The Return II

"I'm coming with you, Ragnar."

I wasn't the only one to look at Aela in complete surprise. Vilkas and Farkas were flabbergasted by those words. The rest of the Companions ranged between complete shock to amusement. "You're sure?" I had to ask.

"Absolutely. You're about to become Emperor, Ragnar. More importantly, you're my friend, and I wish to join you on your journey."

"If you're sure…" I trailed off as she nodded again, her determination resolute. I doubt anything anyone said would change her mind. Selfishly, I appreciated the gesture. "Very well. That leaves one less candidate for the new Harbinger. As I'm leaving, I obviously cannot retain the position. As it was Kodlak who selected me as his successor, it is now up to me to choose mine."

I walked towards the wall where Wuuthrad was hanging. I would hand it to the new Harbinger as a symbol of changing leadership. Walking along the line of candidates, I really only had two people in mind. It was going to be a tough choice, no matter what. I had thought about a joint Harbinger, but didn't really think that would work. The role could only go to one person.

I handed the giant axe to Vilkas.

Bowing his head, he accepted it without hesitation. "You do me a great honour, Ragnar."

Turning my attention to his twin, I added, "And I'm sure your brother, Farkas, will be of great assistance."

"Of course, Ragnar. And, to be honest, you've made the best choice. I just want to keep cracking skulls. I'm sure my brother is more than capable of being Harbinger."

Moving along the line, I shook hands with the rest of the Companions. There were many new faces, the Circle had been increased back to five members, and I was confident the organisation would thrive. All the beds were now full of warriors wishing to test their mettle and bravery, while making coin at the same time. The work kept piling up and it appeared to be a new dawn, with the beastblood having affected the ranks consigned to history. The rumours that had once abounded about the organisation obviously ceased, and the only talk of Companions now was of what a good job they were doing helping the citizens of Skyrim solve their problems.

Leaving the hall for likely the last time, I wandered outside with Aela, stopping near the Gildergreen. "Aela, are you absolutely sure about this? The Companions are your life."

"It's time for a new adventure, Ragnar. And I can't think of a better one than joining you on the road to becoming Emperor. Plus, you need someone to watch your back." She paused, before adding, "Well, in addition to your wife, Lydia, Mjoll, the Nightingales… Anyone else I've missed?"

"Just as long as you're sure. I don't want you to regret it in six months' time."

"The only question I have is… When do we leave?"

Chuckling at her eagerness, I could only reply, "No more than another couple of days. The army escorting me is camped outside the walls, as you've seen. I'm just waiting on the General. I'd go right now if he thought it was a good idea. We've talked, and for the moment, he's in charge until the day, if it happens, that I take the throne."

Serana and I were simply waiting around for the day to leave. We'd been told that we wouldn't have to pack up our house when we left as everything we could want would be provided for. That didn't stop me packing up a few mementoes and I would never abandon my weapons and armour. Serana didn't have exactly the same level of attachment to the city, but I knew she'd want to take a few things.

Two nights later, the Jarl hosted a large banquet as the General had finally given the go ahead for us to leave Skyrim and enter Cyrodiil. He was kept abreast of developments in and around the Imperial City, and while he was confident we should arrive unimpeded, we would all proceed armed and ready for a fight.

"Once you're Emperor, you will probably have to return to Skyrim rather quickly," the Jarl stated before munching into a whole chicken. It looked rather puny in his large hands.

"Why so?" I asked.

"To crown the new High King or Queen. In fact, you may have to make that one of your first tasks."

I glanced at the General, who nodded along. "Wouldn't be a bad idea, Ragnar. It would certainly provide more stability now that the war is over. People want to know who their leader is."

"You're saying they want to be ruled?"

"Not exactly, though we can't have anarchy. But people like to know who is in charge. Mostly so they know who to blame when things go wrong."

"I think an important question is… What sort of leader will you be, Ragnar?" the Jarl wondered, laying the half-eaten chicken on his plate.

"Hopefully a good one."

"Good, as in you'll do a good job, or good, as in you'll care for the people."

"Both, I hope."

