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Cloud Ruler Temple was built into the side of a cliff that matched the dizzying heights of White Gold Tower, safely secure next to the unscaleable precipice that only the most confident of mages could successfully traverse and only then with potent levitation magicka. The walls of the Fortress-monastery jutted forward... |
Saddle-sore and weary to the point of collapse we initially didn’t notice the armoured figures on the walls, pointing a collection of bows and crossbows in our direction as we plodded ever onwards. Jauffre’s raised hand and cry of greeting was lost to the wind that flowed over from the north and tundras of Skyrim’s in... |
"Grandmaster!? We were not expecting you." a voice of one of the figures called out. They all moved with the predatory grace of a wolf as they fanned out and began to lead us into and up the stairs. Inside I could see that the walls were not constructed the same as the curtain walls of a city but in fact were extensio... |
"Circumstances have led us here earlier than I expected Cyrus." Jauffre replied as he slid from the saddle and finally seemed to be showing signs of his real age. "I do trust that everything has been prepared?" |
"Yes Grandmaster." There was a moment of hesitation as the armoured figure addressing Jauffre looked over our small group and stared at Martin climbing out of his saddle. "That means... is this...?" |
There was a nod. "This is the Emperor’s son, Martin Septim." |
To a man the group of Blades surrounding us tensed and bowed deeply at the hips, leaving Martin looking extremely embarrassed even despite the obvious amount of pain and discomfort he and the rest of us were experiencing. |
"My Lord!" the Blade Cyrus said, resting his fist against his chest in the manner of the legion. "Welcome to Cloud Ruler Temple! We have not had the honour of an Emperor’s visit in many years!" |
"Cyrus..." Jauffre’s voice was weary and using a tone as though he was speaking to a troubled pupil. |
"Yes Grandmaster?" |
"Introductions will have to wait. We all have travelled a long way and are in need of rest and hot meals before anything else." |
"Uh... Yes, Grandmaster." |
Cyrus whistled to the handful of Blades facing us, and quickly gestured and ordered them to various tasks and duties. They initially shied away from myself and Viconia, more for the fact that as Viconia slid out of her saddle without her usual grace and agility. The rapid and breathless stream of curses in Drow was en... |
I too more fell out of the saddle than clambered down gracefully, more sore than what I had been in years since my initial Legion training and feeling like a group of orcs had taken great pleasure in beating me with clubs all over my body. Everything everywhere hurt and I felt like I could sleep for an entire week as ... |
The gates behind us closed with groans of cold wood and steel, our panting horses led off to the small stable built on top of the walls while we as a group we lead away with what was obviously a guard of honour. Grunting, cursing and grimacing with pain and fatigue we all made our way inside the central hall built int... |
Viconia and I were led into a bunkhouse that was more barracks than anything, while Jauffre and Martin were led in different directions to quarters obviously set aside for the Grandmaster of their order and whatever accommodation was present for the Emperor or other dignitaries. At that point Jauffre had spared a few ... |
Dawn had broken in the hours after we arrived but neither of us rose for what felt as though an age. Fully clothed and still dressed in our armour we had simply collapsed into heaps and allowed ourselves to be claimed by fatigue. It didn’t matter that the bedding was as Spartan as any self-respecting legion’s; at that... |
It was past mid-day by the time I awoke, feeling somewhat refreshed and entirely in need for a hot bath and some form of restoration magicka to assist with the fact that I hurt everywhere, even in places I didn’t know existed. Taking the advice from the few Blades that seemed to make the Fortress their home I made my ... |
Dressed in little more than a fresh set of robes provided by the Blades I felt more human and alive in months, skin blooming with heat and cleanliness after what appeared to be a lifetime of grime and travel was scrubbed off with rough towels. The fortress was extremely well built, styled in the unusual architecture o... |
I wandered my way through the fortress, looking and studying everything I could with a strange sense of curiosity. It was built with defence in mind, from the source of incorruptible drinking water from the depths of the mountain to the narrow corridors that restricted the use of swords and other lengthy weapons. Even... |
