Mori Pro Imperio: The Story of Pliton Calleius

When I woke up, Twilight was already getting dressed.

“Good morning.” She said, pecking my cheek, “We should be leaving soon, Lainbon is only two hours away.”

“Good,” I said, putting on my undergarments, “We still have a week before we need to get to Hegathe. We should make it.”

We walked outside, to see Tralen and Ernand cooking the last of the food we had. We had a feast for breakfast compared from we usually have. We had rabbit, cabbage, mead, beef and potatoes. We ate until we couldn’t anymore, and we climbed onto the carriage, and we were off.

We were so close to Lainbon, which would probably be our last stop before Hegathe. We would purchase food, water, mead and weapons. We would then leave after a few hours, and basically sprint to Hegathe, where they were waiting for us.

We exchanged small talk, but I was absorbed in thought. Stros M’Kai was a small island off the coast of Hammerfell, and was a stronghold for local Redguards. Stros M’Kai also served as a natural fortress, which came in handy. This was shown during the Redguard rebellion against the Empire in the Second Era.

We stopped only briefly in Lainbon, getting what we needed, and then Tralen pushed the horses to their limits to Hegathe. All the while, I was learning new spells from Ernand, and was able to learn a few from Twilight.

I was particularly able to link us all telepathically, so as to know if one of us needed help during Stros M’Kai. I also knew how to levitate small objects, teleport short distances, and use my Magika to push enemies back with pure kinetic energy.

We reached Hegathe in three days, and I looked for the General of the Second Legion.

“You must be the Legate we were waiting for,” he began, “My name is General Albeci…”

He stopped as he looked at me closely. His eyes grew wide, and said, “Pliton, is that you?”

“Father?” I replied, “What are you doing here?”

“I was assigned here by the Elder Council.” He said, “How’s the family? Have you talked to them?”

“Hard to,” I said, “When they’re dead. Skingrad’s been leveled, Father, they never had a chance.”

“Stendarr protect us,” he said. “Did you fight there?”

“No,” I said, “I wasn’t there. Where were you when this happened?”

“I was here,” he said, “Fighting to liberate Hammerfell.”

Anger welled up in me, and I looked at my father.

“You think I should’ve been there?” I asked, “I was in another dimension, fighting Daedra and Changelings! You think that just because you are in the Legion, it gives you an excuse to abandon your family? Do you know how much of my childhood I sacrificed to keep the family from falling apart? Oh no, you don’t, because you were always somewhere, in the Imperial City, kissing the Emperor’s ass, or living the good life, while I was lifting the family out of the gutters! Where the hell were you, Father? Where were you when I prayed to every god I knew that you would return? Were you just too good for us to come back and spare some gold for us?!”

My father stood dumbfounded as I finished my rant. His face was wide with surprise and grief.

“Son,” he said, putting his hand on my shoulder, “I know I wasn’t there for you, but you have to understand, I couldn’t come home. I wanted more than anything to come home, but I couldn’t.”

“I’ve been in the Legion for ten years now,” I retorted, “And I came home once every month, and I was actually doing something! I was fighting Stormcloaks, and what were you doing?”

I walked away from him after saying that, tears welling up in my eyes. My father only stood there, dumbfounded and shocked by the barrage of hurtful words. Twilight and Ernand followed after me, leaving my father alone.

“What was that about?” Twilight asked.

“I’m sorry,” I said, “But that was years of frustration I had welled up inside me. I only saw my father once, when he left for the Legion. I never saw him again, until now.”

“Well what do you want to do?” Twilight asked, “Do you want to go to a tavern?”

“I guess so,” I said, “I don’t care what you say, I’m paying for it.”

I walked into the tavern, and ordered a strong bottle of Nord Mead. I unplugged the cork, and took a swig. Almost immediately, I began to feel better.

“Alright,” Twilight said, sitting next to me, “Are you going to tell what he did to you?”

I sighed, and looked at her purple eyes. “When I was just a boy, the Aldmeri Dominion marched through Skingrad. They were on their way to the Imperial City. They burned down our house, and left us in the streets. My father left to fight for the Legion, and said I had to be the man of the family until he came back. But he didn’t. I had to find odd jobs throughout Skingrad to barely scrape by.

