Puzzle Pieces

"I believe they may be willing to re-enter the fold, sir. But Hammerfell is more united than ever after the Great War, and neither Crown nor Forebear want to do anything to break the peace. Both sides consider what the previous Emperor did as near unforgivable, considering he was ready to cede half their country, and while they are impressed by what you have to say, they want to see action rather than words."

"What do they want to see, Karliah?"

"They're broke, sir. Trade has barely resumed. Their ports were nearly destroyed by the Thalmor navies and their major cities were left in ruins. Rebuilding has begun, but they have little money. Even the great noble houses can't afford to help out. They need help. There is no chance of them approaching the Thalmor. They hate them as much as anyone. Many would rather stay independent and do it themselves but they know that is unrealistic. They've looked at how Skyrim has flourished since the end of the Civil War, having remained an Imperial province, and I don't think it will take much convincing on your part to have Hammerfell readmitted to the Empire."

"That could lead to a declaration of war from the Thalmor," Marcus warned.

"Why? There was nothing in our agreement about Hammerfell once the previous Emperor renounced the country. Hammerfell then signed their own peace agreement, keeping all their lands. If the Thalmor are unhappy, they can send their ambassador."

"The time to strike is now, sir, while they appear agreeable," Karliah stated.

"I assume their ambassador here has received the same news?" Karliah nodded. "I should see him as soon as possible. Karliah, I'd like you to stay on this and keep feeding me as much information as your received prior to my meeting with him. Marcus, how ready would you be able to send a Legion into Hammerfell?"

"We could easily move one of the Legions in Skyrim to Hammerfell if required. Recruitment is going well, considering most people think we're gearing up for war."

"Any word on the Thalmor? What are they up to?"

"No major news, sir," Karliah reported, "We have recruited numerous Bosmer and Khajit, but most are still in the middle of being trained. Those who were part of the old spy organisation have been sent into Valenwood and Elsweyr but there have been few reports back."

"It's a slow process. I'm not expecting events to move quickly. Just keep me informed, and if anything major happens, I want to know right away."

"Will that be all, sir?" I nodded. "Very well. I'll go talk with the ambassador from Hammerfell and organise a time for the two of you to meet."

As Karliah departed, I turned my attention to the Field Marshal. "All is well, Marcus?"

"Yes, sir."

"Your report was second to none. The rebuilding work has begun?"

"Started as soon as you signed the paperwork, sir. I have no doubt the Thalmor are growing concerned."

"They are. Their ambassador was in last week complaining about our work. 'It is a matter of safety and security,' I told him, 'Considering you traipsed through my country with relative ease during the Great War, I'm making sure you won't find it so easy if you get the idea of invading my country again.'"

"What did he say to that?"

"He denied the Thalmor have any intention of waging war with the Empire again, as long as we continue to respect the terms of the Concordat. They're going to be sorely disappointed soon enough."

"We're not ready yet, sir. We need more time."

"And you will have it, Marcus. Don't worry, I'm not going to do anything stupid."

He smirked. "I'd never think that, sir. I'm realistic, conditions for war will never be perfect, but once I have at least two more Legions at my disposal, and our borders are secure, I'll certainly carry out your orders to the letter."

"Have you received a message from Arch-Mage Lucillus lately?"

"I have, sir."

"My wife and I will be sitting down with him this afternoon. We want to reinstate the Mages Guilds, and I'm wondering how we would go about incorporating mages into your Legions."

"If I may ask, why do you want that, sir?"

I couldn't help but smile. "Of course you can ask. And the reason I want to see mages within our Legions is that the Thalmor, and mer in general, are natural practitioners of the arcane arts. Their mages cut thousands of our brethren down during the Great War. We must fight fire with fire, and while I will back our Legions over any other army, an army of mages have particular advantages over our warriors. We must even the field."

"I'll take any advantage at my disposal, sir. So, I must ask, what about dragons?"

"I have not conversed with any since…" I had to stop and think, "I believe it was during the Battle of Whiterun. I could be wrong, but as you're aware, I leave them in peace. But they will come if I call upon them."

"They'll certainly strike fear into the Thalmor."

"That would be the hope, Marcus."

"Will you require me to stay in the city, sir? I would like to return to the frontier again and oversee the work."

