Post by redsrock on Jul 6, 2008 19:48:31 GMT
Chapter One: The Meeting
"It doesn't matter anymore, Fervius, the Council is non-existent as of now. You yourself are already aware of this, just as everyone else is. Most of the Council members have been killed, and those who haven't are in hiding," Janus Hassildor said quickly, walking swiftly among the streets of the Imperial City, escorted by ten of his own troops, and of course his managerial assistant, Fervius Gutton."
"Where to, my lord?"
"I have not the slightest idea. I would like to know myself, but I fear we've seen the last of the Council. After Ocato was killed they all disappeared, or at least the ones still alive. We're on our own now, Fervius, hence why this very meeting is about to take place. We have to establish some kind of leadership if we wish to repel the enemy."
The Count of Skingrad was on his way to the Palace, to attend an urgent and vastly important meeting in which all eight rulers of Cyrodiil would be present.
"I don't mean to be a bother my lord, but you know I have my doubts on this certain subject. Yes, a Redguard from Hammerfell assassinated the Chancellor, but how can you be sure that he was an agent of the Kingdom of Sentinel and King Lhotun?"
Hassildor sighed impatiently. "Fervius, you have much to learn. Thankfully you are but an infant to the ways of politics, and you have plenty of time to understand what is going on. The assassin had been carrying a silver medallion with inscriptions only a Hammerfell politician would bear, specifically the Forebear kingdom of Sentinel. The design of the medallion was King Lhotun holding a golden sword, and below him was the severed head of a Nord, symbolizing their hatred towards Skyrim. Only those part of the kingdom of Sentinel wear these, and THAT is how we know. Does that answer your question?"
"Yes, my lord, for now at least."
Hassildor rolled his eyes and continued on, just having entered the Palace courtyard where the other rulers were standing and talking. Fervius stayed behind with the other assistants from the other counties. Only the rulers of Cyrodiil were being admitted into the meeting.
"Janus, you've finally arrived," shouted Arriana Valga, the Countess of Chorrol. "Shall we begin?"
The other rulers nodded their heads and in they went into the Palace, the doors closing behind them and many guards from all the different counties blocking the public from following. The meeting that was about to start had gathered much publicity from the people, and the rulers feared an attempt on their own lives would be made, which is why a small army was now gathered in front of the Palace's entrance.
The meeting was taking place in the Council Chambers, which of course was quite ironic given the current situation. A feeling of awe spread over every last ruler of Cyrodiil, just now realizing more than ever that they were own their own from now on, without a Council to help guide them in a time of need, specifically now.
Once the rulers were seated, and an Imperial Legion guard had locked the doors from the outside, the meeting commenced with Arriana Valga herself speaking first. "Hear me when I say this, for I believe a many of you wish to ignore what I am to say. We know for a fact that King Lhotun of the Kingdom of Sentinel made the order for an assassin to kill Chancellor Ocato, for whatever reasons. And if we wish to defend our lands from further damage then we need to decide on what to do, and we need to act now before it's too late. I have no doubt, and neither should any of you for that matter, that the Redguards from the northwest will attack again soon enough, and this time with thousands of men rather than one. I for one believe that all of us should stay here in the Imperial City, until the situation has been taken care of. I forsee a war in our near future, as much as I hate to say it, especially after the Oblivion Crisis has exhausted us beyond belief for the past year. We all have those back home who can take care of our counties while we are away, I think. I would like to know, what is your take on my idea?"
The room erupted with discussion, and not much of it was very clear. Arriana quieted the room down, and then Hassildor was granted time to speak.
"I like the idea, and I indeed have someone in mind who would do in this time of crisis. I should think my assistant, Fervius, would have no problems leading the county of Skingrad. But what are you proposing, that we all unite as one form of leadership, rather than select only one of us?"
"Yes, that is precisely what I mean, Janus."
"Well, in that case, I can agree with that."
