Spark

It took longer than I expected for my reign to have its first crisis. Not in the sense of going to war against a belligerent enemy, otherwise known as the Thalmor, but whenever a crisis hit, they were bound to be involved. And it was an event that may eventually lead to hostilities again. I write this now after everything that's happened, and I'm aware that the choices I have made could lead to war. I only hope that the enemy is still too weak to attack, will look at the defences my army has built and cooler heads may eventually prevail.

It didn't start with a knock at the door nor of being woken late at night. It started with someone bursting into the throne room…

*****

"The reformation of the guilds goes well, sire. The Synod are being co-operative to a point, but the College of Whispers are being obstructionist. A few have come in from the cold and are now working in the guilds, but many remain outside. We may have to declare them apostates."

"Have we ever done that to a group of mages?" I asked of

"Not recently, sire, but if we want mages to return to the guilds or the university, and we now consider those two organisations illegal, that is the correct term to use for mages who perform magic illegally."

"Could this lead to problems? Are they going to try and fight this? I don't want piles of dead bodies."

"We're doing our best, sire, but if they won't co-operate…" He trailed off and shrugged almost helplessly.

Lydia, back at work rather quickly though only three days a week on my orders, was standing nearby, taking notes, so I called her over. "Is Delphine around? No, wait, I know she's on a mission at the moment. Where is Mjoll? She's her second."

"I'll grab her from the barracks, sire."

"Thanks." Turning back to Lucillus, I added, "Plan for the worst. If they won't come back into the fold, then I'll either make them or have to take drastic action. We cannot have rogue mages running riot across the Empire. And they will only be the sort to fall into the arms of the Thalmor." I paused, before asking quietly, "I'm not coming across as anti-magic, am I?"

Lucillus chuckled. "Of course not, sire. The fact you wanted a guild in each city would suggest that you are pro-magic, if anything."

Before I could add a word, the doors to the throne room burst open and there was a sound of running feet. I looked up as a Nightingale approached. "Sire! Sire!" he called, before skidding to a halt and saluting. "I apologise for interrupting, sire, but there's been a development."

"What is it, Nightingale?"

"Brynjolf, sire. He's just returned from Anvil. He said 'with a guest."

I knew what he meant. It was the sort of language we had agreed to use. Turning to Lucillus, "I apologise, but I must handle this immediately."

Lucillus didn't know what 'guest' meant, but he wasn't dumb. "Of course, sir. Matters of security must come first." He smiled. "Well, maybe after looking after small children, correct?"

"Sometimes you're right," I replied, standing and offering a hand, "We'll have to finish this discussion later. Go find Lydia or Mjoll, let them know that, for now, any decision about the mages is on hold."

"Yes, sire."

As Lucillus disappeared through a side door, I followed the Nightingale. I could not see his face, and couldn't pick his voice. Perfect for anonymity. Karliah had made sure every 'Eye of the Dragon' wore the same uniform within the palace, so had invested in the design and manufacture of a similar uniform, missing the enchantments that the original Nightingale armour had, but that didn't make it any worse, as Karliah made sure it was designed with other advantages instead.

I'd made a point of never visiting the dungeon itself, but I had reviewed the case of every single prisoner within and choose whether to give them early release or not, generally dependent of the crime.

Of course, it was as I expected. Dark, dank, a slight smell and a bit of noise. I'd personally ordered that any torture was strictly forbidden, that we would attempt to be better, particularly better than the Thalmor, who I was more than aware that they had and probably did continue to carry out the practice. I said there was no reason for it.

No-one would have recognised me, ensuring I'd thrown on my large dark coat with accompanying hood before departing the throne room, so that didn't stop prisoners throwing plenty of comments my way as I passed. I had asked for a slight improvement in their conditions, but had to remember that these people had broken the law, and some of the crimes I had read about were particularly heinous. I didn't have sympathy for any of them. Empathy, I did have for a few. There were those in there, though, that I figured could rot for the rest of their days.

