Chapter Two: General Tullius
The creaking of the floorboards outside my door woke me from my slumber. My eyes peeled open and shifted to the doorway in time to see a shadow move past. Glancing to my window, I could tell it was still the early hours of the morning. Gaius nor Uncle Oritius should have been awake at that hour, so my interest was peaked. I slowly crawled out of my cot and began to follow the shadow down the long hallway in our home. I caught only glimpses of the form as it darted along the walls and around corners. I took a candle from a bookcase as I passed and picked up pace to catch up to the form.
My barefoot steps were light as I followed behind it down impossibly long corridors. I walked slowly at first, then a little faster, and then faster still until I was practically jogging. No matter how quick the pace, the figure managed to stay ahead of me. I finally slowed to a stop as I neared a corner and decided to peek around instead. The shadow remained allusive, but this time I saw it slide into a room, shutting the door behind it. I approached the door as well. Even in the dark I recognized it as Gaius’, as he had a habit of leaving his boots in the hall and his helm mounted on a hook on the door. My free hand turned the handle, but it didn’t open. The door was bolted shut.
I raised a brow in confusion and tried the handle again for good measure. When it remained closed, I knocked and whispered through the door, “Gaius?” With no response, I knocked again and spoke a little louder, “Gaius? Let me in, please.” Again, there was no answer. I had right to be suspicious. My cousin was not the sneaking nor secretive type. Moreover, he never ignored me or my pleas. I reasoned he must have been sneaking out to meet some girl and didn’t want to be caught. He would have reason to be allusive then. The more likely option, however, was that he was sleepwalking, as he often did when something troubled him. Either way, I didn’t plan to leave the door until I checked on him and reassured him word of his nightly misadventures would not reach his father.
I cleared my throat and pounded the door a bit harder. “Gaius,” I started in a plain tone, “Are you awake?” I heard movement behind the door. “I won’t tell Uncle Oritius if you let me in. I just want to make sure everything is all right.” The floorboards creaked on the other side as light footsteps made their way to the door. I held the candle up a little as I heard the soft click of the bolt. I smiled weakly and turned the knob to enter the room.
Upon opening the door, I was greeted with unusual darkness and silence. I held out the candle to look for Gaius, but saw no one. I cautiously creeped into the room, the light from my candle shining just enough for me to see a few steps ahead of me. Scattered around the room were knacks that should have been on his shelves and tables. Papers and books were strewn across the floor and were crumbled and trampled over. His baskets of alchemy ingredients that he usually kept so neatly at his lab were also in array, leaving me questioning what he had done to cause such a mess. I set the candle down on his nightstand. As I started to pick up some of his paperwork and scold him, my finger touched the sticky, dark liquid that dotted the page.
I retracted my hand as soon as the warm substance met my skin. My breathing staggered as I grabbed the candle again, examining the floor closer. The same crimson liquid dotted the floor. The quantity and faint smell told me it was blood. I quickly looked to the bed adjacent to me. The sheets and blanket were splattered with blood as well with a large puddle of the vile fluid centered on the mattress. A trail of blood ran from its center down the other side of Gaius’ bed. I cried out in fear as I walked around the bed. Gaius laid face down on the floor with another puddle of blood under him.
I hurried to his side, setting the candle on the ground beside us. I gripped the heavier male’s arm and forced him onto his back. I could hardly breathe as I looked him over. Several wounds rested in his chest, but his throat had been slit for good measure. The entirety of his night wear was soaking wet in his own blood. There was no chance in reviving my cousin as his soul had already departed for Aetherius. I sobbed as I gently closed his half-lidded eyes and combed my fingers through my cousin’s dark hair. I immediately began to question who had killed Gaius, and what they were after. From the condition of the room, they appeared to be searching for something, but from the brutality of the attack, I concluded they just wanted my dear cousin to suffer. It occurred to me that Gaius had not been dead long, as his body was still warm. Further, if he had just recently died, he wouldn’t have been able to unlock the door for me. With the darkness looming around me, it was very likely I was in the room with Gaius’ murderer.
No sooner than when I came to the realization, I felt a kick to the side of my head. I fell against the wall, knocking the candle onto its side on the floor. The flame grew as the candle rolled onto some of the scattered papers, illuminating the room more. I dizzily looked up, coming face to face with a man in a shrouded cowl. I recognized the armor: black as the night with red accents. On his chest was the hand of Sithis. I started to scream for my uncle, but his hand covered my mouth. He held his dagger to were his lips should have been like a shushing finger. In my fear, I couldn’t move.
