Man and Dovah

Marcus pointed to the map, tapping it as he spoke. "They have moved an army no more than five kilometres from the border, sir. But they have done nothing more than make camp and watch our progress."

"That's taken longer than expect considering the execution was a couple of months ago. And our response?

"There was already a Legion presence in the area. I have matched their move, establishing a camp five kilometres on our side of the border, and increased patrols to ensure the Thalmor don't get any ideas, but there has been no report of border incursions so far. I think they are just trying to show their displeasure and may be trying to provoke a fight."

"The orders are clear, Marcus. No-one is to retaliate to Thalmor provocation unless a life is lost. Then we hit hard and fast, but pull back behind the border and defend immediately. We're not ready. Not yet."

"My Generals are aware, sir. I trust them to know what to do."

"So do I, but I feel I must reiterate."

"As is your prerogative, sir. We all follow yours orders to the letter."

"Darius, any word of naval movements?"

"Two fleets were currently at sea that we knew of, sir. We have been shadowing their movements for many weeks. One is patrolling to the Topal Sea, while the other is patrolling the waters between Anvil and Stros M'kai. They particularly enjoy harassing our fishing vessels, and while they will not enter Imperial waters, they will harass our ships operating out of Stros M'kai, no doubt using the reason that Hammerfell is still, technically at least, independent."

"An interesting titbit, sir," Karliah added, and I gestured for her to continue, "The Thalmor are starting to harass Argonian fishing vessels operating in and around the Topal Sea, apparently at the request of the Pellitine government. I'm hearing whispers that they may eventually ask for our help."

"I assume this is about fishing rights and territorial waters?"

"And the presence of our fleet with the new harbour being built near Leyawiin," Darius explained, "The Thalmor are smart and could easily trap and destroy our fleet between the heads of the peninsula. If they do that, our entire southern flank would be open to an invasion."

"Your suggestion, Darius?"

"We force the Thalmor back from our waters and cut off Senchal."

"And I suggest we speak to the Argonian ambassador, sir. This may be a way of fostering better relations with their government. We protect their waters and fishing rights."

"Speak to ambassador. But we must keep it very quiet. We can't have the Thalmor getting wind of it at all."

"I'll speak to him directly after this meeting, sir."

I sat down. "If we could get the Argonians in on the fight, they could help our southern armies," I said, muttering to myself.

"I believe the Thalmor has mis-stepped regarding their attempt to influence the Argonians, sir," Karliah explained, "The more I think about it, the more I believe the Thalmor are simply trying to raise anti-human sentiment with the nations that surround us. The Argonians were never going to fall for that, knowing exactly what the Thalmor think of any non-elven nations."

"So the Khajit?"

"They were promised independence, but have found themselves swapping one empire for another. But they are learning to their cost that this new empire thinks even less of them than ours."

"Your suggestion?"

"After sitting down the Argonian ambassador, I will redouble our efforts regarding Anequina. Anti-Thalmor is rising, and if we can force the Thalmor out, that will protect our border to the south. Though all that will do is force the Thalmor into Pellitine and generate a hard border between the two kingdoms."

"But if the Anequina are friendlier to us than the Thalmor, then they may even accept the deployment of a Legion for protection," Marcus suggested.

"And we can enter Valenwood directly from the east," I finished. Looking at Karliah, I said, "Make it so. Marcus, Darius, your orders remain as they were. Darius, as usual, you have free reign to do as you think best for the navy, particularly regarding the issue around the Topal Sea."

"I'll keep the Empire protected while ensuring I don't drag us into a war, sir."

"That's all I want for now. You'll have orders if that was to change."

Dismissing my advisors, I wandered to my private quarters for lunch. My children, growing up incredibly fast, were busy with their teacher, looking up and greeting me before eyes returned to their books. I generally tried not to disturb them, and if I did, they were told to greet but not move. Lydia, not working today, was keeping watch, though I noticed some paperwork sitting on the table next to her. She tried to hide it upon me noticing, though I just smiled and shook my head.

