Chapter 63 -- The High King
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Aela was with child.
She knew she was as she'd been suffering what she called morning sickness. She explained a couple more things to the girls and myself before she visited a priestess. She was gone for a couple of hours, returning with the news that she was also pregnant, nowhere near as far along as Mirabelle or Lydia, but there was no doubt she was now carrying our child.
Part of me could only sit back in the chair feeling a little smug about things. Three of my six girls now carried our child. If they gave birth to all boys, all girls, or a mix, I didn't mind. Haelga didn't want a child, so that made life easier with her. Serana was in two minds. She liked the idea of being a mother, but we'd spoken in private, and she was more focused on her alchemy and working on her magic. She had no yearning to be a mother, though, and would happily help the others in the raising of theirs. As for Elisif, she was prepared to wait until everything had been sorted regarding her future. We'd spoken often since that night and she was ready to continue her service to Solitude, so I suggested that, should she not be queen, I would definitely keep her as a thane and an advisor. She appreciated the thought.
What I learned is that though the war seemed to finish rather quickly, I mean from the time I helped take Riften to my battle with Ulfric, it must have only been a couple of months at most, less than that. But though I had defeated Ulfric, and from what I heard, his army was being sent home, the political fallout was still being dealt with.
I must have been back in Solitude permanently for at least a month when I was summoned to Castle Dour. I knew why, so headed up immediately to be greeted by General Tullius, who filled me in with what had happened and what the future may bring.
"The Emperor himself is currently on his way back to Skyrim. He's coming by carriage this time, and wishes to oversee the Moot."
"Interfering won't make friends fast, General."
Tullius grinned. "He knows that, Dragonborn. He merely wishes to see who the Jarls will pick as the new High King. Once they are selected, he wishes to sit down with whoever it is and chart a new path forward."
"And Ulfric?"
"He wishes to meet with Ulfric face to face first. He actually agreed with your idea, about not executing him, making him a martyr. Ulfric isn't happy about anything, of course. Legion soldiers now patrol his streets. His closest advisors have been arrested and are currently residing in jails around Skyrim. But I guess whatever you said to him work. He said he will be patient for now."
"I told him to trust me."
Gesturing with his head, I followed him into a sitting room, where we both sat by the fire on a chair each, a servant bringing in a flask of wine and two goblets. After pouring us each a glass, he sat back in his chair, definitely thinking about what to say next. "We're not ready," he finally said.
"Ready for what?"
"War with the Thalmor. We're not ready for it. I know people are itching for it. Revenge for what those bastards did. But we're not ready. We're not strong enough. This civil war dragged on far too long."
"You think they want to attack us?"
"I don't think they're strong enough either. But I know they would love nothing more than to finish the job they started, destroy the Empire completely. They won't take us over, like they did Valenwood. No, they'll just ensure Cyrodiil, Skyrim and High Rock are split apart, thereby keeping us too weak to do anything about it. Losing Hammerfell was a bitter blow."
"What does the Emperor want to do?"
Tullius sipped at his wine for at least a couple of minutes. Then he met my eyes. "This does not leave this room, Dragonborn." I nodded my understanding. "I love my country. Reading about the history of the Empire, Tiber Septim and the line of Emperors, the fact that Tamriel was, at one time, united. All the races together for one cause. Look at us now. Talos must weep when he sees the mess we've made of it. And the current line... nothing like the Septim's. I serve my Emperor as it is my duty to do so. It's what I swore to do when taking up the sword and shield. But as a man? What I actually think would be considered treasonous. Personally, I like the man. He has good intentions. But he's ineffective."
"I see what you mean by treasonous. So what would you want doing?"
"There's a list as long as my arm of what could or should be done, Dragonborn. But I'm in Skyrim for a specific reason. To ensure the peace. Once a High King is chosen, my role as military governor would be at an end. Legion soldiers will remain present as always but the High King will run the province once the dust settles."
"I know my name is being thrown around, General. You do realise all I want is a peaceful life."
