Chapter Nineteen- Home
It was odd how foreign it felt to stand upon the Katariah deck and see it entirely empty. The boards of the ship creaked in a haunted, ghostly fashion. There was no bustling of deckhands as they carried out their daily chores, nor was there joking of the Penitus Oculatus as they talked about how much they missed the sea. There was just the ominous sea mist as waves crashed against the sides of the ship, washing away stains of liquid red.
I looked towards the sky as I heard the beats of Odahviing's wings again. Favnir and the dragon took me to the vessel in order to get there in time, but it still looked as though we were too late. As the dragon hovered at a distance, the Nord called out, “Are you sure you don't need me? As much as I despise the man, I don't think anyone deserves this kind of ending.”
I shook my head. “No, go find Jarl Ulfric. You deserve to celebrate with the others. This is my battle to fight.”
The Dragonborn reluctantly nodded his head before saluting me. “Aye. As you wish, Lady Talia. Talos guide you.” With his parting words, the dragon once again took to the skies, circling back towards Solitude and newly liberated Skyrim. I didn't watch him long. My skin already began to crawl with his absence. There was an evil aboard the boat and I had to keep my wits about me.
I drew my sword before cautiously walking towards the door that led to the inside of the vessel. For the untrained, the halls and rooms were a maze. For me, someone who spent several years of my life working aboard, it was a corridor of memories. The rooms where Gaius and I laughed and joked together were just the same as I remembered. I could still hear our not-so-quiet footsteps as we tried to sneak through the halls to avoid getting caught for jokes we played on the other guards. I swore I still smelled the hot rabbit stew that brewed in the galley as I passed the stairs to the lower deck.
They were pleasant memories that became tainted by my reality. Blood splattered the walls to mark every place one of my old friends had died. I could taste the vile stench in the air as I passed a room that puddled the red liquid from under the door. I knew what was on the other side, so I dared not open it. Stains soaked the floor where bodies had been dragged out of sight. It was as if an animal tore through the ship without any remorse. I supposed in a way, it was true.
I had little hope when I reached the Emperor's door at the far end of the ship. The carnage leading up to the room was terrifying. My only hope was that by some miracle my father was still there. I had to kill him. If nothing else, the Night Mother's Listener had to fall.
My hand rested on the door knob, but I hesitated as I heard speaking on the other side. “It's worse than we thought, your highness. The Stormcloaks slaughtered all of Solitude. I was lucky to get to you in time.”
“All those people...” The old man's voice was full of remorse. I recognized him as the Emperor, leaving me to gather the other voice belonged to Michealis Maro.
“We need to leave here immediately. They'll be coming after you as soon as they finish there,” the liar told him. “Get to your room and I'll order the men to take us back to Cyrodiil.”
I didn't know what game he was playing, but I couldn't bear to risk the Emperor's life any longer. I immediately opened the door, charging in to find the two men staring at me in confusion. Emperor Titus Mede II looked nearly the same as he always had. Clothed head to toe in royal robes and jewelry, there was no mistaking this man was of great importance. His white hair had receeded since I saw him last, but I contributed that to the amount of stress he was under. His sad old eyes locked on me as horror filled his expression. His hands were empty of any weapon, but it wasn't as if he would be able to fight me off as it was. He was far too frail in his old age to even try to initiate combat. I felt for him in his fear, even if it was misplaced.
In comparison, my father had never been in better form. Armed and armored head to toe with my Uncle's armor- the armor he ripped from his corpse- he was a wolf in sheep's clothing. Titus Mede II was blissfully unaware the danger he found himself in. He thought the man in front of him loved and admired him; he was unprepared for the knife the impostor would stab into his back. The man hid behind my father, clinging to the last hope of his survival.
I lowered my blade to try appear less threatening as I urged the man, "Back away from him, your majesty! He's deceiving you!”
