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 SEVEN


“Well, I just don’t agree with her at all. Why would Lex stow anything in Cheydinhal?”

Emelia was very skeptic of the spying decision when I told everyone about it, but I really wasn’t surprised. She’s always been cynical of pretty much every decision I’ve had. Like I said earlier, if it wasn’t her economic-intelligence she wouldn’t even be here.

“Because we wouldn’t expect anything to be there, that’s why. I for one agree with Millona. I think there probably is something there, even if you don’t think so.”

Alammus then spoke up. “But why is this all coming up right now? I’m still not sold on this just yet. If Millona is right and really believes in what she says about the scroll and the priest, why would she have traveled to the Imperial City once she found the Legion spy? Shouldn’t she have already known why the agent was spent to spy on her city?”

He had a good point, and to be honest I’ve really thought about it. What was the point in confronting Lex if she already knew the reasoning for the spying?”

“The scroll and the priest are real; I know that much for sure. However, you do make a valid argument, Alammus. I don’t know why she went to Lex. Maybe she was just trying to get something out of him, I don’t really know. I think tomorrow’s operation will shed light on many things. At least that’s what I’m hoping for.”

“I actually agree with this decision, Louis,” Maxillius said. “I too believe that Cheydinhal and Count Indarys are hiding something. It just all comes together if you ask me. Now, who are going to send on this mission?”

That certain question I had answered myself as soon as my meeting with Millona concluded. I was sending Vaden. You might think that’s a bit strange, but believe me, it’s really not. I’ve been known to use both Vaden and Torlin for more than just protecting me during trips away from the city.

“I think Vaden is the best option. His skills are certainly up for the challenge. Besides, I think he’s been aching to get back on the field once again. He was a rouge spy before I hired him myself, you know.”

Vaden was once involved with a drug circle long ago, even before the Oblivion Crisis ended. During the time we used him as a spy. Vaden claimed to his own comrades that he was with them, but in reality he was working for us. I think the only reason he agreed to help us was because we promised him he would not be charged with any crimes. After everything was settled Vaden stayed in contact with me for some time, and once I was named Count I immediately named him my honor-guard. Torlin came along shortly after, but that’s a whole other story.

“Yes, that will suffice. Where is he now?”

“I’d say he’s in his room beside Torlin’s.”

I then sent a servant to fetch Vaden for me, so that I can tell him of what’s going on. Some ten minutes later he trudged down the stairs, looking quite sleepy. Apparently the servant had woken him up.

“Yes, my lord?”

I informed Vaden of the mission, and he was happy to oblige. “That sounds wonderful, my lord. It’s been a while since I’ve practiced my first love,” he said, referring to his prior-life as a double agent.

“Great. Well, Millona’s agent should be here in the evening. You two are to leave tomorrow morning at dawn. I expect you’ll be gone for around two days, so pack what you need. You will both ride on horseback until you reach Cheydinhal territory, and then you will be on foot.”

Vaden nodded and then quickly left in order to get ready for tomorrow’s assignment.


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


“I still think you’ve made the wrong decision, Louis,” Rachel said while combing her hair. It was ten o’clock at night, and Millona’s agent is already sound-asleep in a room next to Torlin and Vaden. The agent is a Dunmer, just like Vaden, and hopefully this would make the journey a pleasant one. I could only imagine what it would be like if the Anvil agent an Altmer or a Bosmer. Vaden won’t openly admit it, but I just know he despises the other two elven races.

“Honey, let’s go outside and talk about it. It’s nice out there anyways.” And indeed it was nice. At roughly seventy-five degrees with a light, cool breeze coming in from the southwest, I couldn’t ask for anything better.

I poured the two of us a glass of wine and then headed out onto the balcony, where Rachel was already sitting in a chair. Her head was resting on one of her hands, and she was staring into the sky, much like I was last night.

“What’s on your mind?” I asked while handing her the glass.

“I just don’t agree with anything you’ve said today, Louis. You…you’re making decisions so fast you’re not even thinking about them? I mean, you’ve never been like this before. What are you going to do if something bad happens during this operation?”

“Rachel, that is out of my control. The only thing I do know is that I firmly believe something is in Cheydinhal. I didn’t before, but the more I think about it the more it all makes sense.”

“Then what, Louis? What is in Cheydinhal that is so important?”

She was now raising her voice, something I didn’t quite like. “I’m not quite sure, but I believe the Priest is there somewhere.”

“You believe? So you’re willing to risk Vaden’s life, despite the fact that you’re not even sure if there is anything in Cheydinhal?”

“Okay, now you’re putting words in mouth!” I too was beginning to get a bit agitated. “I said that I firmly believe something is in Cheydinhal, I am just not sure what it is. It could be the priest, it could be important documents of the East’s future plans, or it could be a mixture of both. I just don’t know. Do you?”

“Of course not, but I am not the one sending Vaden to a potentially dangerous situation!”

“We ARE in a dangerous situation, Rachel! If Lex gets his hands on the scroll we are all doomed! Don’t you see that?”

She rose from her chair and yelled, “You haven’t even listened to what I told you earlier, Louis. I still don’t think Millona is being honest with everything, and yet you didn’t even give it a second thought! But, oh, you of course immediately agreed with Millona and her suggestion!”

And it all came out. She was now arguing with me simply because I had agreed with Millona and not her. How immature of her to act like this. I just couldn’t believe it.

“So this is all about your little spat with Millona, eh? I should’ve known that’s what it was. You need to just get over yourself and stop acting like a child. It’s getting…”

“ACTING LIKE A CHILD? You’re the one acting like a child, Louis!” She was now screaming at the top of her lungs, and tears were streaming down her face. “That’s it, I’ve had it! I’m going for a walk.”

I watched as she left the room, and I just sat there in my chair, without even trying to stop her. I would regret that decision very soon…