Of Eagles and Dragons, The Children of Kyne, Vol. IV Options

[Kane]

Act I

Prologue (4E 230)
Emperor Titus Mede II is dead. Convicted of Treasonous Sedition against the Empire and a Vassal State, the Elder Council cast his Writ of Execution with a unanimous vote on Loredas, the 1st of Last Seed, in the Two-hundred thirtieth year of the Fourth Era. The High Chancellor Anilay Cato was chosen to oversee the day-to-day administration of the crumbling Mede Dynasty, and the former head of state himself was hung from the gallows on Green Empire Way in the Imperial City for all to see.

It was a time of uncertainty in Cyrodiil, for there was yet to be a clear successor to the Ruby Throne, and rumors of Colovian and Nibenese warlords arming up to seize power for themselves were beginning to circulate among the populace. Many citizens of the Heartland secretly wished the Dragonborn king of Skyrim would lay claim by birthright, but so far there had been little news from the northern kingdom.

And with a patience born of long life, the Thalmor diplomats were content to watch quietly from their Embassy while their handlers ruled the Third Aldmeri Dominion with an iron fist. Altmer agents moved about in the shadows to sow discord and discontent wherever possible and worked tirelessly to keep the Empire from once again rising to prominence.

-----

Queen Penolore of the Summerset Isles strolled through the botanical gardens of Alinor with her royal retainer in tow. The ultimate ruler of the Aldmeri Dominion, Penolore reigns supreme over the Altmer of her homeland, the Bosmer of Valenwood, and the Khajiiti of Elswyr with an unrelenting grip. The Thalmor operate solely under her command, bringing order to her subjects and extending her reach over the rest of Tamriel. But on this day, she felt only contempt for the ineptness of the organization’s recent failures in combating the rise of a new alliance of power to the north.

The shrill fops in her retainer had followed her from the palace, prattling on endlessly about matters far beneath her station in a constant bid to curry favor with the monarch. Seeking a measure of peace and quiet, she finally had enough of the bickering for one day. Penolore came to a halt and raised a hand in warning.

“Shut up. All of you will shut up now or I shall have you thrown from the highest tower of my palace. Begone from here if you value your meaningless existences.�

They fell silent in deference to their queen and filed out of the gardens as quickly as possible. Not a single one of them were keen to be present for her wrath should it need to be unleashed upon whichever poor soul tarried. Only a single Altmer remained, clad in the traditional dark robes of the Thalmor.

“Have you more to say, Lisotel? I would have thought your inability to carry out even a single assassination of those miserable whelps to the north would have stayed your sharp tongue. Tell me what value you could possibly still offer your queen when others have been flayed alive for failures of a far less magnitude than your own.�

“I only offer news that our agents deemed relevant, milady.�

“Very well. Spit it out and remove yourself from my sight.�

Magistrate Lisotel hesitated for the briefest of seconds. It would have to be today of all days that he was assigned to her retinue, and a message from Solitude should arrive to their headquarters by carrier eagle. Penolore was already in a foul temper after his Thalmor compatriots failed to squash another uprising in Anequina, and now he was poised to deliver more unwelcome news to the surly queen.

“It is with great regret that our field agents in Skyrim report the return of the High King’s son to the Blue Palace. He apparently was spotted in the city yesterday morning in the company of an unknown Breton woman. Where he had gone or what he was up to over the last thirteen months is still a mystery, but we fear his arrival and reintegration with the royal family will push the king to finally issue a claim to the Ruby Throne.�

The queen had stooped down to examine a budding rose stem while Lisotel spoke and she snipped it free cleanly from the stalk with her pruning shears as the words tumbled from the Magistrate’s overworked mouth. It slipped free of her grasp, fell to the floor, and Penolore ground it to a pulp with the heel of her boot.