"I can't keep you locked up here for no reason. If I have an urgent need for you to be here, I will send someone for you. If I need advice, I'll send a courier. And if you need of anything, you just let me know and I'll see what I can do."

We got to our feet and shook hands. "I'll do just that, sir. I'll get to it then."

"Stay safe, Field Marshal."

As he disappeared out the door, Lydia appeared, carrying even more paperwork for me to read over or sign off. As she placed on the table in front of me, she took a deep breath.

"When are you going to stop working?"

"I'm still capable of doing my job, sir."

"I'm only concerned about your health, Lydia. Yours and the child. Aela is already kicking back and taking it easy."

"She has at least a month on me, sir." Then she met my eyes. "I bet she's distraught that she was with child so quickly. At least I got a second go." I burst into laughter, as she added, "And I think she's just taking advantage of your gentle soul."

I just shrugged. "She knows me well. And I don't want either of you to have any problems. So, if you want to keep working, I can't force you to stop. Well, I could, but I won't. So, I'm ordering you to take it easy. Don't work too hard or too late. Let your assistants take up some of the burden."

"I will, sir."

"Okay, I'm going to grab some lunch. Once you've had yours, the only thing I'd like you to do is liaise with Karliah in regards to hosting the ambassador from Hammerfell. I want a private affair. Serana and myself, the ambassador and his wife, in our private dining room. Small and intimate, where we can discuss things without anyone overhearing."

After enjoying lunch in the kitchen, where the cook had produced the most delicious honey-glazed roast ham, which I had with some hot bread straight from the oven, I found my wife and Aela in the sitting room. Aela was now looking rather pregnant, though still had time to go until the child would be born. Serana was just as excited about the birth, the pair chatting constantly about their plans in regards to raising the child. Aela was going into everything eyes open, aware of the reality, but Serana constantly reminded Aela that she would be heavily involved. The only awkward point would actually be explaining the arrangement to said child when it was old enough.

"How's the Hammerfell situation?" Aela asked.

"I'm hoping to discuss matters with the ambassador sometime next week. But I'm confident we can reach an agreement."

"To become part of the Empire again?" Serana wondered.

I shrugged. "I won't really know until I talk to him. They may accept becoming a vassal state if I guarantee autonomy and promise not to unfairly treat them, which I wouldn't. Being a vassal would allow them to continue thinking they are independent, while we can consider them part of the Empire. I know they'd certainly like to have a Legion or two for protection, and will benefit from internal trade within the Empire."

"Are we still meeting with the Arch-Mage?"

"As soon as we get a knock on the door letting us know that he's here." Glancing at Aela, I asked, "How are you feeling?"

"I'm getting fat."

"But you're well?"

"Yes, Ragnar, I'm fine. Stop worrying." I chuckled again, as she only used my name when gently admonishing me for worrying about her so much.

One of our servants knocked on the door an hour later, announcing that the Arch-Mage was waiting. I helped Aela to her feet and walked to her quarters, where she announced she would have a nap before dinner. The Arch-Mage was waiting at the entrance to our private quarters, and was slightly surprised when I escorted him to our sitting room.

"The previous Emperor never did this."

"I like to hold some meetings in a more comfortable atmosphere, particularly if there are only two or three of us."

Serana was on her feet waiting, warmly greeting my companion. "Lovely to see you, Lucillus."

"You too, Your Highness."

"Can we get you anything before the meeting?"

"I'm fine for the moment."

The one thing the palace came with was numerous comfortable chairs, so Serana and I made sure many of them were in our sitting room for such occasions. Once the three of us were settled, Serana to my right, Lucillus to my left, we got down to business.

"Lucillus, I've been going through the archives, and must admit there is one thing perplexing. Around Cyrodiil, there are Fighter's Guilds in every city. What happened to the Mages Guilds?"

"You don't know."

"That's what I'm asking."

"Obviously I wasn't alive when it happened, but it's to do with the Oblivion Crisis. Once that was resolved, there was a backlash against anyone who practiced magic. Mages as a whole were blamed for the crisis and it was decided that the Guilds should be disbanded. Of course, that didn't stop the practice of magic, and two organisations rose up out of the ashes."

"Oh, which ones?"

"The Synod and the College of Whispers."

"Ah, I've dealt with the Synod before."

"You have?" Lucillus asked in surprise.

"Ran into some of their members in a dwarven ruin in Skyrim. They were looking for the Eye of Magnus. It's a long story, long since resolved."

