Return of the Septim Dynasty/Part III

Part III
King Bodean and General Glallian looked at each other. Then Glallian charged at Bodean, who blocked the attack with his Scimitar. The Redguard then cast Firebolt at the general, who cast a ward but was staggered when it broke. Bodean then lunged at the imperial and activated his Adrenaline Rush ability. The general tried to block the power attacks but wasn't able to block them all. He then cast Frostbite on Bodean to drain his stamina. The ability was still going so the spell had little effect. Bodean kept striking the imperial and pushing him back. Glallian was now against a wall, he looked at one of his archers and mouthed the words open fire. The Crown soldiers fired at the King, the Forebear soldiers charged at them in response. Because it was unexpected Bodean was caught off guard and got hit in the shoulder with an arrow. Bodean tried to pull out the arrow from his shoulder. He was interrupted by the kick Glallian gave him. The king fell to the ground. The general swung his sword at him but Bodean rolled out of the way. Both forces were fighting each other on the streets, but the Forebears were winning slightly. Bodean got up, he shot a fireball at Glallian. The General was sent flying backwards, because of the explosion, a few feet and his armor caught on fire. He ripped the burn upper part of his cuirass of and threw it on the ground. He charged at the Redguard, saying for them to end this. Bodean charged too, and the two locked blades.

Xeraz Kanir jumped down from the wall and headed towards the city's palace. Xeraz was suddenly ambushed by soldiers, 3 of them were quickly crushed by the earth she moved with her magic. One of them punched her in the face while she was distracted casting, causing her to fall over. The last one aimed his bow at her. The earth under the archer crumbled and he fell allowing Xeraz enough time to rise to her feet. The soldiers sank into the sand until only their upper bodies was visible. Xeraz moved their weapons out of reach and left the soldiers there.

Bodean and Glallian were clashing blades. The Redguard pushed the general away and then slashed at him. The slash was across the chest and blood began pouring out of it. Glallian put a hand on his chest. Bodean took the opportunity and kicked the Imperial to the ground. He stood over him ready to strike. Bodean thrust his sword through General Glallian's chest, killing him. He then went to assist his men. The Forebears captured or killed all the Crown and Imperial forces. Afterwards Bodean went to his castle. After the battle was over Roderic Acques was called back to High Rock by High King Daric, to aid him in maintaining order in the province. Xeraz walked to the palace after the battle for the city ended, with Forebear victory. Some of the guards at the palace gates immediately pointed their spears towards her as she approached, not recognizing her as a Nelthar or Forebear ally.

Chaid Nelthar had been sent to Hammerfell with the Nelthar troops to aid the Forebears in their Civil War. He had fought in the battle to free Taneth from Imperial occupation and then went with the Nelthar men to the barracks that were allocated to them while they were in the city. While he was in the keep he saw a woman approaching, but she was barred entry by the Forebear guards. He spotted the vulture with her and immediately knew that she was Xeraz Kanir, but he could hardly believe it. The officer ran down the stairs and out to where Xeraz was. Now being closer to her he could confirm her identity, for the vulture carried the Kanir amulet. He moved his eyes to look at Xeraz, one of the Kanirs. He had learned of their existence from Nait Nelthar. Chad walked up to Xeraz and the guards from inside the palace. He told the men to stand down, telling them that she was more than they could ever hope to be able to handle. He welcomed her to Taneth, saying it was a great honor. She formally introduced herself and asked to be taken to see the Forebear leader. He nodded and led her inside, past the guards. They headed to the throne room and asked the guards to call the King, requesting an audience.

Jo'Khar and Tanan had ran out of Hegathe a few days back, while King Cluson and his army were still in the city. They ran for what felt like hours until the mage asked the Argonian how long it had been since they ran. The Argonian said it must have been forever since Hegathe was far behind them. The two continued walking and came upon a village. There they found a ship willing to take them to Solitude. Tanan didn't want to pay their fare but Jo'Khar convinced him to, saying he owed him for all the trouble he caused in Stros M'Kai.

Skaal-ti Tailshadow suggested that he observe them while hidden. He was born under the sign of the Shadow and was a master of the art of sneaking. He said it might give them a strategic advantage to have eyes on the enemy. Caesar Autrus agreed with the plan, telling Commander Etienne that the Argonian could infiltrate West Dragonstar and help them from the inside. Etienne told him to go, but not to get them killed. He then told the Blade and asked how he thought their Redguard friends were doing. The Imperial said he wasn't sure, since last time they heard from them they had lost Taneth and King Cluson had taken over command from his missing cousin. He asked if they should head back to the army camp outside the city. Etienne agreed and the two of them departed from the city. Skaal-ti didn't go with them, instead he headed to Western Dragonstar. The two made it back to camp. Caesar immediately went to get his katana and his shield. He told the commander that he missed his weapons, the dagger he was using when they were in the sewers was not as reliable as his Blades Katana and Shield, which were high quality equipment. Etienne said he preferred his greatsword. He picked up his Ebony Greatsword with a golden engraved hilt. Caesar looked at the blade, noting that it was an impressive weapon. He asked his commander if he could retire to his tent, but to send for him if they were going to attack. He left and went to his tent when he was dismissed.