“For years, it went like this, until when I was fifteen; I joined the Legion, and sent back all of my pay back to my family in Skingrad. Finally my family was able to buy a house, and we seemed to be back on our feet. Life was good, until the Stormcloak rebellion, and my Legion was called up to Skyrim.

“My father didn’t come back, and my family sank back into poverty. I couldn’t send back my pay because of unsafe roads in Skyrim. When we escaped to High Rock and ultimately Cyrodiil, I returned, and we got back on our feet.

“You see,” I finished, “Even when my family was at their worst, my father disappeared off the face of the earth and never even sent back a septim to help us. That’s why I hate him more than any elf.”

“I’m so sorry,” Twilight said, “I had no idea you hated your father that much.”

I took a long swig of the mead, and said, “Don’t be. I’m not.”

She nodded, and I finished my mead. I paid, and walked out, slightly light-headed.

My father was waiting outside for me.

“I know you don’t want to talk to me,” he said, “But I need to explain myself.”

“Go ahead,” I said, “Though it’s probably going to be just bullshit.”

“Alright,” he said, “Once I left Skingrad, I was involved in the Battle of the Red Diamond. After that, I stayed in the Imperial City, now a Praefect. I desperately wanted to go home, but the Legion had other plans. I was stationed in Morrowind, with no way to contact you.

“After Morrowind, I was stationed in High Rock. I tried to send a hefty sum of septims to you, but it was raided by bandits. I was left penniless; I couldn’t even afford a letter. For two years, I saved up my money to head home, but I was needed on the border with Valenwood during the Stormcloak Rebellion, to protect against an Aldmeri attack.

“Then, when war came, we were routed, and retreated to the Imperial City. When Skingrad was taken, I felt that you were all dead. I was heartbroken, and I considered killing myself. I wanted to see you, needed to see you, but I couldn’t. I know you won’t believe me, but I’m sorry, I truly am.”

I stood there, head hung, eyes closed. So he hadn’t abandoned us, he just couldn’t get to us.

“I’m so sorry, Father.” I said, tears welling up, “All these years, I thought you abandoned us.”

“I know son,” he said, “But what’s done is done. Now that you’re here, we’re leaving tomorrow morning for Stros M’Kai.”

He was about to turn around, but stopped when he saw Twilight.

“Who are you?” He asked, “And what’s with the horn? Are you Equestrian?”

“Yes, General Calleius.” Twilight said, “And I’m Pliton’s girlfriend.”

“Wow,” he said, “Pliton, you sure know how to pick them. You get it from your father.”

He smirked, and I had to smack him on the arm. We parted ways, and Twilight, Ernand and I found an inn room for free. Twilight and I fell asleep in each other’s arms, and I felt comforted at the thought that this woman might become my wife someday.

We awoke to the sound of seagulls screeching in our window. We got up, and got ready to leave. I strung my bow, sharpened my sword, and counted my arrows. I also practiced a few spells, and I was ready.

Twilight put on her robes, and tested her staff. She was happy with it, and we walked out together. Ernand joined us with a set of Steel Plate Armor, an Ebony Sword in one hand and a free one, no doubt for magic.

“Let’s go,” I said, “Don’t want to be late.”

We walked to the docks, where my father was coordinating enough ships to leave for Stros M’Kai. He turned around, and saw us.

“Alright,” he said, “We’re half a day away from Stros M’Kai with this wind. Are you ready?”

“As ready as we’ll ever be.” I said, “Can we board?”

“You’ll be boarding the boat I’ll be leaving on.” He said, putting on his helmet, “All high-ranking officers are leaving on that. Feel free to bring your friends.”

I nodded, and walked to the one he was talking about.

I had just stepped onto the boat, and I could tell I wouldn’t like boats. The constant swaying with the waves almost immediately made me nauseous. I thanked the Divines it was only half a day of this.

In a few hours, we were off. Hegathe soon disappeared behind us, and only bright blue ocean surrounded us. My father was under the deck inspecting maps of Stros M’Kai and devising a strategy no doubt.

I only looked out to the horizon, waiting for this to be over. Ernand walked up next to me, and looked out.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” He asked, “I’ve never seen anything like it.”

“Nor have I.” I said, “Although it is beautiful, I hate it, it’s giving me seasickness.”

“Must bite,” Ernand said, “Well, it’s only a couple of more hours of this.”

“Gee, thanks Ernand.” I said, “A few more hours of this really will make me battle-ready, yes it will.”

