The Last Heir, FanFic Options

[redsrock]

I hope you all enjoy the story and as always please leave feedback or a word of wisdom. I'm always looking for help and suggestions.



The Last Heir

CHAPTER ONE

The goblins were rushing in through the barn door, but they had no clue I was sitting up above on a rickety plank, ready to jump down and slay the evil beasts.

With my trusty spear in hand I dove down from above and struck one of the monstrous creatures to the floor. The others shrieked loudly as they charged me, but it was of no use. My skills in battle were envied by all and matched by no one.

One by one I sliced my way through the goblin horde until only the chieftain stood before me. He held his magical battle axe in hand with a furious expression, but I knew his intimidating stature was unreal. He was truly afraid of me and wanted nothing more than to run back to his smelly cave, but alas I was guarding the only exit out of my barn.

Slowly I walked towards the monster and as I inched closer and closer I began to see the sweat dripping from the chieftain’s face. His hands that were clutched tightly around the axe were shaking wildly. He stood no chance.

“Lukas, have you finished cleaning the barn yet? Supper is almost ready!”

At the sounds of my mothers shrill voice the battle ended and suddenly I was unfortunately sucked back into boring reality.

“Not yet mother, give me another ten minutes or so…”

I quickly took the broom I was holding and started sweeping the floor because I knew it was only a matter of seconds until my mother came to see what the matter was. She told me to clean the place an hour ago but of course like usual I had dazed off into my own fantasy land.

“LUKAS! Will you please clean things up quickly? Supper is just a few minutes from being ready and you’ve barely even started! What have you been doing in here all this time?”

Sure enough she entered the barn with the same stern expression she gave me every time I angered her, which seemed to be often.

“I was fightin’ the goblins mama, I had to protect our barn from the enemy,” I said with a sly smile about me.

My mother hated it when I pretended to be a knight or a warrior, or whatever... For some odd reason she becomes very infuriated whenever I did so.

“Lukas, you’re fifteen years old! When are you going to grow up?” She said with her arms folding firmly across her chest.

“Fine, fine, I’ll clean the barn, it shouldn’t take too long!”

“The next time I catch your mind wandering about when you’re supposed to be doing chores you’ll get a whipping you’ve never imagined before.”

I simply rolled my eyes as she walked away. But of course she wasn’t yet finished with her tirade. “And stop pretending my broom is some kind of weapon!”

“I can’t help it mama, I’m gonna be a knight some day!” I chuckled back.

She grunted loudly and finally ended the argument with a threat I’ve heard millions of times before, “You break my broom and I’ll break your legs!”

I always laughed loudly at that one, for my mother wasn’t abusive as some kids’ mothers were. She would never lay a finger on me, besides my constant spankings of course.

Come to think of it, I’d hate to see what she would do if someone ever did laid their hands on me. It sure wouldn’t be pretty, I know that for sure. My mom is extremely protective of me.

I think that’s why I am home-schooled. She probably doesn’t want to even think about me being whipped by the school’s headmaster, which I am almost positive would be a daily activity. She’d rather do that herself…


Two hours later I finished sweeping the floors and bundling all the hay. It took me longer than I expected and mother wasn’t too thrilled about the delay.

“Sorry mama, it took me a bit long than I thought it would. Mama…?”

I yelled a bit more but was never given a response. My immediate answer to the silence was that she was most likely outside watering our garden and picking any already ripe vegetables.

So I threw off my work clothes and bundled into a pair of comfortable pants and an unbuttoned shirt. I went into the kitchen to see two plates resting on the table. One was full of cold food and the other was almost entirely eaten.

I walked over to the front door and poked my head out to see where mother was. I saw her standing just a few feet away from the porch. That’s when I saw two men in shiny silver armor standing next to her.

I walked outside to greet the men and I noticed she was sobbing.

“Who are these people mama, and why are you crying?”

Without giving me an answer she threw her arms around me and began to cry even more than before.

“Mama, what’s wrong?”

One of the men in armor spoke up with a deep and serious voice.

“Son, follow us into your house. There are some matters that need to be discussed.”

I was speechless. I didn’t know what to say. My mom took me by the hand and led me and the other two men into the house, where we all sat down at the kitchen table after she cleaned it.

“Lukas, do you have any idea who your father was?”

“Umm…no sir, I do not. Mama told me he passed away when I was still a baby.”

The man looked over to mother and she started crying again, this time thankfully a little quieter than before. I hated seeing her cry; it pained me more than anything else.

“You father was Martin Septim, son of Uriel Septim. Do you know who any of those two men are?” The man asked with a sterner tone.

“No sir, I’ve never heard the names before,” I said sheepishly.

