The Scroll, the Priest and the Angry Imperial, Formerly known as, 'Dawn of a New Era' Options

[redsrock]

Author's Note

My new fan-fic focuses on the 'new' Count of Skingrad, and the 'new' Cyrodiil. This story takes place three years after the Oblivion Crisis, and the story simply tells the Count's adventures, mishaps, etc. The first chapter is more of a 'telling' chapter, rather than a 'doing' chapter. It might seem boring, but I assure you, it has to be this way. I have to lay down all the ground work so that you don't get confused down the road. Trust me; there will be plenty of action in this fic. That is what has been lacking in my other tales.

Feel free to ask any questions about what's going on, I'd be glad to answer them for you. And of course I'd appreciate some feed back as well.


The Scroll, the Priest and the Angry Imperial


PROLOGUE

When the Gates of Oblivion were finally closed, and once Mehrunes Dagon and the Mythic Dawn were eliminated from existence, the province of Cyrodiil was still left with an enormous problem. They were without an Emperor, and without an Emperor Cyrodiil went into an immediate mode of panic.

Ever since the Oblivion Crisis, the cities of Cyrodiil have had to fend for themselves, resulting in several alliances. The territories of Cyrodiil have changed, and the map at the bottom explains everything.

As of now there are four regions spread out through Tamriel. These regions are simply classified as North, South, East and West. VERY simple, yes, but what's the point of making fancy names? Nobody cares anyway.

The North region, as you can see from the map, consists of Bruma and Chorrol. Essentially the entire area of the Jerall Mountains is under Northern control, and that in its self would make them a formidable foe if war were to break out. (Thankfully that has yet to happen) The leaders of the North are Countesses Arriana Valga (of Chorrol) and Narina Carvain (of Bruma). Both are skillful leaders in their own right, and Lady Carvain is a shrewd and tactful negotiator. As of now the Northerners are fairly quiet, and for the most part keep to themselves.

The East region consists of Cheydinhal and the Imperial City. The leaders are Count Andel Indarys (of Cheydinhal), and High Commander Adamus Hieronymus Lex (of Imperial City). Lex took over as leader of the Legion once the Chancellor Ocato was assassinated by an unknown assailant. It is rumored that Lex had something to do with the killing, but nothing is factual. After Ocato's death the Council got scared and decided to let Cyrodiil fend for itself as a whole. Yes, that does sound a bit absurd, but that is what has resulted.

Count Indarys lets Lex do most of the talking, though it is also rumored that Indarys wishes to employ a more Dunmerian influence within the Eastern leadership. It is highly unlikely for Lex to agree with that. Whatever is left of the Legion lies in the Eastern region. Though their area is the second smallest, they hold all advantages in terms of military because of their massive army-size.

You see, once Lex was formally named leader of the Legion (though of course he did this himself oddly enough, no doubt with a swift and iron first) he recalled all Legion troops from foreign lands. Now Morrowind stands Imperial-less, and Helseth is now the main-man over there, battling his way through the angry Ashlander tribes of course.

The Easterners are very active, fighting with the Southerners for area control. Also, the troops of Cheydinhal are currently dealing with some rebels in the northeast. As of now they have not bothered the North and West, but it is inevitable that something will happen sooner or later.

The South region includes the cities, Leyawiin and Bravil. Leaders of the region are Counts Marius Caro (of Leyawiin), and Regulus Terentius. The two leaders are power hungry, plain and simple. It is almost safe to say that the South and East are the 'bad guys' of Cyrodiil, but if one had to be chosen as the 'good guys' it would probably be the South. The East wants power all to them selves, and they pose the greatest threat. Either way the two forces are equally dangerous.

And last but not least is the West, which includes Anvil and Skingrad. The leaders of the West are Countess Millona Umbranox (of Anvil), and myself, Count Louis Vero (of Skingrad). There's no doubt in my mind you're wondering where Janus Hassildor is, correct? Well, I'll tell you.