Then Narina Carvain, Countess of Bruma, spoke up. "What about my county? Bruma is dangerously close to the Hammerfell border. If I agree with these terms will you all promise to send a large number of troops to my city. I fear if the Redguards do invade before we have time to act, my city will be their first target. There aren't many cities where the borders are between here and Hammerfell, and Lhotun's forces can easily cross over if they want to."
Both Hassildor and Valga agreed with that, seeing how the Countess of Bruma had a point. So, everyone agreed that they all stay in the Imperial City until the likely upcoming war is finished. It was best not to give all the power to one person.
"Now that we have that settled, what is it we should do now? Sent a convoy of troops to Eastern Hammerfell and knock on King Lhotun's door, demanding an explanation as to why he is doing all of this? Eastern Hammerfell has always respected us so I see no reason Queen Clavilla is to be feared. It is King Lhotun that we must worry about . There must be some reason for what's happened over the past month. I don't think we should immediatly send an army, as that would only cause conflict. Perhaps there is a way to end this struggle without fighting?" Andel Indarys said, Count of Cheydinhal and the only non-Imperial ruler of Cyrodiil, him being a Dunmer.
"But what if they are waiting for such an act? If you ask me they're probably lining up at the borders as we speak. We need to act now and raise our army to a sizeable force large enough to invade Hammerfell," Valga said.
"You mean you want to actually invade Hammerfell? I assumed we would only strengthen our defenses and put patrols along the borders! Are you mad?" The Countess of Anvil, Millona Umbranox said with a a tone of shock and a look of complete surprise.
"Then what do you suggest we do, Millona, sit here and let the Redguards invade us?" Valga responded sarcastically. "I thought we all had an understanding that the only way to fully and truly disband this threat is to go ahead and invade the Kingdom of Sentinel in which this problem has developed from?"
"I was not aware of this, mother, and quite frankly I feel the same way as Millona," Alessia Caro said, the Countess of Leyawiin. Her husband, Marius Caro, had been killed during the Oblivion Crisis, and now Alessia rules the city by herself. And as you've already figured other, she is the daughter of Arriana Valga. "I don't see a reason to invade a province, especially after just barely defeating the Mythic Dawn and Mehrunes Dagon!"
"We are not invading the entire province, only the Kingdom of Sentinel. As of now it appears that Eastern Hammerfell poses us no problem, as Andel has already pointed out. But of course this is something we need to find out for sure, before invading the lands. Perhaps Eastern Hammerfell could be of help to our cause. I've heard rumors that there is unrest in Hammerfell as it is, and that Queen Clavilla of Taneth in the east is becoming angered by Lhotun's increasingly aggressive actions. Now, Alessia, I understand you are young and-"
"Don't bring that into the discussion! This has nothing to do with that!" She said, interrupting her mother and becoming angrier by the second. She absolutely hated it when her mother treated her like a child in front of others.
It was at this time Hassildor stood up from his seat and stood in between Lady Valga and Lady Caro. "Please, quarrel somewhere else, but no here. Now is not the time for family issues, which seems to run prevalent with you two. Now, let us take a ballot, as our first act of the Imperial Council. All in favor or invading the Kingdom of Sentinel raise your hand."
Everyone in the room raised their hands except for Umbranox and Caro. Indarys, who was the first to question the motive of invading in the first place, was raising his hand as well.
"Fine, it is settled. We shall invade Sentinel, but only when we have raised an army large enough to do so. I don't particularly want to go to war, but even so I still believe it is in our best interest, because like Valga has already mentioned, King Lhotun has been becoming aggressive than ever. I suppose we didn't notice this too much because of our own war with the Mythic Dawn and Dagon. For now I believe we should start thinking of constructing various forts scattered throughout western Jerall Mountains, and northwest of the Colovian Highlands as well. But first we need to send troops to Bruma. But before we discuss anything else I think it would be in all of ours' best interest if we rest for a while, if only to let our anger subside. There are enough rooms in this palace to suit all of us, but time will be needed for the servants and maids to prepare everything. Let us go back to our counties and name our leaders, then come back tomorrow in which we shall conduct another meeting. Does that sound alright?"
Everyone nodded in agreement and left the Imperial City to name their new leaders.