Serana was outside in our private garden. Just like in Whiterun, she had spent years tending to a new garden. It was now spectacular in its beauty, flowers from near and far, allowing my wife to continue making her perfumes and potions, simply for her own enjoyment. Taking a seat on one of the benches, I simply watched her graceful moves.

"You're watching," she finally said after I'd been sat there for at least ten minutes.

"And are you complaining?"

She looked at me and smiled. "Not at all. We've been married for nearly a decade, yet you still look at me like the first time you saw me. Or maybe it was the day we first made love. No, definitely the day we got married."

"My wife is breath-taking in her beauty. I can't help but sit and gaze upon her."

I watched the smirk form. "Do you want something, Ragnar?"

"Me? Whatever could I want? I have everything a man could ever need."

"How was your meeting?" she asked, changing tact.

"Constructive. I've surrounded myself with good people. I remind myself of that all the time. We wouldn't be in the position we are without them."

"How much longer will we have peace?"

I heard the concern, so I gestured towards the empty space beside me. After wiping her hands, she sat next to me, taking one of my hands in hers. "You know this has been my objective the entire time. Not just mine. Marcus. Delphine. Darius. Even the Elder Council. Everything I have done has been building towards the moment was cast off the shackles and get vengeance."

Kissing my cheek, she replied, "I know, Ragnar. I know. But I'm just thinking of the children. They're older now and beginning to understand things. I'm confident in our Legions but I don't want the worst to happen and another repeat of what occurred in this city during the war."

"I think of you and the children with every decision I make," I said softly.

"I know you do. And I know what you want. What your advisors want. The Council. Even the people. It's an understandable reaction. I didn't live through it but I can certainly understand."

Squeezing her hand, I met her eyes. "You have my word, Serana. No harm would ever befall you or our children. I would rather die than have that happen."

"Ragnar speaks of being a warrior like his father. Kodlak just wants to be like his older brother."

"Ragnar is only a few years away from starting his service." I couldn't help sigh. "One day he will be at my side as we fight. And Julia?"

My wife laughed. "She wants to fight like her father too. I think we've got three potential warriors as children. Does that bother you?"

"Our children are free to pursue whatever they wish. Well, two of them are. Ragnar will be my successor. I don't think he's quite at the age to fully grasp what that means, but he knows that when his father dies, he will rule. He must be prepared for that day."

"You have a long life yet, husband."

"As long as you're by my side, wife."

She made an obvious glance left and right, despite the fact we were alone in the garden. As there was only one door in and out, the guards knew this was a place for privacy. She leaned close to my ear. "I have a recliner set up in a more secluded area behind my garden, away from even the prying eyes of the palace. I may have placed some pillows on said recliner for comfort, and a bottle of wine or two nearby for enjoyment. Would that interest my husband in any way?"

"Sometimes, oh wife of mine, you are incorrigible. Add that to the list of things I love about you."

I grabbed her by the hand and led her towards the recliner.

*****

"It's been years since you have spoken to any of them, sir. Will they answer your summons?" Delphine asked.

"Of course. But I don't want to summon them to or anywhere near the city. It would give the people a dreadful fight. That's why I believe the nearest mountain top would be best."

"Why not head back to Skyrim and the monastery?"

"Because I don't want to go back there, Lydia. Not because I don't want to see the Greybeards again. I want to keep the Greybeards safe and away from anything to do with my rule. Their safety is paramount above everything else."

I looked at Delphine, but she said nothing, merely nodding her acceptance.

"When do you want to go?" Lydia wondered.

"As soon as possible. And it must be incognito. I don't want the Thalmor getting wind at all of this. That is why only Delphine and two of the 'Claws' will be accompanying at most. I would prefer to do this alone, but I believe Delphine would rather chain me to the throne than allow me to leave the palace without protection. Isn't that right, Delphine?"

"One hundred percent, sir. Your safety is my primary concern and duty."

"Despite the fact I could probably kill most people who would intend to kill me?"

