A Champion's Journey, The Imperial Simulacrum Options

[Verlox]

Prolouge

Ernand Leoriane was greeted to his first sight of the Imperial City as he, along with his escort, crested over Brena's Hill, giving them an unparalleled view of the expansive rain-forest of the Nibenay Valley. The colossal Whitegold Tower, its silvered spire shimmering in the sun, gave promise to splendor. As a Junior Councilman of the Elder Council, Ernand would soon be enjoying that most marvelous of settlements. But the Imperial City wasn't the only site to behold in the great valley of Nibenay. From his perch atop Brena's Hill, the young Councilman could make out splendid villas of alabaster and limestone that belonged to wealthy nobles and Senior Councilors. The great Lake Rumare and its artery, the River Niben, could also be gazed at.

Sir Renard Liseux, the captain of Ernand's guards, moved his horse alongside his master's. "Your Grace, Chorrol is only another hour's ride from here. Would it please you if we bedded down there for the night?" Looking up, Ernand could clearly discern Masser and Secunda, and a few of the brighter stars. The Sun was only visible as a sliver of light on the western horizon. Although he would have preferred if they continued on their journey, traveling by torch-light if need be, Ernand knew that while his men would follow him, they wouldn't like him very much afterwards.

"Chorrol should be fine, Renard." Ernand could tell Renard was pleased by the grin that spread across his face. Signaling to the men, Renard spurred his horse back into formation around Ernand, and they proceeded to Chorrol. A Colovian town, Chorrol was situated in the Highlands on the border with Hammerfell. Founded in the 2703 year of the First Era by Kantus Jerril, the town's first Count. The city itself was rustic, to Ernand resembling the town in High Rock he was born in. Its timber structures were simple, square buildings with one or two floors. Silver Mining was Chorrol's primary trade, but the sheep and goat trade was always booming.

Twilight came and went by the time Ernand and his guards passed through the gates of Chorrol. A sleepy guard pointed them in the direction of the town's inn. It was fortunate that Chorrol was a very simple town, and that the inn received such a prominent position; right off the square. Passing up through the lane, Ernand couldn't help but admire the massive oak-tree that overshadowed the largest of Chorrol's buildings. Dismounting and hitching his horse, Ernand watched his guards tramp into the taproom. He followed more slowly, taking a seat in a corner. After the bar-wench had brought him his beverage, he was joined by Renard. "This isn't exactly the finest of places, eh, Renard?"

"No, sir, it is not," Renard indulged his master, feeling that a Councilman would think any place is trash, "Reminds me of home though, does it not?"

"Aye, that's true. Kambria bears a strong resemblance to this place. Chorrol is certainly warmer, though!" Both men laughed. "Do you think it will rain tonight," Ernand asked as he took a sip of his craythur, "Those clouds looked rather mean."

Renard tapped his chin with his forefinger in thought. "It could. We did have a light sprinkle last night, so it wouldn't be strange if we got some of the water up here in the Highlands."

"Should I expect a delay in travel?"

Renard grimaced. He knew Ernand wanted to get to the Imperial City so he could begin his career, and live the life of Nibenean luxury. Damn...I would be impatient, too, Renard thought to himself. As an older man, however, Renard could look on luxury as a reward, where as he saw Ernand as wanting the luxury as an entitlement, he was a member of the Elder Council after all. "Ernand," Renard rarely used his master's Imperialized name, preferring the formal 'sir' or, in private, his given name of Lochlainn, "How old are you?"

Ernand raised an eyebrow, but answered. "Seven-and-Twenty. Why?"

"You got your whole life ahead of you. Don't let a little luxury spoil you to the rest of the world."

"What makes you think it will?" Indignant, a hard edge crept into Ernand's voice, "I can assure you, Renard, that a Nibenean lifestyle will not 'spoil' me, as you put it." He stood from his seat abruptly, "I must bid you goodnight, Renard. I expect to leave early tomorrow, so be ready to leave by sunrise." With that, Ernand turned on his toe and left the taproom, leaving Renard sitting alone.

"Of course, Councilor. Your will is my command."

*

His entrance into the Imperial City was even greater that he imagined it would be. At the bridge, Ernand and his escort were met by the other two members of High Rock's councilors. They greeted their new compatriot with much warmth, proclaiming that High Rock was well served by having the scion of the Leoriane as a member of the Elder Council. Ernand in turn acknowledged their greetings with a smile, but had to ask where his benefactor, Ria Silmane, was.

