Interregnum, 854 of the Second Era Options

[Destri Melarg]

To the Reader

This story takes place over the course of one year, 854 of the Second Era. It details the end of interregnum and the founding of the Septim line of Emperors. Inspiration for this story is drawn from two sources. The first is a one line entry in the timeline for the Second Era:

2E 854 - The Emperor was assassinated by a High Rock nightblade who also burned the Imperial Palace to the ground and attempted to kill General Talos.

I have come to believe that history is merely the propaganda of the winning side. This entry tells you what happened, but it doesn’t tell you how or why it happened. I have attempted to address those questions in this story.

For the second source of inspiration I express no embarrassment in saying that the form is blatantly lifted from my favorite of the in-game books, Carlovac Townway’s remarkable 2920: The Last Year of the First Era

Some of the characters you will encounter in this story have been lifted from the in-game books. Others are the product of the author’s imagination. I do not claim to have mastered the lore so if I stray too far from it, please don’t hesitate to call me on it. That said, there are a few ‘liberties’ that I have taken in this story which I feel I must draw to your attention:

- Tamriel is a much larger place than the game world. A day’s journey in game takes a week (weather and terrain permitting) in the story.
- Cities are larger and far more populated than they are in the game.

My deepest gratitude goes out to RemkoNL, mALX, Acadian, hauteecole rider, Winter Wolf, SubRosa, and treydog for their steadfast support of this story. Without you I doubt that it would exist.

As always any comments, criticisms, or suggestions are most welcome.

* * *

Table of Contents

Book One: Morning Star
Book Two: Sun's Dawn
Book Three: First Seed

This post has been edited by Destri Melarg: Aug 14 2010, 12:15 AM

[Destri Melarg]

mALX – Thank you. Rocking you to the core is something that I always strive to do!

ARGH! Always a bridesmaid, never a bride!

Not really sure what you meant here. Are you referring to Ysmir?


SubRosa – Ysmir and Talos have an almost symbiotic relationship. Each is greatly lessened without the other. Talos has no hope of gaining the Cyrodiilic throne without the loyalty of Skyrim, who see him as Stormcrown thanks to Ysmir’s thu’um. Ysmir needs an army so that he can invade Morrowind and destroy the Tribunal, but he doesn’t have the name to gain the loyalty of any troops, and none of the Kings or Warlords of his time would be willing to devote troops to such a nebulous cause.

Dar’Zhan does find himself in a precarious situation. One that I have plans to play with in the future.


haute – As I once told mALX, I like to think that Sheogorath drew inspiration from watching this battle. Think about it, ten thousand Khajiit defeated by a rain of burning wolves, if that isn’t pure madness what is?

And Helm’s Deep? Wow, what a compliment! Thank you.


Winter Wolf – I am glad that you picked up on Arctus’ demeanor throughout the battle. I wanted to capture the self-assured, deliberate attitude of the man who would go on to write The Art of War Magic.


Olen – Epic and cinematic are exactly what I am going for with this story. I am happy that it came across well. Hopefully the quiet moments of reflection before the next storm come across just as well. Thanks.


Acadian – HUZZAH!!! A hearty welcome back to everyone’s favorite paladin! I am so glad that you happened by for this chapter. The re-writes were prompted by your comments on the other board. I hope that this incarnation of the battle reads less confusing than the other, and I hope that I have made who and what Ysmir is somewhat clearer.


minqué – Thank you so much, I am honored that you took the time to read it. Given the number of excellent stories on this board I do not envy you the task of trying to keep up with them all. And, given the frequency in which some of us post updates, it is too easy to find oneself coming back to a favorite thread only to find that you are three chapters behind.

* * *

13th Morning Star, 2E 854
Fort Black Boot, Near Cyrodiil’s Border with Elsweyr
Morning


At dawn the garrison was deployed policing the Khajiit bodies in front of the fort. They worked with a renewed energy and purpose, converting the ash filled trenches into mass graves. The sounds of stripped bodies stacked upon one another and the scrape of shovels against loose soil marked the early morning hours. By the time the sun shone through the eastern storm clouds only the blood soaking the ground still told of the battle.

In a tent erected over the mass graves of his countrymen the Khajiit Shaman Ri’Dargo and his retinue met with General Talos and his staff under a banner of truce.

“We are here to discuss an end to hostilities,” said Ri’Dargo. He and his retinue sat on cushions against the far wall of the tent. A table laden with sweetcakes, wine and cheese had been set on a table before them. “I have also been instructed by the Mane to inquire as to the intentions of the fleet you have outside of Torval.”

Lord Richton disobeyed orders. Zurin Arctus thought to himself. He sat next to General Talos at the opposite end of the table. Captain Alorius stood guard near the entrance to the tent.

General Talos smiled. “An end to hostilities, not a Khajiit surrender?”

Ri’Dargo returned the General’s smile. “Our attack was repelled last night, but we were not defeated. If we were to re-engage tonight I think you would find the outcome . . .”

“Re-engage with what, Lord Ri’Dargo?” asked General Talos. “My scouts tell me that the bulk of your host has fled halfway to Senchal. The rest lie under your feet.”