"You'll have plenty of help and advice, Ragnar. You'll just have to prove your inner strength and forge your own path while you're on the throne," the General stated, "Though I'll give you one piece of advice. Keep a grip on the Council. They're good for advice, but many of them either 'yes men' or have their own ambitions that won't be conducive to your own. And you'll also have to deal with the nobles of Cyrodiil too."

"Are they any worse than some of the Jarls here?" I said, looking at Balgruuf, who simply burst into laughter.

"Worse, Ragnar. Many of them have been part of the aristocracy for millennia. Whether they've ever had any influence over any Emperor is arguable, but they like to think they have influence."

"What about you, Serana?" the Jarl wondered, "Are you okay with all of this?"

"Of course."

"You seem rather relaxed about it all."

"I'm sure my husband will prove to be a memorable Emperor, and for the right reasons too."

"Do you have any plans for your new role as Queen?" the Jarl wondered.

She looked at me for a moment before smiling. "That's something to discuss for the future. Let's just make sure Ragnar takes the throne first, consolidates his position then we can worry about what the rest of us will do. I know he'll have plenty of ideas and plans for all of us, even you, General."

"I'll serve the Empire wherever the Emperor thinks I'll be best suited." Then he chuckled, "Though I'll admit it will be slightly strange taking orders from someone I'm used to giving them to. Well, to a point."

The night slowly but surely wound down, Serana and I staying relatively sober while everyone else enjoyed themselves, even the General, who I think rarely let his hair down. The Jarl wouldn't let my hand go upon leaving for the night, with plenty of pats on the back and the longest embrace I'd ever shared with the man.

The next morning, Serana and I exited Breezehome for the last time carrying only a couple of bags each. Everything else, mostly furniture, would remain where it was, the Jarl half-joking that he would turn our house into a museum or something. At least, I think he was half-joking… He was around to wish us farewell, as were Irileth and the rest of those who called Dragonsreach home. I handed the Jarl the keys. "Take good care of the place."

"Museum?" I couldn't help the groan. "Yes, maybe a museum."

Lydia, Mjoll, Aela and the Nightingales were also ready to depart, nearly the entire city otherwise gathered around to watch us leave for the last time. There was even more pressing of the flesh as we walked to the gates, the last handshake with the Jarl. He looked ready to say something, perhaps some grandiose speech about what I'd done and what I was about to do. Then he stopped himself and said two simple words, grasping my hand in both of his.

"Good luck."

Gathering our horses from the stable, we met with General Tullius near the ranks of men, already in lines, ready to march all the way to the Imperial City. They yelled my name or simply cheered as I rode past, heading to the front of the line where Tullius and others were waiting for me.

"Ragnar, we've been discussing where you should be in line?"

"I'll lead it, General."

"We've had reports of Thalmor activity near the border," one of the others reported, "Are you sure that's wise?"

I couldn't help chuckle. "Have no fear of the Thalmor. I've met them enough times to know they are not to be feared." I turned to my friends. "However, it would be good to be ready if we do meet them. Keep weapons close." Looking back at Tullius, I continued, "General, my guards, let's call them, will remain armed and ready to take care of any Thalmor we run into. We certainly don't want Imperial soldiers quarrelling with them."

"At least, not yet," the General added, a knowing smirk.

"They have tried to stop me before. I'm still here, and they will fail again. So, I will lead the line with my guards. Let's just make sure we all cross the border together and then we'll worry about making our way to the Imperial City."

"Agreed," the General stated, before turning to his men, "Give the order to depart."

It took a few minutes, but we eventually started to move. I looked to our left and noticed the crowds along the wall, returning the waves I was receiving. My heart felt heavy in my chest and, I'll admit, part of me wanted to have a little cry, realising I was leaving my home for the final time. Aela did have to wipe her cheeks, as did Lydia, while even Serana looked upset. I grabbed her hand and let one or two tears flow down my cheek. Even above the sound of marching, I heard the calls of my name from the walls. I closed my eyes and focused on the noise, smiling to myself, before I turned and waved, as did the others.

With a couple of thousand men on foot behind us, we couldn't exactly set off at a canter, though the men marched fast enough that we certainly made good time, making the outskirts of Falkreath by the afternoon. Knowing we would have to pass through the mountain range separating Skyrim and Cyrodiil, and figuring that would take at least two days, we found an open field and made camp. Nothing more than rows upon rows of tents, some even choosing to sleep under the stars for their last night in Skyrim.