Morgan was reflecting on his past. He thought about Clavicus Vile's bargain with him, power and a cure for vampirism in exchange for killing some Khajiits and kidnapping a helpless feeble girl. However the Prince had lied, and he must have known the consequences of the vampire's actions. He watched Morgan commit those crimes and now his whole world had gone mad. Wars tore the land apart. Corruption within the Empire rotted. And now his murder of those 2 Khajiits many years back had come back to bite him. A mad Khajiit roamed the land in search of him, seeking revenge. Along with an argonian. As his spies told him. He thought about preparing a surprise for them, as how they will prepare surprises for him. Morgan was busy writing a letter to the Emperor that he successfully smuggled high-quality ebony weapons and armor to Cyrodiil from Skyrim. One of Morgan's mercenaries told him that they had some news. He asked what. The man replied that the Khajiit and the Argonian had arrived in Solitude, coming from Hammerfell. Morgan ordered his man to be vigilant and keep the transactions in all operations far more quiet. The mercenary nodded and left.

Skaal-ti went with stealthily over there to West Dragonstar. He wondered what would be the best disguise. He knew a guard wouldn't work as there were no Argonian guards in Hammerfell. He guessed a mercenary would be the best, due to his gear. He entered an inn in the west part of the city. As Skaal-ti entered the inn, he was greeted by an Orc, named Gorum, welcoming to The King's Rest. He asked if he wanted food, a drink or a room. Skaal-ti asked for some bread, an apple and a room. Gorum smiled friendly at the Argonian. He said it would be 20 gold for the room and 7 for the food. As Skaal-ti found the gold, the innkeeper had someone make the food. He thanked the Argonian for the gold and told him his room was just upstairs on the 2nd floor to the left. He would get someone to bring up the food. Skaal-ti thanked him and went upstairs. He took most of his gear and put it in a chest in the room. He hadn't slept for 2 days, so he needed the rest. He fell asleep. The Orc had his suspicions that the Argonian was working with the Breton forces that had arrived in East Dragonstar, but he didn't act on it.

In the Imperial City, Emperor Augurius Mede was becoming more and more paranoid. After Daric became High King of High Rock and the Hammerfell Civil War started he began believing everyone was an enemy of his. He only trusted his guards and his generals to an extent. Most of the time he spent was in his study thinking of who would betray him next, for the betrayal of the numerous Penitus Oculatus agents was fresh in his mind. The rest of his time he spent punishing those who were rumored to be supporters of Daric. Morgan sent one of his agents to the Imperial City to send a letter to the Emperor. The agent of arrived outside the White-Gold Tower. He approached one of the guards and told him that he had a urgent letter to deliver to the Emperor, from one of his friends. The guard took the letter after finding out who the friend was. He took it to the Emperor's study. Augurius was in his office when the guard asked to come in. Augurius, in his paranoid state, asked the guard why he wanted to come in. He reached for his sword, thinking that the guard might want to attack him. The guard told him that he had a letter from a friend. The Emperor ordered him to pass it underneath the door. The guard did as he asked, Augurius then picked up the letter and sat at his desk to read it.

It told the Emperor that everything was going smoothly for the smuggling operations. He informed the Emperor that a shipment of ebony weapons and armor to doorstep thanks to his contacts. He also received a bunch of new recruits from the selection process. He wrote about Augurius' paranoia, but urged the Emperor that there was still a chance to win the war. He told of the new branch of his operations that was opened: assassination and shill jobs; saying that if he needed anyone dead or framed to just send him a letter. There was a note that all the smuggling operations would now be kept silent, due to a mad Khajiit trying to stop their business. He assured that the cat will be taken care of. He wrote to Augurius that he was always willing to serve you until the end. The Emperor put down the letter after reading it. He thought that the high-quality weapons and armor would come in handy. Then he though of who he would like to assassinate, but all he could think of was the assassin who had betrayed him six months ago. Then a smile came to his face when he thought of the flailing the traitorous assassin would receive if he was caught.

The Argonian Horde arrived in Archon, the city fell to them. The An-Xileel set their sights on Blackrose next.

The Imperial Governor of Black Marsh was in his study in Gideon. The 10th legion's general came in. He reported that the courtier they send still hadn't come back, he agreed that he was right. Something was incredibly wrong. Both Thorn and Stormhold had gone dark. He feared that the Argonians had started to fight back. The governor said that he would send a letter to the Emperor and to warn the other cities. To tell them to double patrols and be extra careful. The land was harsh and the Argonians knew it too well. The general said he was going to gather his men and head for Stormhold. He said they couldn't stay on the defensive, they needed to take the fight to the Argonians.

Sometime later Etienne summoned his lieutenant to his tent. He ordered him to mobilize the men and get the Blade, they were to march on West Dragonstar. A few hours after he had gone back to his tent, one of Etienne's lieutenants came into Caesar's tent. The Blade asked him what was it. He told the Imperial that the Commander was starting the assault, he was told to get him. Caesar got his weapons, telling the lieutenant that he would be there shortly. He put on his armor and went to meet up with Commander Etienne. The Commander overlooked the city. Thinking to himself, he still saw no visible defenses on the battlements. He also figured that they better not destroy the wall. They'd use ladders first, then somebody would open the gates. Caesar met with the Commander on a hill overlooking the city. The Commander ordered Caesar to lead the first attack. To bring up ladders to scale the walls. If Skaal-ti didn't open the gate, he'd have to do it. The Commander said he would lead the second attack and told Caesar that no matter what he should not damage the walls. That would leave them open. Caesar nodded, said they would attack on Etienne's command. He told the Breton to give them the signal when it was time. He would organize the men in the meantime. The Blade left the Commander and headed to where the soldiers he was assigned to where camped.