“I know you,” the man cooed through the cowl. “You’re the one who got away in Anvil.” In the flickering flames, his eyes glowed a vibrant red. I could almost feel the hatred that boiled inside of him. He continued, “I’ve been looking for you all this time. I finally tracked you down.” His free hand grabbed the fabric that covered his mouth and he pulled it away. With sharp jagged teeth he cackled, “This was such a fun game. It’s a shame it has to end.” I trembled beneath his hand as his jaw unhinged like a snake’s and venom seemed to drip from the incisors. He drew back his blade in a tightly clenched fist and whispered, “Good night, Talia.” The blade was brought down into my chest and all I could do was scream.
“Tali! Tali! Wake up!” Gaius whispered loudly, grabbing onto wrists to prevent me from hurting myself or him. I struggled beneath him, crying and screaming weakly as I fought to wake myself up from the nightmare. “Talia! You’re okay! You’re dreaming!” he continued to say, coaxing me out of slumber.
As I finally came to, I opened my eyes to find my cousin leaning over me, still pinning me down. In my hand was a dagger that I reflexively grabbed in my sleep. I hesitantly let it go and began to cry. “Gaius…” I whispered.
My cousin’s gaze softened and he released my hands and pulled me into a hug. “You’re fine, Tali. It was just a dream.” He sat on the cot beside me, drawing a deep breath. “I don’t think anyone heard you scream, so don’t worry about it.”
I shook my head and hid my face in his shoulder, trying to calm myself down. Since I was young, terrible nightmares plagued my dreams. Gaius and my uncle were among the few that knew about them and how to deal with them. Uncle Oritius attributed them to my troubled past as a child, saying it was one of the side effects of those gods awful events in Anvil. Put in his words, it sounded poetic. In reality, it made me act and feel like I was insane. The dreams were so lifelike and vivid that I had trouble telling them apart from reality. I often woke up confused and disoriented. I had to ask questions to help bring me back to reality. Gaius understood and was more than willing to help. “We aren’t at home. Where are we?”
Gaius muttered in reply, “We’re in Dragon Bridge in Skyrim. We’ve been here for three days now.”
“Where’s Uncle Oritius?”
“He’s at the outpost in town.” Gaius must have anticipated my next question because he continued, “Father wants us to stay in this tent outside of town in case the city falls under attack. We’re supposed to ride to Solitude to get help.”
I nodded, slowly pulling away from him and rubbing my eyes. “Are we okay? Are you okay?”
Gaius smiled down at me and ruffled my hair. “I am just fine, Talia, and so are you. Nothing is going to hurt us.” He slowly rose to his feet and stretched out his arms. My eyes shifted over to him as I heard the popping of his joints. He continued, “You woke us up a little early, but other than that, there’s nothing wrong.”
It was true. As I studied the light that filtered through the fabric of the tent, I reasoned the sun was just beginning to rise. The tender rays provided very little light inside our tent when compared to the lanterns that rested by our cots. I looked back at Gaius as he crossed over to his own bed and sat down, rubbing his tired, dark eyes. “I’m sorry. You can go back to sleep if you want,” I offered as I rubbed the tears from my face, embarrassed that I even allowed myself to cry.
My cousin shook his head. “No, I needed to get up a little early anyways. I wanted to meet with Faida before our assignments today.”
I smiled at the mention of the young inn keeper. I withheld a giggle as I teased, “What do the two of you plan on meeting about?”
He cocked a brow as he looked my way again. I saw him smirk faintly as he replied, “We are just talking, Tali. It’s nothing serious… yet.”
“She’s beautiful, you know,” I sighed, combing my fingers through my hair. “I’m surprised the Nords around here haven’t snatched her up. You better work fast, cousin.”
He chuckled, rising to his feet and pulling off his night shirt. “I plan on it.” I watched him fumble in the dark for his armor. “I’m going to win her over before we head home to Cyrodiil. Maybe she’ll head back with us.”
“Or maybe you’ll stay here with her,” I added, averting my gaze from him as I laid back on the cot and stared at the ceiling. “If we could just stop the Civil War here, Skyrim would be perfect.”
He hummed in consideration as he adjusted the breastplate over his chest accordingly. “Perhaps,” he started, stripping down to his underwear and pulling on the bottom half of the armor. “Perhaps when this is all over, I can retire from my post and settle down with a family, either here in Skyrim or back home.” He paused, quickly adding, “Don’t tell father. If he knew I was thinking of retiring amid a mission he would be disappointed. If all goes well with Faida, I’ll tell him my wishes. There is no need in bothering him with this now.”
I glanced back over at him, nodding. “He won’t hear a thing from me.” As Gaius slipped on his bracers and boots, I took a moment to study him. Faida would have no issue in falling for him. He was handsome, no doubt, and quite charming in his own way. He shared the same dark colored hair and eyes as his father, but his skin was much more tan. If his looks and personality didn’t win her over, she would at least turn an eye for his titles. As Uncle Oritius’ sole child, Gaius was heir to his legacies. At his father’s passing, my cousin would be appointed both patriarch of Clan Maro, my noble family in Cyrodiil, and commander of the Emperor’s Penitus Oculatus. Both roles came with benefits and honors, if Gaius could live up to certain standards.