Half an hour from the border the next morning, the Thalmor made their appearance. I'll say right now, they had confidence. A lot of confidence, considering there was only half a dozen of them to the couple of thousand Imperial soldiers in front of them. But they recognised General Tullius. And, of course, me.

"General Tullius," the lead Thalmor called, the other five spread out across the road. I gave the subtlest gesture possible, hoping my colleagues would be lining up one each.

"Nelinar, how may I help you today?"

"Him," he replied, pointing at me, "The Dragonborn. You are to hand him over to me now."

The General looked at me. "Dragonborn?"

I looked back at Nelinar. "I'm afraid that isn't going to happen." I gestured behind me. "You see; I have all these men. There are only six of you."

"No Imperial force would dare attack the Thalmor. Not after what happened last time."

I just smiled. "Who said anything about an Imperial force?"

Then I Shouted, watching elf and horse go tumbling. Once they were all on the ground, I gave the signal, watching arrows zip past, none missing their objective. I rode forward with Mjoll, wanting to finish off the job, though five of the six were already dead. Turning and trotting back to the General, he said nothing, instead turning to one of his underlings. "Have a dozen men bury the bodies in the forest, deep enough and far enough in to ensure they are never found."

"Thank you, General," I stated as a dozen men soon walked past.

"We don't want war yet, Dragonborn, but I won't lie and say I didn't enjoy what just happened."

"They'll be found eventually."

"We'll be long gone by them, Dragonborn. You'll be on the throne, and there won't be a damned thing the Thalmor can do about it."

Amazingly, the six horses were uninjured, despite the fact I'd sent them tumbling as well, so we released them while the bodies were being buried. Once the men returned and were back in line, we continued on. Soon, Skyrim was behind us as we started our ascent through the mountains, thankfully the pass meaning we didn't have to go too high, and the General ordered a fast march, trying to cover as much ground as possible while still light.

It was a cold night, and we had no luck finding dry ground, snow as far as the eye can see. Men quickly built fires and huddled around them, some even building small fires within their tents, reminded to extinguish them before they slept. Despite my incoming position, I stayed up with some of the men who kept watch. We were not worried about the Thalmor or bandits, more about the beasts that hunted the wilds.

I managed a couple of hours' rest before we were all woken at dawn, breakfast was cooked, tents folded away, fires put out and we continued our journey. We spent most of the morning either ascending or walking along plateaus, but after a quick spot of lunch, we finally started to descend and our pace quickened.

"Bruma should only be another couple of hours, if memory serves me correctly," I told my companions.

"I understand you walked this route?" Mjoll asked.

"Aye, a long time ago now. The weather was far worse, and it took a lot longer due to having to walk the entire way, and not knowing my surroundings didn't help either. Travelling by horseback is far easier and quicker."

As we were a little ahead of the column, we came to a stop at the edge of a turn, Cyrodiil spreading out in front of us, as far as the eye could see. I had travelled to Skyrim, feeling I was returning home. And, if it wasn't for the fact I was now on the verge of becoming Emperor, I'd have happily remained in Skyrim. But, I'll admit, I did feel a small sense of 'returning home'. I was born in Cyrodiil, one of my parents was a native and, though a Nord, I still felt a sense of affinity with the people from there.

The men started to build a camp on the outskirts of Bruma as I followed General Tullius into the city itself. At the castle, the town guard were surprised to see him, and once I was introduced too, almost tripped over themselves escorting us in the direction of the city's ruler. Unsurprisingly, the Countess was a native of Cyrodiil, but I noticed certain Nordic features in her face.

"What brings you and the Dragonborn to my city, General Tullius?" she asked.

"We're on our way to the Imperial City."

"Why are you heading there? Everyone was under the impression that you would remain in Skyrim for the foreseeable future."

"We have no Emperor. The Thalmor continue their sabre rattling. The civil war has only just been resolved, but at a tremendous cost of men, resources and coin. We need someone who can bring peace and stability to the Empire."

The Countess looked between the pair of us. "And who would this person be, General?"

The General just looked at me. I kept my face blank as the Countess turned her eyes on me. "You?" she wondered.