The former Skingrad Count stepped down shortly after the Oblivion Crisis, one year to be exact. Nobody knows the true reason for his departure, but I have my own theory. Count Hassildor was a vampire, though not many knew this. I myself knew because I was a personal diplomat for the former Count of Skingrad. Somehow a few others found out about his dirty secret, and in my eyes Janus felt the need to leave before a riot started. Either way it doesn't matter, I (along with my lovely wife), am the present and future of Skingrad.

Like the Northerners, we Westerners like to keep to ourselves and not cause a ruckus. Out of all the major cities in Cyrodiil I'd say Skingrad is the most prosperous. Many merchants come to my city simply for the fact that I will let just about anyone open shop, as long as their items aren't illegal of course. I don't want a city full of skooma and moon-sugar addicts, mind you.

And now, as I stand here on my balcony with the cool, evening wind blowing in my face, I can only feel lucky to be in the position I am now. Skingrad has been lucky to have had a peaceful atmosphere for the past few years, and that of course has made my transition to Count smooth as well. However, something tells me that the peace will not last much longer. I don't know why, but I have a very bad feeling something major is going to happen. I just wish I knew what it was.


http://s284.photobucket.com/albums/ll18/re...nt=Cyrodiil.jpg

This post has been edited by redsrock: Apr 20 2008, 02:35 PM

[redsrock]

CHAPTER THREE

“So he actually said all of that stuff?” Torlin asked.

“Yeah, and to think he really wants me to believe it. Still, I don’t think he has any immediate plans, for us anyway. But with Countess Umbranox there, I just don’t know, to be honest with you.”

“I actually happen to think they were discussing terms of a possible Anvil surrender,” Vaden commented.

“WHAT?” Torlin yelled.

“Oh yes, my friend. Anvil’s army is nothing to look at. I believe Countess Umbranox realizes herself that the East will eventually invade us, and she obviously doesn’t think we can win. Basically she’s betraying us so she can join who she thinks would win the war.”

“That’s preposterous! Millona wouldn’t give herself up, or betray the West! Where would she go if she were to surrender her town?”

“Since Lex is already vying to take away Indarys’ control, I’d say she will be able to keep her town, but she would not be a co-leader of Lex’s region. He hates all of that co-leader stuff. I realize he doesn’t make those wishes public, but it is very easy to see. Why would he let yet another leader to the East?”

“That’s just crazy. However, let’s take hypothetically here, and ask ourselves what if that plan idea does go in motion, what should we do?” Torlin asked, though he still wasn’t sold on Vaden’s theory.

“I am in no way a military-expert, by any means in fact. However, if what I say does in fact happen, Lex will wait until the South is captured, because that would be very stupid of him to start a war with two Regions, albeit Anvil would be on his side. For now I think we are safe, but we should definitely be taking some precautions.”

Immediately Torlin began laughing his head off. “This is just stupid, Vaden. Umbranox isn’t going to betray us.”

“Well why don’t we just ask the leader of our city, Torlin?”

The two looked at me, waiting for a response. To be honest I was sort of siding with Vaden on this one. Well, I take that back. I don’t think Umbranox is likely to betray us, but on the other hand it could happen. Countess Umbranox isn’t the most aboveboard person in the world after all. There are many scenarios that can happen.

“While I don’t actually think the Countess of Anvil will be betraying us anytime soon, the things Vaden have said do make sense. We never really have had a smooth relationship with Anvil anyway. I don’t what will happen, but I think I will have to have a meeting with the Council tomorrow to talk about it.”

Then Vaden spoke up again, “Good, I’m glad to hear that. You really should be thinking about what I’m saying.”

“I still refuse to believe it,” Torlin said harshly with his arms crossed.

“That’s fine, Torlin, because in all honesty I really don’t care. But mark my words: if anyone were to try and take control of Cyrodiil, they will have to heed the help of a foreign army. And we all know Lex wants all of Cyrodiil, not just part of it. That’s all I’m saying…wake me up when we get home.”

Vaden took his helmet and placed it over his shut eyes, trying to fall asleep. Torlin looked at me, rolled his eyes, and then copied Vaden.


+++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++


We arrived back home at one of the morning, and that’s when I thought of something. If Lex was a good person, which I realize he’s not, he would have surely offered me a room in the castle. It was too dangerous for a lord to travel late and night, but yet he offered no such hospitality. This only fuels my anger towards Lex even more and I now realize what must be done. Rachel will probably think it is drastic, but I don’t care.