"I understand you are the Arch-Mage of the College of Winterhold?"

"Figurehead only. I'm not a natural practitioner of magic. I left the administration of the College to people infinitely more suitable. I should really write them a letter, passing on that torch." I glanced at my wife. "Unless you want to be Arch-Mage."

She grinned at me, knowing I was only half-joking, before asking, "What about the College of Whispers?"

"To be honest, we have little to do with either organisation, having washed our hands of the Guilds once they were disbanded. Those who choose not to follow our rules at the university may leave the safety of our walls and joined either organisation."

"If the guild were to be reintroduced, would those two organisations remain, or could we bring everyone under one banner again?"

"The Synod do have a great deal of autonomy, and also have influence with the Elder Council. The College of Whispers don't have the same sort of influence, but are known to have more powerful mages in their ranks."

Glancing at my wife, I said, "An Imperial decree could force the closure of the two if I reopen the guilds. What do you think?"

"It could work, but you may also make some powerful enemies, who want to practice magic without wary eyes watching."

"If I may ask, sire, why the urge to reopen the guilds?"

"I want mages for my army," I replied bluntly.

He blinked rapidly before a smirk slowly formed. "I have heard whispers and rumours about your intentions, sire. Would they be correct?"

"Cryptic, Lucillus. I would like to be blunt in return, but at the moment, I have to be careful what I say. All I will say is that anything I currently do at the moment is currently defensive against Thalmor aggression. And I want mages for my army simply to ensure the Legions can face said Thalmor aggression on an even footing."

The Arch-Mage nodded, arching his fingers as he obviously thought about my proposal. He finally nodded. "Sire, I think opening the guilds would prove to be beneficial for your army but also for anyone who wishes to practice magic, whether they are a novice or an expert. But the Synod and College of Whispers will prove to be a thorn unless they are taken care of."

"They will be taken care of if the university can begin the reformation."

"I can begin immediately if that is your desire, Your Majesty."

"Make it so. I will issue an Imperial decree tomorrow declaring the Synod and College of Whispers illegal, and for all mages to return to either guilds or the university. We must have all mages working towards a single cause."

"Prepare for your first bout of unpopularity, Ragnar," Serana warned.

"I don't care if a few mages get upset. There is a bigger picture to all this."

"I'd better get to work, sire. The university has maintained relations with most noble courts, particularly with mages associated to the noble courts. They will certainly help with the reformation of the guilds."

I got to my feet, escorting him to the door. "Keep me updated. If you have any problem with either soon to be illegal organisation, you let me know and I'll make sure it is settled."

We shook hands as he said, "I will, sire. Thank you."

Sitting down next to my wife with a sigh, I couldn't help ask, "Is it just me, or am I busy solving problems two hundred years in the making?"

"Most of them are to do with the Great War and its effects, Ragnar."

"I know, but I have a feeling I'm going to be known as 'Emperor Ragnar, the Problem Solver'. Well, worse names to be called, I guess."

*****

I was feeling rather nervous about meeting the Hammerfell ambassador. Most of the problems I'd encountered so far, I'll admit I thought I'd handled rather well. I hadn't suffered any major crises yet, the trio of Imperial provinces were at peace, and my meetings with the Jarls, Kings and nobles of each had passed without incident.

But Hammerfell was another kettle of fish altogether. This was going to take some delicate negotiation with a people who still despised the Empire for what they did after the Great War, and my only advantage was their hatred of the Thalmor exceeded even that. I would have to play on that emotion while conveying the advantages of their readmission to the Empire, whether as a province, vassal or some other sort of arrangement. If Hammerfell remained completely independent, but also broke and desperate, I'd consider it a disappointment and the first major failure of my rule.

Five minutes before his arrival, I was waiting at the front doors of the palace, waiting for the announcement. Serana was at my side, keeping an eye on me, as I paced back and forth.

"Ragnar, you're going to wear a groove into the floor. I haven't seen you this nervous in months."

"If this goes wrong, Serana, I can kiss goodbye any chance of Hammerfell re-joining."

"So treat this as the opening gambit of a long, delicate negotiation process. If you two build a relationship, then that will help."

"I'd rather get it done quickly."