It was easy to see why Jauffre had chosen such a place to keep Martin safe. With the Blades defending the walls there would be few foes who would even contemplate a suicidal assault, and the sheer quantity of supplies and equipment stored away meant that Jauffre and the more senior blades had a higher chance of dying ... |
The views were astonishing, allowing a perfectly clear view of the far away Imperial City, the sprawling hub of Bruma and the winding path leading through the Pale Pass to the North and the Skyrim border. The Jerals towered above us with their unscaleable peaks and white caps of snow, and the splashed colours of green... |
The courtyard on the surface level echoed of softly spoken prayers and the sounds of metal on metal as several of the Blades sparred and practiced or taught the newer members of their order. They practiced with bows, swords, shields and were always fully dressed in their signature splint mail armour unless they were u... |
Inside the main hall the temperature was more comfortable and unlike the rest of the fortress it was built for comfort. An enchanted fire blazed away permanently in the hearth on the opposite side to the double doors leading to the stairs and the gates. A handful of tables were arrayed either side, piled with clean pl... |
With a plate of various leftovers, I made my way from the kitchen to the roaring hearth were a handful of senior Blades stood and sat around the figures of Jauffre and Martin. They were all in deep conversation and Martin looked a combination of terrified and utterly embarrassed at their attentions. Viconia was there ... |
"I know you all expect me to be Emperor." I caught Martin say as I walked over to them with a mouthful of roast chicken. "I’ll do my best, but this is all new to me." |
He looked over the huddled group and I saw how the Blades around him were senior officers and commanders, highly experienced individuals and most likely the next highest ranks in their order besides Jauffre. "I’m not used to giving speeches, but I wanted you all to know that I appreciate your welcome here. I hope I pr... |
"Our focus other than your continued safety and health," Jauffre began, "is to track down these assassins or cultists or whatever they may be and find out the reason behind their attacks. Also we need to find why they went to so much effort to get the Amulet of Kings." |
He turned and looked at one of the powerful looking Blades sitting astride a stool that seemed to struggle with his bulk. "Captain?" |
The Blade, obviously the commander of the fortress scratched at his scalp with an armoured finger. "We have enough supplies for 10-15 years and I have sent out recall notices for most members scattered throughout Cyrodiil. Over the next month our strength should increase to just over a hundred members." |
"Excellent." Jauffre turned to another Blade standing near the roaring fire. "Belisarius?" |
"Sir?" The darker skinned Imperial leant with his arms folded across his chest and returned his commander’s gaze, the growl of his Colovian accent turning the word into a snarling "Sahr?’ |
"What is the progress of the investigations into the murders?" |
"Sahr, several of my men had followed up on leads, done the usual questioning and a handful of interrogations but there hasn’t been anything substantial yet. There are always dozens of groups or individuals plotting some form of coup or to overthrow the throne but whoever these people are they have excellent methods o... |
"So no leads at all?" |
"Not at this time but Baurus is currently in the Imperial City leading the primary investigation. He’s been tracking down the Emperor’s murderers and trying to work out how they knew about the escape route." |
"They seem to know an awful amount about us Grandmaster." The Blade who had greeted us in the morning spoke this time, tapping a finger to his lips thoughtfully. "I think we really need to consider the potential of a traitor in our ranks." |
"The thought had crossed my mind, but they knew exactly where to find the Amulet of Kings despite only three individuals in all of Tamriel knowing that it was at the Priory." There was an uncomfortable pause as they all suddenly turned and gazed and Viconia and I felt as though I should’ve come armed. |
"I can vouch for their trustworthiness," Jauffre’s words snuffed any tension from the room like a cup over a lit candle. "And besides, I hardly expect that they went to all the effort of rescuing Martin and bringing him to us if they were working for the enemy." |