It is time to go to war with the Eastern Region. As crazy as that will sound to many of my advisors, actually all three of them, this must be done. Vaden is right, the East will eventually make their way onto my territory, that much is certain. And this situation with Umbranox is getting stranger every time I think about it.

However, that leads to what Vaden also said in the carriage: if anyone were to try and take control of Cyrodiil, they will have to heed the help of a foreign army I completely agree with this without any doubts whatsoever. Of course, I am getting way ahead of myself here. I first need to talk with my wife.

She was sitting in a chair, reading a book, when I walked in. “Louis, finally you’re home. Did everything go smoothly?”

I didn’t answer the question at once, and I threw my robe onto the bed and put on some night-clothes. Rachel could tell I was upset, and immediately tried to calm my nerves.

I was sitting on the edge of the bed with my balled-hands under my chin, thinking deeply. Rachel sat her book on a table and walked over to me, sitting right beside me. Then she stroked me hair with her smooth hand and asked, “Honey, are you alright?”

I looked into Rachel’s eyes and replied, “It is time to go to war to the East, Rachel.”

She just looked at me with wondrous eyes, not saying a thing. After several minutes of awkward silence she said, “Come; let us talk outside on the balcony, Louis.”

It was kind of funny, because every time we talk about something important it is usually done outside on our balcony. I had it added onto the castle when I first moved in as Count. No one can hear us because we are up so high up, and I don’t know…I just feel so free, with the wind blowing in my face and the birds flying nearby. I love it.

I told Rachel everything that happened in the Imperial City, and once I was finished she said, after a few seconds of more silence, “Well, after hearing that I’d say I have to agree with you. However, I think waging war against the East is a tad bit premature, Louis.”

“But Rachel, what in the world do you think Lex will do once they take control of the South? They will come after us eventually, and sooner than later I should add! The South won’t last much longer. The North is too well-defended, and he will wait for them last. It all makes sense, honey. He will attack us soon, and I think we should make the first move.”

She shook her head slightly and looked at the ground. “I don’t know. What you say does in fact make sense. I just hope you aren’t trying to disprove what Lex said about you, not being a good leader and all. I fear your ego is getting the best of you.”

“My ego? That has nothing to do with this!” I yelled angrily.

She narrowed her eyes and gave me that ‘oh, really?’ look. Then I added while throwing me hands up in the air, “Alright, I’ll admit it, he did piss me off by saying that. But, I just can’t see how you could disagree with what I’ve told you. Lex wants Cyrodiil for himself, and he will stop at nothing until he gets his way. It is so clear. I just wish you would believe me.”

“The truth is that I do believe you, Louis. I just don’t want to. I don’t want to think that we are on the brink of war. That’s never happened to us before, and up until now we’ve had peace. Are you positively sure you want to go through with what you’re talking about? If so, then I’m with you all the way from here on out.”

I put my arm around her and said, “Yes, Rachel, I am sure. Tomorrow morning we will hold a meeting with our advisors, and we’ll just go from there.”

“You know they won’t like your idea, Louis.”

“Yes, yes, I know. It will take some effort to sway them on my side, but I think I can do it. Deep down they know it is the truth, and hopefully they will accept it tomorrow morning without too much hassle.”


+++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++ +++++


The next morning I woke up earlier than usual, six-thirty to be exact. Rachel woke up with me and we quickly bathed, got dressed, and headed downstairs to the throne room. The servants and maids were already getting things cleaned up for public visitations and whatnot. I called them all over to me, and then told them of my plans.

“I will be holding a meeting here with my Council at nine o’clock this morning at the assembly room. I would like a full course meal to be prepared, for I want them to be happy and comfortable for what I have to say.”

Everyone scattered and started the preparations. I then called for my personal courier, Jacque the Breton, and asked him to deliver messages to my three advisors, requesting their appearance at the meeting.

“Would you please travel the homes of my advisors, and inform them that there is to be a meeting this morning at ten o’clock?”

“Of course, my lord,” Jacque said with a bow.