I watched Gaius reach for his helm on the night stand. “I appreciate it, Tali.” He tucked the piece under his arm and turned to face me. “How do I look?”
I sat up in the bed, raising a brow. “You’re asking me how you look in a uniform you wear every day?” I chuckled faintly. “You look great, Gaius. She’ll think you look handsome.” He seemed pleased with the response. “Now hurry out. Uncle will be awake soon and you’ll have no time to woo her.”
Gaius grinned with a nod and lifted the flap of our tent. The cool Nordic air rushed into our apartment making me shiver. “I’ll meet you outside,” he muttered as he exited and shut the flap again.
At his departure, I took a moment to collect my thoughts. I wouldn’t be telling him about the dream; I hated to talk about the dreams involving my loved one’s deaths. Still, I would be sure to keep a close eye on him. My anxieties were that my dreams would come to fruition, and I would be powerless to stop them. It had never happened before, but that didn't stop me from being anxious over it.
As I wiped the remaining tears from my eyes, I focused on my nightstand. My journal rested atop it alongside my quill and ink. I glanced at the tent flap to ensure Gaius wasn’t coming back and opened it to the next clean page. I jotted down the details of the dream, so I wouldn’t forget to tell my uncle, and read over the page again. I still shivered as I wrote, but it was mostly out of fear of recalling the events. When the ink dried, I flipped through the pages. I had just started the journal when I left for Skyrim just a few days prior, and I had already filled several pages inside. Some of the entries were negative, like my horrific dream, but most were positive and good to reflect upon. I had poetry and drawings inside that were all about my travels and the land of Skyrim. I had chapters about the culture and customs of the Nords here that I had copied down the night prior while in the local inn. The woman, Faida, was extremely helpful and supportive of my faction, specifically my cousin and me. She had no problem in answering my inquiries about our temporary home.
I continued to flip through the journal and stopped on a page with a rough sketch. It was of the fair-haired Nord I had met in Helgen, the one that turned out to be a king. Before the Civil War in Skyrim, when I was home in Cyrodiil, I studied Jarl Ulfric’s battle tactics and letters from his adventures during the war with the Aldmeri Dominion. He was my age then but still possessed the prowess of a seasoned warrior. He was something to be admired; even General Tullius would have to admit that. Still, staring at my sketch of him, I felt mixed emotions. He was an enemy to the empire. My admiration could only go so far to excuse what he had done, or what the Legion said he had done. His Stormcloaks were said to be the most hateful breed of Nord to exist, killing anyone in opposition to their cause and showing extreme prejudice to the lesser races. Ulfric himself was said to be a vicious murderer and ruthless tyrant, bent on controlling the entirety of Skyrim on his own. Yet, the man I met seemed different than the tales told around Imperial camp fires. He was cold at first, yes, but he was not violent or cruel. He seemed concerned with my intentions and purity of my heart more than anything else. Further, he had many opportunities to kill me yet he chose to let me stay in hopes I would do the good I said I would. If I was honest, my curiosity was urging me to investigate the Jarl and his claims further, even if I had set it in my mind that doing so was traitorous.
I closed my book as the flaps of the tent blew open from a gust of wind. Again, I instinctively shivered in the cold and decided it was best to dress and get moving to warm myself. Using the lanterns and faint, filtered sunlight, I stripped of my nightwear and folded it neatly on my cot. I pulled on the armor pieces, pausing a moment to examine my chest. I had nearly forgotten about the bruise from Epona’s kick, but the black-and-blue smudge ached as I slid on the breastplate a little too roughly. I frowned, cursing the animal again, before returning to my task of putting on the remaining pieces. I made sure every part was placed properly as I wanted to look my best. I tied back my wavy, short hair before putting on my helm and examined myself in the mirror.
Pleased with my appearance, I took the dagger from my nightstand and slid it into the sheath I hid inside my boot. I then took up my sword, deciding to leave my bow where it rested on the rack. We wouldn’t be traveling too far and were on a highly populated road. The odds of running into wild animals or ranged thugs were low. Fully geared up, I left my tent as well and walked into the cool morning air.
The scent of dew on the mountain flowers drifted on the breeze. I could just barely make out the patches of red, blue, and purple that grew in bulk around the road. I could also just see the sun making an appearance through the trees that grew in unorganized rows. The last of the torchbugs were beginning to nest in the trees as well, lighting them up in a festive fashion. Skyrim had a way of making me feel smaller than I was. It was so open and wild. Rather than fear, however, I felt peace in that country. If I wanted to, I could walk into the wilderness and disappear. It was the sort of smallness that made you feel safe and comfortable. You could rest your head anywhere and call it home.
