The Great War-A Skyrim Fanfiction-Book One

Prologue

It was nearly midnight as the icy black waves glided up and down the coast. Raven Rock was quiet, the only people still awake were those enjoying a flagon of mead at the Retching Netch. One of those such people was a man named Georden Paine. He had, during a dare from the barkeep, downed three flagons of ale in under a minute. Barely able to keep it all down, he mouthed the words, "be right back" and stumbled outside to get it out of his system.

Exiting the building, he took a moment to take in his surroundings. The gentle lap of the water calmed his fiery stomach enough to appreciate the cool night. The stars were crystal clear in the pale light of the moons. The aurora was burning brightly, Georden noticed, something which rarely occurred, or at least as far as he was aware of. The cool wind ran through his shabby hair, carrying the scents of sea. Georden felt free in the grand world of Tamriel, able to do anything. The moment faded quickly, and Geoden was left with the nausea in his stomach.

Suddenly heaving, he tried to ignore the pain in his chest as he doubled over. After a few uncomfortable moments, he lay on the ground, panting for air. As he regained his breath, he heard the faint clanging of a ship bell. He looked up, startled. Why would a ship come at night? The nights in Solsteim during this time of year weren't for anyone not used to the frigid cold. Hopefully the arrivals were from from the north. He slowly rose to his feet, holding down any remaining nausea, and began to walk toward the docks. His pace quickened, and he soon found himself sprinting, eager to see who was arriving. Was their reason for arrival so dire that it couldn't wait, or were they just that foolish? His mind riddled with questions as he neared the harbour.

The ship was nearly at the docks. He ducked behind a few barrels and crouched patiently, ready for the answer. As the ship drew nearer, he recognised the banner of Solitude. Was this a shipment from the East Empire, or perhaps a mission of diplomacy to strengthen the bonds of Skyrim and Morrowind? As the ship began to rope itself to the promenade, he could see many people aboard, including a multitude of guards, all clustered around a small patch where Georden could not see. The guards all wore heavy armor, not the tunics that regular guards would. They were heavily armed with several weapons and a heavy shield strapped to each of their backs. Georden debated turning around and heading back to the tavern, but his curiosity got the better of him.

A man dressed in a sailor's suit approached them and spoke to one of the guards, but Georden couldn't decipher what he was saying. The guards started to walk toward the side of the ship near the promenade. A sailor jumped onto the promenade as another began to slide a plank off the side. Carefully catching it as it slid, they worked to secure it. Twice the plank slipped out of the guard on the promenade's hands. Both times he just barely caught it, insuring it wasn't lost to the dark water below. As the plank was finally tied down, the guards began to move again. They drew their shields, and Georden noticed the carving of the infamous Jagged Crown, the long-lost emblem of monarchy in Skyrim. Georden knew about the politics in Skyrim better than most, with the tensions of the Aldmeri Dominion closing in, but he was caught very much offguard-the only important political fact he gave a damn about right now was who the guards were protecting.

As the cluster of guards formed a line, walking down the plank, Georden finally got a look at who was in the middle. Sure enough, the robes of the high king were visible even before he saw his face, half-hidden in the shadows. Trying to contain his excitement, he managed to hold back any noise that could have revealed himself. His mind raced with questions as the guards passed right by his hiding place. His heart was thumping in his chest as they escorted the high king, who he could hardly see through the hulking bodies of his personal guard. If his knowledge was correct, these were the Penitus Oculatus, agents of the Emperor. But why would they be escorting the high king? Perhaps some secret business with the Emperor...the thought came to him in an instant. These Penitus Oculatus had special shields, meaning they likely served the high king in general. But Georden had never heard of them before. The only way this could be was through the influence of the Thalmor. They were slimy enough to hide a meeting and a new personal guard. Maybe the guards were a gift for showing up.