Away from the cells, I was led by the Nightingale, for I still called them that despite the name of the organisation, down a narrow hall. I knew to the left and right were old torture chambers that were now special cells for the most notorious of criminals. Or for cases such as this. A door down the end was flanked by another two Nightingales. They knew who I was as they saluted before opening the door, the other Nightingale standing to the side as I entered.

The Thalmor wasn't hard to miss. Neither were the bruises. That didn't particularly bother me. On the other side of the table sat Brynjolf, with bruises of his own, and Karliah, who looked coiled to drive a dagger into the Thalmor at any second. That was a surprise. Both turned as I walked in.

"What have you got?" I asked before they could give away who I was.

"A spy," Brynjolf replied, "I'd been tracking him for weeks." Gesturing to a backpack near his feet, he added, "I've got all the evidence I need in here. We could question him, but what's the point? He's guilty as sin."

"He will still face trial, Nightingale," I replied gently. Obviously, names were not used.

"Of course."

I took the spare seat and looked at the Thalmor again. Even sat where he was, he looked at the three of us with a sneer. The desire to reach across the table, grab his head and slam it into the table was near overwhelming. "Has he said anything?" I asked.

"He denies everything, of course. Says we'll pay for this."

"So the usual." Leaning forward, one elbow on the table, I lowered my hood and met the eyes of the Thalmor agent. "You know who I am, correct?" The Thalmor tried to remain impassive, but I knew he recognised me immediately. "This is what is going to happen. My colleagues here will question you. You will answer those questions. You will then face trial, no doubt be found guilty, and then you will hang."

"You wouldn't dare," he warned.

"You are one spy of no doubt many from a foreign power who has meddled in our affairs for long enough. You will be an example to those who continue to interfere with our plans."

"You will sign your Empire's death warrant by doing so."

"That may be so, but it will also be a line in the sand. No longer will we allow the Thalmor to dictate terms of whatever relationship this happens to be."

"You're a fool."

"And you are a spy. And you should have been more than aware of the penalty facing you if caught." Turning to my left, "You are to question him and obtain from him everything he has learned. Once that is done, I would like to see the information in the backpack and understand what this spy has learned and what he may have fed back to the Thalmor."

"What limits are there, sire?"

I looked at the Thalmor, and remembered everything I had done up to this moment. Looking back at Karliah, I replied, "He is a spy of the Aldmeri Dominion, and an enemy combatant within our lands during a time of supposed peace. Therefore, do what you think is necessary." Karliah's body language suggested she wanted to reply, but I reiterated. "Whatever is necessary, Nightingales. The safety of the Empire itself may be at stake."

"Yes, sire," both replied.

Returning to the throne room, Lydia, Delphine and Serana were waiting for my return. We all took a seat around the long table. "Lydia, I want the Thalmor ambassador summoned. But don't have him summoned until later tonight, near midnight. I want him caught off guard. And if he doesn't come willingly, make him come. Delphine, do whatever is necessary to get him here. Take a Legion if you have to.

In addition, Lydia, draft a proclamation regarding a declaration of war against the Thalmor based on this incident alone. But if it were to happen again, they won't know what hit them."

There was silence around the room. "Ragnar, are we ready?" Serana asked quietly.

"No, and I won't issue it, but I want to let the Thalmor know I'm willing if pushed. Lydia, that reminds me. Send a message to Marcus. Where is he now?"

"The western border, sire. He was meant to return by the end of this week."

"I want him back as soon as possible. Draft a letter, ordering his immediate return. Is the Lord Admiral still here?"

"Yes, sire. He's at the naval academy."

"Have him come in too."

"I'll draft two letters immediately, sire."

"Will you need to inform the Council?" Serana asked.