I started towards the small town of Dragon Bridge by following the cobblestone path. The road was the only structure around that could be tamed and controlled by man. I could see the faint torches from a distance. They lit up the porches and awnings of each of the buildings in the town. The biggest building was my uncle’s outpost. It was in the center of the town and garrisoned the rest of the troops that came to Skyrim with us. Though Gaius and I slept separate from them, that was where we ate our meals and repaired our arms and armor. Most of our daily activities would be carried out there, save for sleeping. Gaius preferred eating in the tavern across the road when his father wasn’t around. It wasn’t hard to guess why.
Faida allowed Gaius free meals in exchange for his help doing medial tasks around her place. He didn’t mind it at all, and she seemed to enjoy his company. The tavern was mostly used for drinking and brawls by the locals, so a change of scenery and chivalry was good for her. There was almost an immediate connection between the two, so I didn’t think it would be long before my cousin managed to take her hand.
I decided to head to the inn rather than the outpost. I didn’t want to wake my uncle or disturb the others inside. Besides, I wanted to keep an eye on my dear cousin. His attempts of flattery were adorable to say the least, and I liked pestering him when he spoke to women. Faida didn’t seem to mind. In fact, she encouraged my teasing. I think she liked seeing Gaius embarrassed and flustered. Gaius and I were close like siblings, so at the end of the day he didn’t mind it too much either.
I entered the inn through the main door, sighing in relief at the warm that comforted me within. Faida kept the fire going constantly, so the place remained warm even if the air outside was frigid. As expected, there was no one seated at the tables. It was too early for drinking. Faida, however, was sitting behind the counter at the far end of the tavern. Beside her, Gaius leaned against a pillar, his eyes focused on the Nord’s thick lips. I smiled faintly as I made my way to them, bowing my head in a greeting to the innkeeper. She smiled in return and started to stand. “Oh, no,” I stated quickly. “I don’t need anything, miss. I just wanted a warm place to stay awhile.”
Faida sat back down. “Of course, Talia. Sit anywhere you like, or, you can choose to be like your cousin and stand anywhere you like.” She shot an amused glance at Gaius. “He chooses to be as close to me as possible it seems.”
Gaius hummed in response. “I could leave, if you’d rather.” Faida looked at him quickly, alarmed that he had taken her the wrong way. Gaius chuckled, “I know you jest, Faida. Relax. I’m afraid you can be rid of me so easily.” His face warmed slightly as she laughed happily. It made me happy to see him so smitten. I gently leaned against the counter as I studied the two. Faida had fallen for him. There would be no changing her mind. With that thought, I decided to embarrass him beyond my usual teasing.
“There is a way to get rid of him when he becomes a bother.” They both looked my direction, Gaius suspicious. “He’s deathly afraid of Skeevers.”
“Skeevers?” Faida asked with a small giggle. “A warrior like you?”
Gaius groaned, whining like a child, “I am not! I just don’t like them. They are disgusting, disease-carrying vermin! I’m not alone when I say I can’t stand them.”
“When he was in training,” I started.
“Talia, don’t!” Gaius demanded, covering his red cheeks with his hands.
“When he was in training, we used to camp a lot. One time, a Skeever wandered up on our campsite and climbed into Gaius’ bed roll. He was sleeping in it at the time. We didn’t find out until the next morning when Gaius screamed and cried like a child.” Gaius groaned as I continued, “Since then, refuses to sleep without a light.”
Faida giggled again and looked up at Gaius. “Poor baby…” she teased him, reaching over to tug his hand away from his rosy cheeks. “Don’t be embarrassed. I’d probably feel the same way.” Gaius glared at me before looking over at her. She added, “If it’s any consolation, I’m scared of Slaughterfish. I can’t stand them, dead or alive. I can’t even eat the meat.” She shivered faintly.
Gaius slowly smiled. “I’ll keep Slaughterfish away from you, if you keep Skeevers away from me.”
“How brave,” I teased with a small snort.
Faida smirked at me before nodding to him. “Deal. I’ll keep my inn tidy and vermin free.” She started to speak again but stopped herself at the tavern door opened. She rose to her feet, speaking a greeting to the commander that came in.
Gaius and I walked around the counter quickly, bowing in respect to his father at his approach. Uncle Oritius looked over the two of us before addressing Faida, “Have my children been giving you trouble, Miss Faida?”
She smiled warmly. “No, sir. Quite the opposite. They keep me very well entertained and even do chores for me. They are the most useful patrons I have visit my inn.”
My uncle chuckled faintly and nodded before addressing us. “Gaius, Talia, we need to get moving soon. General Tullius is expecting us first thing this morning.”