“I’m only trying to help.” Ernand said, smacking me on the head. “Divines above, you’re a sarcastic bastard.”

“And you’re the son of a wench.” I said, laughing at that. “I’m glad I met you, Ernand.”

“Hey,” he said, “Not as much as me. You were the one who got me a ride here. I never would have made it.”

“Don’t mention it.” I said, “You will regret it when we start fighting the Daedra by the hundreds on a cramped island.”

“I’ll try to remember that.” Ernand chuckled, “Anyways, just don’t hurl on the deck.”

“Why do you think I’m here?” I asked, “To smell some of the seawater?”

Ernand laughed out loud at that, patted me on the back, and left my company. I still hung on the railing, letting the wind fly through my hair. My mind raced at the events of the past few days, particularly Molag Bal becoming the Daedric King. That disturbed me to no end, even more than Hircine letting the Hunt loose in Tamriel.

The hours went by slowly, and it didn’t help that I constantly hurled over the side of the ship, adding to my hatred of the sea. When Stros M’Kai finally came into view, I thanked Talos that I wouldn’t have to suffer much longer.
Then I looked at Stros M’Kai. Fire and smoke was engulfing most of the island, and there were dozens if not hundreds of ships surrounding the island.

I went under the deck, and found my father.

“Sir,” I said, “You would want to see this.”

He came up on deck, and looked at Stros M’Kai. His face showed no emotion, but he turned to his aides.

“Ready the archers.” He said, “Tell them to use fire to bombard the Daedric ships.”

“Yes sir!” One said, and raised a banner onto the mast. The sound of bows being drawn drowned out any other noise.

“Archers,” my Father said, “Fire!”

Hundreds of flaming arrows flew through the air, and hit three different ships. They immediately caught fire.

“Move us closer,” Father said, “We need to disembark!”

The ships moved closer to the shore. I drew my sword, and grabbed my shield. I cracked my knuckles, and turned to Ernand and Twilight.

“You ready?” I asked, “This is going to be the worst fighting you’ll ever see.”

“I need to help Princess Celestia,” Twilight said, “I’m ready.”

As the fleet moved closer, the arrow barrages sank many Changeling and Daedric ships. But we came under fire, and began losing ships.

“Continue on!” Father said, “We can’t lose our nerve now!”

The ships moved ever closer to the shore, still be hit by arrows. Men were dying left and right, and there weren’t enough healers to go around.

I was kept busy by a few Legionnaires who needed medical attention. Twilight was also helping, but was being overwhelmed by the sheer number of casualties.

“Father,” I shouted, “We can’t take much more of this!”

“Sail onwards!” He replied, “If we turn tail and run, we’ll only lose more men!”

And so we sailed on. The casualties were mounting, and the healers were getting tired and overwhelmed. Father looked as though he could go either way, but then regained his vigor when we ran aground.

“Men,” he shouted, “Forward, march!”

We shouted our compliance. We jumped over the side of the boat, and ran onto the beach. There weren’t any Daedra here, but they were holding a hill above the beach, and were sending arrows down onto us.

“Charge!” Father thrust his sword forward, “Take out those archers!”

We all charged the Daedric positions. We screamed to demoralize them in the last seconds before we clashed.

When we did, I put my head behind my shield, and stopped when I hit something. I lowered my shield, and found a Dremora at my feet. I stabbed him through the chest, and immediately looked up for more targets.

I dragged my sword out of the Dremora, and slashed out another Daedra’s throat. He gurgled on his blood, and I kicked him to the ground. I turned, and rolled away from a Daedra’s Battleaxe.

I slashed at its side while I was getting up, and cut its head off. I turned around, and flipped a Daedra over my head.
I turned, and brought my sword down to finish him off, but he rolled away. He got up, and slashed at me. I parried his strike, and swung at his side. He deflected my strike, and slashed at me. I blocked it with my shield, and shoved the sword out of his hand.

His face was that of shock when I cut his head in two.

The Daedra were severely outnumbered when our reinforcements came, and they retreated.

“Men, stand down!” Father called. “We need to regroup and get to Stros M’Kai City.”

“Sir,” his Legate said, “We are about two miles south of Stros M’Kai City.”

“Good,” he said, “We march!”

“Yes sir!” We all shouted, and formed up.

“Son,” Father said, “You and your friends are being reassigned. Get some horses, you’ll be part of my entourage.”