**********************************************
"Me...Count of Skingrad? But I thought you said I was an infant to the ways of politics?" Fervius asked with a grin. He and Hassildor were already on their way back to Skingrad in there horse-drawn carriage.
"That is true, Fervius, but even still I believe you are ready."
"Fine, it's not as if I'm trying to deny the offer. I am more than honored, my lord. But do tell me, what is the basis of the meeting?"
"The Kingdom of Sentinel is our direct enemy as of now, and King Lhotun of course. Queen Clavilla of the Kingdom of Taneth in Eastern Hammerfell may be of help to us, but we are not sure as of yet. We didn't discuss this during the meeting, but the Kingdom of Elinhir, lead by the prophet Prophet Ayaan-si, lies in the very northeastern mountains of Hammerfell. They are not yet a pawn in this mess, but something tells me they may be in the future. For years now they have kept to themselves, but the Prophet himself is said to be an enemy of Queen Clavilla, so we'll just have to see what happens. It might not be a good idea to heed the aid of Taneth after all."
"Interesting. It sounds very confusing, my lord."
"Oh yes," Hassildor said with a soft chuckle, "it most definitely is. And remind me when we get home to find Sintius at once."
Back in Skingrad.....
"No, not really, it's something of an old habit I suppose. I always drink a glass of wine before going to bed. I am not a drunk, though I know you think otherwise, Eravor," Sintius said with a laugh just before drinking the last few drops of his wine.
The Skingrad Captain was about to lay to down in his bed with the doors to the barracks bursted open, and a guard stood in the doorway. "I'm sorry to bother you this late at night, sir, but the Count has arrived and he wishes to speak with you in his personal chambers."
"Of course, I'll be there at once."
The guard left and Sintius immediatly started getting dressed back into his armored attire. "I wonder what he wants, eh?" Eravor asked, second-in-command of the troops, and Sintius' most trusted and befriended soldier.
"Who knows, but I must be important if he's getting me up in the middle of the night. He's never done that before," Sintius responded hastily. He laced up his leather boots and left the barracks, heading straight towards Hassildor's chambers.
"It doesn't matter anymore, Fervius, the Council is non-existent as of now. You yourself are already aware of this, just as everyone else is. Most of the Council members have been killed, and those who haven't are in hiding," Janus Hassildor said quickly, walking swiftly among the streets of the Imperial City, escorted by ten of his own troops, and of course his managerial assistant, Fervius Gutton."
"Where to, my lord?"
"I have not the slightest idea. I would like to know myself, but I fear we've seen the last of the Council. After Ocato was killed they all disappeared, or at least the ones still alive. We're on our own now, Fervius, hence why this very meeting is about to take place. We have to establish some kind of leadership if we wish to repel the enemy."
The Count of Skingrad was on his way to the Palace, to attend an urgent and vastly important meeting in which all eight rulers of Cyrodiil would be present.
"I don't mean to be a bother my lord, but you know I have my doubts on this certain subject. Yes, a Redguard from Hammerfell assassinated the Chancellor, but how can you be sure that he was an agent of the Kingdom of Sentinel and King Lhotun?"
Hassildor sighed impatiently. "Fervius, you have much to learn. Thankfully you are but an infant to the ways of politics, and you have plenty of time to understand what is going on. The assassin had been carrying a silver medallion with inscriptions only a Hammerfell politician would bear, specifically the Forebear kingdom of Sentinel. The design of the medallion was King Lhotun holding a golden sword, and below him was the severed head of a Nord, symbolizing their hatred towards Skyrim. Only those part of the kingdom of Sentinel wear these, and THAT is how we know. Does that answer your question?"
"Yes, my lord, for now at least."
Hassildor rolled his eyes and continued on, just having entered the Palace courtyard where the other rulers were standing and talking. Fervius stayed behind with the other assistants from the other counties. Only the rulers of Cyrodiil were being admitted into the meeting.
"Janus, you've finally arrived," shouted Arriana Valga, the Countess of Chorrol. "Shall we begin?"