He turned and motioned to Viconia and I to come closer to their group and nodded cryptically to one of the younger Blades standing off to the side of the hearth. "Speaking of which, I think it is about time that you two are properly rewarded for your actions." |
The young blade returned, carrying a pair of wooden carrying cases beautifully wrought engravings and etched in silver, handing them to the Blades Grandmaster without ceremony. |
"We are not big on formalities and barely have any formal rites to speak of when inducting new members into our order." He carefully stood up with both of the chests sitting on a low table near the fire. "However is it customary that each member receives a sword of their own to represent their service to the Empire." |
With deft hands he unclasped the locks keeping the thin chests closed, motioning for us to step closer to him and the small group that was suddenly huddled around us. Inside each box, placed in their immaculate velvet interior and wrapped in silken cloth was a single sword of incredible craftsmanship. |
"While most Blades would receive a katana, I recognise the unusual situation that has found the two of you in our service. As such we have found weapons suitable for you." |
The first he pulled out and reverently slid the protective layers of cloth aside to reveal a gleaming ebony sword that was of such ancient Akavir design that it looked to be more of a rapier than a more traditional katana. Its edge was sharp enough that it almost appeared to be able to cut a candle’s flame in half, an... |
"This is Dragonbane." He explained, holding it out hilt first to Viconia who carefully grasped it by the hilt. "It’s one of the oldest and most ancient of our order from before we served the Emperors. Our legends state that this sword was used during the days where our order hunted the great Wyrms of the north and ass... |
Viconia’s eyes were alight with pleasure as she felt the weight of the sword and held it as though it had been made specially for her. A savage pleasure filled her face with a warm glow that was almost sexual in nature, giving an almost imperceptible nod to Jauffre as she stepped back. |
"And you Kaius, we gift you with Sunchild." He pulled the length of the second blade out of its case, revealing a gleaming hand-and-a-half sword with a curved blade and single edge. From the hilt to the tip it was beautifully fashioned, razor sharp and appearing almost freshly forged despite the fact that it was excee... |
"This blade is older than the Empire and is unbreakable as far as we can tell." Jauffre and the others laughed among themselves for a moment as I held the sword aloft and studied its incredible quality. "So we’d appreciate it if you didn’t lose it." |
"For a blade such as this I’ll come back from the dead." I replied, making them chuckle again. |
"Good. You both can consider yourselves to be members of the Blades from this point onwards. While this means that you will be subject to our commands you will be what we consider "free agents". You can come and go as you please and feel free to have Cloud Ruler as your home." |
"I sense a "but’ in there somewhere." |
"Indeed." Jauffre’s face became stern once more. "We are faced against a conspiracy of unbelievable scope and power and your actions and success thus far has proven more than just your loyalty to the Empire. I believe that we will all have need of you both in the coming weeks." |
A ghost of a grin surfaced. "Rest up while you can, I have drafted up official pardons for you both meaning that you won’t have to worry about finding yourselves in jail again for your actions. It will take some time for them to get ratified by the Legion and the Bruma guard, so I wouldn’t go wandering around anywhere... |
"So we simply have to wait until we’re no longer branded as criminals?" Viconia seemed to be in brighter spirits with a weapon that matched her cold beauty clasped by her side. |
"Indeed, make yourselves at home. I do believe that we’ll be able to find you something productive to do in the coming days." |
And so Viconia and I found ourselves with little to do but wander the walls, repairing our equipment and replacing some of the worst pieces with whatever we could find in the dusty vaults and armouries within Cloud Ruler. During the days that followed we found ourselves welcomed by the normally stern members of the Em... |
Between Ferrum’s skill with the hammer and the collection of materials and pre-forged equipment within the fortress, both Viconia and I had ensured that we were outfitted the best we could be. Thick tunics and under layers of cloth would soften the impacts of any blows, and new suits of chainmail forged from a mithril... |