"Aye."

"What makes you qualified to think you could be Emperor?"

I glanced at the General. "Care to explain?"

Tullius held up a hand, counting off my achievements. "Let's see. He ended the Dragon Crisis, thereby saving the world from destruction. He ended the vampire menace, possibly saving all of humankind from being nothing but blood vessels for vampires. He helped end the civil war, facing and defeating Jarl Ulfric in single combat. He's of the dragon blood, the same as the Septim's who ruled this Empire for generations. And he has my support. And the support of all the Imperial armies within Skyrim. They will fight, bleed and die for this man."

I couldn't help the slight drop in the jaw. "Thank you, General."

"So what do you expect of me?" the Countess wondered, a hint of nerves in her tone.

"Absolutely nothing, Countess. We are camped outside your city walls and will continue our journey towards the Imperial City. All I'm after is information. Has any other lord made any overture towards the Imperial seat?"

"None that I'm aware of. And that includes myself."

"And of the armies stationed in Cyrodiil?"

"If you're wondering if there will be a military intervention, then no. Yours in the only army intent on marching towards the capital."

"This is not a military take-over. Ragnar Dragonborn will take the seat of Emperor as a civilian, though he does it with military backing. It will also prevent the chaos of succession after the last time an Emperor was assassinated."

The Countess looked at me again in silence for a moment. "Well, I guess you can't be any worse than the last lot who ruled. You will have no trouble from me."

"And support?" the General asked.

"I won't stand in your way, General. But he'll have to prove himself before he's to have anyone's support."

The General looked ready to retort but I held up a hand to stall any argument. "It's fine, General. I wouldn't expect support from anyone without proving that I'm capable and, more importantly, worthy of the support." I turned back to the Countess. "All I want is that chance."

The Countess nodded. "You will have it, Dragonborn. I would ask what your plans are, but I guess it may be a little early."

Smiling, I said, "Well, apart from the Thalmor menace, I have a few ideas but nothing concrete yet. I have to see what the score is."

"Will you and the General join me for dinner tonight?"

"Can I invite my wife?"

"You're married?" I nodded. "Of course. General, you may invite other officers if you wish."

The evening was as one would expect when dining with nobility in Cyrodiil compared to Skyrim. After only a couple of hours, Serana and I were both bored and, after giving her the signal, she faked illness and we managed to escape the stuffy atmosphere. I soon found Aela and Mjoll outside a nearby tavern, and we spent the rest of the night inside. Thankfully, I wasn't recognised as we kept to ourselves in a darkened corner, so drank the night away in peace.

I woke up nursing a slightly sore head the next morning, though a cooked breakfast from one of the enlisted men certainly helped matters, and by the time I was mounted on my horse, the world was alright again. The order to move out was soon announced, or blow through a horn, and the long line shuffled off again. It was a fine, clear day as we continued our journey south, barely passing anyone walking or riding in the opposite direction, and we arrived at the ring road by lunch-time.

The General brought the column to a halt as we could see a crowd of people assembled outside the city gates. We rode forward together, leaving the column behind.

"I think it's the Elder Council," the General stated.

"How would they know we were coming? A messenger from Bruma?"

"Someone may have noticed our march into Cyrodiil, or all the men camped outside Bruma and rushed here."

"Should I go introduce myself?"

"Wouldn't be a bad idea, actually. I think they'd be a little concerned if we just marched in with an army at our backs."

After explaining what we were going to do to the others, the General and I dismounted and approached the crowd. The General quietly pointed out people he recognised. The High Chancellor was the most prominent person at the crowd, standing at the forefront, flanked by what I assumed were other members of the Elder Council or his closest confidants. Behind them was a large crowd of civilians, with who I recognised as city guards dotted around. There was no sign of an Imperial force to greet us.

We stopped a couple of free apart. "General Tullius, you are a long way from Skyrim. I assume you have a good reason why you have abandoned your post?"

"That I am, Councillor Cyprian. And, yes, I have a very good reason." He gestured in my direction before adding, "May I introduce Ragnar Dragonborn. I assume you have heard of him."

You could hear the whispers from the crowd as the Councillor looked me up and down. "Yes, we've heard of him," he finally replied, "But why is he here?"