“Yes, sir,” we replied in unison.
“You have your notes on Helgen, Talia? We need to let him know what you found out.”
“Yes, Uncle.” I smiled faintly and patted the bag on my hip.
“Good. Both of you meet me at the edge of town. I need to give assignments to the others then I will be ready.” He nodded, dismissing himself and heading for the door.
I followed him a short distance before realizing Gaius wasn’t behind me. I paused to glance behind me and saw he had returned his attention to Faida. I strained to hear them as they kept their voices at a very low volume. Faida cooed, “I’ll still be here when you get back. Tell me what the general says.”
“Alright. I’ll stop by as soon as I finish everything up,” Gaius responded, tucking a strand of Faida’s hair behind her ear. “I have something to ask of you, but it can wait until we are alone again.”
I smiled sweetly at the two before calling, “Gaius, Uncle is waiting.” He nodded and took Faida’s hand. He gently pressed his lips to the hand before walking over to me.
I didn’t look back, but I heard Faida giggle slightly. Gaius nudged me gently as we left the inn and muttered, “You didn’t have to tell her about the Skeevers.”
I grinned, “She doesn’t care, cousin. She loves you.” He looked over at me. “I can see it in the way she watches you. She’s taken by you. I could have told her anything and it wouldn’t change her mind about you. When a woman is in love, she looks past fears and flaws.”
Gaius hummed in response. “Perhaps,” he started but decided to keep his thoughts his own for the time being. He matched my pace until we reached the edge of town where our horses were tied. As I made my way to Epona, he hurried to gather tack for his horse. Gaius preferred walking to riding horses, so his horse remained untacked most of the time. His father instructed us to ride steeds to Solitude however, wanting to appear organized and in control. Uncle Oritius believed that the more power we appeared to wield, the less likely an attack on our forces would occur. It was a solid idea, but I felt more like we were boasting of our greatness more than securing our safety.
I combed my fingers through Epona’s mane as my cousin saddled up his horse. It didn’t take him long to finish, so I encouraged him to ride a little to loosen up the anxious animal. Gaius agreed and climbed on his steed. While he trotted the animal up and down the road some ways, I kept my eyes on the town. Faida’s tavern was still in sight and I could just see the townsmen starting to wander from their homes to start their daily work. Part of me envied them. I called over to Gaius when he approached again, “Do you ever regret joining the Penitus Oculatus?”
He pulled his horse to a stop and rubbed its neck. “Sometimes,” he answered softly. “When I look at common people living their lives on farms or in mills, I imagine myself in their shoes and wonder what I’m missing, like a family.” He yawned softly. “I try not to focus on what I don’t have too long, though. I think about what I’m doing now. I am a servant and guard of the Emperor. I keep the most important man on Nirn alive. My career is much more meaningful than a farmer’s or a merchant’s. Without people like us, where would the emperor be?”
I nodded slowly. “Right,” I muttered. “We are pretty important to the survival of Cyrodiil and the rest of the empire.” Gaius nodded and followed my gaze to the town. His father was on approach so I lowered my voice. “Don’t tell Uncle I asked that.”
Gaius chuckled, “Of course.” As I climbed on Epona, he called out to his father, “We were wondering if we needed to leave without you.”
The commander shook his head. “I was distracted by some missives I received yesterday evening.” He glanced at me a moment. “I will have to tell you about them later. Now we must hurry to Solitude. We are keeping the general waiting.” I was curious, but didn’t pry. I waited for him to mount his horse before following behind him and Gaius. At first, we started at a trotting pace, but once he was more certain we were on the right road, he led us into a gallop.
We rode in mostly silence, the only sounds being the horses’ hooves pounding on the stone beneath us and the animals’ breathing. Epona’s labored breaths were loud as she sped up to match pace with the steeds before her. I patted her neck gently as we rode, giving soft encouragements. With such a peaceful scenery, I allowed myself to become lulled into a calm state. I closed my eyes, trusting the horse to follow her companions, and concentrated on the movement of her legs. I felt each one hit the ground rhythmically and propel us forward and closer to our destination. I loved to feel that connection between myself and my steed, like she was an extension of my own body.
I woke from my state at the sound of a windmill. I opened my eyes in time to see my cousin and uncle change directions and head up a hill towards a walled city. I have never been to the place, but by the sheer size I knew the city was Solitude. We slowed our pace as we approached the windmill. On closer inspection, the structure was a small stable. I rode closer to Gaius as we entered the farm. Uncle Oritius stopped his horse farther ahead of us and climbed down, going to talk to the owner.