"You're getting over-confident, sir. How long has it been since you wielded a blade in anger?"

"Ouch, Delphine. Ouch," Lydia stated with humour.

I took the comment with humour too, because she was correct. I hadn't been in a fight in a very long time, my days as a warrior long in the past though I still wasn't particularly old. My full head of hair was still blonde, I still felt strong, I kept fit and healthy, or as fit and healthy as possible, despite all the stress that came with being Emperor. Serana was the same, often complimenting her that she'd barely aged since the day she'd been cured. I don't think she always believed me.

"When would you like to go, sir?"

"When is best for you, Delphine? And I ask because I know you have plenty of other things on your mind. I don't want to tear you away from anything important."

"I can go whenever you desire, sir. All I need to know is where we're going and when. I will bring two of my best people. We will travel at night to avoid detection."

Once Delphine and I were alone, I had to ask one more question. "Delphine, you are aware of who exactly I will be summoning?" She nodded, but remained silent. "I remember what happened at High Hrothgar all those years ago…"

"As do I, sir."

"I know your mind hasn't completely changed about dragons, though I know you have accepted the new reality. But what about him?"

"If I may be so bold, sir, I wish to speak to him when after you've spoken to him."

"That is acceptable and more than understandable. I won't even ask what questions you wish to raise with him. I think I have a good idea what."

We left the next evening, ensuring I said goodbye to the family before I departed. The children bombarded me with numerous questions about what I was doing. Serana and I were slowly letting them know the gift that I possessed, and the blood that would also flow through their veins. I was unsure if they were capable of using the gift yet, but wasn't going to push it until they were old enough to understand. Serana simply kissed me, told me to be safe and not to do anything too stupid.

I had thought long and hard about where we would summon the dragon. I mentioned Sancre Tor to Delphine, considering its long history and lore within the various empires that had existed. She thought about it long and hard, and eventually agreed that it made sense, considering the site had been central to the Reman dynasty, before being directly linked to events of Tiber Septim when he was building his empire.

It took all evening for us to make the ruins, the sun cresting the mountains by the time we made camp. One of the two 'Claws' that had joined us offered to cook breakfast before we slept, not planning on summoning the dragon until the late afternoon, near dusk, hoping the approach would go relatively un-noticed. There had been no reported dragon sightings in the entire time since I'd been Emperor, so knew they were keeping to themselves.

Delphine offered to take first watch with one of the 'Claws', allowing me to get a couple of hours sleep, before I was woken after lunch-time and sat up with the other 'Claw'. We chatted for a little while, asking a few questions about his life, though he kept his answers brief, I guess not wanting to give too much away. He eventually admitted, despite being one fearsome looking warrior, that he was nervous around me, apparently due to the myths and legends built up around my name. I chuckled as I retorted, telling him that's what most of them were – myths. I don't think he quite believed me, but he opened up a little more after that.

Towards dusk, I woke Delphine and her companion, and after a quick bite to eat, we found a sensible clearing. Reminding the two 'Claws' to remain calm, I Shouted. It was the first time I had done it in years.

"Gods, it's true," one of the 'Claws' whispered.

We waited in silence for a couple of minutes until there was a distant roar. "Here he comes. Remember, remain calm," I reminded my companions. Even Delphine, because although I now trusted her completely, I knew she still had concerns.

Paarthurnax circled above us a couple of times. I waved at him, hoping he would recognise me, and he soon swooped down and landed before me. He snorted as he walked towards me, before he sat down on his back legs.

"How are you, old friend?" I asked, "It's been a long time."

He snorted again. "In your years, it has, Dovahkiin. For a dov, time has no meaning."

"Are you well? Have you or any of your kind been bothered?"

"Man has left us alone. And I have been spreading the Way of the Voice as best I can. There are many who now follow those teachings, living secluded on the mountain tops across this world. Some choose not to follow, but are aware of the deal that has been struck between Dovahkiin and dov. They will not tempt fate." He paused, before adding, "Is there a reason for your summons, Dovahkiin?"

