Across The Pond

Emperor Mede sat in the Elder Council chambers for yet another time this week. Emperor Mede didn't mind sitting in on the meetings but each one brought depressing news. Last time he was informed that the city of Bravil is besieged, and the time before that was when he was told of the fall of the city of Leyawiin. It was clear the Aldmeri Dominion were making their way towards the Imperial City. It was only a matter of time before the were at the city walls.

The last member of the council had arrived and the meeting was about to begin. The table was full of representatives from all around the city and the fact that they were all asked to join made them nervous.

"As you all may have guessed the Thalmor have been steadily moving their army up towards the Imperial City. Well they are at our doors now. I fear the will attempt to siege the city" spoke Strillian, confirming the fears of the group.

"How long do you think we have?" asked a the voice of a woman. Emperor Mede recognized this woman as one of the guild masters of the city, though he couldn't remember which one.

"The Thalmor are moving their naval forces up the Niben River. We can expect them to reach Lake Rumare within the week" Strillian said.

Lake Rumare is a large lake completely surrounding the island of the Imperial City, if the Thalmor got their naval forced to this lake they would be trapped.

"What kind of ships do we have in our ports currently? Since I can't see any reinforcements coming up through the Niben River any time soon I need to know what we have to work with" Emperor Mede said.

"We have a few ships that are battle capable sir, but at best they can hold off the attacks. They won't last the full force of the ships that are on the move" said one of the sailors at the table.

"Get the ships battle ready by the end of the day" Emperor Mede told the sailor.

"Yes sir" said the sailor with a salute.

"Good, any news on our missing guard captain Scelian?" asked Emperor Mede.

"No sir, and Vallius is still missing as well" Strillian said.

Emperor Mede shook his head slightly.

"Don't worry sir, we will find the two traitors and bring them to justice" Strillian reassured the Emperor.

"I know" said the Emperor quietly. "I know."

Vallius had spent the entire day walking to the town of Cheydinhal that was to the North East of the Imperial City. Once Vallius had entered the city he made his way to the Abandon house as he was instructed to.

Vallius opened the abandoned house with the key he was given by Torrvar. The inside of the abandoned house looked exactly how Vallius had imagined it to look. The only thing inside the main room as a dusty old table that Vallius suspected would collapse if a sword was dropped down on it a little too hard. There were cobwebs everywhere. There were stairs to the right that went up and stairs that went down to the left.

"That Nord said it was in the basement" Vallius said to himself as he started walking down the stairs.

At the bottom of the stairs was a small room. Much like the first room the basement was covered in cobwebs. In one corner however the stone wall was broken. Several pieces of concrete littered the floor around the hole. The hole was barely wide enough for a person to fit through but Vallius managed.

On the other side was in a short dirt tunnel. At the end of this tunnel was a large, heavy looking, iron door. There was a large metallic ring in lieu of a traditional door knob. The door seemed to glow a deep red. On the door were carvings. The top half of the door was dominated by a very large carving of the top of a skull. In the forehead of the skull was a circle, in the circle was a hand print, which seemed to be the source of the ominous red light.

Below the large skull was a carving of four skeletons that seemed to be revering what Vallius could only describe as a zombie, which seemed to be holding a small person and a dagger.

Before Vallius could try to knock on the door a disembodied voice spoke to Vallius.

"What, is the color of night?" asked a raspy voice that seemed to emit from the door.

"uh ... " Vallius stammered. He quickly regained he composure and responded to the door "sanguine, my brother."

"Welcome home" the raspy voice said as the door slowly opened by itself. Vallius felt chilled run up his spine as he walked into the dimly lit room and the door slowly closed behind him.

"And so it begins" Vallius muttered to himself.

"Ah, our newest addition. Welcome to your new home Vallius" came the voice of a female Vallius recognized.

Vallius looked around and quickly found the source of the voice. A Khajiit woman whose head appeared lopsided due to a missing ear.

"You looked shocked to see me Vallius, did you forget I was a member of the Dark Brotherhood?" asked the Khajiit woman.

"No, I didn't forget" Vallius said. "Who are you anyway?"

"My name is Shotherra, and before you say anything. I accept your apology" said Shotherra.

"Oh, right" Vallius said awkwardly. "I'm terribly sorry."

"Think nothing of it Vallius. It is actually the reason I wanted you in the Brotherhood Vallius. Your skills with a blade are phenomenal and, with the right guidance, can help lead us to greatness" Shotherra said.

"Don't you think you might be setting the bar a little too high Shotherra?" asked Vallius.

"Only time will tell Vallius. But for now let's get you properly introduced to the rest of the Dark Brotherhood. You've already met the head of our sanctuary, Torrvar" Shotherra said.

"Ah yes, the Nord" Vallius said.

"Yes, the Nord. And I'm sure he has something for you" Shotherra told Vallius.

"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go" Vallius said with a smile.