I studied the farm from where I stood and could tell it did well. It had many crops near the home and several reserved and open stables for horses. I compared their horses to my own and discovered that they were, in fact, bigger than their Cyrodillic cousins. I started to point it out to Gaius when something caught my eye. From a haystack beside the nearby stable sat up a young boy. He stared at us curiously, but didn’t speak or say anything. It appeared to me that he had been sleeping and our arrival woke him. I smiled and offered a wave. When the boy returned the gestures, I started to call him over. I was interrupted however at the approach of my uncle. He stated, “The owner says we can leave the horses here. Her nephew will look after them until we come back.”
Gaius answered for both of us, “Yes, sir,” and dismounted. He held Epona’s reins for me as I climbed off as well. I nodded in thanks and started to lead the horse to an open stall. I paused and decided to take her to the boy instead. I smiled and spoke sweetly, “Can you take care of Epona until I get back?”
“Yes, ma’am!” He answered, rising from the hay and taking the lead.
“Good.” I dug in the pouch at my side, taking my coin purse out. I snuck 5 septims out of the purse and handed them to the child. “Don’t let anyone know. It’s our secret.” The boy looked surprised before nodding and taking the gold. He laughed softly and led my horse away. I put the purse away and hurried to catch up with my cousin and uncle who had already started up the road to the gate.
I approached and heard my uncle’s instructions. “Don’t speak to him unless he asks a direct question. He will want to speak to Talia about what happened when she got to Helgen but don’t ask him questions about what he saw. He’ll tell us all we need to know.” He adjusted his belt and continued, “He has a second-in-command, Rikke. She’s a Nord, but she’s loyal to the empire. Don’t upset either of them as we need their help to bring the Emperor here.”
“Yes, sir,” I replied softly as we entered the gates. He spoke again, but I couldn’t pay attention. Upon entering, my attention was immediately drawn to the right. The city had gathered around a stone stage by the gates. I could hear the chattering of the townspeople, and barely make out what the men on stage were saying. Two wore our Imperial Legion uniforms, while one was bound and in ragged robes. I started to walk closer, but felt a hand on my shoulder.
“Talia?” My uncle turned me towards him before looking past me at the stage. “An execution…” He muttered, removing his hand and sighing heavily. “Tullius didn’t say anything about an execution today.” As the crowd grew quiet, he started walking again. “We better keep going.”
I started to follow, but stopped again as I heard the charges read against him, “You helped Ulfric Stormcloak escape the city after he murdered High King Torygg. By opening the gate for Ulfric you betrayed the people of Solitude.”
The crowd grew loud again and I could barely hear the defense, “There was no murder! Ulfric challenged Torygg. He beat the High King in fair combat!” As the crowd continued to berate the man, I felt Gaius nudge me. He looked sympathetic, but encouraged me to keep walking. I sighed and quickened my pace to catch up to my uncle.
I felt a conviction inside of me. The man claimed innocence but no one seemed to believe him. It didn’t seem very fair to me that they were killing him without investigating his claims. There should have been a trial at the very least to give the man a fair chance. Gaius must have seen my confusion in my expression. He muttered, “We aren’t here to make everything right. We are here to get the emperor to Skyrim safely. Don’t get involved in this war, Tali.”
I glanced at him. “What if he was telling the truth though? Why didn’t anyone look into his claims?”
He shrugged. “It’s not our place to ask. Think about the task at hand and that’s all.” We both flinched as we heard the sound of an axe slicing into the chopping block. The crowd erupted into cheers and I lowered my head. Gaius glanced behind us as we started up the ramp that lead to General Tullius’ station. “Besides, it’s over now. Nothing anyone can do.”
I huffed and kept my gaze down. Our commander looked back at us as we approached a large opening. I glanced up to see Imperial troops training in the courtyard. They didn’t take notice of us, even as Uncle Oritius announced, “This is Castle Dour. General Tullius and Legate Rikke should be inside.” He approached the two guards nearest the door, saluting them. As they returned the gesture he stated, “Tullius is expecting us.” The guards nodded, opening the door and letting the three of us in.
We entered Castle Dour and were immediately greeted by arguing voices. The man’s voice held a familiar accent that I recognized as Cyrodillic. The other voice was female and Nordic in origin. I reasoned it was the legate. The two were in such a heated debate they didn’t notice us until we left the hall and entered the main room. Tullius paced in front of a map of Skyrim, scowling at his second-in-command. Rikke was leaned over the table, pointing at routes on the map. They both fell silent as Rikke looked up at us, bowing her head slightly and putting her fist over her heart in a salute. We saluted in return and waited for the general to do the same. Rather, he frowned at us and stated, “You’re later than expected.”
“My apologies, General,” my commander started, “I was reading over some missives I received and became distracted.”
“Very well,” he muttered in response, motioning to Rikke. “Rikke, take notes of our meeting.”
“Yes, sir,” she responded, her voice strong. She looked us over, curiously. It appeared to me she only knew as much about this meeting as I did.
