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."