“Yes Father.” I said. We were given three horses, and we all climbed onto them.

“We’ll be taking the front,” Father said, “We need to get to Stros M’Kai City and break the siege.”

Once we were all onto the saddles, Father giddied his horse, and we galloped towards Stros M’Kai. The army followed behind at a slower pace, we outpaced them by about twenty minutes.

We were also given spears, because swords just didn’t have the reach on a horse as a spear did. I sheathed my sword, and grabbed the spear.

“We should get there as soon as we can.” Father said, “The Daedra are beating the Equestrians down. They can hold the line, but not for much longer.”

We kept the horses moving at a breakneck pace until Stros M’Kai came into view. What we saw astounded us.

Stros M’Kai was mostly in ruins, but the walls still stood. Most of the Residential and Market Districts were burnt to the ground, but the Castle and all stone buildings were intact. The Daedra had sealed off the city and the port. There were ships sending arrows into the city occasionally, and there were numerous siege engines being put up against the walls.

But the defenders weren’t that stupid. Equestrian and Imperial archers had been placed at the walls, and were making sure nothing came close to the walls. They also used flaming arrows against the ships. But there was no doubt that they were running low on ammunition.

“Here’s the plan.” Father said, “When the infantry arrive, we’re going to charge the Daedra in front of the walls. The remaining ships containing troops will attack the naval units blockading the port. We should open the city and pave the way to liberate the rest of the island.”

“Pretty foolproof.” I said, “I couldn’t have thought of a better plan.”

The infantry arrived later, and Father gave the order to charge while the archers fired on them, giving us ample time to close the distance.

“Take the front!” Father instructed us, “Cavalry, lead the charge!”

Soon, three hundred and fifty Imperial Cavalrymen led the over three thousand infantry of the consolidated forces of the Fourth and Second Legion. We grabbed our spears, and lowered them.

“For the Empire!” I screamed as we collided with the Daedric forces. It was pandemonium as we ran over some Daedra, ran others through with our spears.

When the initial shock of being charged wore off, the real fighting began. I stayed on my horse, cutting and stabbing countless Daedra. With my other hand, I used magic to kill more Daedra. I switched between fire, electricity and kinetic blasts.

I had just driven my spear through a Daedric Necromancer’s head when a Dremora Lord ran past his side, Greatsword raised. I brought my other hand around, and sent a wave of fire at his direction. He roasted in the heat, and his burnt corpse sank to the ground.

I had left myself exposed with that, and the Daedra took advantage of that. One slashed at the horse’s exposed side, killing it. It threw me off its side and onto the ground.

A Dremora appeared over me, and raised his Battleaxe over his head. I raised both my hands, and used a kinetic blast to send him flying into the air. He flew up high, and I got up and drew my sword.

As he fell towards the ground, I swung my sword horizontally. The Daedra fell into the point I was swinging at. I sliced the Dremora clean in half, his blood splattering on my face.

I had never felt so alive. The adrenaline was pumping through my veins, and grew with each Daedra I fell. As more and more of them died, I only seemed to get hungrier for Daedra blood.

I smashed my shield into a Dremora’s face, and stabbed his chest at the same time. I withdrew my sword, and kicked it to the ground.

I turned to my side, and pushed a siege engine over with a kinetic blast, crushing many Daedra. But I had miscalculated the amount of Magika I needed, and I fell to my knees.

A Dremora took advantage of the situation, and kicked me in the face. I fell to the ground, my jaw and nose broken.

The Dremora laughed as he drew his Greatsword. He raised it, and slashed across my abdomen. I screamed out in pain, and I kicked him with both legs. I got up, and cut his neck open.

I was light-headed, I could hear voices, but it seemed like they were only echoes. I went to my knees, and looked at my
abdomen. My insides were spilling out.

I only looked to the sky, and mumbled, “Talos, receive your hand servant, as unworthy as I am.”

I fell onto my face, and blacked out.

Leaving you with a cliffhanger! Before I continue, I would like to thank XAtomican and chip22 for your reviews. Now, Pliton’s father, if I were Pliton I would have forgiven him if I had heard his story. I don’t know about you, but I think of Pliton as myself in the Skyrim universe. I will try my hardest to get the next chapter up, but I have to do summer reading for school, and I may not get it up every day. So, until next time, farewell, and Talos guide you.