The Last Heir, FanFic Options

[redsrock]

I hope you all enjoy the story and as always please leave feedback or a word of wisdom. I'm always looking for help and suggestions.



The Last Heir

CHAPTER ONE

The goblins were rushing in through the barn door, but they had no clue I was sitting up above on a rickety plank, ready to jump down and slay the evil beasts.

With my trusty spear in hand I dove down from above and struck one of the monstrous creatures to the floor. The others shrieked loudly as they charged me, but it was of no use. My skills in battle were envied by all and matched by no one.

One by one I sliced my way through the goblin horde until only the chieftain stood before me. He held his magical battle axe in hand with a furious expression, but I knew his intimidating stature was unreal. He was truly afraid of me and wanted nothing more than to run back to his smelly cave, but alas I was guarding the only exit out of my barn.

Slowly I walked towards the monster and as I inched closer and closer I began to see the sweat dripping from the chieftain’s face. His hands that were clutched tightly around the axe were shaking wildly. He stood no chance.

“Lukas, have you finished cleaning the barn yet? Supper is almost ready!”

At the sounds of my mothers shrill voice the battle ended and suddenly I was unfortunately sucked back into boring reality.

“Not yet mother, give me another ten minutes or so…”

I quickly took the broom I was holding and started sweeping the floor because I knew it was only a matter of seconds until my mother came to see what the matter was. She told me to clean the place an hour ago but of course like usual I had dazed off into my own fantasy land.

“LUKAS! Will you please clean things up quickly? Supper is just a few minutes from being ready and you’ve barely even started! What have you been doing in here all this time?”

Sure enough she entered the barn with the same stern expression she gave me every time I angered her, which seemed to be often.

“I was fightin’ the goblins mama, I had to protect our barn from the enemy,” I said with a sly smile about me.

My mother hated it when I pretended to be a knight or a warrior, or whatever... For some odd reason she becomes very infuriated whenever I did so.

“Lukas, you’re fifteen years old! When are you going to grow up?” She said with her arms folding firmly across her chest.

“Fine, fine, I’ll clean the barn, it shouldn’t take too long!”

“The next time I catch your mind wandering about when you’re supposed to be doing chores you’ll get a whipping you’ve never imagined before.”

I simply rolled my eyes as she walked away. But of course she wasn’t yet finished with her tirade. “And stop pretending my broom is some kind of weapon!”

“I can’t help it mama, I’m gonna be a knight some day!” I chuckled back.

She grunted loudly and finally ended the argument with a threat I’ve heard millions of times before, “You break my broom and I’ll break your legs!”

I always laughed loudly at that one, for my mother wasn’t abusive as some kids’ mothers were. She would never lay a finger on me, besides my constant spankings of course.

Come to think of it, I’d hate to see what she would do if someone ever did laid their hands on me. It sure wouldn’t be pretty, I know that for sure. My mom is extremely protective of me.

I think that’s why I am home-schooled. She probably doesn’t want to even think about me being whipped by the school’s headmaster, which I am almost positive would be a daily activity. She’d rather do that herself…


Two hours later I finished sweeping the floors and bundling all the hay. It took me longer than I expected and mother wasn’t too thrilled about the delay.

“Sorry mama, it took me a bit long than I thought it would. Mama…?”

I yelled a bit more but was never given a response. My immediate answer to the silence was that she was most likely outside watering our garden and picking any already ripe vegetables.

So I threw off my work clothes and bundled into a pair of comfortable pants and an unbuttoned shirt. I went into the kitchen to see two plates resting on the table. One was full of cold food and the other was almost entirely eaten.

I walked over to the front door and poked my head out to see where mother was. I saw her standing just a few feet away from the porch. That’s when I saw two men in shiny silver armor standing next to her.

I walked outside to greet the men and I noticed she was sobbing.

“Who are these people mama, and why are you crying?”

Without giving me an answer she threw her arms around me and began to cry even more than before.