“Tell me, Lisotel, have we not discussed the merits of tending to one’s garden on many previous occasions? See how easily that is done? Pruning an errant growth is a simple task that is abundantly important in maintaining a healthy growth; one of which I know your Order is easily capable of facilitating. I am granting you a second chance to do as I have ordered. Should you fail once again, the citizens of Alinor shall bear witness to your entrails displayed upon the ruins of Crystal-Like-Law. Return to me when the task is completed, and not one second sooner.�

Bowing his head graciously, Magistrate Lisotel took leave of the queen. Penolore continued to care for the overgrown rose shrub, snipping off stray stems with malicious intent.

-----

“What news from Chorrol, Brother Cassian?�

“High Chancellor,� greeted the courier. “Brother Indus’ scouts report little movement from the camps deep in the Great Forest. If they have anything planned, it will likely not be for some time. Indus suspects they are having trouble recruiting loyal men for the cause. Of course, this would all be a lot easier to verify if we are given leeway to operate more independently.�

Anilay Cato set down his quill and pushed aside the letter he’d been penning. This wasn’t the first time Cassian had made a similar remark, and the chancellor was beginning to grow weary of reminding the man just how delicate the situation in Cyrodiil really was. A stronger hand may be required soon.

“This again? We’ve been over it many times already, Brother Cassian. I’m giving you the most resources I can without drawing scrutiny from the elves. If they discover the Blades have secretly been reformed, the Dominion will bring war to our doorstep immediately. Do what you can with what I have given you and let’s not speak of this again. There are plenty of other men who would love to be in your position.�

Brother Cassian recognized his dismissal and saluted smartly as he turned to leave. Anilay continued to stare absentmindedly at the door long after it had closed behind his captain. He again found himself wondering if reforming the Blades had been a wise move on the council’s part. The endgame of the it made sense to all involved, but Anilay felt the interim risk was too high, and he’d unsuccessfully pushed to have the vote temporarily stayed.

“Too late now,� he said to no one in particular. And with a heavy sigh, he returned to his unfinished letter.

There was another knock on the door and it took all of his restraint to not fling the quill at it and berate whomever deigned to bother him again. “Come in!�

An elderly Breton woman with long gray hair tied back in a ponytail, poked her through the partially opened door and saluted. “Is this a bad time, sir?�
“No, no, come on in, Delphine,� said Anilay. “Forgive my exasperated tone, I just got done reminding Cassian of our straits and I fear that I shall never finish this correspondence.� He rolled up the parchment and set it aside until the next day. “What can I do for you?�

“I’d like to request something of you.� Delphine entered the study and took the recently vacated seat across from the High Chancellor. After she settled in, Anilay gestured for her to continue. “Might I be sent back north to Skyrim? I know the High King from our time together during the Dragon Crisis, and I may be able to get a better read on his intentions than some of our other agents have.�

“Oh, really? But as I understand it, your time working together did not end well, no? As I recall, he asserted his authority as Dragonborn over you and walked away from your efforts to rebuild the order. What makes you think he’ll let you into his court after all these years?�

Delphine frowned. She hadn’t expected Anilay to be so well versed on her prior dealings as a rogue Blade in Skyrim. Truth be told, her efforts to kickstart the Blades, along with Esbern, in Sky Haven Temple had crumbled to dust after Kirin Windborne had walked away from them. Further recruiting efforts failed, and the wizened lore-keeper succumbed to illness not five years later. For her part, Delphine had faded into obscurity as a farmhand in the western Reach.

“Heard about that, did you? Well, you’re right in that there’s no guarantee, but I don’t know what else I can offer the Blades, sir. I’m old and my days of fighting are long since passed. This at least feels like something meaningful I can contribute.�

“I see,� replied Anilay. “And would you be up for such a journey, Delphine? Autumn is settling in over Skyrim and our men at Cloud Ruler have reported the Pale Pass is already under several feet of snow. It will not be easy going.�

“I’ll manage.�

The High Chancellor studied her for a moment and then he grabbed a new roll of parchment and dipped his quill in fresh ink. He scribbled away while Delphine waited patiently for his decision, wondering where fate would take her next. She had been so hesitant when the rumors of former Blades officers being brought back into the fold were swirling, and it wasn’t until Brother Cassian himself had tracked her down to a small plantation near Karthwasten that she allowed herself to believe they were true. The reality didn’t truly set in for her until she was assigned a room at Weynon Priory, on the outskirts of Chorrol, and asked to advise the younger Captains leading this new iteration of the fabled organization.

