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 FIVE


Ten minutes later I found myself sitting at a round table with Maxillius and Millona. Unlike me Millona didn’t seem to have meals with all kinds of dishes laid out onto the table. Instead the three of us ordered our own separate meal to the castle chef. He was a plump Imperial, with a thick mustache to match.

I ordered roasted racer plumes, an order of raw vegetables, and a glass of Tamika’s Vintage wine. I really wasn’t too hungry, since I had just finished breakfast no more than two hours ago, but I didn’t want to be rude. Although, it was twelve-thirty in the afternoon. To me it was too early for dinner, but oh well; I guess it doesn’t really matter.

“I have an idea of my own about what we should do, but I would first like to hear your opinions,” Millona said to me and Maxillius.

“Well, this was another matter I wanted to discuss with you, Millona. I have decided that war is the only way to stop Lex from reaching his plans dominance. I feel my army is capable of handling his troops, and we need to stop him before he finally does get his hands on the scroll.”

Millona didn’t at all agree with what I was saying, and she made this clear by raising her eyes and shaking her head left to right.

“War? How in the world do you think that is going to solve anything?”

“Because we will invade our region sooner or later! Surely you must realize this?”

“Of course I do,” she said while rolling her eyes. “But that doesn’t mean I’m about to send my men to die when there is no immediate reason. The East is at war with the South right now. We should let Lex stay busy with them while we try to find that priest.”

I wasn’t sure what to think. I wanted nothing more than to eliminate the threat of the East, but on the other hand I suppose Millona has a point. I mean, even my advisors told me the exact same thing, save for the ancestor priest, yet I just don’t know. After what Lex said to me in the Imperial City, about me not being as good a leader as Hassildor was, I want to prove him wrong. Of course I don’t want to make a deadly mistake in the process.

“What you say makes sense, Millona, but I am still not sure. With our help I think we can help the South win the war. And in doing so we…”

Millona quickly cut me off and finished my sentence for me. “will allow the South to gain the upper hand against all of Cyrodiil! You know the Southern leaders are just as malevolent as Lex is. Even if we were to help them win the war, they would settle for nothing less than their occupation of the Imperial City and Cheydinhal. You know this, Louis.”

She was right, I had to admit that. And then she added something else.

“And that would result in a whole other war, because we definitely wouldn’t let them occupy the East region. I think it is just best that we let them keep killing each other off while we look for the priest. That is the most important thing right now anyway.”

I thought about what she said, weighed in my own opinions, and ultimately agreed that war was not the answer, at least for the time being. Who knows what the future would bring. For now I was content on standing pat.

“Very well, you’re right. We shouldn’t rush war if it’s not absolutely necessary. However, I do have a few more questions before I take my leave. Where are you hiding the elder scroll?”

She stood over Maxillius’s shoulder, and said, “I’m sorry, but I cannot tell anyone. It’s too dangerous. Surely you understand,” she said, rather bluntly.

I didn’t really understand, since I was her ally, but then again her intentions are for the best, and I can’t argue with that. “Fair enough. One last question then; should we alert the North and South of Lex’s doings?”

“Not for now,” she said, shaking her head forcefully. “For the moment we shall conduct our own investigations, quite secretly of course. I think we should talk more about this tomorrow. Shall I come to Skingrad around noon?”

“Yes, that sounds alright. I’ll make sure to have my servants and maids prepare lunch. Or in your case, dinner,” I said jokingly, referring that she called a meal a noon ‘dinner’.

“I’m sure you will,” she said with a small weak and a wide smile.


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


Back in Skingrad, everyone was still sitting in the assembly room, anxiously awaiting my return. As soon I as entered the room they immediately started pounding me with questions. I quickly motioned for everyone to stay silent, and then I reiterated to them what Countess Umbranox told me. I told them gave them Umbranox’s explanation to why she was in the Imperial City, and then I told them about Lex’s documents, the elder scroll, and then the priest.

“A scroll, a priest, and an angry Imperial, eh?” Alammus asked, grinning at bit from the last part of his sentence. There was no doubt in my mind Lex was at the moment pulling hairs from his head, from the frustration of not knowing where the scroll is.

“Yes, and as of now Lex has no clue where the scroll is, and unfortunately neither do I. Millona wasn’t willing to bestow its location.”

“Which shouldn’t be surprising,” Maxillius added. “She trusts you, Louis, there’s no doubt in that, for I could see it in her face and hear it in her voice. It’s just that there really is no particular reason to tell you. The scroll is safe and that’s really all that matters.”

“Yes, I no, it’s just that I get nosy sometimes.”

Then Emelia commented, quite rudely, “You can say that again. Well, it’s good to hear that at least someone has a bit of common sense. Millona is an intelligent being for realizing war is not the answer. I know Lex made you made by what he said about your leadership, Louis, but that is no reason to lose control of your feelings.”

I wanted to say something back, but instead I ignored her. I wasn’t in the mood for arguing. “Millona will be arriving here in our city tomorrow, at noon. A full meal will be prepared, but only Rachel and I will be present. For now I wish for you all to ponder what you have heard, and then we will conduct another meeting once Millona leaves.”

After everyone was gone, including my two honor-guards who were now standing near my throne, it was just Rachel and I inside the assembly room. I could tell something was bugging her, so I asked her what’s wrong.

“Is something bothering you?”

“I just don’t like what’s going on, that’s all. It seems to strange that Umbranox knows all of this information and has never told us before.”

“I agree full-heartedly, but what are we to do? After all these years of thinking Lex is the bad guy, do you really want to change your mind and think it’s Millona we should be worrying about?”

“I think we should be keeping on eye on both of them.”

“What are you saying?” I whispered. “You want to spy on Millona?”

“Not here, Louis. We’ll talk about it tonight. I have an idea, and I think you’ll be willing to at least listen…”