“Mama, what’s wrong?”

One of the men in armor spoke up with a deep and serious voice.

“Son, follow us into your house. There are some matters that need to be discussed.”

I was speechless. I didn’t know what to say. My mom took me by the hand and led me and the other two men into the house, where we all sat down at the kitchen table after she cleaned it.

“Lukas, do you have any idea who your father was?”

“Umm…no sir, I do not. Mama told me he passed away when I was still a baby.”

The man looked over to mother and she started crying again, this time thankfully a little quieter than before. I hated seeing her cry; it pained me more than anything else.

“You father was Martin Septim, son of Uriel Septim. Do you know who any of those two men are?” The man asked with a sterner tone.

“No sir, I’ve never heard the names before,” I said sheepishly.

Again the man looked over to my mother, this time with sheer anger. I was almost afraid he was going to yell at her but he turned his attention back to me.

“Your father and grandfather were rulers of the Empire Lukas. Surely you’ve of the Empire, haven’t you?”

I nodded. Who didn’t know about the Empire? Even we, on this small island hundreds of miles from anyone else, know about them. But was this man serious about my father, and apparently my grandfather, once being rulers of the Empire?

“Martin and Uriel were both recently slain recently. Your grandfather was assassinated by the culprits and Martin sacrificed himself to save Cyrodiil. You, Lukas, are the heir to the throne.”

I was stunned beyond belief. Surely I was dreaming right? Perhaps I had fainted from the barn’s heat and I was imagining all of this? Surely I had to be, there’s just no way in the world any of this could really be happening.

“I’m sorry sir, but what are you talking about? I think you have the wrong person. I’ve lived here all my life and I highly doubt it’s possible that I would be related to any Imperial Kings.”

“Ah, but it is Lukas, what your mother has apparently forgotten to mention to you is that she was once a caretaker for the Chapel in the city that was once Kvatch. She happened to have a “small” mishap with Martin and that brought you into this world. Your mother fled the country and brought you here. And since you’re Martin’s only heir that makes you’re the rightful king of Cyrodiil.”

I looked over to my mother and she was able to nod her head slowly. I was the King of Cyrodiil? How could this be? I’m only fifteen years old!

“We’ll give you about an hour to get your stuff together and then we set sail for Cyrodiil where you will take your place at the throne, though it won’t be as glamorous as you might think. A war has just been won, but don’t worry, I’ll explain everything on the way.”

Things were happening so fast I didn’t know what to think. I was looking back and forth between the two men and my mother, then the next thing I knew I was toppling face first towards the table, and then everything went dark.

[redsrock]

lol, who is this Argonian you speak of?

[jack cloudy]

A funny guy who likes to sunbathe and always carries an illegal amount of snake poison. Sharp needles included.

I'm talking about Al here. By now, he's offed more Dark Brotherhood assassins than the whole of Cyrodiil has to offer.

[redsrock]

Who's Al? Oh, you mean the character in BH's story?

[jack cloudy]

Actually Canis' specifically. But since Canis and Black Hand's stories are intertwined, it's a bit hard to say where one ends and the other begins.

[redsrock]

oh, lol. So they're writing a colab-story?

[Agent Griff]

Hm, great chapter. You were correct in saying that you had tricked us all with the situation involving the count and Fadril. Having the Dark Brotherhood involved was certainly a nice touch. Also, nice reference to Al, Jack. That Argonian is Brotherhood-Bane, I swear it.

Also, I liked the fact that you were inspired by my advice of making Count Indarys suggest foreign administrators to Lukas, preferably foreigners belonging to House Hlaalu. I wanted to ask about the situation in Kvatch anyway. It would be nice if Lukas would invest a new count for Kvatch and rebuild the city. Anyway, your story, your decisions.

[Steve]

That was a good chapter!
I've always wondered how the Dark Brotherhood keeps secret!
Threat of Death always works... lol!