Bodean was in his room. He washed the blood from his face and took off the Crown armor he was wearing. He changed into his normal clothes and then went to his throne room. He saw two Nelthars waiting for him there. He walked up to the man, Chaid, and shook his hand, saying he must be the Nelthar officer of the Dreadguard. He asked the woman, Xeraz, who she was. She introduced herself as the Supreme Leader of the Nelthars. She revealed that she normally didn't interfere with Nelthar matters or anything in Tamriel. She was there as as a messenger for the Grand Supreme, Nelthro Kanir. The Kanirs had heard of how the Nelthars joined the Forebears in their war. They decided that not only the Nelthar family but also the Kanir Family would assist them in the battle. Unfortunately the Kanir family consisted of 3 people and as such they had no army. Bodean greeted her, then inspected her again. He realized she was the Sorceress that made that huge sand dune on the wall. He said she must be very powerful to pull something like that off. As for an army, he said the Nelthars had done more than enough, since they had provided them with plenty of units. Xeraz said she was glad they were of assistance to the Forebears. She confirmed that the sand dune was her doing. She said in the future she would be able to help them again. The Kanir ordered Chaid, the Dreadguard officer, to go. He said it was his duty to guard her since he was the only Dreadguard around. Xeraz shrugged. She and the officer relocated to where the Nelthars had holed up in the city.

Some time later, two men entered the inn. Skaal-ti woke up to the sound of two men entering the inn. He stood up and leaned against his door. They said that a patrol recently reported that a suspicious Argonian entered the King's Rest and asked Gorum if he had seen him. He told them that there was no Argonians there, and said that he didn't allow Argonians into his inn. Then asked what they meant by suspicious, to see if they had also assumed he was with the Bretons. One of the guards quickly responded and once again said for the innkeeper to give them the information or they would be forced to search the place. Rather than remain confrontational, Gorum told then that the Argonian did enter, and that after he bought some food he left. They didn't seem to have bought it as the other guard said they would be back. The two men then stormed out.

King Bodean talked to the Taneth city guard to organize the rebuilding of some sections of the wall that were damaged from the siege. Afterwards he headed to the War Room where he and his Generals began to plan their next step. Xeraz stayed in Taneth for a few days and met with King Bodean and his generals in the palace's war room to discuss strategy with them. Chaid was there, acting as her bodyguard. In the war room was a round table with a large map of Hammerfell on its center. Wooden pieces representing the armies of the factions were on top of it. Bodean looked at the map. One of the generals stated that they needed to take Rihad back from the Crowns. Another said that they couldn't, since it was close to Cyrodiil. The Crowns could get reinforcements from Anvil. King Cluson suggested that they attack Skaven, which is what he previously planned to do while he was the leader of the Forebears. Bodean agreed with his cousin, saying it was a good plan as taking Skaven would cut Sentinel off from Imperial support. Then both its sea and land supply routes would be at their mercy. He said they their men would need to rest for a few days and the city needed to be reorganized and rebuilt in some parts. But they would set out for Skaven when it was time. Xeraz said that they would accompany the Forebears to Skaven. Her soldiers had settled in an abandoned tower in the castle, but they were ready to leave. The King said they could leave later. Any less and his men wouldn't be ready. They also had wounded that needed healing so their army wouldn't be at full strength. Luckily Skaven wasn't nearly as large as Taneth.

As dusk fell, the Lieutenant from before met with Caesar and told him the commander wished the attack to begin immediately. Caesar went to his men. They readied themselves and the warriors gathered the ladders. The Blade ordered the warriors to raise their shields. All the warriors held their shields above their heads. He ordered the archers and mages to ready for supporting fire. The mages and archers readied themselves. He ordered them forward, to the wall. He lead them there. They were mostly hidden, in the dark, until they were about a mile from the wall. However it seemed they were spotted because the city's alarms were sounded. Redguard archers soon fired down on them from the battlements. Caesar held up his shield to block the arrows and ordered the archers and mages to fire at will, to aim for the enemy archers.

Morgan was writing another letter about smuggling more weapons and armor towards Cyrodiil from Skyrim. He heard a crashing sound from his office and turned around. He saw a hooded Khajiit slit the throat of one of his subordinates. Morgan then drew his Daedric Dagger and the Khajiit drew his Ebony Dagger. He asked the Khajiit if he was here to settle a debt. The Khajiit said he won't make it easy for Morgan. The two then engaged in combat. They were equal in skill. So Morgan had to devise a strategy to counter and kill the Khajiit. After 23 minutes of brutal fighting, the Khajiit decided to attack Morgan with his dagger backhanded. Morgan easily countered and stabbed the Khajiit in the back before everything went black. Morgan awoke, realizing he had just suffered a bad dream. An initiate told Morgan they were awaiting his orders on the confirmation of the payment to the contacts, as the contractor was waiting downstairs. He said he'd be down shortly. The initiate then took his leave. Morgan walked towards a chest and opened it with his key. Inside was his equipment: a Daedric Dagger, an Enhanced Steel Crossbow, 60 Steel Bolts, 5 Potions of Healing, and 2 Potions of Blood. Morgan grabbed one Potion of Blood and drank it, causing his vampiric powers to recede.