The doors opened inwards as the carriage travelled through the palace gates. Holding Serana by the hand, we walked down the steps to greet the Ambassador and his wife, she stepped out first, kissing her on each check before Serana did the same thing. The Ambassador was next, shaking his hand before he kissed Serana on each cheek.

"Delighted you could come, Ambassador Fawzi."

He bowed his head. "The pleasure is mine, Your Majesty."

"May I introduce my wife, Queen Serana."

He held her hand, lowering his lips towards but not touching. "Rumours of your beauty have spread across city. They do not even begin to describe." Letting go of her hand, he then held the hand of his wife. "Your Majesty, Your Highness, may I introduce my wife, Adara. She has blessed me with twenty years of marriage and six children."

I returned the same gesture as he had performed on mine. "Your honour me with your presence, Lady Adara."

She returned a rather sweet smile. "Thank you, Majesty."

Gesturing to the doors, I said, "Please, let's escape the chill and adjourn to my quarters."

We did journey there through the throne room, causing the ambassador to state, "We would usually dine in here, or some grand function room. Usually soulless affairs."

"Which is why my wife and I have agreed to hold dinners like these in our private chambers. They give a sense of intimacy and privacy, and the walls don't talk, so whatever is discussed remains between us except for what we agree to release to the public."

The table Serana and I had agreed on was large enough for our plates, drinks and a pair of candlesticks. Servants would enter to either fill our plates or our glasses, but otherwise they remained outside at my request, again for the sake of privacy. We kept the conversation light as we dined, the Ambassador asking plenty of questions about my life prior to becoming Emperor, hearing plenty of stories about my adventures so wondering how many of them were true, and if true, how exaggerated they may have been.

Dinner completed, the final course a delicious dessert that had the four of us salivating, the servants cleared all the plates away before I dismissed them for the evening, retrieving a bottle of brandy from a table nearby and pouring all four of us a glass.

"My compliments to your chefs, Majesty," Adara stated.

"I'll certainly pass those on."

The ambassador sipped his glass before setting it down with a sigh. "I guess we should get to the matter at hand, Majesty."

"Please, while we've got some privacy, call me Ragnar. And my wife, Serana. There is no need for other names in here."

He dipped his head. "Of course, Ragnar, of course. So, I can only assume you called this meeting to discuss the situation between the Empire and Hammerfell?" I nodded. "What do you propose?"

I couldn't help raise my eyebrows. "That quickly?"

"I have a good idea why I've been summoned here, Ragnar. We are wondering what you have to offer, but more importantly, what your intentions are for my homeland?"

"Do you have concerns, Fawzi?"

"We don't believe you have the intention of invading, though I have heard news of the fortifications you are building."

"Merely a defensive measure against the Thalmor."

He looked at me in silence before a small smile appeared. "I'm inclined to believe you, though whispers again suggest you have other intentions regarding the Thalmor."

"I just want them to leave us alone, Fawzi. And I would like to see certain terms of the Concordat consigned to the history bin."

"Such as?"

"First and foremost, Talos worship."

"You are devout?"

"I believe in the Nine, Fawzi."

"The man is revered even in Hammerfell. It all happened a long time ago, but we certainly respect his achievements as a warrior."

"I understand conditions in Hammerfell are difficult. Your people are poor, trade has suffered and that you need help. Would that assessment be correct?" Fawzi nodded. "I want to help, the Empire wants to help, but it would be need to be quid pro quo. I help you if you help me."

"What would you like, Ragnar?"

I smiled. "All cards on the table. If all negotiations are like this in the future, I'll be a happy man."

"Unfortunately, it's not. But I am interested to hear your proposal at least."

"I believe Hammerfell does not want to become an Imperial province again. And I completely understand, considering what the previous Emperor did. Whether it was the right thing to do or not is a matter of debate, but it's not something we're here to discuss. Instead, my offer is this; the Empire will help rebuild Hammerfell, its cities and its ports, if Hammerfell agrees to become a vassal of the Empire. We will protect Hammerfell, we will help trade and rebuild, but most importantly, I offer something to Hammerfell I believe they have wanted for twenty-five years and more."

"And that is?"

"Vengeance."

Fawzi nodded, but remained quiet as he obviously thought about my proposal. He finally said, "I must admit, Ragnar, that this proposal appears weighted in our favour. We would get help from you but we wouldn't have to offer much in return."