"No. I do not need their permission to declare war, though they will want to be notified before it happens. But I'm not declaring war. Not yet. I'm not sending us to war because of one spy." I got to my feet. "Lydia, get those letters and despatched. I'll just review them before you send them. Delphine, aside from collecting the ambassador, I want this hall full of my men when he is summoned. I'd also like you involved with the meeting when Marcus and the Lord Admiral get here. You are in charge of my 'Claws', after all."

She bowed her head. "Of course, sire."

I spent the rest of the afternoon in my private quarters with Serana and the children. They were all growing, Ragnar and Kodlak now walking, or close enough to it, while Julia watched her older brothers as she crawled around the floor. I was working at the same time, but concentration was always going to be difficult with three small children under my feet. Aela, also back at work three days a week, sat with Serana, the two chatting away. Aela and Lydia organised between themselves that they would work separate days, while they would both be off on Sundas, which all of us considered family day, including a morning trip to the temple for prayers.

I had always believed in the Nine, but had never been particularly devout, only invoking a name prior to battle. Since becoming Emperor, I found my personal beliefs changing, becoming stronger, for no other reason than I wished to live up to their ideals. Serana was still hesitant about entering a temple, but joined us without any persuasion, knowing our children would also be raised in the faith. Aela, Lydia and I continued our worship of Talos in secret, aware that I would throw off the shackles of the Concordat sooner or later.

Surprisingly, Serana had become a follower of Dibella, rather strange considering her teachings about the impurity of vampires. When mentioning that, Serana just laughed, replying, "She may say that, but I am also cured, so it no longer applies to me. My soul is clean and now belongs to you, thanks to you. To me, she is the Goddess of love. I love my husband. I love my children. I love my life. That is what she teaches me. Love each day as if it is my last. And, most importantly, show how much I love my husband every day."

After dinner and putting the three children to bed, the four of us sat around and simply waited for time to pass until I summoned Delphine. "Grab the Thalmor ambassador. It's late enough where I'm sure we'll wake him up."

"I'll go at once, sire. The men are already in the hall, the table and chairs have been cleared away on purpose."

"Very good. Thank you, Delphine."

She returned a thin smile before disappearing out the door. "Even after all this time, it's still strange the relationship you two have formed," Lydia said.

"Delphine has more than proved herself and her loyalty. You know what she's done for me since becoming Emperor. Her recruitment into the Claws has been second to none, and I know she's foiled at least one plot by a Councillor to gain power. If she's not exactly loyal to me, but I believe she is, she is certainly loyal to the throne and will do everything in her power to protect it and the person who sits in it."

By the time Delphine returned, Aela and Serana had gone to bed, though Lydia would remain by my side to take notes. Delphine knocked on the door to my study, announcing the ambassador was in the throne room waiting. I merely waved for Delphine to take a seat. "He can wait."

Delphine smirked. "Of course, sire."

"Was he co-operative?"

"Not at all. He's furious to be summoned by you at this hour."

"Well, he's going to be more than furious when I'm done with him. What is more than furious?"

"Apoplectic?" Lydia wondered.

"Sounds about right."

"Sire, may I ask question?"

"Of course, Delphine. You don't have to ask permission."

"Were you serious about going to war?"

"Not right now."

"But later?"

"The Empire must have vengeance for what was perpetrated against it thirty and more years ago. I understand that is probably not the right point of view, and I lose the moral high ground for thinking that, but what the Thalmor did was nothing short of criminal. And they have spent the years of peace doing their utmost to destroy the Empire to its very core. The people may not shout it, but I demand vengeance for the blood spilled, of soldier but particularly civilian, and the thousands upon thousands of lives lost.

If I had my way, I say we march all the way to the western shores of Tamriel, cross the strait to the Summerset Isles, then march our way across Thalmor lands until we arrive at the gates of their capital, Alinor. Then we burn it to the ground, only we won't commit the atrocities against their innocent civilians that they did to us."

"Those are quite some plans, sire," Delphine stated, a tone of amusement.

"And they'll probably stay locked in here," I retorted, tapping my temple, "But I know I'm not the only one who thinks that, correct?"

