Dragonborn Rising Ch. 07

Over their dinner that evening Faleen had complimented him on his skill and endurance, winking that he had taken to lovemaking, like a fish to water.

As he reached the door to his laboratory, he had fond memories of their honeymoon, but it was also good to be back at work. He fished the door's key out of a pocket in his robes and inserted it into the lock. Opening the door, he said aloud, "Yes, it going to be ...," and the words caught in his throat.

He stood there aghast. Shelves normally full of books and scrolls were empty. Papers that were supposed to be neatly stacked on tables were scattered everywhere. The drawers from his desk had all been removed and dumped-out. Valuable artifacts were missing from displays he had carefully placed about the room. A lifetime's worth of work was gone. He had been robbed!

Today, he thought and finished in an angry shout, "Is the worst day of my fucking life!"

Cyrodiil - The Imperial City

She had arrived in the capital city during the previous night and Elenwen thought visiting one of the many pleasure palaces in the capital of Cyrodiil was the perfect way to start the day. She laid naked on a padded table and relaxed as three tanned, well-muscled and endowed Imperial studs massaged and serviced her. Lucian, the oldest of the set had his face buried between her legs, which were hooked over his strong shoulders. The other two, Antonius and Felix stood on each side of her, rubbing her down with fragrant oil and slowly massaging her, as she stroked their hard erections and sucked them in turns.

She stopped sucking and requested, "Lucian be a dear and put that horse cock of yours to good use."

Wearing a licentious smile, Lucian stood straight and took the ambassador by her ankles and spread her legs apart. He set one on his shoulder; reaching down, he took his massive penis in his hand and gave it a few strokes to ensure it was suitably stiff then and guided it into her, as she moaned with pleasure.

She looked at him with lust-filled eyes and breathlessly panted, "Thank you, my pet," and went back to work on the two Imperials on each side of her. As she did so, Antonius suddenly ejaculated and shot a stream of semen that splashed against her face.

"Antonius, you naughty boy," Elenwen scolded, "Shame on you. I was going to let you take me up the ass."

Antonius dropped his head in embarrassment as Lucius chuckled and came to his rescue, in front of their client. Stroking in and out of her he quipped, "My lady, he's a little inexperienced, but he's good for a few more shots. I think you'll like him up you bum."

Just then, the mood was broken, "Excuse me, Ambassador," a voice called from the curtains that provided her with privacy.

Elenwen's demeanor turned from pleasant to stormy in a heartbeat, "Dammit," she yelled, "What part of 'do not disturb me' do you fucking morons not understand!"

She sat up and told her companions, "We'll have to finish this later."

She got off the table and picked-up a towel to wipe her face and then tossed it to Antonius, before walking over to the curtain. She drew it back far enough to see who had interrupted her. She saw a pretty young Justicar nervously smiling at her.

Elenwen smiled sweetly to her and calmly asked, "What pray tell do you want, child?"

"Ambassador, Master Mithinar was wondering when you would arrive at the stadium, for the briefing and demonstration."

The Ambassador cheerfully smiled and said, "Tell Mithinar I just need to freshen-up and I will be there shorty."

The Justicar smiled brightly and was turning to leave when the Ambassador inquired, "Child, what's your name? I want to compliment Mithinar on the efficiency of his staff."

She stopped and her smiled broadened with pride, as she said, "Justicar Androna Graylock."

The Ambassador managed a coldly clipped response of, "Good," as she snapped the curtains closed. She padded to the bathing room and washed quickly, toweled dry and then dressed. As she left the pleasure palace, the owner blubbered his forgiveness for the interruption and begged her to return later to enjoy an evening's entertainment free of charge.

As she stepped out into the warm morning, four slaves bearing a linen parasol on poles stepped forward to provide her shade. She could have ridden in a carriage, but she needed the time to calm down. I don't want to order anyone's death, she thought, before the demonstration occurred.

It had been several years since she had last been in the capital city. Since the death of Titus Mede II, the city had gotten rough around the edges. The once gleaming white marble structures were now tinged with dirt and grim. It wasn't as spit and polish as it once was, she observed. Obviously, the senate was still debating which dimwit's flabby ass was going to next warm the Imperial throne. This indecision suited the needs of the Dominion, as it allowed them to strengthen their grip on the neck of Cyrodiil.