“I’m very busy today, Commander Maro, and I assume you are too, so let’s get this talked over so we can return to our duties. I have a war to run, you know,” Tullius told us briskly.
“I am aware,” Uncle Oritius replied. By his tone, I could tell he was slightly annoyed. “Allow me to remind you who you are running this war for. The emperor plans to come to Skyrim to help make peace. Should you refuse to help in this manner, I’m sure he can find someone else to take your place.”
Tullius responded, “In my opinion, it isn’t safe to have the emperor here until after the war is won, but since no one bothered to hear me out, I guess I’ll have to do what I can.” He looked at me and then Gaius. “To start our discussion, which one of you tried to find me in Helgen?”
I saluted again respectfully. “I did, sir.”
“What was the state of the hamlet when you arrived?”
“It was in disarray. Nothing was left standing, but nothing was looted. I didn’t see anyone alive and assumed the worst.” I spoke just loud enough so he could hear me.
“Do you know what happened to the town?” he asked.
“My source tells me a dragon attacked.” I glanced at Gaius and my uncle. “It sounds ridiculous, but that’s what I was told. It makes sense given the destruction, but I haven’t the slightest idea where it could have gone.”
Tullius nodded faintly. “Yes, a dragon did attack.” He looked back at the commander. “I take it you didn’t believe her?”
“She had no reason to lie to me, and I wanted to believe. It is just a hard concept to grasp,” my uncle stated, squeezing my shoulder. “Talia’s source was… unbelievable.”
Tullius looked back at me. “You mentioned a ‘source’ of your information. Who was it?”
I took a deep breath and started, “It is a little complicated, sir.” Gaius gently nudged me reassuringly. I continued, “It was a Nord who survived the carnage. I helped him escape Helgen. It was, um, Ulfric Stormcloak.”
The room fell into total silence. I stared up at General Tullius who was too shocked to speak for several moments. I stole a glance at Legate Rikke. She remained silent, but looked surprised as well, almost relieved. My uncle was the one to speak up and break the silence. From behind me, he muttered, “She didn’t know who he was until she was ambushed by Stormcloaks. She’s lucky to be alive.”
“Maybe it would have been better if they would have killed her,” Tullius growled. “Do you realize what you have done? This Civil War could have been over much quicker had their leader Ulfric been killed!” I looked down, my chest stinging at his words. “Helping him escape makes you a traitor!”
“She didn’t know!” Gaius replied quickly, coming to my defense. “Had she known, she wouldn’t have helped him. She is not a rebel. She’s given her life to the emperor and his protection. She is loyal to our empire. How dare you call her a traitor!”
“Gaius…” our commander grumbled in a warning tone. He started to address the general, but I cut him off.
“Ulfric stayed behind to help who he could escape, General. Where were you when the townsmen were dying?” He glared at me. “I’m not coming to Ulfric’s defense, but he seems to care more about this land and people than you do. You’re supposed to be fighting for the empire, but you don’t care about her citizens. If you really want to help Skyrim, you need to care about the people and treat them fairly. You ran like a coward when the dragon showed up. That’s how you escaped, isn’t it?”
“Talia!” My uncle snapped at me, but the general waved him off.
“You weren’t there, child,” the general growled at me. “You have never seen a dragon. You have only a liar’s account on what happened. As far as I’m concerned, if you are against me, you are against the Imperial Legion. I would watch your tongue here. You aren’t in Cyrodiil where you have to answer to the emperor. You are in Skyrim, and I am the law here. If you want to be a traitor, I’ll treat you like one.”
I stared up at him, my ferocity matching his own. “You’ll have me killed without trial like the man in the courtyard?”
Tullius growled and looked at my uncle. “I refuse to conduct this meeting until this girl is removed. It seems your Penitus Oculatus has no respect for Skyrim’s leaders.”
Commander Maro huffed, glaring at me and then Gaius. “No, it is just my children. The other agents are more than capable of taking your orders. They will be dealt with. Talia, Gaius, outside.”
“Yes, sir,” Gaius replied, turning and walking back down the hall. I started to follow, but caught Rikke’s eye. She smiled faintly, giving me a nod of approval before looking away. I returned the smile and hurried out of Castle Dour.
As I shut the door, Gaius turned and looked at me. I couldn’t read his expression. “What?” I asked more harshly than I should have. He cocked a brow. “Okay, I stepped out of line. What did you expect me to do? He doesn’t care about anyone in this land and dares call me a traitor?”
“Talia,” he started.
I cut him off. “I support the empire. It’s my whole life. The empire includes people though, not just the businesses and profits. Skyrim needs someone who will take care of the people, not a general in it for personal gain.”