He neglected to move away from the supposed safety of the Penitus Oculatus agent, but a flicker of recognition shown in his tired eyes. “Talia Maro?” I smiled as he said my name, giving him the faintest hint of a nod. Even if I wore his enemy's uniform, he couldn't deny the services I had done for him prior. He looked towards Michaelis in confusion. “This is your niece, is it not?”
The assassin snapped from his shocked state, weaving a lie as quickly as he breathed. “Yes, the Stormcloak traitor,” he snarled. “She's been sent here to finish the rebel fight for them, no doubt.”
I quickly responded, “I don't want to hurt you, sir! That's not my uncle,” I pleaded with him, walking closer. He flinched as I drew closer, but I persisted, "If I really were to hurt you, wouldn't your other guards have stopped me?" The emperor's eyes shifted towards the assassin before looking back at me. I could see he was piecing together the clues in his mind. I shouldn't have been able to get past the other Penitus Oculatus Agents, no matter how trained I was. I knew my way around the ship so I could have simply snuck through his balcony door to kill him. I was risking the attack despite the likelihood I would lose to the “Commander” of the Penitus Oculatus. The man was feeble, but he wasn't an idiot.
Michealis stared at the Emperor, a sudden growl leaving his throat as he saw the slight change in the man's expression. That tiny glance of distrust was enough to set the power-hungry assassin off. Titus Mede II didn't trust me, but he sure as Oblivion no longer trusted the man masquerading as his guard. If he had kept his cool a little longer, he would have won the desperate emperor's trust again, but his bloodlust over came him. He had to kill him; he had to kill both of us while he still had the chance.
Titus Mede II ran out of the way, narrowly avoiding the furious slashes of the assassin's blade. I rushed to get between the two, my sword colliding with his dagger. Trapped at sea, the Emperor had no where to run and he could only watch in horror as the fate of his life rested in my hands alone. He kept himself behind me, as far away from Michealis as possible. I heard him fumbling through drawers for something to protect himself. It was in vain, however. If I fell, there would be nothing that could stop the assassin.
“You just can't stay dead, can you?” my father hissed at me, shoving me backwards. His dagger, while faster, was too short a blade to contend with my sword. He had to keep his distance until he knew he could best me.
My breathing was heavy as I kept my eyes locked on him. “I can't let you kill him,” I responded. “There's too many people that depend on him.”
“And yet you waged a war against him,” the man taunted, grinning widely. “What do you have to gain if he says alive? I'm doing you a favor. With him out of the way, your Stormcloaks have no one to stop them from taking the entire empire.”
“This wasn't about power,” I told him.
“Everything is about power,” he corrected, making a bold move to step towards me. As much as I tried not to be intimidated, I found myself stepping away. “You do what you have to do to rise to the top. Ask your precious Emperor or new High King. You lie, you steal, you kill; whatever it takes to take the throne. That's why you've never gotten anywhere. That's why you'll die here, alone, without a title to your name.”
The assassin lunged at me like a striking snake. I barely avoided the first few slashes of his dagger. He was far faster than I was prepared for and took advantage of my previously wounded state. As he slipped past me I felt a rip into my side once again. His dagger reopened the large wound Tullius previously inflicted. I cried out in pain, quickly grabbing my side. The hit distracted me further, allowing him to slash me from behind as well. I felt the sharp blade rip across my neck and back diagonally while the force shoved me forward.
I fell on my hands and knees, shaking and crying from the sudden pain. Blood dripped onto the floor beside me as the deep cut throbbed with each breath. I could hear his footsteps creaking across the floor and tried to get myself to my feet. I was lightheaded from the bloodloss, but I still managed to somewhat focus on the man. He watched me with an amused grin. “All this time," he taunted, "and you're still as weak as before.” I gripped my blade with both hands, staring him down. His expression faultered a little when he realized I wouldn't give up. “You don't know when to quit, either."