Glancing over her shoulder, she saw that Androna was following several paces behind her. She noted that she was quite pretty, with straw blond hair that was worn short to highlight her elven pointed ears. Her Justicars robes were well-tailored to accentuate her shapely figure. Instead of the normally creamy gold Altmer skin, it had tanned under the bright sun of Cyrodiil. That was a pity she thought, with a grimace. She bore a similarity to her erstwhile chief of staff. Her eyes narrowed as she wondered if they were related. "Too bad, if you are," she whispered.

She withdrew a fan from the sleeve of her robe and with the flick of her wrist, began cooling herself. After walking almost a mile, she came to a series of buildings next to a large stadium. This was the Dominion's main research facility in the province. All the intelligence Justicars gleaned from Skyrim had been brought here for analysis, before being sent onto Summerset Isle.

Thalmor guards dressed in gleaming armor came to attention at her approach. The slaves bearing the parasol came to a nervous halt, as Elenwen continued walking forward, between the waiting guards and through the tall arched entryway. Her footsteps echoed off the tile as her fast stride and clipped steps swept through the halls. Servants, administrators and Justicars stepped out of her way, as they beheld the stormy countenance of her face.

She climbed a set of stairs that led to a terrace that over looked the expanse of the stadium. She paused and looked out over the field. Noting several large sets of wooden doors along the walls and various hatch covers on the ground. It was evident that this area was used for demonstrations and likely, the occasional execution. She took a breath or two to compose herself and then stepped into everyone's view.

She took notice that Androna had followed her up the steps and had turned left and joined several other Altmer that were quietly chatting. One of them turned and had spotted her and the Ambassador. He smiled broadly and quickly approached the Ambassador. He performed a courteous bow and introduced himself, "My Lady! I am thrilled that you could join us. I am Master Mithinar, the head Justicar of this station for the Dominion."

Elenwen glanced at him without turning to face him and coolly said, "Good day, Mithinar."

He was thin with bony features and salt and pepper long hair. Being quite talkative he quickly updated her on the progress being made on this important research project. "The information your agents have provided have been an enormous help," he said enthusiastically and remarked, "This Calcelmo chap is very knowledgeable of the Dwemer and their contraptions."

Continuing to fan herself she than inquired, "Have you been able to put it to any type of effective use?"

"Absolutely, Ambassador," Mithinar gushed, "I think you will be quite pleased. He went onto describe how they had used the research they had acquired to repair several Dwarven war machines known as centurions. He finished by saying brightly, "We've restored them to full operation and have found ways to improve their capabilities."

Elenwen turned to face him with sincere interest and said, "Really."

The older Altmer shared, "We knew you would like to enjoy some tea and refreshments," as he motioned to where the others stood, there was a table and chair set up.

She smiled sweetly and said, "That is very kind of you," and walked over to where Mithinar's staff waited.

He introduced everyone and reintroduced Androna, who she already knew. She was courteous and accepted the chair that Mithinar offered. She took a seat as he chatted about the project, she nodded and quietly poured herself a cup of tea and took a small cake and nibbled it, enjoying the sweetness. Occasionally, she would comment 'really' or 'very interesting,' as a way of keeping him engaged.

Wiping her mouth with a linen napkin after she finished the pastry, she requested, "Androna, be a dear and ask the Captain of the Guard and his lieutenants to join us."

Turning to Mithinar she said, "Master Mithinar, I think you would agree it would be good to have the military's perspective on the test."

Mithinar quickly replied, "Oh! Why Absolutely!"

Androna smiled and quickly stepped away to comply with the request. As she did so, Elenwen took note that some soldiers had stepped into view down on the stadium floor and moved toward one of the sets of large doors.

Idle chat-chat occurred as Elenwen finished her cup of tea. Soon the sound of armor shod feet on the steps reached everyone's ears. Androna reappeared followed by the Captain of the Guard, a stern looking Altmer with grim features and four of his officers. He approached the party and immediately recognized the Ambassador. He stepped up to her, came to attention and said respectfully, "Captain Duperil, reporting as ordered."