"I'm here to assume the throne, Councillor," I stated, before adding, "Preferably without bloodshed. No-one wants another civil war. Not after what just happened in Skyrim. And not after the war against the Thalmor."

"And we should allow you just to take it because?"

I couldn't help smirk. "Well, if you want, I will take it by force by simply using my Thu'um and getting you out of the way. But I would rather we start this relationship on a good footing. I have no idea what your relationship was like with the previous Emperor, but considering one of your own was behind the assassination, I guess it wasn't all rosy."

"And what would your intentions be with the throne?"

I glanced at Tullius, who knew exactly what I was thinking, returning a slight nod. Returning my attention to the Councillor, I replied, "Get the Empire ready for the Thalmor."

"You want war?" one of the other Councillors exclaimed.

"Not right now, but who here wants to continue living under the rules of the White Gold Concordat?" No-one replied. "I didn't think so."

A couple of the Councillors started to whisper things among themselves, the High Councillor involving himself by lending an ear to whatever they had to say. I waited patiently until the whispers and conversation stopped. "Have you visited the Imperial City before, Dragonborn?"

"I have, just the once."

"Very well. If you wish, yourself and the General may accompany us to the Council offices. There, we can discuss your ascension to the throne. It can be agreed that we would all prefer to avoid any bloodshed, and knowing of your achievement in Skyrim, and the blood that flows through your veins, we would find you becoming the next Emperor, and ushering the Fifth Era as… acceptable."

"May I invite my wife and entourage?"

"Of course, Dragonborn."

I grabbed all my friends and colleagues, while the General formed a small cohort of men to escort us though the city, ordering the rest of the men to establish a camp. The city guards held back the crowds as we re-joined the Council and walked our way towards the centre of the city and the Imperial Palace, which also housed the Elder Council Chambers.

We didn't enter via the Imperial Palace itself, instead being escorted into what I assumed was a side door. The Council Chamber wasn't exactly what I expected either. There was a large, circular table in the middle of the room, one or two trophies and paintings adorning the walls, while there were large windows to allow in natural light. But, other than that, the room was rather bare. Guess all the nice stuff is left for the Emperor and my future quarters?

The Councillors all took their seat, leaving a trio of seats available, so the General and I took a seat while my colleagues, and wife, remained standing before me. There began a question and answer session. I received one or two questions, but the General was well and truly grilled. There was an underlying tone to many of the questions, bordering on hostile, the Council believing he was making a grab for power by using myself as proxy.

That left him incensed, and he nearly stormed out of the chamber as a result. Instead, he stood up and while gesturing, he simply said, "I have spent nearly my entire life giving my blood for the Empire. How dare you accuse me of doing anything except serve the Empire and Emperor!"

"Then why are you supporting his claim?" the High Councillor asked.

"Because I have seen what this man can do." He started to walk around the table, continuing to gesture. "You already know he ended the Dragon Crisis. But what you may not know is that he did it almost by himself, apart from help from one or two of his colleagues standing before you. He fought and bled for the cause and his country, for the Empire, the very same Empire he actually left Cyrodiil to go and fight."

"Is that true?" one of the Councillors asked.

"Aye, it is. That was my original intention when I left my home for Skyrim."

"And now you want to be its Emperor?" another one asked.

"I've fought and bled for the Empire. I'll let the General explain."

"So he helped end the Dragon Crisis by defeating Alduin and ensuring the world as we know it didn't end. Then he helped end the Vampire Menace. Very few people were even aware of how close human society came to collapsing. If the vampires had succeeded, we would currently be living in darkness and who knows what would have happened to us. It is only thanks to the Dragonborn and his wife that our safety was assured."

"Your wife?" a Councillor asked.

"My wife is a talented mage and holds her own as a warrior. I'd pit her against ten of your best men and it would only be through exhaustion that she would be defeated."

Serana said nothing but I glanced in her direction, receiving a smile in return.

"Finally, there was the civil war," the General continued, "Not only did Ragnar end the tyranny of the Dark Brotherhood, bringing the leader of the organisation to justice, while killing the man who assassinated our Emperor, he also helped end the presence of the Thieves Guild. Finally, he ended the civil war by facing down Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak in single combat, defeating his opponent with honour, and ensuring our presence in Skyrim would continue without issue due to his respect of their ancient ways.