I charged at him, swinging my blade across his torso. He moved aside, letting the metal breastplate barely scrape against my sword. As he moved, I felt his dagger slice into the other side of my body. I gasped for breath as my momentum sent me into one of the Emperor's bookcases. I panted involuntarily as I leaned against it. The pain caused my vision to blur despite how desperately I tried to track to assassin. My father muttered as he came back into view, "I know you can't help being so weak, but I can't help but hate you for it. You should have died with the rest of those weak, insignificant fools. Yet, I failed to kill you. Again, and again, I've failed. I didn't understand why. You are absolutely nothing compared to me.”
I narrowly stepped out of the way as he tried to slash me again with the blade. With each passing moment, I saw less and less of my uncle's kind face, and more and more of a Daedric serpent's head. His words were venom as he laughed maddeningly, “I've figured it out though! The weak flock in herds. You're only strong together. Alone, I could pick you off one by one! Gaius, Oritius, and now, my last beautiful failure, you.” With each swing and stab of the dagger, I found it harder to avoid the hit. Michealis persisted regardless. “I was paid to kill the Emperor, but trust me Talia: there is no greater reward to me than finally ending that pitiful life of yours.”
His words no longer stung like I expected them to. They were like any other taunt I heard from an enemy. Even if we shared the same blood, this man wasn't my father any longer. I caught him off guard with my soft smile. “So... imagine your disappointment... when you fail again...” I taunted through labored breathing.
“Not this time,” he hissed, his grin returning once more. Each clash of our blades threatened to stagger me as the man seemed to draw strength from his anger. I had to grip my blade until my knuckles turned white just to keep it in my hands. His speed and furiousity seemingly increased with each passing moment. I felt myself stepping backwards unable to retaliate for few that his blade would find me before mine found him. I hadn't realized how far backwards I had stumbled until I suddenly collided with the cabin wall.
The man smirked when I had nowhere left to go. I blocked an attack from his dagger but didn't expect his free hand to latch onto my wrist. I yelped when his heavier body pressed against mine and his hand forced mine to the wall. Pinned against the rough wooden surface, I found feel how soaked my back had become from my own blood. I trembled as I tried desperately to free my sword arm from his grip. My body involuntarily went tense when I felt the warm blood soaked dagger press itself against my throat. His red gaze met mine, drawing a choked cry from my lips. His sadistic grin was accompanied by a purring voice. “This was such a fun game. It's a shame it has to end,” the words echoes in my head like a distant dream. “Good night, Talia... I send you now to the void.”
My eyes watered as a scream left my throat, yet it was drowned out by a much louder shout. "Fus Ro Dah!" My body slid down the wall, all the weight holding me in place suddenly vanishing. I gasped for breath, as I tried desperately to keep my eyes open. My vision was clouded and spotty, but there was no mistaking the blue and gray form that approached me. "Talia?" Ulfric cried out my name, his deep voice soaked in desperation. I felt his hand on my cheek, and I could only smile. As my vision cleared, I saw the relief in his eyes. He cursed my name as he looked me over, quickly trying to assess my injuries.
“What... What in Oblivion...” I heard Michealis ask from the other side of the room. I weakly turned to look his direction. The shout sent him into a shelf, leaving him and the contents scattered in the corner. “How did you...?” As he gathered his thoughts, I could see the rage returning to his face. Ulfric rose to his feet as well, putting himself between me and the Imperial. “I really don't have a fight with you,” my father told him, chuckling softly as his fingers twirled the dagger between themselves.
“Well, I have a fight with you,” Ulfric growled, taking a step towards the assassin. “You're done tormenting my Talia.”
Michealis grinned, laughing hysterically though the sound was far more unsettling than normal laughter. "Your Talia? Is she yours?" He shook his head as his fits of laughter slowly ceased. "No, Traitor King. She is my Talia. She is the Sithis' Talia. I will send her to the Void where her worthless soul belongs. May it finally bring me honor."
The Nordic king seemed to swell in anger as the words left my father's lips. He looked over his shoulder at me. Despite his rage, I could see the concern in his eyes. He finally looked back at the madman, raising his blade in defiance. “As long as I breathe,” he snarled, “you won't touch her again.”