"Good day Captain," Elenwen said pleasantly, "I thought it would be good to have you present for the demonstration, to get the military's opinion of the war machine."

The officer nodded and replied, "I'll do my best," and added, "Prisoners are ready for the demonstration, as you requested."

"Very good," she said and turned to one of Mithinar's staff and asked, "Your name is Fiiriel, correct?"

The Altmer brightened at being recognized by such a senior member of the Dominion. "Yes, my Lady," was his response

To everyone's surprise she said, "You are now Master Fiiriel and will oversee this project going forward," and followed that up by turning to the Captain of the Guard and coolly saying, "Captain, take Mithinar and Androna, below and add them to the demonstration party."

There was silence for several seconds and then Mithinar said, completely flabbergasted, "This is absurd. You can't do this!"

Elenwen's eyes narrowed and she hissed, "I can do anything I damn well please. I think from now on, when a high-ranking official of the Dominion says, 'do not disturb me' Master Fiiriel here," motioning to him with her hand and her voice raising to a yell, "Will know that high ranking official fucking means business!"

Mithinar turned deathly pale and Androna found her voice and protested, "Ambassador, I was merely following Mithinar's directions," and, "This isn't my fault. Please!" All to no avail.

The Captain of the Guard knowing his place in the current order of things nodded his head and his officers seized the two offenders and began leading them down the stairs.

Mithimar continued to protest, pleading, "Elenwen, please"

The Ambassador calmly picked up the teapot from the serving tray to pour herself another cup and said, "We all make our sacrifices for the Dominion, Mithinar," and smiled finishing with, "This is yours. I hope you've been practicing your destruction magicka."

"Oh," she said, as if remembering and important detail, "The Dominion is still very generous. Rules still apply. If you survive the demonstration, you are free to live your lives, as you see fit. Ta Ta!"

Mithinar appeared to be in a state of shock and had gone all but lip, while Androna continued to protest and struggle. They were brought down to the dank environs of the dungeon beneath the stadium. The place smelled of a combination of mildew, rotting food and chamber pots that hadn't been emptied. They splashed through standing pools of fetid water, as the guards led them to large wooden door.

A dungeon guard stepped up with a set of keys and said to the officers, "Sirs, you'll want to strip'em, to ensure they don't have any weapons on them," as he put the appropriate key in the door.

One of the officers gave a vulgar chuckle as the group went about roughly stripping the robes off the despondent Mithinar and still struggling justicar. The job was quickly accomplished on the older Altmer and as they finished, the guard opened the door to the holding cell and the pale, naked older elf was violently shoved into the cell. He could be heard screaming as he splashed into a pool of muck and water as the door was slammed closed.

The two officers that were now free moved to assist their compatriots. Androna wasn't going willingly. She cursed, screamed, kicked, bit and fought as best she could. The officers laughed at her expense and took the time to cop a feel here and stroke a body part there.

After they had finished, the guard chuckled and remarked, "She's full of piss and vinegar, I'dn't she," as he opened the door and the officers tossed into the cell, before was again slammed shut and locked.

Androna landed face first in the fetid pool that Mithinar had previously occupied. He had scuttled out of it and was now sitting wide-eyed in one of the corners of the cell. She squinted and sat up on her knees in the foul-smelling pool, trying to wipe the water and muck from her face. She was aware of two sounds. The first of guttural chuckling and laughter that was occurring around her and the other, sounded like a running tap, water splashing on water. "Gods! This is disgusting," she exclaimed trying not to become sick.

In the darkness she saw there were several other occupants in the cell, besides Mithinar and herself. One of them was a huge male orc that was urinating into the pool she was kneeling in. He laughed obscenely and growled, "Behold, the Thalmor."

College of Winterhold

Sofie reported to the Arcanium of the college bright and early the next morning, eager to start this new assignment. She arrived promptly at the appointed time, just as Master U'rug was unlocking the gated door to the massive library. He growled a salutation to her and told her to follow him.

As the moved through the immense circular room, she admired the tall shelves each packed with ancient manuscripts of varying sizes. "I'm going to tell you the same thing I told your mother," he started, his gravelly voice echoing off the walls, "Hundreds of years have gone into assembling this collection. It's going to stay pristine, understand?"

"Yes, sir," she dutifully replied.