[The Metal Mallet]

Indeed, I did not think about the Dark Brotherhood at all when thinking about possible situations involving Andel.

I also look forward to how Kvatch will be dealt with.

[redsrock]

Hey, everyone, thanks for your continued interest. I just had knee surgery yesterday so my pc time will be limited for a while. Thanks for understanding, (i hope, lol)

[redsrock]

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN


Sooner than later we made it back home, where I was greeted an unusually joyful Hieronymus Lex.

“Lukas, you’re back! How did things go, my lord?”

I was completely taken back by his cheerful attitude. In fact, I expected him to still be angry from the aftermath of learning that he was not going to be the commander of the Legion army. Still, though, I was happy to see his like this, even if he was acting a bit odd.

“Well, we learned something that I didn’t really want to learn, unfortunately. Come with me and I shall tell you everything over dinner in the council-room.”

Lex followed me into the city as we walked through the streets. It was only around two o’clock in the afternoon but I was by now hungry from my travels. It also seemed like I had developed my own ritual; eating whenever I had something to announce. That wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, unless I started to gain some unwanted pounds that is.

As I walked through the city many came up to shake my hand and ask me of my travels, and soon a relatively large mob had formed around me and my entourage. Jauffre called for some guards to clear the way for me to walk without worrying about stepping on anyone’s shoes. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I love the attention and the fact that the people like me, but at the same time I wouldn’t mind having some breathing room as well.

When we entered the palace I immediately walked through the double doors and entered the meeting room and sat down. Even though I had just gotten done sitting down for two hours my feet were still terribly tired. Jauffre seemed the same way as he slowly sat down in a chair.

“So, what happened, my lord?”

Lex’s anxiety was baffling me beyond belief. It was almost too good to be true. I was greatly impressed by his ability to forget about the past and simply move on like I told him to.

I explained to him everything that happened during or trip. I told him of how Fadril was suddenly and unexpectedly assassinated right in the carriage; how Andel claimed that the Dark Brotherhood was behind Fadril’s and his sister’s deaths, and our plans to leave immediately for Bruma. He listened inventively the entire time, and once we were done I excused Itius and Lex from the room. Then Jauffre and I had our own personal discussion.

“What’s up with Lex, Jauffre?”

“What do you mean?” He asked in between yawns.

“He’s happy…but a little too happy in my opinion. How can his attitude change so quickly in such a short amount of time? I just really don’t think one can do that. What do you think about it?”

‘I think you’re over exaggerating, Lukas. Lex is nothing like Baurus, and you’ll just have to trust me on that one.”

“Well, I guess you’re right. I just don’t want something happening that we’ll later regret.”

“Don’t worry, he was only mad for a few seconds; I’m sure of that. He wasn’t made an Imperial officer for nothing. Soldiers like Lex have skin as think as guar-hide. They are used to this kind of thing.”

“I suppose, Jauffre. So, do you want to sleep and then leave in the morning? You look like you could use some rest.”

“No, we should leave immediately. By time we get to Bruma it should be sometime in the morning tomorrow. This time I don’t see the need for troops, or a need to travel in the carriage.”

“What? Why would you think that?”

“Believe it or not, Lukas, I am very worried about the Dark Brotherhood situation.”

“What? I thought you told Andel that the Brotherhood would never make an attempt on my life?”

“I said that, but I didn’t mean it. The fact of the matter is that I don’t believe the Brotherhood will simply leave us alone if they think we’re a threat. Itius and I are especially in trouble.”

“So you think the guild might target us?”

“I think that if we don’t take great care of ourselves we might, I don’t know. I just don’t want to take any chances, Lukas.”

“Very well, then. What if they don’t strike in the coming days?”

“Then I am wrong and I will admit it. Until then you will not travel alone. Not anywhere…”

“Okay, okay, I hear you. So what are we going to travel in?”