Again the man looked over to my mother, this time with sheer anger. I was almost afraid he was going to yell at her but he turned his attention back to me.

“Your father and grandfather were rulers of the Empire Lukas. Surely you’ve of the Empire, haven’t you?”

I nodded. Who didn’t know about the Empire? Even we, on this small island hundreds of miles from anyone else, know about them. But was this man serious about my father, and apparently my grandfather, once being rulers of the Empire?

“Martin and Uriel were both recently slain recently. Your grandfather was assassinated by the culprits and Martin sacrificed himself to save Cyrodiil. You, Lukas, are the heir to the throne.”

I was stunned beyond belief. Surely I was dreaming right? Perhaps I had fainted from the barn’s heat and I was imagining all of this? Surely I had to be, there’s just no way in the world any of this could really be happening.

“I’m sorry sir, but what are you talking about? I think you have the wrong person. I’ve lived here all my life and I highly doubt it’s possible that I would be related to any Imperial Kings.”

“Ah, but it is Lukas, what your mother has apparently forgotten to mention to you is that she was once a caretaker for the Chapel in the city that was once Kvatch. She happened to have a “small” mishap with Martin and that brought you into this world. Your mother fled the country and brought you here. And since you’re Martin’s only heir that makes you’re the rightful king of Cyrodiil.”

I looked over to my mother and she was able to nod her head slowly. I was the King of Cyrodiil? How could this be? I’m only fifteen years old!

“We’ll give you about an hour to get your stuff together and then we set sail for Cyrodiil where you will take your place at the throne, though it won’t be as glamorous as you might think. A war has just been won, but don’t worry, I’ll explain everything on the way.”

Things were happening so fast I didn’t know what to think. I was looking back and forth between the two men and my mother, then the next thing I knew I was toppling face first towards the table, and then everything went dark.

[redsrock]

Sorry for the delay, but unfortunately school has to come first!


CHAPTER FIVE

Jauffre and I spent the next hour or so deciding on what exactly I should say to the people. This was a most delicate subject because it was key for us to gain the popularity of the people, and if we get them on our side things will be much easier from there on out.

For a second I thought about letting Jauffre speak for me, but he quickly shoved the idea out of the way, claiming that it would show fear. “Lukas, you have to speak this time. You have to show the people that they really can trust you.”

“Well then what am I supposed to do if I get up there and they start yelling? What do I do then?”

“That is why the Champion will speak first. You will start your speech after the Champion has a few words himself. He’ll be able to bring their spirits up and that’s when you’ll come and stand right next to him when you speak.”

“So are we going to wait here inside while the Champion makes his own little speech first?”

“That is exactly what we will do. Whatever happens it doesn’t matter, remember that Lukas. You will still be in charge, but let me repeat myself one more time…you really need the people’s trust. I promise it will make things easier for you.”

After that the door opened and in stepped the Champion, who looked rested up after his short nap. “Are we ready yet Jauffre? I am whenever you two are…”

“Yes, Lukas and I will wait here while you make your entrance. When shall we know when you are finished?”

“I will say….let me think….when I say ‘our future leader is in dire need of our all of our assistance’ you two can come out. I know that doesn’t sound very strong, but trust me, you want the people to be sympathetic as well as supportive.”

The Champion left the room and exited the palace. While the doors were opened I peered out into the crowd. There were hundreds of people everywhere, all crowded together to see me. Of course they didn’t exactly know who they were waiting for, but it was still a good feeling knowing that I was so important. Though I couldn’t let it get to my head. I had to stay firm and have an open mind. I couldn’t let all this new popularity clog my brain up. But of course I guess I couldn’t really call myself popular just yet…




Cheers roared into the skies at the appearance of the Champion. Jauffre and I stood close to the doors from the inside, so that we could still hear what was going on outside. It must’ve been at least five minutes before the noise died down and the Champion finally began his speech.

“I come to you today not for my own sake of attention, but instead for a dream of a future Empire, one that is free from politics and favoritism…”

The crowd died down to hear what the Champion had to say. Though his voice was still raspy, he still echoed throughout the entire area, even soaking through the doors where Jauffre and I could plainly hear him. He was a great speaker indeed.

“But who will lead us through this dark time? The Elder Council wishes against what is best for the Empire, for they would rather run everything themselves. Their thirst for power has gone long enough and now the time comes for a new ruler, but of the same bloodline as before.”

At the last sentence the crowd began to get loud again. The queasy feeling was returning because I knew it was only a matter of seconds until I would be called to the stage, to face the hundreds of citizens and the soldiers. All eyes would be set solely on me and me alone. My hands were shaking. My face was drenched with sweat. It was time for judgment.