My lower torso was covered by a set of metal faulds, the bands connected to the bottom of my breastplate with leather straps and buckles and covering down to mid-thigh. Mail chausses were strapped under this to cover the rest of my body not covered by the hauberk. Even despite the nature of the chainmail I soon found ... |
During the evenings, and more often than not I would find myself spending time with Martin. Both of us felt like outsiders in this group and I appeared to be the only individual that he could converse freely with. The Blades treated him with utter subservience, and other than Jauffre who spent his waking hours organis... |
Martin and I would spend the evening hours wandering the parapets, or seated near the fire within the great hall and always constantly aware of the pair of fully armoured Blades that seemed to hover like shadows in our vicinity. After losing the Emperor and three other heirs to the throne they were not taking any chan... |
"Nothing seems to bother them much," Martin commented to me as we walked the battlements one evening, casting a weary eye over his eternal protectors. "and I’m not sure if I’ll ever get used to it." |
"A lot has changed in a few weeks." I replied, feeling the breeze over what parts of my skin weren’t covered in armour and furs. "Just a month ago I was a deserter, doomed to a death by beating or being hung, and you were nothing more than a robed priest of Akatosh." |
"Don’t remind me." The level of melancholy seemed to grip him from time to time, not that I blamed him for it. Both of us were remarkably similar ages despite the uncertainty of exactly what year and month I was born and that too gave us both a sense of familiarity. "So much has happened since then, and it makes me wo... |
"Blood and fire." I murmured as I remembered the Emperor’s words before his death but not quietly enough as the words made him nod sombrely. |
"That is for sure. There is no way that they can simply walk me down there," he gestured to the far off gleam of lights of the Imperial City. "stick a crown on my head and that’ll be the end of it all. There is something darker at play here than simply trying to stir unrest in the Empire." |
"Has Jauffre or the others found out anything more?" |
He shook his head. "Not much, and I’ve been doing my own reading into the matter." I listened more intently to his words now, knowing that behind the soft spoken exterior there was an incredibly keen mind that absorbed all knowledge put in front of it. This, combined with the fact that the Fortress-monastery of the Bl... |
"As far as any of us can tell, the coronation of the Emperor renews some ancient pact or ritual that involves the Amulet of Kings and the Dragonfires in the Temple of the One. Everything that I have ever known of magicka and daedra has always stated that what occurred to Kvatch was an impossibility. Portals of that sc... |
"Something will come up." |
"Indeed it will. Have you seen Jauffre?" There was a sense of awe in Martin’s voice as he thought of the Grandmaster of the Blades. "He has barely slept and eats at his desk but from there you can almost see the invisible ties binding him to the heart of the Empire. At his whim entire kingdoms could fall and it is alm... |
He motioned to the far away lights and the darkened shadow of White Gold Tower. "The Elder Council may rule in the Emperor’s name and think they have power but it truly is the Emperor who rules all. Without the Blades however, that power is built on a foundation of sand." |
"They are loyal though." |
There was a dark humourless laugh. "Indeed they are. Not that I think I will ever get used to the Blades saluting me and hailing me as Martin Septim to the end of my days." |
Leaning against the stone embrasures he looked out over the darkened slopes and stared at the lights of Bruma. "I don’t mean to sound ungrateful. I know I would be dead by now if it weren’t for you and Viconia. You both really do have my thanks." |
My own smile was grim in the light but he didn’t seem to notice. "But everyone expects me to suddenly know what to do. How to behave. They want an Emperor to tell them what to do, and I don’t have the faintest idea..." |
"You’ll be fine." I reassured him and he turned to stare at me with heavy eyes. "You will be. There’s a lot of strength in you. It took balls to stand beside Viconia and me at the Priory. And from what I hear you were the only one who kept his head when the daedra started coming ove rhte wall of Kvatch. Without you an... |
"How do you deal with it?" |
"The killing or the uncertainty?" I laughed. |