Gorum ran upstairs and knocked on the Argonian's door. He asked him if he was up. Skaal-ti said he was, but asked why. The innkeeper said he needed to know his business in the town, whom he worked for. The Argonian revealed that he was not some sword for hire, but the Orc had to share some his secret first. The Orc told him he was undercover, serving Daric Lariat. He said he suspected that the Argonian heard all the commotion moments ago, and suspected that he worked for the High King too, seeing that the guards wanted to get their hands on him. He asked if he was wrong. Skaal-ti thought long and hard, wondering if he was trustworthy. There was silence for a while, then the Argonian asked for proof from the innkeeper. The orc took a document from his pocket containing his transactions with the Forebears and passed it under the door. He said it was good to finally meet someone who fought for the same cause as he did. The Argonian agreed to come out. He took his gear and the document and went downstairs with the Orc. After a few minutes of explaining, Skaal-ti asked for the orc's name. Gorum told him his name asked asked his in return. Skaal-ti told him his full name and said he really needed to go. Gorum said they'd meet again. Skaal-ti used one of his stealth powers and went outside. After walking for not very long, he saw archers upon the wall, spreading arrows. He thought that the time had come.

Caesar yelled to his subordinate to double time their current speed, for they were almost at the wall. A few of his men had died due to the arrows being fired at them, others were injured. The mages and archers had a hard time shooting and running and as such most of the enemy archers were still alive. Skaal-ti quickly made his way up towards the tops of the walls where the archers was standing. He wondered how he would open the gates. He knew he needed to move fast because it seemed that the archers had a tactical advantage. He then turned his attention to finding a lever to open the gate. After some time he found a door which might leave to the lever. It was locked. Skaal-ti decided to take a risk and started climbing at the outer wall. He asked why it couldn't have been water, he hated climbing. More of Caesar's men died due to the arrows. He yelled encouraging words to his men to keep them motivated. A soldier that was holding a ladder died and Caesar took his place, grabbing structure and carrying it to the wall. He yelled for the archers and mages to fire immediately. Skaal-ti knew he needed to hurry. The gate would be instrumental to the army. The Breton army had started their assault of West Dragonstar, so Gorum decided to assist High King Daric's men. He ran outside and spotted the Argonian heading to the gate tower. He followed him, making his way up a ladder to Skaal-ti. The Argonian finally made his way to the gatehouse, but discovered that there were two levers on opposite sides and found out that they needed to be pulled on the exact same time. He cursed his luck. While speculating on how he was going to open the gate, Gorum appeared.

Morgan took the stairs down to the floor. The Nord contractor, along with his muscular Redguard bodyguard, was waiting for him. The Nord in fine clothes shook Morgan's hand, greeting the vampire. Morgan greeted him back. The Nord asked how the Emperor was, if he was more paranoid than ever. He said that he hoped not, since the war was going pretty bad. However he mentioned that didn't mean they would lose business. The contractor asked about the Khajiit. Morgan smirked, saying that the Khajiit wouldn't last a minute with him in open combat. The Nord chuckled, since their friends didn't call Morgan the Reaper of Cheydinhal for nothing. The vampire pointed at a box filled with septims, he told the Nord the payment awaited there. He thanked the Imperial, and said he would return the favor in Cidhna Mine. The Nord then ordered his big brute of a Redguard to drag the box outside to the carriage. The contractor bowed and left with his bodyguard. Morgan muttered, saying that he needed to go to Markarth to save a certain person.

The first two ladders made it to the wall. The Breton soldiers started putting them up. Redguard archers fired down at the soldiers with the ladder, a few of them grabbed a ladder and pushed it down. One of the ladders fell and killed the two soldiers that were climbing it. Caesar made it to the wall and started to put his ladder up. He ordered the archers and mages to give them some supporting fire while the warriors climbed up the ladders. He held the ladder while a soldier started climbing it. Skaal-ti had been pacing back and forth when Gorum showed up. The Argonian was surprised. The Orc said he forgot to mention the two levers, which he knew about. He had come to help. Skaal-ti said to open the gates quick. The two make their way to the two different levers and pulled them on the count of three and the gates opened. Caesar climbed the ladder up the wall. The first few of his men had made it up and most of the ladders had reached the side of the wall. Another of the ladders fell though. He fought the archers and advanced. He looked down at the city, the guards had organized and were marching towards the open gates to meet the Breton forces. He knew his men couldn't take all those guards alone, he needed Commander Etienne's reinforcements. The Blade ordered the warriors to push the archers back. It was then that he heard a loud noise and asked what it was. One of the soldiers yelled in reply, the gates were opening. Caesar ordered the remainder of his men whom were still outside, to head in through the open gates. He was surprised that Skaal-ti actually pulled off his mission.

As Skaal-ti and Gorum were about to make their way down, two redguard soldiers appeared in front of them. The Orc readied his shield and shoved them down the wall with a bash. Skaal-ti was impressed with his strength. They made their way over to Caesar, whom was fighting with the archers. The Argonian called to him as soon as he spotted the Blade. He ran over and reported the success of his mission, as well as introducing Gorum. The innkeeper greeted the Imperial. Caesar pointed to the remaining archers still on the wall and ordered Skaal-ti to aid him to help him clear them out. He drew his katana and charged at the archers.

Etienne and the rest of the army had gotten into position to wait until the gates were opened so they could reinforce. Sometime later, the Breton spotted the gate opening in the distance. He turned to face the rest of the army which he had gathered. He called them forth, to fear no darkness. He told them to arise, men of the High King. He told them spears would be shaken, shields would be splintered. It was a sword day, a red day and as the sun rose in the morning they would have victory. He ordered them to charge. The rest of the army charged into the city. With the gates open and the defenses focused on Caesar's force, the army sustained little losses.