“Thank you. Tell them not to eat, because there will be food and drink at the meeting.”

He nodded and then bolted from the castle. Soon Danus came in from outside to ask about the meeting yesterday.

“How did things go with Hieronymus, my lord?”

“Not as well as I would’ve hoped for, but there’s something else. I am holding a meeting at nine ‘clock in the assembly room. It is of utmost importance, and I want you and Dion to attend the meeting as well.”

“Of course, my lord. Is there anything you’d like me to do beforehand?”

“Yes, inform Dion of the meeting and make sure he is present.”

He nodded and then quickly left the room.

“What do plan on saying once the Council shoots down your request of war?” Rachel asked me, several minutes after he had sat down on our thrones.

She was actually smiling after the question, and I crack a grin as well. I know that it’s going to take some explaining and persuasive words to convince the Advisors that war is the answer, but I am more than up for the challenging. I wasn’t a personal diplomat many years for nothing.

“Oh, you know me, dear. Quick thinking and a sharp and persistent tongue was my life before Count-hood, you know,” I said winking.

Then again, I won’t be dealing with a bunch of know-nothing rejects. My advisors are extremely wise and intelligent, which is why I hired them in the first place.

One of them is a slick, elderly Breton by the name of Maxillius Grantum. He was an ambassador over in his homeland of High Rock for some time before moving to Cyrodiil about fifteen years ago. He’s the most cunning out of the three, and knows a lot about a lot, if you know what I mean.

The second is a Dunmer named Alammus Berendal. ‘Al’ is my foreign-relations specialist. He keeps an eye on the surrounding provinces and makes sure that we aren’t going to be ambushed and attacked. He’s very good with words and can persuade almost anyone to do anything.

Finally there is Emelia Ceno, the only female of the group. Rachel made sure I appointed a female, but I was going to either way. Emelia is a hot-headed know-it-all, plain and simple. I hate to talk about one of my advisors that way, but she is arrogant sometimes. Even Rachel notices this, but it’s not like we can just dismiss Emelia, simply because she is very intelligent economically. She’s one of the main reasons I have her on board the Council, but if it wasn’t for that she probably wouldn’t even be here right now. I expect her to be the most enraged once I tell the Council I want war.

At fifteen minutes before nine o’clock Rachel and I left our seats on the throne and walked over to the assembly room, and then sat down at the wide circular table. It wasn’t too big of an area, but it wasn’t tiny either. Like the balcony I also had this part of the castle added once I was named Count. Hassildor didn’t really have a council of advisors or anything like them for that matter.

Inside the food and drinks were already placed on the table. There were all kinds of choices; including meats, fruits, vegetables, different types of nuts, and even pies and cakes for dessert. Then of course there was plenty of wine, but also different juices and milk as well.

Soon Dion and Danus filed in, and shortly after that the three advisors arrived one by one as well. The seven of us talked about common things for around thirty minutes or so, drinking the wine and eating the food. Then I stood from my chair and room quickly fell silent.

“As much fun as I have talking about nothing,” I said with a nice smile, and then waited for the laughs to die down. “There are important things we must discuss.” Now I was being totally serious, and my face of laughter was replaced with one of importance. “After my trip to the Imperial City yesterday, I have been thinking and hard about the future of Skingrad, and Cyrodiil as a whole.”

The advisors eyes shifted back and forth at one another, and my two officers looked puzzled as well.

“After my discussion with Lex I have come to the conclusion that it is time to declare war on the Eastern Empire.”

Immediately the room filled with shouts from the advisors, especially Emelia. Dion looked at me, slightly nodding his head, as did Danus. The two of them knew this moment was going to happen sooner than later.

“Absurd! Why would you want to put your country through such a thing? Think about the people, Louis! Is this really necessary?”

Emelia was livid with her questions and statements. She was also worried about our economy; she just didn’t want to say so yet.

“This is for the people, Lady Ceno. Soon the East will be marching through our land and pounding down our doors with their own army. We need to strike before we are caught off guard!”

I was trying to sound as forceful as possible, and I wanted them to know I was serious. I wasn’t going to take no for an answer.