"You're the Dragonborn. That very fact means a peaceful life is impossible."
"I realised that a while ago. Still wish for it though."
"I take it you will be attending the Moot?"
"Aye, at the request of more than one Jarl."
"I'm sure it will prove rather interesting, Dragonborn. The Emperor should be here within days. Once he arrives, word will be sent to the Jarls about when the Moot will be convened."
"Where will it be held?"
"I know there is a traditional place where it is held but I believe the Emperor has already requested the use of Dragonsreach in Whiterun, simply as it is near enough the centre of Skyrim."
We finished the flask of wine before I returned home. I was asked plenty of questions as always, but had little to tell, and what Tullius told me of his own personal opinion regarding the Emperor would be a secret I intended to keep. Now that I knew the Emperor was on his way, and a Moot would be convened, I had something on the horizon. Otherwise, I kept myself busy by continuing to train, while occasionally doting on Mirabelle, who was definitely starting to show, Lydia the same, while Aela was still in the relatively early stages.
Around two weeks later, I received a letter with the seal of the Emperor, asking for my presence at Castle Dour the next evening, and I could bring one guest. Of course I chose to take Mirabelle, as I knew that would lead to plenty of questions, and we'd both grin like idiots when we told anyone that we were expecting. The only question we ever received was why we did not wear the bonds of matrimony. Skyrim could be open-minded at times, terribly conservative at others. The fact we were having a child out of wedlock did raise one or two eyebrows, not that either of us cared for the opinion of narrow minded fools.
Still, dining with the Emperor was an excuse to dress up, and I certainly received appreciation when I wandered out into the sitting room in one of the fine suits I now kept. Mirabelle was a delight when she appeared from the stairs, Aela and Lydia having helped do her hair at the same time. The dress was tight, showing off her larger breasts and pronounced bump.
Walking up to Castle Dour a few minutes later, taking her hand as always, we were greeted by a pair of guards at the door. Handing over my invitation, I was escorted inside to the main hall, a long table in the middle, chairs surrounding it, the table covered in cloths, plates of food already in position. Servants wandered with trays of drink and food, Mirabelle staying by my side as I was greeted by people I knew, but most I didn't.
No sign of the Emperor yet, but there was eventually a call for places to be taken. Mirabelle and I were given seats rather close to where I assumed the Emperor would be sitting. He appeared five minutes later, all of us rising as he was announced. Though he was still dressed in finery, it seemed he'd scaled it back, taking his position by his chair before asking us to sit.
Conversation soon flowed, as did the alcohol, picking at some meat, potato and vegetables. Mirabelle, eating for two, certainly packed it away, though still managed a refined air, certainly in comparison to myself. The Emperor spent most of his time talking to those nearest, being Elisif and Tullius, before he cleared his throat and looked straight at me. "So, Dragonborn, I believe it is you I have to thank for securing the province for the Emperor."
"I didn't do it alone, sire."
"Ah, but Lucius here tells me that you fought Ulfric Stormcloak in single combat."
"I did, sire, but I still had the soldiers of the Empire at my back."
"Was it honourable?"
"It was, sire. No matter what you think of Ulfric, in my mind, he will always be an honourable, noble warrior."
"I will be meeting with him before my journey to Dragonsreach. I'm sure it will be an interesting experience."
The rest of the meal carried on without incident, not that I expected anything to go wrong. I chatted with the Emperor every now and then, but it was only later, once the plates had been cleared, the table cleaned, and the guests were now milling around, chatting away, that I was invited for a private conversation with the Emperor. Led into his quarters, I was surprised I was left alone with him, considering my history. After we'd taken a seat, and I'd been handed a goblet of brandy, he sat back and chuckled to himself.
"Bet you never thought we'd be in this position, Dragonborn."
"Part of me is still amazed by it, sire."
"You've more than redeemed yourself. Ending the dragon threat. Ending the vampire menace. And now resolving the war in a manner that ensures the Empire remains in control but those who rose up can return home peacefully. The killing had to stop."