Caesar slashed and sliced at the enemy Archers. Both Gorum and Skaal-ti used their bows to shoot at them. The Imperial lead his men after the last of the archers on the wall. Afterwards he spotted Etienne and his army fighting in the city. He expressed his relief, since his own men were starting to lose the battle before they got reinforcements. The soldiers on the battlements finished off the last of the archers. Caesar looked down at the city bellow, where the Commander and his men were engaging the enemy guards. Then he looked at the wall and told his subordinates that he had an idea, and for them to follow him. He lead his men through the wall to the opposite side of the city. They killed any guards they found along the way. Caesar and his men got down from the walls, they were now behind the enemy soldiers. The Blade told them they were going to flank them and said for no one to say a word. They approached the guards, who were too busy fighting Etienne's men to notice them. When they were close enough Caesar ordered them to attack and charged at the guards. The Argonian and the Orc remained as archers, firing accurate shots at the enemy. The guards were surrounded, Caesar's men attacking from the back and Etienne's men from the front. The Blade unleashed a fury of slashes, slices, dices, stabs, cuts, chops and bashes at the guards. They cut through the guards. The Dragonstar defenders were at a major disadvantage and were being slaughtered by the Bretons.

Days later Morgan arrived just outside of Markarth. He also brought a massive purse of septims in hopes of bailing the asset out. He muttered to himself about the money giving the Jarl an incentive. He decided to enter the city. He commented on nothing changing in city of granite. Morgan entered the Understone Keep, where the Jarl resided. He noticed that there were a lot of guards patrolling the dwarven gate, he wondered what was going on. Morgan approached Jarl Thongvor Silver-Blood. The Jarl's housecarl, Yngvar the Singer, asked what his business there was. Morgan ignored him and told the Jarl that he came here to pay the fine for an elf woman falsely incarcerated in Cidhna Mine. He then handed the massive purse of septims to the Jarl's steward, Reburrus Quintilius. Thongvor obviously knew the woman he was talking about. He agreed to set her free but said that there was something important to mention. The vampire asked what it was. Thongvor told Morgan that the elf woman he was looking for had made a run for the local ruin of Nchuand-Zel. He said his men wouldn't even dare to enter that demon-infested place. However he bet that she was still alive, and told the Imperial to hurry up and find her before the Steam Centurions do. He told Reburrus to hand Morgan a key to the ruin and warned him to enter at his own peril. The vampire thanked him and took his leave, entering the ruins. He found them eerily quiet. He muttered to himself about the first time he attempted to capture the nimble elf, found of the good old times. Morgan descended deeper into the ruins. He arrived at the underground city and noticed something. He knew that she was there alright, but he was not sure she coul hold off Falmer and angry Centurions all by herself. He sneaked further and spoted a Falmer below him. He dropped on the Falmer as he stabed it in the skull, before entering the nearby door. Morgan was carefully sneaking through the dungeon while searching for the woman. He noticed a trail of blood. He knew that wasn't good, so he must hurry.

The 12th Legion heads back into Skyrim from Morrowind to confront High King Ulfric's army at Riften.

General Hasphat of the 10th Legion of Black Marsh lead his men to Stormhold. When they arrived they were engaged by Argonian guerrilla groups. They made it to the city and fought the Argonians stationed there, of which there were only a few. Hasphat noted that there were few Argonians there and there was no way they managed to take the city. The rest of them must have moved on.

The Argonian Horde arrived in the outskirts of Blackrose. They noticed the cities defenses were up and the guards were extra watchful. The An-Xileel decided to hold off the attack.

Emperor Augurius received the letter from the Governor of Black Marsh. He learned of the Argonian rebellion and ordered part of the 7th legion of Morrowind relocated to Stormhold to meet up with General Hasphat. The part of the 7th Legion that was moved south was the northern part, which was the farthest away from the border, in case the Argonians invade Morrowind again. Thus Blacklight became under guarded. This gave House Redoran the opportunity they needed. They started readying themselves for their coup against the Imperials.

After a long journey Jo'Khar and Tanan finally arrived at Solitude. They head for the city's inn. The conman waited for the Khajiit to get them rooms. The Khajiit told the innkeeper he needed two rooms. He handed 40 septims to the Nord. The innkeeper handed two keys to Jo'Khar and told him the rooms were upstairs and they could keep it for two days. He said that if the Khajiit needed anything, to just let him know. The mage approached the Argonian and told him he was going to take a small break. He told him that they would meet up later. He handed Tanan the key to his room and then went to get some rest in his own room. After he left, Tanan immediately decided to ditch him. He left Solitude and headed towards Riften where he had contacts with the local Thieves Guild.

Etienne spotted Caesar in the midst of the battle. He decapitated one of the guards. His sword was covered in blood. He told Caesar that they needed to find the monarch. After stabbing a guard then kicked him off his sword, the Blade pointed to the large palace in the middle of the city and told him he must be in the palace. The Commander and two of his soldiers broke off from the battle and started heading towards the palace. The Commander and two of his soldiers broke off from the battle and started heading towards the palace. Caesar followed him, motioning for Skaal-ti and Gorum to come as well. They went with him. The group headed to the Palace. There the Elite guard still protected the King. The Blade asked Etienne what he planned to do to the king. The commander said it depended on what he planned to do to them. The group climbed the stairs up to the entrance of the Palace. The Elite Guards pointed their lances at the intruders. Seeing that they were part of the invading forces they blocked the doors. The captain of the king's guards ordered his men to protect the king.