Anilay finished writing his new orders, signed, and stamped the bottom with an Imperial Seal before wrapping it up and handing it to Delphine. “Deliver this to Brother Cassian and return to Cloud Ruler with him to begin your preparations.�

“Thank you, sir,� said Delphine. “I’ll keep in touch.�

“A bit of advice, if I may?�

“Sir?�

The chancellor dug around in his desk for few seconds until he found the dossier he was seeking. Flipping it open, Anilay slid out a sketching of Cain Windborne and handed it to the waiting Breton. “If the High King offers resistance, try speaking to his son. I’ve met the man personally and he’s wise, clever, and kind to a fault. Not to say that his father is an ignorant old man, but sometimes younger eyes see things differently. I’ve gathered that Cain is back home in Solitude after being abroad following the death of his fiancé.�

Delphine bowed her head slightly in acknowledgement. Everyone in Skyrim had heard about his loss, and people across the province had mourned for the young woman from Stonehills. There were even gossiping commoners in the taverns at night saying she had been pregnant at the time, but that was never officially confirmed by the High King’s court. If It were true, Delphine didn’t fault him at all for taking some time away, even if his whereabouts were a mystery.

“I’ll keep that in mind, sir.�

“Excellent. Take care on your trip, and dress warmly. I expect a letter by carrier bird as soon as you get settled in at Solitude. You’re dismissed, Delphine.�

Anilay watched her depart and then he glanced back over at his unfinished letter. Deciding it could wait until the morning, the chancellor left his office in search of a strong drink to end the day with. He wasn’t entirely convinced allowing Delphine to intrude on the High King’s court was a good idea, but he’d expected answers from Kirin Windborne for some time now, and was rewarded with nothing.

If another week passes like this I shall have to contact Cain myself. Perhaps the man would be willing to visit me in person.

The White-Gold Tower still bustled with activity in the evening hours, and so Anilay elected to don his commoner clothes and seek a drink at Luther Broad’s, instead.


This post has been edited by Kane: Jun 26 2025, 03:16 PM

[Kane]

Chapter XXI – Filling a Void

“It’s what I do best, Dragonborn. Why not let me see what strings can be pulled? It gets me out of your hair, and it gives me something to do.�
Kirin considered that for a moment. There was no real purpose behind having Delphine crowding his court every day, and she was far too old for duties as a Housecarl or bodyguard.

“Do you still have contacts around the province?� he asked her.

“Some. And I can move a lot easier now without the Thalmor breathing down my neck.�

“I’ll think about it,� said Kirin. “Dismissed.�

Delphine turned on her heel and left the study, closing the door behind her with a snap. The evening sun cast a warm orange glow over the comfortable space, bathing the High King and his family in luminous rays without the need for fire or candlelight. Cain and Serana sat on the floor with Salihn while Lydia lounged on her chaise with a cup of tea.

“Are you going to let her?� asked Lydia. “I’m no more thrilled about her presence than Linn was, so you won’t get any arguments from me.�

“Maybe,� said Kirin. “But I can’t shake the fact that she is an elderly woman now, Lyds. Part of me feels granting her a field assignment would just be inking her death warrant. We had our differences, but I don’t wish for Delphine to suffer.�

He also wasn’t even sure what she would learn that they didn’t already know. Delphine of course had not been privy to the details Linneá and Gwyn’s expedition, and it didn’t seem there was much else to learn than what the advance scouts had already reported back.

