The Last Heir, FanFic Options

[redsrock]

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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]

CHAPTER SIX

I walked back to my room and said my goodnights to Jauffre, who told me that he would sleep at Cloud Ruler Temple. Though I haven’t been to the fort just yet, both Jauffre and Baurus told me of how grand the place was, and of all the history it holds.

That night, as I lay down in my most comfortable bed, I thought about the upcoming days and what they would hold for my future. I wasn’t too sure what would happen to tell you the truth. With the people’s anger towards me so high I wasn’t too certain whether I should walk the streets or not. I mean sure, it would show courage and bravery, but would it also show an interest to die? I couldn’t exactly trust my people just yet, for they do not trust me either.

Another thing that worried me was Baurus. Perhaps there was a history of bad blood between him and Jauffre. If that’s the case I was never made aware of it, and of course with my luck that will be exactly the problem. Baurus claims Jauffre is too bossy, but I never see it that way. Maybe things were different when I wasn’t around. Or maybe Baurus is simply jealous of Jauffre’s rank. It doesn’t really matter I guess; only that Baurus grows up and stops acting like a child. That sounds a little strange coming from me, a child myself, but it’s the truth. We can’t have the only Blades officers bickering back and forth.

The next morning I woke up at around eight o’clock in the morning, and I would’ve slept in longer if it wasn’t a loud banging coming from outside my door. I sat up in my bed and rubbed the side of my neck, which was aching a bit from sleeping on it awkwardly. I hated it when that happened. Quickly I slipped on some shoes and then answered the door and there was Jauffre, with Baurus right behind him.

“It’s time for you to get out of bed sir; there are many things to take care of. You have a long day ahead of you,” Jauffre said with again a motherly tone.

“I’m aware of that Jauffre, thanks for waking me up. Good morning Baurus, I’m glad to see you’ve rejoined us.”

I had expected an apology but instead he merely shrugged his shoulders a bit and nodded. There was still anger within him; that much was for sure. I just hoped it wouldn’t carry out into something larger.

“After you get dressed we’ll let Lex know that we will leave soon,” Jauffre said.

Before Jauffre could continue I quickly cut him off. “I never said when I want to leave Jauffre. Don’t you think there are matters that need attending to here in this city first?”

“Yes, obviously, but you need to talk with other rulers outside of the Imperial City. Things have been going on since the end of the war. Border control, talks of city expansions. If you don’t act soon civil war will come upon Cyrodiil. Even if you do talk with the rulers I’m not even sure if it will help,” he said.

“Very well, perhaps you are right. But who should we speak with first?”

“The southern cities of Bravil and Leyawiin have been tangling verbally back and forth for some time. It would be best if we speak with those two cities first before a small war breaks out. For right now the cities are still under our control, but I fear the worst will happen if something isn’t done.”

“Then Bravil and Leyawiin it shall be. Which city is closer, I’m afraid I have no intelligence of my country’s geography at the moment.”

“Bravil is closest my lord,” Jauffre said.

Baurus then handed me a worn out map. “Here, take this map of mine. It might be bit old but I assure you it has everything you need to learn about your country. You see the symbols in the bottom right corner? That lets you know about rivers, mountains, everything. You should study the map when you have time.”
Before we left the city Lex was informed of our departure, and he seemed happy to take over command of the city. We didn’t speak with Itius; though I’m sure he loathed the idea him not being commander of the Legion. I didn’t really even know him that much, but there was still something about him. Hopefully I was just overreacting.

The three of us entered a carriage, the same one he used to arrive at the city, with the same Dunmer steering.

“Now you’ll have to remember Lukas, The Count of Bravil may have a temper with you, and if that is so you will have to remain calm. Regulus Terentius was always a stuck up man. I have a feeling this will not go as smoothly as we want it to,” Jauffre said once we were settled inside and on our way.

“Well just think about it; has anything gone smooth just yet?” I asked with a smile.

“Other than the officers, no, nothing has gone the way we want it to. Perhaps we should from now on expect the worst heh?”

Suddenly my thoughts turned towards the Champion, who I had forgotten all about. “What about the Champion Jauffre? Did he know we left? I forgot to tell him we were leaving.”

“Calm down sir, there is no need to fret, I told him of your absence right before I came to wake you up. I don’t think he’ll be up and going anytime soon anyhow. Killing that Nord really took a lot out of him I’m afraid.”

“Is it the disease he has?” I asked.

“Yes, I’m afraid so. The condition is eating away at his very existence. I didn’t want to tell you Lukas but I really don’t think he’ll last much longer. Though he doesn’t that old on the outside his body is dying from the inside more and more each day.”

I didn’t know what to say so I didn’t say anything. I wasn’t sure if Jauffre and the Champion were close friends so I figured staying silent was the best thing to do. I didn’t want to offend or anger Jauffre in any way.

“But you can’t worry about that Lukas; you must push the thought of him out of your mind. He would want that,” said Baurus.

Baurus was right but I still believed that his presence helped us. “Jauffre said he was a huge influence to the people. If he was to pass away wouldn’t that further severe our connection with the people?”

“Jauffre was once right in that theory, but not anymore. Not after what the Champion did to that Nord. Even if he was going to kill you the Nord was a citizen either way. The people saw the act as one against all of them. Whether we want to believe it or not, the Champion just might have worsened our chances of getting the people on our side,” Baurus said grimly.

It appeared that Jauffre totally disagreed with the statement. “How can you even begin to say that? After all he did for us? The last thing the people would do is be angry with him. He saved their lives!”