The other rulers nodded their heads and in they went into the Palace, the doors closing behind them and many guards from all the different counties blocking the public from following. The meeting that was about to start had gathered much publicity from the people, and the rulers feared an attempt on their own lives would be made, which is why a small army was now gathered in front of the Palace's entrance.
The meeting was taking place in the Council Chambers, which of course was quite ironic given the current situation. A feeling of awe spread over every last ruler of Cyrodiil, just now realizing more than ever that they were own their own from now on, without a Council to help guide them in a time of need, specifically now.
Once the rulers were seated, and an Imperial Legion guard had locked the doors from the outside, the meeting commenced with Arriana Valga herself speaking first. "Hear me when I say this, for I believe a many of you wish to ignore what I am to say. We know for a fact that King Lhotun of the Kingdom of Sentinel made the order for an assassin to kill Chancellor Ocato, for whatever reasons. And if we wish to defend our lands from further damage then we need to decide on what to do, and we need to act now before it's too late. I have no doubt, and neither should any of you for that matter, that the Redguards from the northwest will attack again soon enough, and this time with thousands of men rather than one. I for one believe that all of us should stay here in the Imperial City, until the situation has been taken care of. I forsee a war in our near future, as much as I hate to say it, especially after the Oblivion Crisis has exhausted us beyond belief for the past year. We all have those back home who can take care of our counties while we are away, I think. I would like to know, what is your take on my idea?"
The room erupted with discussion, and not much of it was very clear. Arriana quieted the room down, and then Hassildor was granted time to speak.
"I like the idea, and I indeed have someone in mind who would do in this time of crisis. I should think my assistant, Fervius, would have no problems leading the county of Skingrad. But what are you proposing, that we all unite as one form of leadership, rather than select only one of us?"
"Yes, that is precisely what I mean, Janus."
"Well, in that case, I can agree with that."
Then Narina Carvain, Countess of Bruma, spoke up. "What about my county? Bruma is dangerously close to the Hammerfell border. If I agree with these terms will you all promise to send a large number of troops to my city. I fear if the Redguards do invade before we have time to act, my city will be their first target. There aren't many cities where the borders are between here and Hammerfell, and Lhotun's forces can easily cross over if they want to."
Both Hassildor and Valga agreed with that, seeing how the Countess of Bruma had a point. So, everyone agreed that they all stay in the Imperial City until the likely upcoming war is finished. It was best not to give all the power to one person.
"Now that we have that settled, what is it we should do now? Sent a convoy of troops to Eastern Hammerfell and knock on King Lhotun's door, demanding an explanation as to why he is doing all of this? Eastern Hammerfell has always respected us so I see no reason Queen Clavilla is to be feared. It is King Lhotun that we must worry about . There must be some reason for what's happened over the past month. I don't think we should immediatly send an army, as that would only cause conflict. Perhaps there is a way to end this struggle without fighting?" Andel Indarys said, Count of Cheydinhal and the only non-Imperial ruler of Cyrodiil, him being a Dunmer.
"But what if they are waiting for such an act? If you ask me they're probably lining up at the borders as we speak. We need to act now and raise our army to a sizeable force large enough to invade Hammerfell," Valga said.
"You mean you want to actually invade Hammerfell? I assumed we would only strengthen our defenses and put patrols along the borders! Are you mad?" The Countess of Anvil, Millona Umbranox said with a a tone of shock and a look of complete surprise.
"Then what do you suggest we do, Millona, sit here and let the Redguards invade us?" Valga responded sarcastically. "I thought we all had an understanding that the only way to fully and truly disband this threat is to go ahead and invade the Kingdom of Sentinel in which this problem has developed from?"
"I was not aware of this, mother, and quite frankly I feel the same way as Millona," Alessia Caro said, the Countess of Leyawiin. Her husband, Marius Caro, had been killed during the Oblivion Crisis, and now Alessia rules the city by herself. And as you've already figured other, she is the daughter of Arriana Valga. "I don't see a reason to invade a province, especially after just barely defeating the Mythic Dawn and Mehrunes Dagon!"
