20demayo Chapter 130: Chapter LXXI: Sharing Secrets and Settling The Defeated
Chapter 130: Chapter LXXI: Sharing Secrets and Settling The Defeated
Chapter 130: Chapter LXXI: Sharing Secrets and Settling The Defeated
"Can someone please explain to me what is going on here?!" A very confused Marco exclaims after a beat of silence. His fellow apprentice narrows her eyes while staring at me intently.
This is usually where one spins lies and denials in an attempt to keep things in the status quo, but I have had armies crash against me and have come out the victor, I no longer need to fear being found out. After all, in this world, the rules apply only to those too weak to remain unbound.
I shrug "That was me conquering the temple of a Daedra in the name of another Daedra" I say nonchalantly.
Marco's eyes widen and he shivers "Y-you are a Daedra worshipper?!"
Once again Minthara proves to be the wiser among the two as she merely crosses her arms and waits patiently.
"Chosen, but not the point" The shivering increases and I roll my eyes "Marco, what is the official religion of Morrowind?" I ask patiently as if talking to a toddler. The guildsmen chuckle among themselves at my question.
He blinks "The Reclaimed Tribunal..." his eyes widen once again and he facepalms.
"Indeed" I drawl "You could say I have been a Daedra worshipper since birth."
"Which one?" Minthara interjects "Which one are you the chosen of?"
I smirk "Use your big streetwise brain Minthara. I know you aren't stupid"
She looks at me, then at the guildsmen, then back at me, and finally at the altar "Mephala" She mutters, and Marco 'eeeps' like a girl.
"Got it in one" I clap my hands slowly "Though I do hope you aren't stupid enough to go around telling on me"
Marco, who is scared shitless rapidly nods his head while Minthara narrows her eyes "And how exactly do you expect us to trust you if you were chosen by a literal god of betrayal?"
Some of the Dunmer shift uncomfortably, barely hiding their offense. Davos merely snorts. "You do realize the Dunmer race wouldn't worship her if she was only that, right?" I respond in lecture mode. She looks at me expectantly and I go on "Mephala is one of the three good Daedra who taught the Dunmer the art of subtlety, and that of intrigue. In those ancient days when we were still Chimer, we were low in number and under great threat of invaders so we followed the teachings of the Webweaver and struck down our foes with hidden blades." I smirk "After all, they can't conquer you if you poison them to death."
My students manage to relax at least a bit after my lecture, while the Dunmer nod along like good little followers.
Minthara sighs "Very well, I guess I can understand... Any other earth-shattering secrets you might want to share about yourself?"
I snort "I am not about to reveal my life story to you" I tilt my head "Though if you do find a good enough clue I might share something, but until then you will have to content yourself with what you learned today."
She looks unhappy with my decision but has already learned that she has no way to force information out of me so all she can do is accept.
"Now" I clap my hands "As riveting as this was we should get moving, this place won't loot itself!" I look to the Guildmaster and stop in my tracks as I find myself fully capable of recognizing her.
I blink "Huh, honestly I am not all that surprised."
Jenassa shrugs "I did leave some very easy hints, my Lord"
"Right" I drawl "You lot will search the place for any correspondence and hunt down any possible Thalmor agents in the vicinity, if you manage to find one bring them to me alive."
They wait for a moment, in case I have further orders but seeing as I remain silent they disperse.
"Come on you three" I wave for my apprentices and Davos to follow me "We should meet up with Torygg."
We make our way down, seeing half of the guildsmen thoroughly searching all the rooms (Even the charnel pits) and making sure there are no survivors anywhere in the temple.
As we descend into the main chamber a centurion notices us and approaches "Sir" He salutes "The High King has called for his council to convene at the southern section of the city."
I snort and look back at Ingvar "So what is the plan?"
He goes on to explain that the two and a half thousand fresh settlers will be moved to the
eastern parts of the hold so they may be integrated more quickly, they will be joining the freshly founded villages, and some of them might be allowed into the hold guard after a year or two. The rest would be given some food and supplies and sent on their way while a band of scouts and mercenaries made sure they left Skyrim in its entirety.
"We are going to need a group to ensure law and order" I interject as Ingvar finishes his
explanation.
"Are the guards not sufficient?" Torygg asks.
"They are well trained and their numbers are fine" I agree "But we need strong leaders to ensure proper integration between the two groups. While Nords can be surprisingly welcoming do keep in mind that we are dealing with two groups who have gone through a very tumultuous couple of years."
"What do you propose?" The King asks.
"Grant some of your veteran housecarls temporary lordship over the lands, if they prove themselves worthy of the position let them keep it and advance them to lesser nobility." Ingvar tilts his head in thought "You propose a knightly system? Like in High Rock?"
I shake my head "Nothing so rigid, this is just a way for you to reward your trusted and loyal warriors while making sure the newly founded settlements do not fall apart due to a lack of oversight. Just be sure to let them know you can revoke their posts at any time and it should be
fine."
"And you are sure this would work?" The junior Steward asks, his doubt evident.
I shrug "It should work until you find a more permanent or efficient solution, I am good at coming up with ideas but don't expect me to spell everything out for you."
He sighs and nods "That is fair."
The King once again addresses the Forsworn "Is this offer acceptable to you?" The younger one gulps "W-we would like t-to be able to practice our traditions" He immediately raises his hands placatingly as my eyes narrow "The l-less gruesome ones of
course."
Torygg gives me a look and I sigh "If I see or hear a hint of Namira worship I am killing every Reachman in my rather considerable range, am I understood?" I stare at the two youths who
gup and nod rapidly.
"And there you have it" Torygg interjects "I hope you will find peace and prosperity under my
rule."
"And so do we" The older Reachman nods and the two of them leave.
"Right" RIkke claps her hands with false cheer "Time for logistics!" everyone at the table
groans, and I immediately shadow step out of there.
Reyvin has no time for logistics, only stones.
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