“Join me and help our new leader take the throne and lead us back into our former glory. Our future leader is in dire need of our all of our assistance.”

Jauffre opened the door and both of us stepped out into the cold evening, surrounded by hundreds of cheering citizens. Their eyes were full of joy and happiness. It had seemed as if I had already won their allegiance, but I was terribly wrong.

“Jauffre, our Emperor!”

Those cheers came from the mouths of the citizens who thought he, Jauffre, was the emperor. I immediately knew it was not me they were cheering for. They had no clue that it was I would lead them, not Jauffre.

The Champion quickly calmed the crowd down and he had a difficult time of doing so. The crowd was very energetic and it took nearly ten minutes to get them silent.

“Here is your new leader, Lukas Septim!”

Jauffre pushed up to where the Champion was standing, and then he took his place back beside me. The Champion put his arm around and I didn’t know what to do.

I could clearly hear the soldiers’ quiet snickering through the dead silent crowd. The people looked at me and then back at Baurus as if he were joking.

“What is this, some kind of joke?” yelled a confused Dunmer.

“Joke? This is not prank; you are looking at the future leader of the Empire!”

Suddenly the place filled with loud whispers and pointing figures, all aimed towards my shaking body. I had never been so nervous in my life.

“Quiet, quiet!”

“Let the Emperor speak!”

Jauffre’s and the Champion’s pleas were of no use. The people had already made their views and it seemed as if I had no chance of gaining their respect. Maybe all of this was a mistake…

“You’ve got to speak before things get out of control. Hurry and say something before the crowd gets too agitated!” screamed Jauffre over the loud angry crowd.

I didn’t know what to do but Jauffre still pushed me up to the front, where I began shaking even wilder than before. I looked out into the crowd and saw not one happy expression on a single face. I was a sitting target up in front of all these people. They didn’t want to listen to what a little boy had to say.

Just as I was about to speak I could sense something running towards me from the side. I turned to my right and saw a drunken Nord running towards me furiously. Rather than run away I stood there, frozen in time, unable to make a move. The bulky body was gaining ground on me and in only a matter of seconds he would crush me into a hundred pieces.

Then, to my left a body rushed by and I saw the Champion unsheathe a long silver blade from its holder. The blade was swung upwards swiftly and suddenly the Nord threat was over as he body fell limp to the cold stone floor, with blood pouring from a wound to the right side of his stomach.

Immediately an uproar came from the crowd and people started yelling and getting closer to where I was standing. That’s when the soldiers finally stepped in. They all hustled in front of me and blocked me from any further attacks. Boos towards the Champion were heard loudest and right then I knew the speech was a total failure, but then again I really can’t call it a speech since I never said a word.

Then I was twisted around from behind and their stood a man dressed as an Imperial palace guard, but something was different about this coat of arms. The man looked to be an officer of some sort.

“You three come with me before anything else happens. We have to get the Emperor out of here before someone tries to attack Lukas again,” the man said to Jauffre.

So the Champion, Jauffre and I followed the man into the palace while the other soldiers did their best to quiet down the people of the Imperial City. I wasn’t very lucky when it came to first impressions…




Inside the palace we went to the room with all the chairs lined up around the humongous table. The doors were closed and it was only Jauffre, the Champion and I alone, along with the man in shiny armor.

“Well that didn’t go very well now did it? Obviously the people aren’t going to look at this situation in a positive way, but you’ll have to be patient. We’ll have to hope to win their hearts slowly I suppose,” the man said.

Then he looked at me and smiled, and outstretched his hand towards mine. “My name is Hieronymus Lex. What we need to do now is have an emergency meeting with all of the Imperial City officers. I don’t mean to sound bossy but it would definitely be in your best interest to meet with your own captains.”

The idea was both smart and greatly appreciated. I didn’t mind any help at all, especially coming from an apparent experienced officer such as himself.

“Yes, that is a good idea. We shall hold a meeting tonight with all of the officers at nine o’clock,” I said defiantly, trying my best to sound like a leader.

Jauffre looked at me surprisingly. “Yes, I agree with both of you. Hieronymus, gather up the officers and bring them here. Lukas must talk with the officers and explain the situation. Then we’ll go from there.”

Captain Lex left the room, leaving only Jauffre and I, plus the Champion who had yet to say a word. I turned around and saw him breathing hard and clutching his chest.

“Are you okay?” I asked him.

“I’m fine, I just need to rest. I’m really not in shape to be doing what I did out there. This disease is crippling me beyond what I original thought it would. I’m sorry sir but I need to rest. If you need any help you know where I’ll be,” the Champion said as he left the room.