“You’re going to wear a scrubby old coat as your attire. It might not be as warm as something else, but it’s only for your safety. I myself will do the same and we will travel in a broken down carriage, driven by someone other than our usual Dunmer coachman. This will throw the Brotherhood off our tracks.”

“I still think you’re overreacting, Jauffre.”

“We’ll see about that…”




+++++ ONE HOUR LATER +++++




By the time we ready to go it was a little after four o’clock and a small shower was coming down from the sky. Not to say it was pouring down, but still, I didn’t like walking in the rain. My ripped coat that I was wearing wasn’t exactly helping things either, but at least Jauffre wasn’t making us ride by horse.

“Are you alright, Lukas?”

We didn’t tell anyone we were leaving except for Lex and Itius. Itius himself was a little questioning about the decision about not traveling with the army, given the fact that there was a ‘chance’ that I was currently being targeted. But it didn’t matter and now Jauffre and I were gone. It felt strange leaving the city so secretly, but it was what Jauffre wanted.

“Yeah, just feeling a little guilty; that’s all.”

“Why would you feel guilty?”

“Because we left so soon; without telling anyone of what we are doing and what are plans are. It just doesn’t seem fair. We should have informed them of…”

Jauffre put a hand up and interrupted me. “That would have defeated the purpose. The reason for our secrecy is so the Brotherhood doesn’t know what’s going on. If we told the people everything then the assassins would have been on our trail. Hopefully this way we can keep them off our backs for a while.”

I was starting get frustrated with this whole Dark Brotherhood thing. I simply did not believe in any of it and to me Jauffre was acting too paranoid. I would even go as far to say he was reminding me of Fadril. Of course that’s sort of ironic since the elf was killed by the Brotherhood.

“Come on, Jauffre. Get off that Dark Brotherhood theory; there’s nothing to it.”

He merely shrugged off the comments and sighed.

“Lukas, there are times in life where you don’t just assume something. Sure, the chances of them attacking us aren’t very high, but we simply can’t take that chance. It’s too dangerous.”

“But you’re taking this too far. Look at what we’re wearing!”

“I’m only doing it for your safety, whether you realize it or not.”

I didn’t respond, as it wouldn’t have done me any good. Now I was focused on Bruma and its leader, whom by the way I didn’t know.

“Who’s the Count of Bruma, Jauffre?”

“You mean ‘Countess’? Her name is Narina Carvain. I know her quite well actually, since Cloud Ruler Temple is just up the road from Bruma. I’ll probably show the Temple on the way home.”

“What is she like?”

“She’s a very nice lady, but she’ll do whatever takes to ensure her people saftey and a happy life. She’s actually quite the cunning individual and also a ruthless negotiator. I expect the visit to be our smoothest.”

And so the night went on and we rode through the forests. Jauffre was right; it was very cold. I could actually see my breath because our carriage wasn’t in good condition. That’s another thing that made me made. I was suffering just because Jauffre thought we were being hunted.

But even with the cold, I was still wondering what would happen with the other three rulers. If Jauffre was right there was nothing to worry about with Narina. I was no thinking about the other three. I had already been to Anvil of course, back when I first arrived in Cyrodiil. I remembered the city, not that I’m happy for that. Anvil was a very run down city, and according Baurus it had happened after the Oblivion crisis. Their ruler probably was the reasoning for the city’s downfall.

“What about the ruler of Anvil?” I asked Jauffre.

“Countess Millona Umbranox?” Well, she’s not exactly what she used to be. After the crisis she sort of separated herself from her people. She doesn’t do much of anything and her Captain, Langley, is a corrupted man. He backstabs the people and also blackmails them into fear. He fines them for ridiculous reasons; and then uses the money on drugs and booze.”

“That doesn’t seem like a nice place to live. Why does the Countess let this go on?”

“She just doesn’t care. Also I’d say it has something to do with her missing husband as well.”

“Missing husband?”