"You would be an ally of the Empire. The only thing I would want from you in the end is fighting men and women if the call were to come. Otherwise, Hammerfell may remain autonomous, though the Empire would always be there for you if assistance is required."

He nodded again before asking, "Ragnar, I must ask a blunt question. Do you intend to wage war against the Thalmor?"

"Not yet."

"But…"

"The Thalmor near destroyed the Empire. They burned this city, they were the cause of the civil war in Skyrim, they were behind the renouncing of Hammerfell by the Empire, they constantly cause problems across the length and breadth of the Empire. Their arrogance knows no bounds, their power isn't currently being kept in check, and I know they have eyes on further destroying my country."

"It is unusual a ruler would be so open and honest with someone like me, Ragnar."

"People are learning that I generally try to be honest. I know no other way. If people are willing to take advantage of my generally good nature, then that reflects more on them than myself."

"I can't say yes or not to your proposal yet, Ragnar. I would have to send this to my leaders, who will then discuss it, and they will probably send a counter-proposal. I'm sure you're learning how things work."

"Despite being Emperor, I don't always get my own way," I stated with humour, causing both of us to laugh lightly for a moment. "As a gesture goodwill, I am willing to send in small teams of engineers to at least help with the rebuilding of your major dockyards to re-establish sea-borne trade again. Would you be willing to accept that?"

"I'll certainly pass that on with everything else." He paused before asking, "Would you require tribute in the form of coin?"

"Not while you're broke, but once your economy has recovered and trade between us is flourishing, I would consider a limited and fair taxation plan. We can get into the nitty gritty much later if an agreement is reached."

"That would be fair."

"I'm not sure if you can tell me, but have you had any overtures from the Thalmor?"

"None that I'm aware of. I think you may be right that they got what they wanted from us. We're no longer part of the Empire, but while we might be independent, to be honest, we're poor, weak and have no influence." He paused, before adding, "All the more reason to accept your proposal. Though their reaction does concern me."

"I've checked both the Concordat and the treaty you signed. There is nothing about the status of Hammerfell, considering the second treaty your signed was simply a peace agreement."

"The Thalmor remain on our lands, Ragnar."

"That's not surprising. They were never going to completely withdraw. So, if you're concerned, I will ensure anyone I send to Hammerfell does not engage with the Thalmor, unless we are provoked. My men will protect themselves if attacked."

"As a gesture of our own goodwill, we will assist if that happens."

The conversation moved on to other minor details between Hammerfell and the Empire, but I wasn't inclined to try my luck proposing anything else. Eventually he also asked if the stories he had heard about me were true. I told him that I was Dragonborn, that I had defeated Alduin, I did fight in the civil war, and as he no doubt knew, I had taken the throne without bloodshed. I also asked about him in return, and he said that while he had tried his hand at fighting as a younger man, he knew his future lay away from the battlefield, and he had been sent to the Imperial City as ambassador not long after Hammerfell became independent.

"May I ask one final opinion?"

"Of course, Ragnar."

"What did you think of the previous Emperor?"

He looked away for a moment, as if thinking, before he returned his gaze. "I do not wish to speak ill of the dead…"

"I've heard that said before too."

"But he was certainly no Septim. I never met a Septim myself, but I've read and heard the stories, about how they conducted themselves as warriors, as men and as rulers. There was never any real love for the Mede Dynasty. I will admit I am not saddened that it has been replaced, though whether you will prove to be a worthy successor is to be seen."

"I only hope I prove worthy."

He knocked back his glass of brandy before replying, "Keep doing whatever it is you are doing, and the Empire will start to rise again."

"Thank you, Fawzi."

"I can be alarmingly honest myself at times, Ragnar."

After escorting Fawzi and his wife to the waiting carriage outside, Serana and I walked back to our quarters hand in hand, stopping by to see if Aela or Lydia were still awake, but both were sound asleep, so we left them alone. We enjoyed a night-cap, Serana letting me know what she talked about with Adara, as I made mention of the fact she barely interrupted my conversation with Fawzi. She said I was simply on a roll and was surprised the ambassador was so willing to deal so quickly.

I'll admit I fell into bed, feeling the exhaustion suddenly overwhelm me. Of course, having not spoken to me for most of the evening, my wife kept me awake, chatting away until she finally fell asleep, her head buried in that little gap between head and shoulder. I stayed awake a little longer, my mind racing, as I wondered what problem I would try and take on next.