“Talia…”
“I’m sorry I got us in trouble, but I can’t stand that man. You can see it in his eyes; he thinks he’s superior to everyone. He thinks he is the emperor here! I’ll take all the blame for this one, but Uncle has to see that he- “
He covered my mouth with his hand, frowning. “Talia,” he stated firmly. “I’m not mad and you don’t have to explain. If he hounded me like that I can’t say I would do differently. He already thought poorly of us. He was just looking for a reason to hate us more.”
As he removed his hand, I asked, “Do you think I ruined our chances of him helping us get the emperor here?”
Gaius shook his head. “If it’s the emperor’s plan and he’s a true Imperial, he’ll have to work with us. Refusing the plan is refusing the emperor’s wishes. He won’t want that wrath upon him and his legion.”
I sighed in relief. “I don’t think everyone here hates us.” He hummed in response. “The legate seemed pleased that I stood up to him.”
Gaius sighed. “She’s a Nord. She probably has sympathies for Ulfric.” He shrugged.
“I doubt that,” I glanced back at the door. “Maybe she just agrees with me, and she cares for the people here. After all, this is her homeland. She just wants the best for it.”
“Everybody thinks they want the best for Skyrim, Talia,” he muttered, looking away and leaning against the wall. “Tullius thinks his way is the best, Ulfric thinks his way is best… They can’t both be right, can they?” He paused. “Maybe they’re both wrong.” I stared up at him in confusion. “It’s not our job to take a side in the war. We are here to just fulfill the emperor’s wishes, nothing else. We aren’t supposed to help these people or fight in their war. We do what we can to please the emperor and that is all.”
I sighed and leaned on the wall beside him. I stared at my feet and contemplated his words. I hesitantly replied, “We have to take a side, Gaius. It’s not just Ulfric and Tullius’ war. There are people being wronged here. When I took a vow, I chose the side of the people. You don’t have to agree with me, but I’m going to protect those being victimized. I’m not choosing Ulfric, but I’m not choosing Tullius either.”
Gaius glanced at me. “I don’t agree with you, Talia. Neither will my father…” He trailed off before lowering his voice. “I’m not going to call you a traitor though, and I’m not going to let anyone else call you that either. You are a good person and I trust you to make the right choices.” He smiled down at me, “Your secrets are always safe with me.”
I sighed in relief and leaned against him gently. “Thank you, Gaius.” He nodded and looked away again.
As we waited for my uncle to finish talking with the general, I walked to the edge of the ramp looking out into the lower part of the city. My eyes rested on some priests that pulled a cart below. The dead body of the executed Nord had been tossed inside, much like discarded garbage. It made me sick to think how he had been killed, without trial, for doing something he believed was right. He hadn’t killed anyone, but rather saved a life. It bothered me how deeply the rift in Skyrim ran. The tear seemed to be caused by one idea spread by one man, Ulfric Stormcloak.
When the body was carted out of view, I looked back down at my feet. I realized if I were to uncover the truth, I would need to hear more than the Imperial side. I could explore the entirety of the country alone and see how the governments and people got along, or I could simply ask about oppression from the ones who claimed to combat it. Stormcloak soldiers would be able to advise me on where the countrymen thought they were oppressed, but it was unlikely they would let an Imperial soldier like myself simply walk up to them. I would need to speak to a Stormcloak that wouldn’t kill me on the spot. The only man I knew that I had a chance of meeting with was Ulfric himself. I doubted the Nord would take pleasure in seeing me again if I brought on as many mixed feelings as he did for me, but it would be a risk I would have to take.
I looked up at Gaius to find him staring down at me. I must have had a look about me because he smiled faintly and shook his head. “I don’t know what you’re planning to do and I don't want to know, but I’ll cover for you as best I can. I just ask that you don’t get yourself killed and you play it smart, okay?” He drew a deep breath. “What do you need from me?”
I nodded to him, smiling brightly. “Give me a courier assignment to Riften. That should give me ample time to do what I need to do.”
“As soon as we get back, I’ll let you leave. I’ll tell the commander it’s regarding safe travels across the country. He should allow you to go.”
I nodded in approval and put my attentions back on the city below. “Thank you again, Gaius. I owe you.”
He shook his head with a small smile. “We’re family, Talia. We always have each other’s backs, right?”
I glanced back up at him with a smile and soft nod. “Always, Gaius.”
<< Chapter One ~ Chapter Three >>
Replies
After a whole freaking month I finally posted Chapter Two... :( I've been dealing with some personal stuff recently guys, so I'm sorry for the late posting. I'm going to try to do better with the next chapter and work on it as much as possible. I love you all dearly for the positivity and again I'm sorry for the lateness of it! Thank you for reading!
No need apologize, we're just happy to have you here! Don't stress over this, its all for fun so you can work at you're own pace. We're just anxious to read what happens next. Hopefully everything settles down and goes smoothly for you.