Morgan noticed that there were many Falmer in the torture chamber. He used an Ash Shell spell to paralyze the strongest Falmer and finish off the weaker ones. After killing the lesser Falmer, he finished off the Falmer shadowmaster with a stab to the head. There he found the woman he's looking for. The elf told Morgan that he was a little late, it would've been better for him to arrive sooner. Morgan replied, removing the binds from the elf, saying that being a smuggler he had to avoid the authorities and that it took a lot of arrangements. The elf passes out from exhaustion. Morgan heard shouting noises from afar. Morgan cursed, realizing that the last fight must have been noisy. He'd have to sneak out instead, he then carried the elf on his right shoulder as he used his transversals to teleport through a blocked exit while carefully sneaking. There were Falmer everywhere scouring every nook and cranny. After successfully sneaking through countless Falmer, Morgan managed to make it back to the Keep. A guard asked him what was going on. He said that he just saved a woman from getting carved alive. He asked if there was a place to find healing potions. The guard told him to try the Hag's Cure, saying Bothela should help him out. Morgan thanked him and proceeded there. The elder Breton saw the vampire carry the woman inside her shop. She asked what happened. Morgan told her she needed healing and asked if she would help. Bothela agreed and started to gather some healing potions. The Imperial wondered when the Khajiit would show up. Bothela told him that the elf should be fine now, but for her not to overexert herself. Morgan thanked her, the elder Breton then left the two alone in the room. The elf wagered that he needed her for another back massage. The vampire replied, saying he needed her help to turn the tide of the war for the Empire.

Etienne attempted to persuade the guards to stand down, telling them that their lives were worth more than their duty. He said their king would rather kill his opponents from the shadows than face them honorably. The guard captain asked for the Breton to elaborate on his comment. Caesar kept his katana ready. Etienne told the guards that their king was funding the group of rebels in East Dragonstar to usurp the council, rather than attack them head on. He said the king did not care how the public thought of him, he only wanted power. He asked if he would you serve a false king who worked from the shadows. The commander told them he wouldn't. The Captain and his men lowered their weapons, for Redguards valued honor just as much as the Nords and the Orcs. He asked for evidence of their king's involvement, or if they were just supposed to believe him. The commander told them that sadly they didn't, but they could just watch their king confess when they confronted him. The captain raised his spear again, saying he could not let them do that. By his honor and his oaths to the king, he was sworn to protect his life no matter what. As where his men. The other guards raised their weapons. Caesar said that they had no other choice, they had to fight. He lifted his Shield and crouched, pointing his sword forward and covering his body with his shield. Etienne drew his greatsword. He tried to expose the weak point of the spears. The head of the spear could be easily removed from the shaft, if the fighter was skilled enough, with a quick and firm sword swing. The Elite Guards kept their spears and Halberds pointed at the Bretons. Caesar approached slowly with his shield covering his body. The commander approached slowly. As he got closer, he swung upwards with his sword, attempting to break the spear. He managed to break that guard's spear. The guard moved back and drew his scimitar. Caesar lunged at a guard. He used his shield to push his spear up and then broke it with his katana. Before the guard could back away the Blade kicked him down and then stabbed him in the chest.

Xeraz decided to return to Nelthro's side and leave the war in Hammerfell to the other Nelthars. She concluded that the Kanirs didn't need to get personally involved in the war now that she had gotten acquainted with the situation. She left Taneth on a ship, intending to return to Akavir. Chaid continued to lead the Nelthar forces during the campaign against the Forebears and the Legion in Hammerfell.

Elvali had been sent on a job to kill Jarl Thongvor Silver-Blood of the Reach, but she failed and was incarcerated in Cidhna Mine. She was able to escape, making her way to the Dwemer ruins under the city of Markarth, but was captured by the Falmer that inhabited the place and tortured until Morgan freed her. After fully recovering Elvali followed Morgan to the outskirts of Cheydinhal. Morgan's headquarters was an underground cave filled with complete essentials for a living and training quarters built by his subordinates to their greatest extent. Elvali noticed that he was training more recruits. She asked him if he was growing paranoid. They watched the subordinates train. Morgan said that these people who were training were previously street urchins, refugees, the poor and the like. He just gave them a chance to make a living with some training, and a bit of magic. They saw one of the trainers use transversals to travel up to 10 meters. The subordinates had transversals, but is limited to 10 meters and needs 5 seconds to be recast.

Etienne ordered his other troops to replicate his attack. Breaking the spears would give them a huge advantage. Skaal-ti and the Orc switched to their melee weapons, following the commander's example. In close quarters combat Caesar was excellent, he bashed the Redguards and slashed at them. After a while the elite guards were defeated. Etienne and his men went inside the Palace. There was a long hallway with a large set of doors at the end. Caesar deduced that is must be the throne room. The commander ordered the Blade and Skaal-ti to watch their backs. He slowly made his way towards the large set of doors and opened them. Caesar followed the order and turned around. He watched their six as they approached the doors. Etienne held his greatsword in one hand and pushed the door open with the other. The King was sitting on his throne. His guards move in front of him to protect him from the Bretons. The Blade turned forwards, facing the King and his guards. He asked if they were going to kill him. Etienne asked his opinion, but Caesar said that it didn't matter because he was not in charge. The Breton thought it best to take him alive, since the council would want him. Caesar nodded and approached the guards, holding up his shield. Etienne with Caesar on one side and Skaal-ti on the other approached the king. He ordered the monarch to surrender and they would bring him no harm. He gave his word. The King said he would not surrender his city, or his throne. He stood up and drew his scimitar. He said that if they wanted it, they needed to come and take it. Caesar bashed one of the guard's spears and broke it then he cast lightning bolt at the guard.