"She had business to do for the Emperor, Ernand. As you know, that traitor, Tharn, was executed some months ago. For a time, the position of Imperial Battle Mage was empty, left vacant by Tharn's death. Emperor Uriel, in his wisdom, had Madame Silmane appointed in his place. We hardly see her anymore; always off doing one thing or another for His Majesty." Ernand nodded that he understood, but inwardly he wished that Ria had been their to see his entrance into the Imperial City.

The councilors escorted Ernand and his guard through the streets, giving them a condensed tour of the Imperial City. With the air crisp and cold, the councilors cut the tour short when they arrived in the Elven Gardens District. They pointed out to him the location of the High Rock Councilor's Manor, and then left the younger man for their own villas in the country-side.

"Unpack our belongings," Ernand told his guards, "I'm going to have a rest." The manor was a small, but comfortable, building of three stories. The lowest floor was a large hall made from receiving guests and dining. The second floor was dedicated to housing the occupant’s personal guard. And the third floor was the Councilor's Chamber. It was here that Ernand found himself after he mounted the stairs.

The chamber was very spacious. A large, four-poster bed was against the wall for sleeping. There were numerous coffers and chests, and their was even a writing desk. It was a object on the desk that first drew Ernand's attention, and he moved to investigate. The object was a small letter written on tan paper. Picking it up, Ernand read--

To his most Esteemed Lordship, Councilor Ernand Leoriane
Greetings,

I apologize in advance for not being able to greet you on your entrance into the city. The Emperor had a very important matter for me to look into, and I was unable to get out of it. I promise that we will soon see each other. If not in private than in the Palace.

Your Friend,
Ria Silmane, Imperial Battle Mage

Dated Seventh of Sun's Dawn, 3E 395

Ernand smiled at Ria's letter and put it back onto the desk. Moving over to a nearby shutter, he flung it open to gaze out over the Imperial City. Things were good.

**

This post has been edited by Verlox: Mar 19 2010, 02:40 AM

[Verlox]

Thanks for the comments, ya'll!

Something went wrong with your italics code here.

You got a bbcode tag wrong in the italicised section:

I think that may be because I type the bbcodes in word, rather than putting them in here. Doesn't surprise me I would screw up eventually.

Ravena may just have met her match in Ernand, he continues to stay cool at all times! And my, what a nice loaf of bread he has! Is that whole wheat? ROFL !!!!

Well, he is a politician. If he can't stay cool, bad things happen. Don't worry 'bout it though, he ain't no stoic.

And now the next chapter, with 100% less loaf of bread. For now

Chapter Fifteen: The Old Village by the Sea

Magnus, the sun, was just beginning to peek over the horizon when Ernand stuck his head out of the smashed-in doorway. An early morning mist shrouded Rihad, obscuring his visibility, but the Breton didn’t see any silhouettes of possible witnesses to the crime that had just occurred that early morning. After turning his head, first to the right then the left, to make sure things were clear on all sides, the motioned with his hand for Ravena to move. The Ra’Gada shoved past him into the street, seeming to not even care if they were caught. Ernand, on his part, moved out of the tavern at a much more sedate pace.

As they began to put distance between themselves and the tavern, Ernand asked, “So if Chougand is just a fishing village, why would Neira be hiding there. You’d think she would choose a better place.”

Ravena chuckled with constrained amusement, something the Breton was learning to expect from her. “You have a lot to learn, Ernand. This place she has in Chougand is just a safe house. There is a big,” she illustrated this by throwing her arms out wide, “Difference between safe house and hide out.”

“So there is a good chance she isn’t there anymore?”

“Hmph, I’d say a bigger chance than ‘good’. That Dark Elf probably bugged out hours ago.”

Ernand quirked an eyebrow in question. “So why are we even bothering to go? If she has already left-,” He got no further as Ravena lightly slapped the back-side of his head. “What was that for?!”

But the bounty hunter ignored her companion’s indignation. “It’s the only lead we have, so we might as well take it. Besides,” she shrugged her shoulder, “We might find a few clues as to where she went…Maybe even horse tracks. And if not, I’m sure a few coins to the village people will get us at least a little something.”

“Ah, bribery,” Ernand sighed, his former annoyance with being hit forgotten, “Is there nothing it can’t solve.”