She followed him behind his massive desk to a small room. He fished a key out of his robes and unlocked an elongated chest and removed a long metallic staff and set it on the room's single table. Sofie marveled at it's design and the many details. It was crowned with a large gem - a soul gem - which powered it. She stepped closer to examine it and was interrupted by the Orismer mage, "First things, first," he began pointing to the staff, "This doesn't leave this room. Got it!"

She shook her head in the affirmative, acknowledging the directive.

"Number two," he counted on his fingers, "You, I and the Arch Mage are the only ones, who have access to it. Got it!"

She agreed.

"Number three," he finished, "We are also the only ones who know about it. Got it!"

"Absolutely!" she responded.

"There's paper, charcoal and other stuff here. Any books you need are out there. If you need anything else see me." He added as he turned to leave, "Your instructors have been notified. No details were shared, but they've been told you're on a special assignment, because of what happened yesterday morning."

She blushed slightly and responded, "Yes, sir."

He finished with what she perceived as an orc's version of a smile and said, "Have fun," and then left her to her research.

She spent most of the morning looking at the staff in detail. Seeing various markings and symbols, she decided to take paper and charcoal to make rubbings. She also made additional copious notes concerning length, weight, balance and several other measurements. When this was done, she let U'rug know her progress and asked to take a break, to get something to eat. He gave her the keys and said, "I think I can trust you. Lock everything up and be back in an hour."

As she left the Arcanium headed to the Hall of Countenance, she ran into Sa'dir, who was also going to take his noon meal. "Sofie," he exclaimed, "It is good to see your still here as well."

The tall Khajiit asked if could walk with her and she readily agreed. After a moment's silence she asked conspiratorially, "How did you do on your anatomy test?"

"I didn't take it," he said glumly, "I have been spending the day cleaning all of Master Gestor's laundry."

Before she could speak he interjected, "I spoke with Master Marence and she is allowing me to retake the exam, but at a reduced score due to missing it the first time."

Sofie looked up at him with a beaming smile, as she took his hand and stroked the fur she asked, "Why don't you come to my room tonight? I'd love to help you study, again." She winked provocatively as she said, "I want to see you hit the bullseye this time."

Cyrodiil - The Imperial City

Androna thought their odds had improved slightly at the sight of the weapons and said as much to the assembled motley crew.

She had gotten out of the pool of filth and tried to wipe herself off as best she could. Afterward she saw Mithinar cowering and something in her snapped. She pounced on him and began throttling him, kicking him and cursing at him for getting her into this mess. A set of massive arms wrapped themselves around her waist and threw her back into the fetid pool.

She came up ready to kill whoever had done it, when she saw the orc standing in front of her with hands on hips. "Cool you heals, sweetcakes," he growled and pointing over his head, he continued by saying, "Save your strength for what's going to happen up there."

Looking up Androna saw cracks of light. Shit, she thought, we really are part of Elenwen's demonstration.

The elf's head sank, and she muttered, "Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!"

She stood and stepped out of the pool again and made another attempt at wiping herself as clean as she could. Looking around her, she saw that besides her, the orc and Mithinar, there were four other people in the cell. Imperials by their appearance.

She turned to the orc and asked with an air of authority, "Who are you?"

The orc exploded in laughter and said to his cellmates, "She thinks she's still one of them," to which they joined in the laughter.

He turned to her and said matter-of-factly "I don't have to tell you, shit," and added, "I don't think you realize where you are, sweetcakes. You weren't dropped a couple of rungs, you just had the whole fucking ladder knocked out from underneath you!"

She realized the Orismer was right and her knees buckled underneath her. She decided to change her tack and said with a halfhearted smile, "You're right. I shouldn't have issued an order. Let's try things, again," she put out a filthy hand and said, "My name is Androna Greylock. What brought you here?"

The orc was impressed with her determination and said as much. He introduced himself as Gozarth Gro-Bar. He and the other five were all that were left from a bandit group that had operated in the region to the north. Life as a bandit had been pretty good after Titus Mede had kicked the bucket, but recently, with more Thalmor moving into the region, they had not been turning a blind eye to the lawlessness as the Imperials had. They had been captured and had been brought to the Imperial City for trial.