"Ah," my father chuckled, tilting his head as he licked his lips. “I get to kill you as well? Imagine the chaos! Imagine the stories! May this be the day I killed both an Emperor and a King!” Michealis charged at Ulfric, but the Nord was ready. With everything he had just won on the line, Ulfric was not going to back down. He couldn't afford to lose and he wouldn't give the assassin any advantage. With his sword at the ready, their blades collided. He matched the assassin's attacks hit for hit.
In contrast to his fight with Rikke, I saw the king battle with the Nordic furiosity that was spoke of in the tales of his youth. He was swift to block, even quicker to strike. His feet moved with such certainty and percision, it was like he had trained for this one battle for his entire life. He showed no sign of weakness or vulnerability other than his stubborn determination to keep himself in front of me.
For all the fighting was worth however, it seemed like my father was just a little better. He was a tad faster, a touch more nimble. He didn't appear to tire at all. It was as if he wasn't bound by mortal rules of fatigue; instead, he was fueled by the other worldly powers of the Void. He was going to simply wear Ulfric out and use his own mortality against him. I could already see the horrid visions of my love dying in front of me, a death he didn't deserve. It drove me to get myself back to my feet and try to ignore the pulsing pain throughout my entire body. I picked up my sword and hurried towards them.
A swift, powerful hit staggered my king just long enough for Michealis to gain the upper hand. He made a desperate dive towards Ulfric's chest, but instead found my blade. He retreated a distance, caught off-guard once again by my determination. Despite his confusion, he was able to block the next slice of my blade. He was unable to prevent Ulfric's from tearing through his thigh. He shrieked as he stumbled backwards to catch his breath a moment. It became painfully obvious the man had no idea how to content with two fighters at once. He immediately switched to the offensive as the Nord and I relentlessly attacked, taking turns and guarding each other as we had done in Solitude. Against two swords, the dagger was almost obsolete. After meeting a powerful attack from Ulfric, the blade surprisingly shattered, splintering shards back towards the assassin.
He winced in pain, backing himself into the opposite corner of the room, a position he only seemed to be more dangerous in. He drew his spare dagger, a even weaker iron blade, from his pouch at his side. Like a cornered snake, he hissed, “You... You're no better than me! Neither of you could best me alone!”
“Aye,” Ulfric responded, his voice an unnerving calm as he stared at the shaking man. “Perhaps we couldn't, but we don't have to fight alone.”
The color drained from the man's face as he realized his folly. “That's why you've lost, Michealis," I mocked his words to me. “You're always alone.”
The Imperial bared his teeth as he looked between us. It seemed, at last, my father had nothing left to say to me. He looked desperately for a way out of his situation but he found himself a victim of the trap he had set himself. At sea, there was no where he could run. Between Ulfric and I, he wouldn't even have the chance.
In a final reckless move, he lunged for me. If he had to fall, I was going to take me with him. Ulfric's blade slashed across him, bleeding him from shoulder to shoulder. He choked as the pain forced him to stop, but I didn't allow him the opportunity to recooperate again. I mustered up all the strength I had left that hadn't been sapped away by my pain before stabbing the blade through the man's chest, severing the armor like it was paper. The Penitus Oculatus emblem snapped in half at the force. It fell to the ground just as the man did.
My blade pierced his heart, killing him almost instantly. It wasn't the death he deserved by far, but it was the only one I could deliver. Watching his fury-filled red eyes stare into the void beyond was chilling, but even more so was his sickening smile. Did he welcome death at that moment? Was he able to drag himself into the Void where the other selfish assassins waited for their Listener? I never got my answer. It was satisfying enough to just know that after all those years of torment, I was at last free.