“I understand that Jauffre, but did you see the way everyone reacted to his actions yesterday. Of course he had no other option, but the fact of the matter is that the people are no longer supportive of him. He saved Lukas, the boy everyone seems to despise at the moment. It was a loss-loss situation, and unfortunately the Champion had to take the fall.”

Jauffre still didn’t agree with Baurus, but thankfully the two ceased their arguments.

“Another thing Lukas, the people and atmosphere of Bravil will be nothing like the Imperial City,” Baurus said with a bit of a laugh, as if attempting to lighten the mood. “The people are dirty and dishonest, and that’s nothing compared to the local government. While Regulus is the Count, the real rulers of the city are crime lords and drug lords. In fact, the city guard is said to have allied themselves with the drug lords in exchange for skooma, but nothing has been proven just yet.”

“Not to mention the smell as well. It’s far worse than Anvil even,” Jauffre said. “To tell you the truth Lukas, we will most likely not succeed in swaying Regulus to our side. He is a drunken fool. There is great danger in traveling to this city.”

“But it is a necessary danger Jauffre. I must speak with all of the rulers no matter what,” I said.




Not too much later we arrived at the city, and I immediately understood what Jauffre and Baurus were talking about. All of the buildings were run-down, and I could’ve sworn the guards were just as drunk as the people. It was a pitiful sight indeed.

“We are here to meet with the Count Regulus Terentius please,” said Jauffre to a guard who was standing outside the castle of Bravil.

“Go inside and talk with the Khajiit. She’ll be able to tell ya’ if the Count is busy or not,” the soldier said snobbishly.

Inside we went and sure enough a Khajiit was sitting at a nearby table, looking over some kind of document.

“Excuse me, but we are here to speak with the Count,” Jauffre said.

“And just might who you three be? I’m sorry, but if you do not have an appointment I will have to turn you away,” the Khajiit said. Her tone was just as snobby as the guards, if not more.

“My name is Jauffre, Grandmaster of the Blades. The boy is Lukas Septim, the Emperor of Cyrodiil.” Jauffre was getting snippy back, and it appeared the Khajiit didn’t like it a bit.

“So you are the boy who claims to be the Emperor? The Count wants nothing to do with you, for he is much to busy to talk with a child like yourself.”

“I’ll have you know that this boy will speak to Regulus Terentius whether the Cont likes it or not. And if there are any more problems with that I’ll personally take care of them myself,” Baurus said face to face with the Khajiit. She stared into his eyes for a few seconds before finally giving in.

She got up and showed us to the Counts room, which the door was closed and locked. She knocked on the door three times and a voice was heard from the inside.

“What is it out there? How many times have I told you not to bother me when my door is closed?”

“I am sorry sir but Emperor Lukas Septim is here to speak with you,” the Khajiit said.

Silence was the only thing to be heard for the next few seconds, until at last the door was unbarred and I was then looking at the face of Regulus Terentius.

“And what in the world are you doing here in my city?” He growled at me, with his putrid beer-breath smacking me in the nostrils.

“I’ve come to discuss matters with you Regulus Terentius. Changes are to be made and we have things that need to be talked about,” I said.

“And what if I turn you away from my city boy?”

“You don’t have an option. I am the Emperor and you will do as I say.”

He glared into my eyes for some time. His hatred towards me was certain. I was sure he wanted nothing more than to strike me down where I stood, but if course that would only land him with two blades to the chest. He was at least smart enough to realize that.

“Step inside; I will speak to you only for a small time. I have important things to take care of you know,” he said grumpily.

After the door was closed and the Khajiit had gone back to her reading I immediately began pounding the Count with words.

“I am aware that your county of Bravil is in verbal conflict with Leyawiin, am I correct?”

“Leyawiin violated our terms of agreement by bringing a group of their soldiers past the border point between our two cities. By violating that pact they have already buried their grave. I have no other choice but to exterminate them. I will not lie to you, Emperor, that is what I plan to do, and I really don’t care if you like it or not.”

“First of all Regulus, you do not have the power to create such a pact. You are not the ruler of this country, I am. And what does the Count of Leyawiin think of this pact you have so created?” I asked Regulus.

“He is as ignorant as you are. He refuses to listen to my orders, and he will pay for his actions. No one, not anyone, will defy me, I guarantee you that.”

“You will not attack Leyawiin Regulus. It doesn’t matter what you think, there is now an Emperor at the throne and I will not let you split the country apart. Either you will listen to me and cease your army’s advance, or my army will stop you by force.”

“Are you threatening me?”

He then got up from his chair and stood mere inches from my face. I could sense Baurus move closer to his blade’s holder, but I had no intentions of backing down.

“If that is how you feel, so be it. I am telling you now to stop what you are doing. You know you don’t want a war with my army. It will only spell the end of your reign as Count. I am not trying to topple you from your rank, I only wish for peace.”

“Fine, have it your way! I will send word for my troops to return to the city. But mark my words, if Leyawiin crosses my border once more with its soldiers I will take action, no matter what you say”

“I thank you for your good judgment Regulus. It is important that we all agree with what goes on in this country. I assure to you that I will speak with the Count of Leyawiin, and I will make it clear that he shall not extend his army past the borders.”

I extended my hand towards Regulus, and at first I thought he might ignore me. But at last he shook my hand and gave me the most sinister smile I had ever seen. I wasn’t done with him. Not even close…