Has he ever held any sort of office? No, he hasn't. But, then again, very few of us have. But many Emperors have ascended the throne without any sort of 'official training'? Who can be trained to be Emperor? All I know is that Ragnar is a good and honourable man, who will ensure the safety and security of the Empire, and has spoken of his desire to spread our influence so we can finally deal with the Thalmor menace, once and for all."

"We can't afford another war!"

"The Thalmor are too strong!"

I tutted quietly to myself, the result being all Councillors looking in my direction. So I got to my feet, walking around the table in the opposite direction to the General.

"Councillors, we can't afford another war now. But who is to say that, in five to ten years' time, when we have built up our armies, brought in more coin, re-established our guilds and spread our influence, that we won't have millions flocking to our banner to fight for the cause in their thirst for vengeance against the elven hordes."

"I hear hatred in your voice, Dragonborn," the High Councillor said.

"For elves? No. For the Thalmor? Absolutely."

"That could cloud your judgement."

"I don't think I'm the only one who has a burning hatred for the Thalmor. Would I be wrong in that assumption?" There were murmurs of agreement, plenty of heads nodding too. "But I'm not going to just declare war and think we'll win. I know we can't win at the moment. But the Thalmor are not as strong as you think. I've caused them no end of problems since arriving in Skyrim.

And we will deal with them slowly. We will force them out of countries they currently occupy. Valenwood and Elsweyr are being kept under the thumb and must be released from their grasp. Hammerfell must be brought back into the Empire, though through negotiation, not force. Our flanks, regarding Black Marsh and Morrowind, must be secured before we contemplate war. I would even contemplate bringing Black Marsh into the fold. But make no mistake, the Thalmor can be beaten. The only reason we didn't before is that our armies were exhausted as their own."

There was plenty more murmuring. "You have given this a lot of thought, Dragonborn," another Councillor stated.

"I have. I used to think I'd just be another one of a grand army, invading Thalmor lands. When I become Emperor, I will instead lead that grand army."

The General and I sat down again and the conversation moved on, this time talking about domestic policies, such as ideas for taxation, which I knew nothing about and suggested could be discussed at a later time. I was a warrior, and would end up being a warrior Emperor, constantly spoiling for a fight against the Thalmor, though not to the detriment of the Empires safety.

We sat with the Councillors for at least a few hours before we finally broke up. After most of the Councillors had left, the High Councillor remained and I was left thinking he wanted to speak with me alone. I shook hands with the General, thanking him for the assistance and his many kind words, before he and everyone else was escorted to the dining area.

"You speak well, Dragonborn. And having the support of General Tullius certainly speaks volumes."

"Thank you, Councillor. The General is a good man, and we have established a close bond."

"I will admit privately, I back your ideas regarding the Thalmor. We should make those bastards bleed."

I couldn't help the slight grin form. "So, you're saying…"

"You have my support. And no doubt the support of most of the others. But I must ask… Why not just walk in and take the throne?"

"Because I figured I would need a working relationship with the Elder Council. I'm not sure how things used to work with the previous Emperors, or those who came before him, though the General has tried explaining a little bit. But while I guess I would have ultimate power and decision making, I don't know everything and will certainly require guidance. I will have close confidants, but they are not 'yes men' either. But I figure the Council would also provide certain limits to my power by holding my desires in check."

"Yes, that is part of the reason for our existence. But if you provide to be a just and honourable ruler, you will find the Council rather co-operative."

"That's all I want. We must all work together to ensure our future is secure."

He held out his hand, which I shook immediately. "Ragnar Dragonborn, may I be the first to call you Emperor Ragnar I. May your rule be long and glorious."

I dipped my head politely. "Thank you, Councillor."

"Now, I think we should discuss your crowning ceremony. And no doubt you will have your own ideas on what you would like."

"One or two. Nothing too big."

"And we must also discuss events with your wife. Obviously, she will be Queen and assert some power in her own right."

"She certainly will!" I stated with a chuckle, following the Councillor out into the dining area.

I'll admit I was calm on the outside and, deep in my mind, I was confident that things would be okay.

But I was also a little bit scared about what was about to happen.