I sank to my knees, closing my eyes tightly as I tried to catch my breath. I heard my blade hit the floor as it slipped from my fingers, but I was no longer obligated to pick it up again. Ulfric's hand rested on my shoulder as he knelt beside me. I leaned against him, unable to hold myself up any longer. I didn't have to open my eyes to know he was smiling softly, feeling the same relief that forced the smile to my own lips. Despite how pained and exhausted I was, I felt overjoyed. At last, we were both finally free of our burdens. We could find total peace.
“Is... Is he?” The old man's voice caught our attentions. Titus Mede II peeked at us from behind his desk, the last place he could think to hide to avoid being caught up in the chaos. He held a large book in his hand, the only weapon that he could weild.
Ulfric narrowed his eyes as he saw the man but remained silent. He rose to his feet and carefully lifted me from the floor. When I finally had my footing, I murmured, “Yes, sir. You're safe once again.”
The emperor stared at Ulfric with wide eyes. “Am I?” he asked with uncertainty. “The two of you have caused so much grief for my empire. What's stopping you from ending me now?”
The king kept his arm around me to support my injured body. He led me over to the emperor who watched us warily. “You have caused so much grief for my people,” Ulfric corrected him. “It was time we took control of ourselves again. We would rather be governed by a 'traitor' king, than a Thalmor puppet.” Though his words were harsh, he kept his tone fairly calmed. “But your people... They still need a ruler. Without you, the Thalmor will take control and nothing can stop them. We will survive without you. Your people will not.”
The old man narrowed his eyes but reluctantly nodded. “Then, I owe you for saving and sparing my life it seems.” His gaze settled upon me, a frown tugging on his lips. “Why did you do this? Why did you leave? What did I do so wrong?”
I smiled sadly. “If you'd open your eyes to the world outside the Imperial City, maybe you would begin to see.” I sighed heavily. “We have some things we need to discuss, your highness.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
I was more than a little surprised at Ulfric's decision to let the Emperor go home. He would be protected, escorted by the remaining Legion soldiers and several squads of Stormcloaks back to the safety of the Imperial City. The three of us talked for a long while before the decision was made. I could only hope the man would keep his word to us.
I stood outside of Castle Dour, watching Kaita and Galmar ready the horses. The two were bickering like always, but it still brought a smile to my face. They would be able to pursue each other fully with the war over. I could already hear the wedding bells ringing at the Temple of Mara. That was, if Galmar ever wised up to actually ask her.
Epona was already saddled for me. Kaita insisted I needed as much rest as I could get. The white mare nickered softly as I approached the hitching post were she was tied. As one of the few things I had left from Cyrodiil, I valued her and her gluttonous appetite now more than ever. “Think you'll like Windhelm?” I asked her softly, rubbing her nose with my gloved hand.
“Do you expect her to answer you?” Ulfric called out from behind me in a teasing way. As I pursed my lips he chuckled, “How are you feeling?”
“Tired,” I told him honestly, “but I'm not hurting anymore. The court wizard's potions seem to be helping.” The man walked over, checking the bandages around my torso himself. “I promise you I'm fine.”
He reluctantly nodded, putting his arm around my waist. “This is a far better outcome than I could have ever imagined. If I had to do it all over again, I would.”
I shook my head with a smile. “I... I think I'm done fighting for a long time. I've seen enough bloodshed to last me years.”
“Aye,” he responded, watching Galmar and Kaita. “I don't blame you. This was... harder than the Great War in many ways. I can only hope what we've done here doesn't become undone.”
I leaned against the man, soaking in his warmth as the cold sea breeze drifted over the city walls. The Stormcloak soldiers wasted no time in beginning to undo the mark of the Empire. I could already see piles of banners and war plans being assembled in the courtyard, likely to be burned in a glorious display. Beyond them, troops were checking the rest of the city. They made sure none of the civilians were hurt or in need, spreading news of our victory to those that hadn't yet heard. We would be hated by many there, but with time I was sure they would come around.
My eyes rested on the distant Blue Palace, home of the previous High King and Queen. “What happened to Elisif?” I asked, curiously.