“If I may, dad?� piped up Cain. At Kirin’s nod and smile, he continued: “I think it wise to get her out from underfoot. Anilay may have meant well, and while this is a different iteration of the Blades, they do have a long history of meddling. And while I don’t know Delphine well enough to pass judgment, I gather that she’s not kindly regarded in these halls. It may be prudent to keep her at a distance for our own sakes.�

“Well reasoned, Cain,� said Kirin. “And I’m inclined to agree… which is why I think she’ll accompany you to Dawnstar.� The room grew silent apart from Salkihn’s playful chatter, and Kirin laughed at the grimace on his son’s face. “Not what you meant, I take it? Don’t worry, it’s only a temporary arrangement. She still has a contact at the Quicksilver Mine. You two can part ways the moment you arrive.�

“Oh. That’s alright, then,� said Cain. “I really didn’t want her visiting the Jarl with me. Speaking of which… the ship leaves tomorrow morning, right? Do I still need the cadre of guards with me?�

“I don’t think so. There will be guards on the ship anyway, and you’ll be safe once you hit the port.�

“Good. They were solid men, but I didn’t like how overprotective they were.�

“I understand that, Cain, but you need to accept it as a part of your life. Someday, you won’t be able to go anywhere without a private guard.� Kirin finished sealing a letter he had penned and tossed it on a pile with the rest of his correspondences. “And that’s that. Let’s go sit down for dinner.�

-----

The gale rushing in off of the Sea of Ghosts through Solitude’s great arch tested the innate cold resistance of even the sturdiest Nords working down at the seaport. Cain didn’t stand a chance, and after a hasty sendoff, he ducked into the midships cabin with a lazy wave at Kirin and Lydia. With its final passenger aboard, the crew of the Siren’s Song loosed the final mooring ropes and set sail for the port of Dawnstar.

“Hopefully she’s learned how to be civil,� mused Lydia. “I’d hate for Cain to have to throw Delphine overboard before they leave the bay.�

“Hah. I don’t think we’ll have to worry about that, dear. He’s not nearly as impulsive as his sister.� Kirin stuck his arm out for Lydia. “Back to the castle, my queen?�

“Lead on, my king.�

Back up the winding road they went, strolling leisurely past the Solitude Stables, and waving genially at farmers, tradesmen, and all manner of passersby. The guards at the impassive main gates bowed them through respectfully, and after a meandering walk through the marketplaces and temple district, the Blue Palace loomed ahead as they returned home in no particular hurry.

Kirin had another full day in court awaiting him without the aid of a court mage. He prayed silently to Kyne that the day would pass without event while his Housecarls and Thanes filed in around their king and began to pester him with questions and requests from their constituents. Lydia kissed him on the cheek and wished him luck before heading downstairs to check on her daughter.

She found Serana enjoying a mug of tea and reading a lengthy book on levitation magick in the confines of her quarters. Lydia returned an offered smile, though she recognized the emptiness behind it. Serana had been stoic in her wife’s absence thus far, but there were slight cracks in the veneer and the two of them had shared more than a few late-night drinks already to help stave off her feelings of loneliness.

And now Linneá and Serana’s new concern for Gwyn’s well-being had become a primary topic of conversation following the details of their encounter with an unlucky bandit the day before last.

“Any plans for the day?� Lydia asked her.

“Not really,� said Serana. “I thought about visiting the girls while Salihn is in school, but they’re managing without me, and I don’t want to intrude. Elle was really looking forward to spending some time with Gwyn that didn’t involve wine bottles around a table at Elysium.�

“Serana, dear, just go visit Linn if that’s what you need. No one questioned your brother visiting them a few days ago. Frankly, I’m surprised you haven’t already.�

There was a moment of hesitation; and then: “…I don’t think it’s fair to Salihn, mum,� sighed Serana. “Taking her along would be too dangerous and why should I get to see Elle when she cannot?�

Her words had a ring of truth and were just what Lydia expected a responsible mother to speak, but Lydia also knew that more often than not, you have to follow your heart. If she had not done so thirty years ago there’s no telling how different things in her life may have gone. Serana might not even be sitting here to have this conversation with.

