another tearful smile, while his father nodded in approval, his golden eyes burning fiercely with pride. Telepe smiled faintly to himself, then turned back around to face the members of the Council.
"Please be seated," he announced as Sevri approached him and handed him a scroll. As the Councilors settled onto the benches, he unfurled the papyrus and began, "First, let us discuss the proposal for constructing a new road from Sancre Tor to Rielle…."
THE END
A/N: Thank you all so much for reading this story to the end. Special thanks to everyone who also took the time to comment. Your feedback, praise, and criticism helped immensely in shaping this story, and it would have been very difficult for me to continue writing without your support.
For those wondering what comes next, I plan to release the next installment of the Tales of the First Era series in a few weeks. I also might write a few side stories centered around Telepe's time as Alessia's High Chancellor. Until then, thank you once again for reading, and I hope you look forward to my next work!