The Nord followed my gaze. “She's still in there,” he told me, humming as he looked away. “It would be foolish to leave Skyrim without a High King or Queen now. She swore that she wouldn't let the Empire back in our land in return for her seat on the throne. She won't be removed until the Moot decides a new ruler.”
“That was wise of you,” I muttered, smiling as I looked up at him. “Do you think they'll...”
I didn't have to finish my question for him to meet my gaze with his own. He looked amused as he responded, “They'll choose a king that can help Skyrim heal. I won't reject their offer if they choose me, but I will support whatever true king succeeds her.”
“It will be you,” I told him in confidence. “After all you've done, I don't see how anyone could think of someone more worthy.”
He chuckled, “I can think of a few.” His smile lingered, causing my cheeks to burn. “If I am to be High King, I'll need a queen.”
“You don't need one,” I corrected, shaking me head as I leaned against his shoulder. “You're more than capable than ruling justly on your own.”
The Nord sighed heavily, somewhat surprised that I didn't catch his meaning. “I want a queen, Tali.” I avoided his gaze as I finally understood what he was saying. “Even if I'm not High King, I want you. Does that clarify it?”
I bit my lip, a thousand thoughts rushing through my mind. “You can't marry me. What would people say? Especially if you became High King?”
He scoffed loudly. “After everything that's happened, I could care less what people say about me. I'll be branded a traitor and a murderer forever. Perhaps I'll go down in history as the most selfish man to rule. But I don't care what anyone has to say about me when it comes to you. You are by far the biggest blessing the Divines have given me. If I'm remembered for anything, let it be about how much I loved you.”
My cheeks hurt from how much I was smiling. The Nord had managed to cure every irrational thought I had with that simple explanation. I felt the words leave my lips before I realized I had said them, “I love you too, Ulfric.” I hesitantly looked up at him, nodding slowly. “I'm not leaving you. I promise.”
For once, I saw his cheeks darken just the slightest. My promise meant more to him than I realized at the time. I settled the last of the king's fears. “Thank you, Talia...” he muttered softly, gently ruffling my hair in his fingers.
He caught me staring at his lips and chuckled softly. He leaned down to meet me, almost as eager for a kiss as I was, but Galmar interrupted us again, something he took great pleasure in doing. “What are we discussing?” he chuckled, grinning like a fool.
Ulfric game him an annoyed look, but it was quickly replaced with one of equal mischief. “We were actually talking about when you and Kaita were planning on getting married.”
“Married?” Kaita asked, her eyes widening as she grinned. In comparison, the old Nord beside her lost all the color in his face. “We're getting married Galmar? When?!” The cheery woman giggled as she grabbed his hand, tugging on it like a child. “Was it going to be a surprise?”
“By the Nine, woman,” he started, not fully understanding the predicament he found himself in. “I... I don't know! I didn't ask you, did I?” He stared at Ulfric for some explanation, but the Jarl simply smirked, letting the general struggle for answers. Kaita just looked at him expectantly. He groaned, finally shaking his head. “Let's discuss it on the way home, Snow-Hare.”
The woman giggled, making Ulfric chuckled in return. He looked down at me with the kindest of smiles. “Are you ready to go home?”
I pondered the word "home". When we finished up in Cyrodiil, I thought Gaius, Uncle Oritius and I would be going home together: back to the familiar, safe city of the White-Gold Tower. Away from hardships and too high above the streets to hear the troubles of the common man, we would simply close our windows and try to forget everything we saw in this foreign land. Things had changed since then, however; none of us would be going “home”.
As sad as the reality was, I couldn't bring myself to mourn it. I had lost much, but it seemed I had gained more. Every step of my journey in Skyrim had let me to this moment- standing free of all fears in front of a king who loved me more than anyone else before. He held his callused, stubby hand out for me to take, looking at me as if I were the most beautiful creature in the world. I took it immediately. I had no regrets from that moment on. “Yeah,” I told him, smiling in the purest form of joy I had ever felt. “Let's go home.”
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