Ravena grinned and snapped her fingers into a point up under the Breton’s chin, “There are few things that can’t be solved by throwing money at it. For everything else,” her grin got a little wider, “There’s violence.”

As Ravena guffawed at her own joke, Ernand politely joined in with a sedate chuckle. Ahead, Rihad’s western gate loomed. Constructed of the same red stone of the cities walls, topped with stout wooden towers, it was an imposing structure. The guards on duty there courteously nodded their heads as the pair exited the city-proper into the small agricultural community outside the walls.

Unlike the people of the city, who would continue to sleep for a few more hours, the farming folks were already up an about their business. Having been born in cosmopolitan Alcaire, Ernand had never been very exposed to agriculture, but he found it interesting. Winter was coming to a close, and despite the fields not yet being ready for planting, the growers had already begun cultivating their fields in preparation. The men, behind metal plows drawn by wide-shouldered oxen, turned the soil, as their women went to battle against invasive winter weeds.

It was a good honest life, and Ernand found it boring.

“So how long of a walk did you say it was?”

Ravena, too, had been taking in the agriculture, and by the look on her face, she felt as he did. “Hm? Oh, Chougand is about an hour’s walk. Could have been less if we had ridden.”

“Well, my apologies for slowing you down,” Ernand said with a frown, “If she has already left, she has probably taken my horse, as well.”

“Probably.”

Seeing Ravena’s obvious disinterest in his plight with his horse, the Breton decided to change the subject. “So what did Neira do to get such a bounty on her head?”

Turning her head slightly, Ravena narrowed her eyes on Ernand. “Why do you want to know?”

Ernand raised an eyebrow, saying, “I think I should know what a person has done if I’m hunting her.”

“Not really, no,” Ravena said as she shook her head, “All that matters is that the bounty gets fulfilled.”

“Can you tell me anyway?”

Groaning, Ravena hung her head for a few moments, looking at her boots as they continued to walk. After that, she snapped her head back. “Fine, if you want to know so badly. She broke out of Taneth’s prison, killing the sheriff, and assaulting the guards.”

Ernand gave a low whistle. Raising his hand, he scratched the back of his neck while saying, “So she was already in prison to begin with. What did she do?”

“Pff,” the Ra’Gada scoffed, “I don’t know. Probably burglary or something similar, maybe murder. Don’t worry; Neira Hlallu isn’t one of those high-profile criminals. If she was, the Legion would be personally taking care of her. But when we find her, don’t underestimate her.”

“I notice you say ‘when’, not ‘if’. So you’re confident we can catch her?”

“Sure am. There are only a few place she can go. Roseguard is Taneth’s territory, and Rihad has been alerted to her presence. Mt. Corten would be my first choice, but it would take to long to get there. But she can’t have gone far; she’s between a rock and a hard place.”

Nodding his understanding, Ernand lapsed into silence as he focused on the job ahead. Despite working with Ravena, whose drive when it came to Neria impressed him, he couldn’t help but feel some sympathy for the fugitive Dark Elf. He knew full well what could happen in provincial prisons. He was tempted to ask his companion if there had been an attempted rape, but the Breton got the feeling that the Ra’Gada wouldn’t know, and even if she did, wouldn’t care. And there could have been trouble if the Dark Elf hadn’t been given access to proper legal counsel.

Oh, Stendaar, save me. Do these people even care about proper Imperial legal procedure? Gods, it’s like the Interregnum all over again. Damn you, Tharn…This lawlessness is your fault.

*

The fishing village of Chougand wasn’t much to look at. Unlike Rihad’s sturdy buildings, the dwellings here were little more than just mud-huts with tarp roofs. Ernand had seen poorer areas before, the Alcaire slums weren’t the most pleasant of places. But the Breton had never seen such crushing poverty as he did when looking at Chougand. He didn’t see any men around, and the rickety-looking dock was empty of boats. Off getting at least a little something for the families it seems. Magnus had finally risen into the sky, and it looked to be a pleasant day, so Ernand silently said a prayer to Kynareth to give those fishermen a good haul.

As the pair entered into the village, the wives and children, both dressed in little more than rags, were instantly paying attention to the armed and armored duo. Great pity welled up in Ernand’s throat, and when he saw Ravena tugging on her saber to get down to business, the Breton reached out to stop her.

“Why don’t you let me take this one.”

