Un-named Story Options

[Stargazey]

Stellius sat at his desk, shuffling papers. It was dark outside, but that didn’t bother him. Night was when he thrived; all the idiots had gone home, leaving only Stellius and his quill pen. His tiny corner office was lit only by a few candles and one large, shining, silver candlestick, a family heirloom. In case of any intruder, Stellius kept a shortsword in his desk and some potions in his cloak. Stellius was writing a declaration for the arrest and public execution of an infamous criminal, Rolten Detar, better known as “Rotten Rolten the Dunmer”. He had been a petty criminal, dabbling in various robberies, smuggling and hate crimes against Imperials, but had recently been rumored to have been involved in a number of brutal murders, all around Vvardenfell.


As Stellius scratched out the last line, he heard a noise. Stellius had worked at night for many years, but for some reason, this noise sent a chill straight up his spine, giving him Goosebumps. If the intruder was in the room, Stellius did not want to alarm him, thus sending him into frenzy. Instead, he sat very calmly and reached into his desk, pulling out the sword. Before Stellius could draw his sword, four crossbow bolts pierced his chest, arm and leg. He fell forward onto his desk, smudging the declaration.

[Stargazey]

You asked for it:

Larrius Varro was worried. This was the second murder of an Imperial official in as many weeks. First, a treasurer named Tibius Terious, and then Stellius, a friend of Larrius. Varro had ordered an investigation into the death of Tibius, but it had turned up inconclusive. He had deemed it a random hate crime, with no motivation or pre-meditation. Varro had armed a squad of thirty men and sent them to canvas the Imperial Offices in Caldera. If there was a clue, they would find it. Varro had also warned the commanding officer, Leitaus, to watch his back. Just in case.

Leitaus was leading his men to Caldera when a runner came to him and said “Message from General Varro”. Leitaus
Unfurled the scroll and read it:

CODE

“–Leitaus, another one. Terious Lerion, Imperial ambassador to Vvardenfell. Get to Ebonheart now and investigate. The Duke will have my head if this goes unsolved too.”

Leitaus swore and turned to the runner “Go to General Varro, tell him that fifteen men will go to Caldera, and I will lead fourteen to Ebonheart.” The runner saluted and cast a spell of Divine Intervention.

When Leitaus arrived in Ebonheart, the citizens were distraught. As they marched through town, Leitaus heard whispers of “Three in two weeks, disgraceful. Must be assassins…” In the whispers, Leitaus heard worry, panic and fear. If these powerful officials with bodyguards and fine armor couldn’t be protected, what about commoners?


When Leitaus and his men arrived in the Grand Council Chambers, the Duke stood talking to advisors and guards milled around, swords drawn and armor shining. Leitaus walked to the Duke and saluted “At your service, sir.” The Duke looked up and nodded “Ah, Varro’s man. Glad to see you.” Leitaus nodded and said “Where is the crime scene?” The Duke stared into Leitaus’s eyes before replying. “Down the stairs, to the right. The heavily guarded room.” Leitaus nodded and turned to walk away. “One minute, Colonel.” Leitaus turned and looked at the Duke “Tread carefully, solider. You don’t know who’s after the Imperial government.” Leitaus saluted again and turned away.