"They murdered nearly every single one of my colleagues, sire. I've had a thirst for vengeance since their sack of Cloud Ruler Temple and that condition of the Concordat."

Cyrus knocked at the door. "Sire, the ambassador is on the verge of leaving. He demands that you see him now."

"He demands, does he? Cyrus, instruct the guards to close and bar the doors. The ambassador will not be leaving until he is seen. Delphine, hold position at the doors. If he even thinks about trying to leave, restrain him… gently."

"At once, sire."

Leaving me alone with Lydia, I heard a cleared throat. "You are testing his patience, sire."

"I know. I'll head out in another few minutes. He won't be getting a word in anyway."

I waited for another ten minutes before getting to my feet. I talked with Lydia about nothing on route to the throne room, passing blank paper between each other as we entered. I met the eyes of the ambassador and walked straight towards him, pleased to know I had at least an inch or two in height over him, so I could stare down at him as I came to a halt barely a foot away.

"We have captured one of your spies, Ambassador Loriel. Deny you have operatives working in my country all you want, you and I both know that you have spies working to the detriment of my empire. Your spy will be tried for crimes against the empire. If he is found guilty, he will be executed. Upon the completion of his sentence, his body will be returned to you."

"This is outrageous!"

I stepped forward until our faces almost touched. "What I find outrageous," I growled, "Is that you think you can still walk all over us. You will learn soon enough that you can only push so often until someone will push back. And push back harder."

"You dare insult us in such a way?"

Stepping back, I smiled, I hoped menacingly. "Test my patience any further, Ambassador, and you may just join your colleague in the dungeons. I have done you a favour by notifying you of the crime, and the fact I will be willing to hand over the body. Because, trust me, I'd soon throw it into a pit, cover it up and let the weeds grow. However, the Empire and Thalmor must still retain some sort of relationship, though we could be rather honest right now. But I think it's best we're not, correct?" There was no response. "The execution will take place at the completion of the trial, if found guilty. If not, he will be escorted to the border and, if found within our borders again, will be executed on sight." I waved him away. "You're dismissed."

"I will ensure the Thalmor Council hear of this. Mark my words!"

I ignored his jibe as he turned tail and walked out of the throne room. Delphine looked ready to stop him, but a shake of my head led to her opened the door, no doubt giving a sarcastic goodbye on his way out.

Delphine dismissed the guards, their presence no longer required, and she joined Lydia and I as I sat on my throne. "Lydia, have Karliah meet me first thing in the morning. We're going to have to make some serious moves now. We're still in no position for war, but I want the Thalmor to believe we're stronger than we are, so they won't take a pre-emptive strike against us. Delphine, I simply want you here for when Marcus and the Lord Admiral arrive. I will need your opinion and advice for what we do next. But, for now, both of you get some rest. This is going to be a long few weeks. Expect reprisals from the Thalmor if their spy is found guilty and executed."

"Surely they wouldn't go to war over a single spy either?" Lydia wondered as we headed back to our quarters.

"They won't. But there is no doubt they are also rebuilding their forces. A single spy won't lead to war, but I have no doubt they'll increase their presence along our borders. They'll poke and prod, gauging our reaction. Our response must be measured but ensure the Thalmor don't get any ideas."

Before heading to bed, Lydia showed me the two letters which I authorised to be sent right away. Heading into my private quarters, I was far too wound up to go to sleep, so took a seat at the table and poured myself a glass of brandy as I read over some paperwork. I had no idea how long I'd been sitting there before I felt a kiss on my cheek and two arms wrap around me.

"Not tired?" Serana whispered into my ear.

"Adrenaline is flowing after that meeting. Just letting it wear off before I go to bed."

Taking the seat next to me, she asked, "How did it go?"

"I barely let him get a word in. A bit of sabre rattling on both sides. We're edging ever closer. I just hope I'm not making a colossal misjudgement."