“It’s okay to be selfish once in a while,� reminded Lydia. “Natural, even. Go to her, Serana. If only to feel the warmth of her embrace for a moment. Your secret will be safe with me.�

-----

Lydia’s goblet of water clinked against her husband’s tankard of mead. Spirits were higher than they had been in some time due to the unexpected arrival of their newly assigned, permanent court mage: Brelyna Maryon. The dunmer wizard who once called Winterhold home showed up at midday to formally offer her services to Kirin, who accepted them gratefully.

She even joined them for dinner at Kirin’s request, and now sat together with him, Lydia, Serana, and Salihn.

“What made you accept the role?� inquired Serana. “Don’t get me wrong; it’ll be lovely to have you here with us, but you seemed pretty content to return to the college after your stint on loan to us ended.�

“I realized after a couple of weeks that life here at the palace had been far more interesting,� said Brelyna. “All there is to do at the college is research or teach, and I can only do the latter if one of the other wizards fancies a day off. And it’s not like there is anything to do in Winterhold proper,� she added. “At least I can be of use here.�

“Indeed!� said Kirin. “I’ll have the evening staff ready your quarters.�

“That won’t be necessary, sire. I can take care of my own room.�

“Suit yourself. But please, call me ‘Kirin’.�

Most of their evening meal was spent going over the finer details of Brelyna’s new position that she hadn’t been aware of before. A lot of the day-to-day responsibilities that Sybille Stentor saw to had fallen by the wayside in the absence of a full-time court mage, and Kirin was thrilled to know they would soon be handled once again. He would continue to miss the scrying ability Sybille possessed, but he was not about to complain about finally having the position filled again. In time for Cain’s eventual succession, no less.

And he knew that Brelyna would be more than capable. She was intelligent, calm, and wise beyond her years; and she had the innate talent for magick that most of her people benefited from. All in all, he was hard pressed to think of a more suitable candidate.

“I’m surprised Linneá isn’t here,� said Brelyna. They’d finished eating and were now sipping from piping hot mugs of mulled wine to stave off the winter chill. She found her absence curious right off, but she wasn’t sure at first how to broach the subject. Luckily for her, alcohol tends to limit inhibition – especially for someone who doesn’t partake often. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen the two of you apart, Serana.�

A dark look that Brelyna nearly missed passed over Serana’s features. The dunmer thought she might have imagined it until Kirin cleared his throat.
“My daughter is away on some… business,� said Kirin. “You’ll have the privilege of knowing all the ins and outs of palace workings once you’ve taken the oath, but for now I’d ask that you disregard that observation until the morning.�

“Done. What happens in the morning?�

“The oath,� replied Kirin. “I would ask that you take some time tonight to think on it before we take that step tomorrow. It’s magickally binding and cannot be undone, unless I should release you. Or in death, which is know to have happened. I know it’s a lot to ask, but I require it of all those who serve this family closely. Your new position carries far more weight than the temporary role you filled before, Brelyna. There is little of what goes on here that you will not be aware of – including some closely guarded secrets of the Windborne family.�

-----

Morning had come. The full court of High King and Queen Kirin and Lydia Windborne stood arrayed in a semi-circle around the throne, while Brelyna Maryon knelt before it. Just off to the side, Serana looked on with the barest hint of a smile, musing over the rare occurrence of pomp that came with these otherwise light-hearted occasions. In the absence of her spouse, it was she who would bind the new Court Mage in service to the king.
Lydia, too, beamed down at the capable young dunmer whose presence they had all grown enjoy on her once temporary assignment. She resisted the urge to bob impatiently on her heels while her husband incanted the oath.

When it came to end, there was no hesitation in Brelyna’s response, nor did she lift her head when Serana’s hand gripped her shoulder. “I vow to serve the High King and Skyrim’s people until otherwise released from my duties.� A brief flash of whitest light imbued her as the oath was sealed. The hand on her shoulder gave a supporting squeeze before it’s owner took her place beside the throne.

“Excellent!� exclaimed Kirin. “Welcome to the court, Brelyna! We have much to discuss.