"We are not invading the entire province, only the Kingdom of Sentinel. As of now it appears that Eastern Hammerfell poses us no problem, as Andel has already pointed out. But of course this is something we need to find out for sure, before invading the lands. Perhaps Eastern Hammerfell could be of help to our cause. I've heard rumors that there is unrest in Hammerfell as it is, and that Queen Clavilla of Taneth in the east is becoming angered by Lhotun's increasingly aggressive actions. Now, Alessia, I understand you are young and-"
"Don't bring that into the discussion! This has nothing to do with that!" She said, interrupting her mother and becoming angrier by the second. She absolutely hated it when her mother treated her like a child in front of others.
It was at this time Hassildor stood up from his seat and stood in between Lady Valga and Lady Caro. "Please, quarrel somewhere else, but no here. Now is not the time for family issues, which seems to run prevalent with you two. Now, let us take a ballot, as our first act of the Imperial Council. All in favor or invading the Kingdom of Sentinel raise your hand."
Everyone in the room raised their hands except for Umbranox and Caro. Indarys, who was the first to question the motive of invading in the first place, was raising his hand as well.
"Fine, it is settled. We shall invade Sentinel, but only when we have raised an army large enough to do so. I don't particularly want to go to war, but even so I still believe it is in our best interest, because like Valga has already mentioned, King Lhotun has been becoming aggressive than ever. I suppose we didn't notice this too much because of our own war with the Mythic Dawn and Dagon. For now I believe we should start thinking of constructing various forts scattered throughout western Jerall Mountains, and northwest of the Colovian Highlands as well. But first we need to send troops to Bruma. But before we discuss anything else I think it would be in all of ours' best interest if we rest for a while, if only to let our anger subside. There are enough rooms in this palace to suit all of us, but time will be needed for the servants and maids to prepare everything. Let us go back to our counties and name our leaders, then come back tomorrow in which we shall conduct another meeting. Does that sound alright?"
Everyone nodded in agreement and left the Imperial City to name their new leaders.
**********************************************
"Me...Count of Skingrad? But I thought you said I was an infant to the ways of politics?" Fervius asked with a grin. He and Hassildor were already on their way back to Skingrad in there horse-drawn carriage.
"That is true, Fervius, but even still I believe you are ready."
"Fine, it's not as if I'm trying to deny the offer. I am more than honored, my lord. But do tell me, what is the basis of the meeting?"
"The Kingdom of Sentinel is our direct enemy as of now, and King Lhotun of course. Queen Clavilla of the Kingdom of Taneth in Eastern Hammerfell may be of help to us, but we are not sure as of yet. We didn't discuss this during the meeting, but the Kingdom of Elinhir, lead by the prophet Prophet Ayaan-si, lies in the very northeastern mountains of Hammerfell. They are not yet a pawn in this mess, but something tells me they may be in the future. For years now they have kept to themselves, but the Prophet himself is said to be an enemy of Queen Clavilla, so we'll just have to see what happens. It might not be a good idea to heed the aid of Taneth after all."
"Interesting. It sounds very confusing, my lord."
"Oh yes," Hassildor said with a soft chuckle, "it most definitely is. And remind me when we get home to find Sintius at once."
Back in Skingrad.....
"No, not really, it's something of an old habit I suppose. I always drink a glass of wine before going to bed. I am not a drunk, though I know you think otherwise, Eravor," Sintius said with a laugh just before drinking the last few drops of his wine.
The Skingrad Captain was about to lay to down in his bed with the doors to the barracks bursted open, and a guard stood in the doorway. "I'm sorry to bother you this late at night, sir, but the Count has arrived and he wishes to speak with you in his personal chambers."
"Of course, I'll be there at once."
The guard left and Sintius immediatly started getting dressed back into his armored attire. "I wonder what he wants, eh?" Eravor asked, second-in-command of the troops, and Sintius' most trusted and befriended soldier.
"Who knows, but I must be important if he's getting me up in the middle of the night. He's never done that before," Sintius responded hastily. He laced up his leather boots and left the barracks, heading straight towards Hassildor's chambers.