"There is. Have the Greybeards kept you informed of events?"

"I have no spoken with them in many years. They believe that my life may be endangered by those who wish my kind to be eradicated from this world should they be in continuous contact with me." Finishing that point, he looked directly at Delphine. And I knew she would not have missed it.

"I am now Emperor, Paarthurnax. Being Emperor, I now have a vast empire to run, with many responsibilities, and an enemy across the border who would love nothing more than to bring my empire to ruins, and no doubt put my head on a stake."

"You have your Thu'um, as powerful as it is. Surely that will see off your enemies?"

"I'm not sure I can see off entire armies alone, no matter what I may think. I may need your help. Yours and the others."

"I see."

"Would you be willing to help me fight my enemies?"

"Perhaps. I will not help alone. Let me speak with others. If more are willing to help, then if you call us when needed, we will answer it."

"I know I am asking a lot, old friend. And I do not wish to ask of it. But there may be a time when our backs will be to the wall. Or, to be honest, I would like the advantage of having your kind at our side. Have you ever seen our banner?"

"I have not."

I grabbed my banner from the pack I had brought with me. "As you can see, the dragon has been a symbol of our empire since the days of Tiber Septim if not before. And the dragon is also the symbol of the Dragonborn, when I became Thane of Whiterun. Dragons and man have been linked throughout history, and I believe we will continue to live together on this world for eons to come. Peace now exists between us, and while I do not wish to take advantage of that peace, there are those out there who may wish you harm."

"I remember our previous conversations, Dovahkiin. The Thalmor."

"Correct. I anticipate war with them sooner rather than later."

"The Greybeards did speak to me about them before they cut contact. The conference you hosted to bring the temporary peace, and the ambassador who attended. They did not like the fact the Thalmor were now aware of location. They would never have told you of this, though."

"And I do not blame them for not liking it. At the time, it was what we had to do."

"So, these Thalmor continue to be a problem?"

"Yes. And I believe I may soon have to go on the front foot."

Paarthurnax was silent, obviously in thought. I would assume an offensive war may be different to a defensive one in his mind. It was in mine too. "The answer remains the same, Dovahkiin. Summon us, and we will come. If there are numbers."

"You will mine and my children's thanks." I paused for a moment. "Before you go, someone else would like a word with you. And you'll have to use our tongue. The three behind me would not have understood this conversation."

I turned to see Delphine look at me in wonderment. "You know their language?"

"Of course."

She smirked. "Of course you do. Is he willing to speak to me?"

"He is. And he knows our language."

Leaving Delphine to converse with Paarthurnax alone, I used the diminishing light to explore the ruins of Sancre Tor, the two 'Claws' never more than half a dozen steps away. But the ruins were deserted, and after fifteen or so minutes, I headed back to Delphine, where she was waiting alone near our camp.

"Interesting conversation?" I wondered.

"It was. I wasn't expecting an apology for what happened. I knew I wasn't going to get one. But I did ask if he regretted anything."

"And does he?"

"He never thought about it until he met you, sir. You are the first Dragonborn he's met that hasn't simply tried to kill him or his kind. You tried to understand his kind, so they are doing their best to understand us. He understands that the hatred ran deep, for what happened centuries ago, but with Alduin in charge, they simply 'followed orders', for want of a better explanation. It is why he helped you finally defeat Alduin, to atone for past crimes."

"So do you forgive him?"

"He does not expect it, and no, I do not give it. But we reached an understanding. I have a whole lot of hate for something else. I will focus all my attention on that. My Emperor has made peace with his kind. I can accept that and move on."

I held out a hand and we grasped one another as warriors. A nod each of respect was all that was needed.

We headed straight back to the city, arriving well after midnight, though even at that late hour, the city was still alive. Many taverns remained open until the early hours of the morning, while others strolled the illuminated boulevards of certain sections. Crime had fallen in the years since I'd become Emperor, simply because I wanted every citizen to feel safe in the capital. I had tried to do the same with every other city across Cyrodiil, though the results were mixed.