“And think about our economy as well! We will plummet if you choose to go to war! I just don’t think it is necessary. Why do you think he will come after us, Louis?”

I told her and the other advisors about Countess Umbranox, and after I was done I was still met with stiff resistance from Emelia.

“She doesn’t have to get your permission to talk with Lex, Louis. I think you are going overboard with this,” Alammus exclaimed.

“No, that is not the case. She wanted to get out of there as soon as possible when she saw me, and Lex was acting strange as well.”

Emelia looked at me for several seconds, and then said, “This is crazy, simply crazy! But I can see you aren’t going to listen to me, and because of that I will close my mouth for now.”

She then crossed her arms, and in my opinion looked like a complete immature baby. Of course I wasn’t going to tell her that.

“If in fact we were to go to war, how would our army stack up against Cheydinhal and the Legion?” Maxillius asked. I believe he was leaning towards my way, but just wanted to know a couple of things before giving me the heads-up.

This is when Danus stepped up from his chair and began to speak.

“Our forces are more than capable of fighting the Legion in open area. Though, laying a siege onto their city would definitely be a problem. Their walls are of course very high, and it would be easy for us to get surrounded. If a full scale invasion is in order, we need to cut off the, “Tiber Bridge”, which connects the city’s island with the rest of the province. If we can create a blockade then they would be forced to come out and fight, or wait for Cheydinhal reinforcements.”

“Very well, that sounds sensible. What about Countess Umbranox? Before we do anything we need to speak with her. She needs to explain to us why she was visiting Lex in the first place, and why she didn’t say anything to us about it,” Maxillius said while slamming his fist on the table. Apparently he’s just as suspicious about the situation as I am.

Of course I agreed with that. “That is true. I think I should teleport to Anvil at once and demand explanation. I realize she doesn’t have to get a written permission from me to talk to Lex, but it’s still awkward, especially at a time when the East is at war with the South. She should have said something to first.”

“You can use the teleportation chambers at the Mages Guild. There is no time to talk here anymore, I’m afraid. Also, I think its best if only I go with you, Louis, and your honor-guards of course,” Maxillius said quickly.

“Everyone stay here while Maxillius and I pay Umbranox a visit. There we shall ask her why she was in the Imperial City. I don’t know how long we’ll be gone, but just stay put. Dion, fetch my honor-guards, please.” I kissed Rachel on the cheek and left quickly. Things were certainly happening fast.

Within minutes I was standing inside the Mages Guild, accompanied by Maxillius, Vaden and Torlin. A young Breton had led us to the teleportation chambers, and was now activating it.

“I’m happy to see you agree with my theory, my lord,” Vaden said to me with a smile.

But of course Torlin didn’t believe it at all. “Why would Anvil betray us?” Torlin asked.

“Because she probably struck a deal with Lex, and now he will send troops to bolster up Anvil’s army. We all know that as they are now, Anvil’s army is nothing but bunch of untrained militia. Lady Umbranox has lost the will to be the great leader she once was. It doesn’t matter, Torlin, I already explained all of this to you on the way back from the Imperial City.”

“But why would Anvil need to add to their military if they’re not even in a war?” Torlin asked.

“Because…Anvil will soon side with East in a conquest against the West, meaning us if you’re not smart enough to figure it out yourself,” Vaden said while rolling his eyes.

Torlin was about to say something in return, no doubt to defend himself from Vaden’s last sentence, but Maxillius quickly stepped in once he sensed an argument was about to start.

“Why do you Anvil will betray us, Vaden?” Maxillius asked.

“I don’t know, it’s just a feeling I have. I mean, when’s the last time you even spoke with Lady Umbranox about anything, my lord?” Vaden asked me.

“I can’t really remember. It’s been a while, I know that. We’ve sent a few letters back and forth a few months ago, but that’s about it.”

“Exactly! She’s been planning something this entire time, I just know it!” Vaden exclaimed.

“Well, for the East it would be a sensible decision to receive aid from Anvil, then they would be able to attack us from both sides,” Maxillius said. “We’ll just have to see once we speak with Lady Umbranox.”

The activation of the chamber was at last complete, and then finally the four of us stepped through the magical portal.