Ravena looked at the man as if he had grown another head. “Why?” she asked quizzically.

“They’re just peasants,” he sighed, “You don’t need to threaten to burn down their village.”

“It would work.”

“True that may be, just,” he shut his eyes tightly and shook his hands near his ears to emphasize his frustration, “Just let me do this.”

“Fine,” Ravena almost shouted, shoving her saber back into its scabbard. “I’ll be over there,” she pointed to a large rock along the path they had just come up, “When you’re done talking to these dregs, come get me and we can get down to business.”

Ernand put on his best smile and waved to Ravena as she stalked off back down the path a bit, then turned to the gathering crowd of women and children.

“Hello, everyone. I’m sorry to disturb your labors, but me and my…friend,” he pointed with his thumb to the sulking Ra’Gada on the rock, “We’re looking for someone. We heard she might have come through here.”

They stared blankly at him.

Ernand shifted his eyes back and forth. “Umm…About five feet and eight inches,” he moved his hand over the top of his head, “About my height? Dark Elf, red eyes, bluish-gray skin?”

The older women looked at each other, saying a few words in Yoku. The Breton had never heard it spoken before, but he knew it was still used among the lower orders of Ra’Gada society.

Sighing in frustration, Ernand reached down to his waist for the coin-purse that hung from his belt. Unfastening it, he reached in and pulled out three Ten Septim coins. When he showed them to the crowd, he was instantly mobbed as they sought to reach for the glittering gold.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa,” Ernand yelled as he backed up a bit, “If I’m given the information I want, you all can get some septims. But I need something to go on!” Their eyes fixed on the golden coins, the people of Chougand made haste to tell the Breton everything they knew. Yes, a Dark Elf woman had ridden in not long ago on a strong-looking horse. She had been to the village before as well a week or so ago. She had taken up a short residence in a hut on the shore. She had gone in briefly before striking out east at a very swift pace.

Ernand had to be quick to put coins in their open palms. And by the time he was done, and had the information he wanted, he had given out three-hundred septims to the people. With a friendly smile, and slight nod with his head, the Breton took his leave of the crowd still marveling at money won so easily.

As he walked back down the path to Ravena, his grin instantly tipped the bounty hunter off.

“Are you serious?” she exclaimed as she leaped from her perch, her mouth opened in shock, “How in Malacath’s name did you get anything from them?”

“I just followed your advice,” Ernand said and shrugged, “If there is a problem, throw money at it!”

Ravena raised her finger to say something, but despite her mouth being open, no words would come out. Seeing the Breton’s smug grin filled her with both mild rage and slight admiration.

Sighing heavily, she regained her composure then asked, “So what did you find out?”

“Enough,” Ernand shrugged, “She did have a place here, but it was probably little more than a bed and roof. The peasants also said she went east cross-country. So she’s avoiding roads.” When the Breton saw his companion’s eyes narrow, he tilted his head, “What? Something up?”

Ravena chuckled, “Well isn’t she just a brave little elf.”

“What do you mean?”

“There are only two things to the east,” Ravena began, locking her eyes on Ernand, “The border with Colovia, which has more bounty hunter than you can shake a stick at, and,” a small smile formed on her lips, “Stonekeep.”

“Stonekeep,” Ernand murmured under his breath, the very name sent a chill down his spine, “What is so special about that place?”

“It guards the road leading north from Rihad. It was overrun by goblins not too long ago, so it isn’t the safest place on Nirn.”

“And you think she went there?”

“I can guarantee it! Come on,” Ravena turned on her heel back towards the city, “Let’s go back to Rihad. Mounted, it should take us about four hours to get to that ruin.” Seeing Ernand about to protest, she waved him away, “Don’t worry about it, we’ll get you a mule to ride.”

He was about to really protest that, but Ravena gave him no chance. The Ra’Gada, seeing the end of her hunt before her, was filled with energy and had taken off jogging back to Rihad, leaving the Breton standing alone.

A mule? A mule?! What does she think I am, a monk?! Damnit….Well, at least I can get my horse back now.

Before setting off after Ravena, he turned his gaze east. Though he couldn’t see it, he could visualize the goblin-infested ruins of Stonekeep, and it wasn’t pleasant. Looking down for a moment, he said another prayer to Akatosh for protection for himself and Ravena. Then, milling it over for a few moments, added Neira into the prayer as well.

She’ll need it more than we do.