“Just before the Oblivion crisis started her husband, then Count Corvus Umbranox mysteriously disappeared from the city, never to be seen again. Nobody knows what exactly happened to him, and since then Millona’s spirit and will has steadily dropped.”

Then there were of course the remaining two rulers; Skingrad and Chorrol.

“And Chorrol?”

“Countess Arriana Valga rules over this city; quite effectively I might add.”

“Valga?”

“Yes, and she is also the mother of the now-deceased Alessia. That is one topic I’m not sure how Arriana will take. I don’t know if she’ll be angry or understanding. I mean, there was nothing we could do. Alessia broke the law and she paid for her evil doings.”

“What kind of ruler is Arriana?”

“She’s the kindest and most cheerful of the Cyrodiil rulers, and there’s a very good reason for that. Chorrol is rather small and high majority of the people that live there are good-hearted. I can’t remember the last time something really bad happened. Nobody is corrupt and everyone loves Arriana. It also helps that the place is absolutely beautiful as well. The Colovian Highland is my personal favorite region. The temperature’s not too hot and not too cold. There’s always a nice soothing breeze coming from the western coast. It’s lovely place to live.”

“Sounds good. And last but not least…Skingrad. What can you tell me about this place?”

“Skingrad is home to the most cunning and most unpredictable ruler you’ll ever meet. I am talking about Count Janus Hassildor. The man himself is a mystery. You never really can tell what he’s going to do or say. He’s definitely one of the good guys, but he’ll also speak his mind and hold nothing back.”

“Is there any particular reason you want our meeting held there?”

“Well, Chorrol is rather small and Anvil is not a safe place to be. Plus I don’t want us to have to travel any farther than we have to.”

“Sounds good enough to me. Now why don’t take a nap, Jauffre? You could certainly use some shut-eye.”

“That’s exactly what I was planning to do.

And in a matter of minutes he was asleep.

[Steve]

Ahh! A good chapter indeed.
Lex's attitude suprised me as well...
I smell something fishy is going on....... or maybe not?

Sometimes I still think he's a traitor because of your last story!!! lol
Hope your knee is better!!! (if that's what you say...? lol)

[redsrock]

Lol, yeah, it's my knee. it doesn't hurt right now because it's still numb. Thanks!

[redsrock]

Unfortunately I have a confession to make. Just as before, I have yet again become bored with this story. I don't know what it is but I just get tired of writing it for more than about five chapters at a time it seems. I am terribly sorry, but I will have to put this story on pause for the second time.

I will do like I did before and I will post another story while I "rest". I do not want to trash this story because it's already past 100 pages, but I cannot just simply force myself to write. I feel awful for doing this, but I just hope you all can understand.

Until I continue with TLH, I have something else I've been thinking. Again, I am very sorry if I have angered anyone. I hope you can understand...

[minque]

Unfortunately I have a confession to make. Just as before, I have yet again become bored with this story. I don't know what it is but I just get tired of writing it for more than about five chapters at a time it seems. I am terribly sorry, but I will have to put this story on pause for the second time.

I will do like I did before and I will post another story while I "rest". I do not want to trash this story because it's already past 100 pages, but I cannot just simply force myself to write. I feel awful for doing this, but I just hope you all can understand.

Until I continue with TLH, I have something else I've been thinking. Again, I am very sorry if I have angered anyone. I hope you can understand...

Gee..of course....I've been "pausing" Serene for over two months now!

[redsrock]

Sorry for bumping this but I'm just going to say I'm not coming back to this after TIW. I know I said I would, but it was only because I didn't want to just throw it away. But why write a story if I don't really want to? That just doesn't make sense to me. I might come back to this in the future, but probably not.

[cliff-blade104]

is there goin to be a lot of action in this like in " the accounts of rayden?" i have only read ch.1 & 2

[redsrock]

Hmm.....no, not really. I can't remember how far I got into this, because it's not finished. I basically quit.

I'm working on another story titled "Journey Through the Broken Path", and all my attention is there.