Naerion was sifting through pages in the Nelthar archives in their base in the Jerral Mountains. Most of what he looked through he wrote off as lies, but then he found something that might have a hidden meaning. He wondered if he could decipher the lies, and thought that he could. It was the history of the Nelthars that he was going through. Deciphering the lies from the truth would give him a more detailed view on the history of his family. The actual story was not written down, but he already knew it so if he could put the deciphered truth together with his knowledge, he'd know everything. He thought that whoever wrote the archives was a genius. Naerion rose from his chair, Alis Nelthar had told him that Xeraz Kanir had appeared, so he figured that he should go. He wanted to see what the Forebears were up to if a Kanir was interested enough to come to Tamriel.

The Nords fought the 12th Legion in the Rift. The fight was pretty even until the High King started to use the Thu'um. Ulfric, who was now in his 50's and who's hair was beginning to become gray, shouted with Unrelenting Force at the Imperial Legion. The Nords pushed back the 12th legion slowly out of Skyrim again. The Stormcloaks pushed the Legion back towards Stendarr's Beacon. The 12 legion, now half its original size, retreated to Morrowind. The Nords celebrate their victory in the battle once more. After having recaptured the Rift from the Empire then holding it from a second attack, Ulfric returned to his seat at Windhelm.

Naerion left the Nelthar base in the Jerral Mountains when he heard that there was a battle in the Rift between the Stormcloaks and the Legion. He decided to head into Riften while the Nords were busy fighting the Imperials. He headed to the keep. Naerion looked at the keep guards watching the door. He walked to the other door where he saw some more guards, but they seem to not see the door as clearly as the others. Naerion then approached and opened the door slightly just enough to pass through before silently closing it, he looked around the entrance hall of the keep. He crept around the keep, searching for the Jarl.

The Redoran Guard started killing the Imperial soldiers in the city. They headed towards the Palace where the King of Morrowind, member of House Hlaalu and a puppet for the Emperor, ruled from. Balyn Omoran was leading the Redoran forces as they tried to free the city from Imperial control. Commander Balyn and his Redoran Guard made it to the King's Palace. He ordered them to form a perimeter around the palace, so the King could not escape. The commander and his men kicked down the doors to the King's throne room. Balyn told the King, Hlaalu Vuvil, that his reign was over. The Dunmer would no longer bow to the Tyrant Emperor. The King called Balyn a fool and told him that House Redoran would doom Morrowind. He said that Daric wouldn't win the war, that Augurius would defeat him. Balyn retorted, calling Vuvil the fool. He then stabbed the King with his Elven Sword, ending his life.

Etienne slashed at one of the guards. Skaal-ti shot at another. The King lunged at the Breton Commander. He swung his scimitar at him. The Blade sliced at a guard and stabbed another, while the Argonian killed the first of them with an arrow to the chest. Etienne blocked the attack with his greatsword and took a defensive stance. The King activated his Adrenaline Rush ability and began to power attack the Commander. Caesar slashed another guard in the chest, saving Skaal-ti from his blow. Etienne raises his sword to block the attacks. He received a few cuts, nothing serious except for one across the chest. The Imperial left the guards for the other soldiers. He went over to help his commander. He bashed at the King, staggering him while Etienne slashed at the king's legs. The King fell over due to the wound. Caesar went over to his commader and asked him if he was alright. The Breton replied that no, since it was a pretty deep cut. He complimented the king's sword, then warned the Blade of an attack from behind him. His voice was shaky as he spoke. Gorum and Skaal-ti continued to fight alongside the soldiers against the remaining guards. Caesar turned around just in time to raise his shield, protecting himself and Etienne. The commander unsheathed his dagger and threw it at a guard. The Imperial got up, thanking the commander for the warning. The Bretons had killed the last of the Redguard guards. He looked at the king who was on the floor in pain, then asked if they should drag the overthrown king to East Dragonstar. The commander nodded and said he would survey what happened outside the palace. Caesar motioned for his men to grab the King. He then followed Etienne outside, the Breton soldiers dragged the King. Skaal-ti and Gorum when with them, but instead of going back to East Dragonstar they headed to The King's Rest to celebrate their victory.

He saw that the Breton Army had defeated the West guards. He told Etienne that they should head over to the Eastern Council to inform them of their success. The Redguard King called the Council fools for siding with Daric Lariat, saying that the High King and the Emperor would have their heads. Etienne shrugged off the king's comment. The Bretons took the King to the east side of Dragonstar. As they were leaving Eastern guards were already arriving in the West to garrison the city now that it had been taken over. The group soon arrived at the council chamber. The commander told the councilors that they had brought their rival to them. The Breton soldiers threw the King in front of the Council's table. The Eldest councilor opened a vote on what to do with the king after he acknowledged the Redguard monarch. The male councilor voted on killing the king, right then and there. The female councilor voted to imprison the King for his crimes against Dragonstar, like funding the Setting Suns. The two turned to the elder. He agreed with the woman, saying that killing him would be premature. He said that the King could still be useful to them when they formally took control of West Dragonstar. Etienne told the council that for their cooperation they would enjoy prosperous trade with High Rock. He asked for their troops to be allowed to rest there before they continued. The eldest councilor said that their doors were always opened to friends. He ordered the guards to take the King to his new room. Caesar bowed to the Councilors and then walked out of the room with the other Bretons. Once he was back to camp Etienne looked at his lieutenant. He told him to get the men to the barracks in the city. They needed their rest. He said he would send a letter to High King Daric soon to report their success and ask for their next set of orders.

General Hasphat received the reinforcements from Morrowind. The An-Xileel received word that the Legion had retaken Stormhold. They headed through the inner swamps to Stormhold to take it back.