The Shaman’s retinue shifted in their chairs. Ri’Dargo stared at the stains seeping through the floor of the tent.

“Our terms are simple,” continued Talos, “your army must remain in Elsweyr, and there can be no further hostilities anywhere along Cyrodiil’s border. Tell your Mane that the fleet will be withdrawn once the border is clear.

“And what of your army?” Ri’Dargo took a sweetcake from the plate between them. He turned it over in his clawed fingers as if trying to glean from it some great secret.

Talos raised his eyebrows, “my army?”

Ri’Dargo placed the sweetcake back on the plate. “Indeed. Once we remove our forces, what is to stop your army from invading Elsweyr?”

“Need I remind Lord Ri’Dargo that any hostilities have been instigated by the Khajiit. We have no desire to invade Elsweyr.”

“So you say now, but your people speak of Empire. At what point will the Khajiit be forced to acknowledge your sovereignty?” His eyes met those of General Talos. “Your name is known to us, General Talos, as is your ambition. You do your Emperor’s bidding for now, but that won’t always be the case.”

That was unnecessary, thought Arctus.

“My ambition,” said Talos, “is not a subject that is open for discussion. Considering the circumstances, Lord Ri'Dargo, I would advise you to mind your tongue. You want assurances that I can not give you. Yes we speak of Empire, and yes there may come a day when we seek to annex Elsweyr. But when that day comes we will seek to do so by treaty, not force.”

“I apologize, General, I meant no offence. Our ways are not yours. We of the Khajiit value ambition, in much the same way that we value courage and daring. We find it hard to distinguish between the three. I meant only to impress upon you that Imperial Promises have not always been kind to Elsweyr.”

Talos lifted the sweetcake off of the plate and placed it in front of Ri’Dargo. “Then consider it a personal promise. And, as a show of good faith, I give the Khajiit leave to build a settlement somewhere along the border.”

Ri’Dargo regarded the sweetcake. “A settlement?” His retinue began to whisper amongst themselves.

“Yes,” said Talos, “a kind of ‘border watch’ that can act as Elsweyr’s first line of defense in the event of any Imperial aggression.” Talos leaned back in his chair. “Of course, I can always give Lord Richton the order to attack.” He turned to Zurin Arctus. “With an army here and a fleet at Torval we can begin the annexation of Elsweyr immediately.”

The Khajiit retinue fell silent. Ri’Dargo lifted the sweetcake and took a bite.

“There will be an end to hostilities,” he said, “I must take this message to the Mane.”

_____

Captain Itinius was left in charge of the garrison at Fort Black Boot. General Talos and five hundred men began their long journey back to the Imperial City. The General, aboard his white stallion, rode at the head of the column flanked by Ysmir and Zurin Arctus.

Captain Alorius reined his horse even with Zurin Arctus’. “Sir, might I ask a question?”

“What is it, Captain?” asked Arctus.

“This battle we fought, it wasn’t against the Khajiit was it?”

Arctus reined his horse to allow their conversation to continue in private. “Explain yourself, Captain.”

“Well, sir,” Alorius stopped himself. He watched General Talos.

“Speak freely, Captain.” Said the Battlemage.

“Yes sir. All of the General’s dispatches go through me. He never sent for the reserve force from Skyrim.”

Arctus turned to regard the young Captain. “Why wouldn’t he, Captain?”

“Sir, the Skyrim forces are already loyal to the General, sir. When word of this battle spreads he’ll win the loyalty of a large chunk of the Colovian forces.”

“You believe that the General works against his Emperor, Captain?”

“Sir, my loyalty is to my General.” He lowered his voice. “I am not suggesting anything treasonous, sir. I’m just trying to make sense of what happened back there.”

“I see,” said Arctus, “and you’ve come to the conclusion that General Talos used this border dispute to win the loyalty of the legion away from the Emperor?”

Alorius straightened in his saddle. “Yes sir.”

“An interesting theory, Captain, and a dangerous one were it to be repeated.”

“As I said, sir, my loyalty lies with my General.” He pounded his chest in salute and eased his horse down the ranks.

Arctus spurred his horse back into formation.

“Alorius is uncommonly bright,” said General Talos, “he will have a very bright future in the years to come.”

“If he can remain loyal, General,” said Arctus.

“It’s in his best interest to remain loyal. I’m more concerned with Lord Richton’s disregard for orders.”

“Yes General,” said Arctus. “Do you believe the Khajiit will keep the peace?”

“It doesn’t really matter,” said Talos, “they’ll be hard pressed to raise another force like that one. For now we’ve cleared our southern border and bought ourselves time.”

“And maneuvered the Emperor into a corner.”

“Yes. He cannot refuse this Khajiit settlement without antagonizing the Mane, and he cannot move against me after such a glorious victory. As you say, he finds himself in a corner.”

“Yes General,” said Arctus, “but don’t forget. Animals are most dangerous when cornered.”


The year continues in Sun’s Dawn

This post has been edited by Destri Melarg: May 6 2010, 02:19 AM