Before he left I gave him my thanks for saving my life. “Thanks for saving me out there. I would have been a goner if it wasn’t for you.”

He simply smiled and patted me on the shoulder…




At nine o’clock all of the officers were in the large room, sitting in their chairs, anxiously waiting for my arrival. I had retired to my own chambers beforehand, that Jauffre showed me. The room was absolutely luxurious, far more than anything I had ever seen. But unfortunately I had no clothing to fit me yet, so Jauffre had sent a maid to a nearby shop to get me something that would fit. I was surprised the shop owners were still in business for the day, given the riot that had recently occurred.

When I walked through the door the room fell silent as the officers were ready to hear what I had to say. But before I could say anything Lex offered a pledge of allegiance from everyone.

“We are all here to serve you my lord. All of us are on your side, and we are positive the solders will be as well. I’ve heard that several laughed at you earlier, and trust me, they were reprimanded for their acts,” Lex said as he shook my hand again.

“You didn’t have to do that, I’d be surprised too if a young boy was claming to be the Emperor of grown men,” I replied.

“That matters not sir, your soldiers are to respect you no matter what. I assure you it will not happen again.”

We all sat down and Jauffre introduced me to the three officers. I had at first wondered if perhaps all of them were not present, but then Lex explained that since the war ended some unfortunate events have taken place within the ranks.

“We had one corrupt officer and obviously he was dismissed, banished from the Empire. Who knows where he is now. We also had another officer retire, and from what I heard he was assassinated somewhere in the south. We have not had a lot of time to hire two new officers, but now that job falls to you my lord,” Lex said.

Then a tan Breton officer dressed in regular Legion armor stood up and came over to shake my hand once more. “Hello my lord, my name is Gepard Montrose. I am head of the prison guard and you have my absolute allegiance. I’d like to tell you that right now the prisons aren’t as full as I’d like. This isn’t to say that I wish them to be full, but they should. Crime is steadily rising in the city, something you’ll definitely want to look into once you have time.”

“Yes, I will look at that once I have settled in. Thank you Gepard.”

Next was an Imperial man who was dressed in the same garb as Lex. But unlike Gepard, this man sat idly in his seat and almost had a sense of defiance in his tone. “My name is Itius Hayn, second-in-command of the Imperial Legion, next to Lex of course”.

I could have sworn there was a hint of jealousy in his voice as well.

“I’m happy to see the Septim bloodline continue, and I hope you will be able to get off on the right foot. As you have already seen, things won’t be easy at first, but like Lex already said, where are under your command and are here to serve you in any way possible.”

After that it was my turn to speak. And as I took a deep breath I hoped that, unlike my other two first impressions, this one would prove more successful.

“First off, I want to thank you for support, which makes things a lot easier. I understand that the relationship between an Emperor and his men are incredibly important, and I will do my absolute best to keep that connection intact. I now know that I am commanding a great group of leaders, and this skill will drip down do the Legion soldiers all the way down to the common prison guard. Our military has taken a hit thanks to the war, but I swear to you now that will change. A military is the backbone of any country, and I aim to continue that theory.”

“Very well sir, but I would like to know how you plan on accomplishing that task. Not many people want anything to with the Imperial Legion right now. The other cities see us as weak,” Itius said.

“I realize this Itius. That is why Jauffre, Lex and I shall travel to the other cities in order to meet with the Counts and Countesses personally.” I quickly stole a look from Jauffre and again he had that same proud look about him. “I will leave within the next couple of days; for I fear civil war will result if I do not take action quick.”

“I like that idea sir. Who would you like to take control of the city while we are gone?” Lex asked.

“On second thought, forget what I said. Lex, I would like you to stay here and run things.”

I did this on purpose to see Itius’s reaction, and just as I thought his face went red when I told Lex he would remain in the city. Itius struck me as a jealous officer, and I would have to watch him closely.

“I will travel with Baurus and Jauffre alone. There is no need for anyone else. Now that I think about it, has anyone seen Baurus?”

“Sir, the last I heard he was seen drinking at the Foaming Flask,” said Gepard.

I looked over and saw Jauffre roll his eyes and breathe loudly. “I’ll go speak with him tonight and get him back on track. He’s young, I realize that, but that’s still no excuse for what he did earlier.”

“Very well, that will be it. I want to thank you all for your time and I promise when things get going I will meet with you once more to discuss matters more extensively. For now I would like to rest for the night.”

The officers left the room and Jauffre applauded me for my actions. “That was very impressive Lukas. I’m glad to see you are taking this seriously. Your tone of voice was confident and I really think the officers believe in you. You’re coming together Lukas, I sense great change in the future.”

“Thanks Jauffre, I just hope it’s for the better…”