Gorum hung up a sign that said "free ale for the rest of the evening" outside of his Tavern. Caesar went to the Gorum's tavern in West Dragonstar and had a few drinks. A Redguard handed him a letter from the council, it had been sent by King Bodean. The rest of the soldiers were also relaxing there for the night after the battle.

High King Daric had received a letter from King Bodean telling him of how he was back and Taneth is once again in Forebears control.

The next day Etienne, refreshed from his sleep, told his lieutenant to send the message to the High King.

A few days later, Daric received a letter from Etienne and then sent a reply, congratulating him on the success of his siege. In the letter he told Etienne that he could decide what course of action would be best now that he had taken Dragonstar. Because of General Roderic's absence in Hammerfell he promoted Etienne to General.

Etienne had to wait a few days for the reply. The Breton was most pleased at the promotion. He thought of the best thing to do and came to the conclusion that since the city of Skaven was the closest, as because it was under Crown control, it would be the perfect target. If they could somehow take it they'd have a good grip on Northern Hammerfell. From there Sentinel could be taken, if King Bodean were to help them out. Etienne called a meeting of his most trusted lieutenants and Caesar in the command tent. While the Blade was drinking one of the soldiers told him that the Commander had called him to his tent. When he arrived, he asked the commander why he was called. Etienne informed him that he was now promoted to General, by Daric. He handed Caesar the letter he had received from the High King. He then told the Blade that they were going to Skaven and that he was called to the tent in order to discuss the coming siege. The Imperial congratulated him and then handed him the letter from King Bodean. He told the general that the Redguard king was also marching on Skaven. If they took the city then Sentinel would be cut off from the Empire and would be easy pickings for them. Etienne said that it was good news. A join attack would be far better than a lone assault. Caesar asked if they would be leaving soon. The general said that once the soldiers were ready they'd be heading out. The Imperial nodded and asked the general if he would like to have a drink with him and the men at Gorum's tavern over in West Dragonstar. He agreed.

Morgan and Elvali we're sparring with each other for half an hour until a courier ran into the room. An initiate told Morgan that the Khajiit was now in Solitude, and had asked some townsfolk about them. He asked what his orders were. Morgan told him to send the men to take care of him, but to keep it quiet. Since Skyrim was hostile territory. The initiate left. Elvali asked who the Khajiit was. Morgan said he was some cat who sticks his nose to where it doesn't belong. The elf asked Morgan how the trio was coming along. The Imperial said it was going good, but the shortage of funds was becoming a problem. He then told her to prepare, as they were going to visit the Emperor soon.

After a short rest, Jo'Khar searched around Solitude for some sign of the vampire that killed his family. He searched nearly the whole city and thought it unbelievable how he found nothing so far. He decided to return to the inn to meet up with Tanan, no doubt the Argonian was up by then. When he returned to the inn, he found that the Argonian's room was empty. He grew angry when he realized that the bastard had ditched him and ran away. Furious, he decided to head to the city's temple to clear his mind. He was alone in the Temple of the Divines. He wondered how Roderic and Daric were doing. He hoped they weren't focused on finding him, he had no intention of going back, not before he had his vengeance. As he knelled there in front of the altars, he didn't even suspect that he was being watched. After he offered respect to the Divines, Jo'Khar decides to leave the temple. Three assassins come out from the shadows and try to attack him. Since he didn't want to cause a mess in the temple, the Khajiit decided to fight with his claws. He was having a hard time trying to subdue the assassins because of them constantly maneuvers, they were fast. Faster than he expected. He decided to put his back on the wall for an idea. One of the men charge at him, but was subdued and his head was forced into the wall several times, killing him. The second assassin tried to lunge at Jo'Khar, but ended up dead after getting choke slammed. The last assassin tried to use his crossbow, but the Khajiit quickly grabbed a dagger from one of the dead assassins and threw it at the assassin. The man was hit in the throat and died after a few seconds. He realized that they must have found him, the people that work for his family's killer. He knew he had to be careful now. He then left the temple and went back to the inn.

Bodean and his men had finished resting. Taneth had been mostly rebuild and the peace was re-established. They gathered water and left for Skaven. Bodean had received a letter from the Council of Dragonstar saying they were now on his side, after they took the eastern side of the city with the help of Breton forces. He told them that he was marching with half his army to Skaven and the rest would stay in Taneth to make sure the Empire wasn't able to take it again.

With their general killed during the battle of Taneth, the Legion in Hammerfell was pretty unorganized and they chose to stay on the defensive rather than counterattack the Forebears.

Morgan and Elvali arrived at the White-Gold Tower a few days later. Morgan told the soldiers guarding the entrance that they were there to see the Emperor. The soldier recognized Morgan from his last visit to the White-Gold Tower. He let them in and said the Emperor was in his study. The whole city was a little uneasy. In the last week everyone that was rumored to have been supporters of Daric, the Nords or the Forebears was hung. Their corpses still covered the graveyard around the Tower. Morgan commented on the dead, saying that was what happened to those who opposed the Empire, even in their minds. He told Elvali that it was best not to get on his bad side. They followed the Imperial Soldier. The Soldier brought them to the Study.

Augurius' paranoia was making him exhausted, as he barely got any sleep. On one day, Augurius left the door to his study half open. For he was so tired he forgot to close it. Nevertheless, there were guards outside. He was at his desk looking over reports. A guard walked into the room and told him that Morgan was here to see him. The Emperor told them to come in, his tired state was obvious from the tone of his voice.

Caesar entered the tavern and sat at a table. He ordered a round of drinks for the soldiers, saying it was on the general. They all started to laugh and cheer. Etienne told them to drink up, they deserved it. Caesar drank like the others and celebrated the victory.