The next morning, I met with Karliah and issued the first major orders for my 'Eyes' since their formation. I now had more than enough trained spies to send them across the width and breadth of Tamriel. The order: to enter Valenwood and the two nations that once made up Elsweyr – Anequina and Pelletine – and to ferment anti-Thalmor dissent, while contacting anti-Thalmor dissidents for the future. As for the Summerset Isles themselves, I said getting the Thalmor out of those three nations was more important for now. We had to get the Thalmor on the back foot, then strike.

A week later, on the same date the trial of the Thalmor spy started, I met with Marcus and the Lord Admiral, a man by the name of Darius Agrippa. I'd only met the man a couple of times, as I let him get on with the job of running the Imperial Navy. But he had been ordered to put together plans of battle for an invasion of the Thalmor, or if worse came to worst, a defensive war against the same enemy.

With numerous maps spread across the long table in the throne room, the three of us, plus Delphine and Karliah, discussed possible plans and tactics. I had no intention of going to war, but as I told the Ambassador, I would push back if forced.

"Sir, the building of fortifications along the western border continue. I would say they are about sixty-five percent complete. Legion strength has increased by at least half, but the fact we now have nearly every able-bodied person of age over 14 as possible soldiers, our numbers must surely double that of the Thalmor," Marcus reported.

"Any issues along the border regarding the enemy?"

"We know the Thalmor are watching us, but there is little they can do except watch."

"As long as we're not tempted into doing something stupid, then keep doing what you're doing."

"Yes, sir."

"Our Legions in Hammerfell. Were they well received?"

"My Generals report good relations with the locals, sir. There is still plenty of anti-Imperial feeling. Understandable, as it is still only thirty-five years ago or so that it all happened, but they see our rising strength and know that, this time, we are there to help and we won't abandon them in their time of need. And they appreciate all our help, particularly the rebuilding of their docks. Trade has flourished and the country is slowly recovering."

"Local recruitment?"

"Slower than I wanted, but as expected. Many are joining because they know we will eventually fight."

"Keep it up, Marcus. Darius, your report?"

"We are still some way from matching the Thalmor Navy, but we're making good progress, sir. The Thalmor have noticed our movements to the north, but with fleets now operating out of Wayrest, Stros M'Kai and Anvil, they will certainly be more circumspect in their approach."

"And the east?"

"We don't have complete control the Topal Sea, sir. Thalmor ships operating out of Senchal continue to harass all our movements. Of course, they are not exactly Thalmor, but pirates and brigands no doubt financed by them."

"And Black Marsh?"

"The Argonians keep to themselves, sir. We won't have any problem with them."

"How long until we're at parity with the Thalmor?"

"Another twelve to eighteen months, if building efforts remain as they are."

"Aim for twelve. Once we're at parity, we'll reassess the situation."

"Of course, sir."

"What are the chances of a naval victory once we're at parity?"

Darius stroked his bare chin before replying. "The Thalmor are skilled at sea, sir. Not saying we aren't adept, but our Navy was battered during the Great War."

"What about a blockade if war breaks out?"

"Another possibility, sir."

"I trust you to make the decision if war does break out, Lord Admiral, as I will more than likely be accompanying the Field Marshal and our army."

Darius smiled. "As expected, sir."

"Marcus, Darius, thank you for your time, but I now wish to speak to Delphine and Karliah in private. I'm sure you understand." Both men saluted in silence and left me alone. "Okay, Karliah, what's the word outside the Empire?"

She gestured as she explained. "Our north-eastern border with Morrowind is secure. The Dunmer have no issue with us and simply want to be left alone. They are in no position to cause us any harm and are appreciative of our continued efforts to assist in regards to the eruption of Red Mountain. The peace will hold."

"Are they aware of my desire for war with the Thalmor?"

"Yes, they are. And, no, they will not interfere. They have no love for the Thalmor either. Their concerns are to the south."

"So what of Black Marsh?"