The palace was silent upon returning. The guard were surprised at our return, all of us heading straight to our private quarters. I quickly checked on the children, all of them fast asleep, before I headed to the bedroom. Serana was fast asleep, though woke up when I slid under the furs.

"Was it a worthwhile adventure?" she asked sleepily, trying but failing to stifle a yawn.

"They will help if I call them."

"And Delphine?"

"Believes."

"So what do you do next?"

"I'm honestly not sure. The pieces are nearly all in place. If the Thalmor don't make the move, I may have to end up declaring war."

My tone must have surprised here, as she was sat up beside me immediately. "You have doubts?"

"I will always have doubts about sending thousands of men into battle, many of them probably to die. But the main issue is that we will be the aggressors this time. I can say we're exacting our revenge for the Great War but, at the moment, we can claim some sort of moral high ground for what happened. We were invaded and fought them off for as long as we could, until they could fight no more. Then we signed a horrible treaty but it needed to be signed.

But if we were to be the aggressors this time, the Thalmor will probably say something like 'See! We were right about the humans! Look at their brutish behaviour!' because, let's remember, people have short memories. The fact they invaded us first will be forgotten."

"So you'd rather they fired first?"

"Ever heard of the term 'casus belli'?" Serana shook her head. "It is a term I've read recently in an old scroll. It basically means if the Thalmor were to attack us, that would justify war. We would have casus belli. At the moment, we have no real justification except we're still angered by what happened during the Great War and I feel, along with many others, that we would simply be righting a wrong."

"Do you think the Thalmor will give you cause for war?"

"I'm not sure. I think they are now more than aware of our strength. We have spent nearly a decade completely rebuilding. The longer we wait, the stronger we become, but the stronger the Thalmor do too. And, to be honest, I think they fear me personally because of who I am. It's why they have not attacked since the day I became Emperor."

"You have a lot to think about, Ragnar. But you should try and get some sleep and worry about it in a few hours' time."

Enjoying breakfast with my wife and children, plus Aela and Lydia, helped ease my mind the next morning. Having not seen me for more than a day, Ragnar, Kodlak and Julia were full of news about what they had been learning, while Kodlak and Ragnar were both desperate to show me their latest training moves. I had started training my sons with sword and shield from a very young age. Wooden, of course, and I made sure it was mostly just for fun, but hoped they would learn a few things along the way. Once Serana had told me Julia was also interested, I included her too.

After breakfast, I headed to the throne room, sitting on my chair and continued to think about things. I must have been gone for a while, as Lydia appeared relieved when she found me however much later it was.

"Are you okay, sir?"

Looking up and blinking rapidly, I asked, "Why do you ask?"

"You seem pre-occupied."

I smiled. "I am. There's a lot on my mind." She looked at me expectantly. "I'm wondering if we're ready to declare war."

"What's stopping you?"

"To be honest? Nothing. I could summon the Thalmor ambassador right now and tell him that we're at war. I won't, but I could."

"You know everyone would support the decision."

"It will be the biggest decision I've ever made. It must be right. Thousands of lives and the Empire itself will depend on it." I got to my feet and walked towards the statue of Tiber Septim in the corner. "Whenever I sit here, I sometimes look at this statue and wonder what he thought at moments like this. Was he a man who ever second guessed a decision? Did he suffer moments of self-doubt? Did he ever get… scared? The man built an empire and became a god. What would he think of everything done in his name since?"

"Tiber Septim was a man, just like yourself, sir. No leader is perfect. And as long as you are confident once you make the decision, and follow it through, then that confidence will pass along to the rest of us. As for what he would think, you would fight in his name, sir. I would like to think that to him, there would be no greater honour."

"Lydia?"

"Yes, sir?"

"I probably don't say it enough, but thank you."

I looked at her as she smiled. "You're welcome, sir." I walked back to my throne and sat down. "Summon all my advisors. We have plans to make."

"And what plans are those, sir?"

"Plans for war. The time of reckoning is about to begin."