It was my turn to become grim and I looked at him very seriously. "I have been trained since I joined the legion to fight and to kill. What happened at the Priory and Kvatch were far from the first times I found myself with my sword soaked in gore." |
"Doesn’t that play on your mind though?" |
"I’d be lying if I said that there weren’t nights that I have awoken believing I was in some battle or expecting to find myself in Aetherius. That has been my role in life for almost longer than I can clearly remember. But that is what is expected of those who serve the Legion. We are not the calm soft-skinned beings ... |
"I don’t think I’ll ever understand why you deserted." Martin replied after a time. |
"That makes two of us." I replied honesty. |
I spent most days training, sparring and learning from some of the greatest teachers and swordsmen in the Empire. The feel of Sunchild was unmatched and as Jauffre had promised the sword seemed nigh-indestructible, taking my poor-attempts of its use without the slightest blemish to show for it. For the time we remained... |
The thirst however needed to be sated, and I found myself taking leave of the fortress under the guise of hunting. Every few days I would travel through the gates with bow in hand and practice moving through the wilds dressed in my new clothing and armour. Each time I would come back with a fresh kill, either the form... |
Unfortunately for him however I turned out to be something far worse. Before I had realised what I had been doing I had stepped aside from the flickering crossbow bolt and had borne him down hard under my bodyweight, teeth sinking to the gums in his throat. A moment of struggle and a sudden crack of bone announced tha... |
The Blades made us feel welcome, even Viconia despite her natural inclination to keep everyone at arm’s length. Between the physical and emotional distance she placed between herself and others she still partook in training with her own new sword and seemed to revel in the challenge of sparring some of the greatest fi... |
It was late in the afternoon, nearly a full fortnight since our arrival at Cloud Ruler and once again Belisarius was making a complete mockery of not only my skill with a blade but my unnatural vampiric speed and agility. Time and time again I would cut and slice out only to have him turn aside or flick his own blade ... |
"You’re slowly getting better." He said as he assisted in hauling me to my feet. "I thank Talos every day that you aren’t a legionary however." |
"Why? Because I would be the one putting you on your arse?" |
He laughed, flicking his sword out away from his body in such a way as to remove blood and gore from its surface. Spinning it deftly in his hand he drew the blade across his body, guiding the blunt reverse edge in the web of the hand holding the top of the sheath. Then, in a single smooth motion he reversed the direct... |
"Hardly, but unlike those heavy footed bastards you can actually be taught some form of footwork that may save your life. Don’t get me wrong, the legions can and will annihilate anything they face in open battle but if you get the individual soldiers alone?" He shrugged. "It’s a slaughter." |
I nodded soberly, the old stories of the disasters over the ages in places like Blackmarsh and Valenwood were told to every recruit as lessons to what happens when the shield wall and formations are broken. Several times in history the light moving Bosmer were able to overcome the cumbersome formations in their homela... |
"In our line of work it is rare for us to fight together, and so we must rely on fancy footwork and agility before relying on a skin of steel. The legions can rely on their armour because that is what they do. They aren’t fancy Breton knights with their mounted cavalry charges, or orcish berserker rushing headlong int... |
"And if the Blades came together to fight against an even number of legionaries?" I asked him aloud with the rhetorical question. |
"In formation the Blades would be slaughtered against a legion shieldwall. We’re good but the legion is designed for a straight up fight. You give us some manoeuvrability however and we’d make it costly at least." |
Nearby Viconia was sparring against a pair of the younger Blades, their swords striking and blurring together in streaks of silver and ebony as she held her own against the two agents. It was an even match and Viconia seemed to be utterly enjoying herself with the challenge posed by her pair of adversaries. |
"And against the Drow?" |
Belisarius openly blanched at that. "I always thought we had the monopoly on skilled fighters in the world, but if they are all like your friend there, then I wouldn’t put a rusty septim against our chances in an even fight." |
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