"They don't like us, sire. But the An-Xileel know they cannot match our power. So, much like the Dunmer, if we leave them alone, they'll leave us alone. As far as I'm concerned, our eastern border is secure, as long as we don't drain all our resources into fighting the Thalmor."

I looked at Delphine. "I agree, sir. Reports from our spies suggest neither the Dunmer or Argonians have any desire to annoy us, realising our increasing strength will only see them possibly drawn back into the Empire against their will. I take it you have no desire to have them back?"

"Not particularly. I just want our borders secure and peace with the two of them, if possible. Okay, the former Elsweyr Confederacy. I know we discussed that only last week, Karliah, but what else do you know?"

"They have no real love for the Empire, but there is no doubting they are under the thumb of the Thalmor. The two nations of Anequina and Pelletine are led by obvious Thalmor stooges. Trying to retake control of the country without having to send our Legions will be difficult."

"Which one is more susceptible to using more nefarious means of obtaining influence?"

"Anequina, simply because it is closer to our border, and with the flow of border traffic, it is easier for us to exert some influence. Pelletine, according to propaganda, completely backs the Thalmor."

"If you wanted, sire, you could spark a civil war," Delphine suggested.

"Is that possible?" I wondered.

"The two kingdoms dislike each other more than anyone else. Lighting the spark shouldn't prove too difficult. The right influence in the right place…"

"And Valenwood?"

Karliah picked up the report again. "The Bosmer have been completely subjugated by the Altmer, sire. Any loyalists to the Empire have either fled or were made examples of long ago."

"Do we have any influence?"

"Our agents are working hard at building dissent, but the majority of the population are scared of reprisals. The Bosmer are friendlier towards us than the Dunmer or Argnonians, but the current government was put into power by the Thalmor and will never be swayed. Only war will remove them."

"Finally, the Thalmor…"

"We're watching their every move, sire. The former spy organisation was, to put it bluntly, hopeless. The Thalmor intercepted nearly everything and knew every move the Empire made. Now it is the other way around. We know of every Thalmor operation taking place within the Empire. Those that are not dangerous, we leave alone, letting the Thalmor think we're still sloppy. Those that are, we extinguish immediately, but let the Thalmor believe something else stopped it. We have people near the government in Falinesti. But getting people in and out of Alinor is different. There are few Altmer, even loyal to the Empire, who would offer their services, though that is purely through fear of what may happen to them if found out."

"We know the Thalmor want the resumption of the Great War eventually. What is your opinion of their readiness?"

"Not as ready as us, sire," Delphine replied, "We're still at least half a year before we can begin to contemplate war, but I believe in a year, you could give the order and our Legions can finally exact their revenge."

I took a seat and ran a hand through my hair. "So we're close?"

"Closer than the Empire has been since the Battle of the Red Ring, sire. We're not quite at the precipice… But we're edging ever closer."

Two weeks later, the Thalmor spy was found guilty and sentence to death. I ordered all my forces to be on alert for any reprisals, for either the guilty verdict or for the execution, that would take place three days later. The Imperial City itself was on the highest alert, sending my 'Claws' out into the city as a sign of authority, but also to let the people know they were safe. Memories were long in regards to the sacking of the city…

I was present at the hanging. Serana stayed away, as did Aela and Lydia. I didn't blame them. It was a ghastly spectacle, believing taking his head would have been more humane. But an example had to be made. Delphine watched, I think with glee, while Karliah observed, though she was watching for any Thalmor interference. I didn't even bother asking how many of my 'Eyes' were currently working in the city since the verdict. I'll be honest and admit I didn't want to know.

Once the spy was dead, he was quickly hauled away, under orders to be returned to the Thalmor so they could return his body home. I wasn't surprised to receive a letter from the Ambassador later that evening, continuing to threaten me personally with retribution for allowing the trial then execution, though at the very end of the letter, he thanked me for returning the body.

I then sat back and simply waited, wondering if the Thalmor would make the next move.