Chapter XII: Whiterun
When Julius and Achilles arrived in Whiterun, they saw a man discussing the Legion’s weaponery and then, the man asked: “Clan Battle-Born or Clan Gray-mane?” Julius was confused, and decided to say: “I am only an Imperial Tribune delivering a letter to Jarl Balgruuf the Greater” The man laughed and said: “Good to hear, my name is Idolaf Battle-Born. We are supporters for the Empire, my father joined the Legion on the 30 of Frostfall.’ When Julius heard the date, it was clear that this man is allied to the Empire. Luckily, Julius weared a closed helmet, so they wouldn’t mistake him for Tullius. Julius nodded and whispered the password: “Honor Titus Mede II” The man leaded him to a house, where they could talk freely. Julius removed his helmet. Idolaf looked in shock at him and dropped to one knee. Idolaf said: “General Tullius, what are you doing here? It is dangerous with the Gray-Manes out there.” Julius sighed and replied: “Get up, I am not Tullius. My name is Gaius Julius Caesar, his Tribune. Unfortunately for both of us, we are lookalikes. Now, back to the matter. I am going to Dragonsreach, wait for me outside. You need 2 couriers, one for Tullius himself, and one for Rikke, who is hiding in the plains. Good?” Idolaf standed up, embrassed, but he listened to Caesar’s orders and both of them parted ways. Julius walked towards Dragonsreach, while hearing constantly the prayers of a stupid priest to Talos, and nearly slapped a arrogant Numidian called Nazeem, who claimed he was Balgruuf’s political advisor. When he saw the statue of Talos, the face remembered him of someone. He took a Septim out of his pouch, and Julius saw that it matched with the statue. It must be Tiber Septim, but the face still remembered him of someone. On his way to Dragonsreach, he noticed a beautiful jewelery stand. “Maybe something for Elenwen?” Julius taught. Julius was tired, but finally reached Balgruuf quarters. When he entered, he overheard a Nordic man discussing security with a grey-skinned woman. She was angry, because the Nord slipped out for a pint. Julius coughed and the woman turned, drew her sword and said: “Jarl Balgruuf the Greater is not receiving visitors.” Julius replied: “I am not a mere visitor, I am sended by Marcus Tullius, Militairy Governor of Skyrim and General of the 4th Legion in Skyrim.” Balgruuf said: “What does that old busybody want with me now?” Julius knew he must make advantage of the fact he looked like Tullius and said: “I would rather watch my words, Jarl.” Julius removed his helmet and handed him the letter over. Balgruuf’s mouth fell open and Julius chuckled. The Jarl said: “Excuse me General, I didn’t know it was you. Why are you here?” Julius said: “I came because it is time to side with the Empire. Ulfric is planning to attack Whiterun” The Jarl nodded and began to discuss with the woman, and a balding Imperial. Julius waited for his response and when Balgruuf finally said: “We’re siding with the Empire. On my conditions.” The Jarl quickly wrote his conditions on a piece of parchment and signed it. He handed it to Julius. Julius said: “I will deliver this message to the General.” The Jarl frowned and replied: “But you are the General, or not?” Julius cursed and said: “I am his Tribune.” Julius expected the Jarl angry, but Balgruuf laughed. He replied: “I knew, the last time I saw Tullius, he wasn’t balding. Bring this axe to Ulfric Stormcloak.” Julius said “I am not balding, and by Venus, How on Mundus (Note: Mundus is Latin for earth) can I give that axe to Ulfric. I am already chased by Stormcloaks, so what if Ulfric thinks I am Tullius?” Balgruuf thinked, and said: “Ulfric is a man of honor, Nords respect messengers. Now, I think you will be tired. You are allowed to sleep here, dine with me this evening. Proventus, make a bed ready for the man. You can depart tomorrow.” Julius nodded and replied: “Thank you Jarl, I am going to make the necessary preparations, and then, I will be here.” Julius sat down at the table and began to write two letters.
“General Tullius
Jarl Balgruuf the Greater is siding with the Empire. He asked me to deliver an axe to Ulfric Stormcloak. To convince him, I let him think I was you. I hope I give this letter to the right person, Idolaf Battle-Born. I am departing tomorrow to Windhelm and deliver the axe. It will be risky, but I will try to not get myself killed. Legate Rikke is informed too.
Tribune Gaius Julius Caesar
Julius sealed the first letter, and wrote the next one:
“Legate Rikke
Balgruuf is with the Empire. I have to deliver an axe to Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak, whatever that means. I am departing tomorrow, I will be back before the Stormcloaks are here.
Tribune Gaius Julius Caesar”
He sealed the last letter and walked outside. Julius handed the letter over to Idolaf, who said: “I make sure, that those letters trusted with my best couriers. Julius returned to the stand and looked at the jewelery. The old woman said: “You’re with the Legion?” Julius nodded and she said: “Can you help me?” Julius was confused, but nodded. The woman said to follow her. Julius and Achilles entered house Gray-Mane. When he entered, a Nord stood up and drawed his axe. “Mother, what does this Imperial do here?” The woman said: “Stop it, Avulstein, this man is here to help us find Thorald.” Avulstein responded: “How do you know he is not spying for the Battle-Borns?” The mother replied: “I want to see Thorald back, no matter what.” The woman turned to Julius and asked: “Have you seen my son, Thorald Gray-Mane in your cells in Solitude?” Julius thinked for a while, trying to remember what on the list stood. He finally responded: “No, we only have criminals in the prison, and on the list didn’t stand Thorald Gray-Mane. Idolaf told me you were Stormcloak, probably have the Thalmor taken him.” Avulstein replied: “Imperial, take your helmet off, I want to see your face if you are not lying.” Julius removed his helmet and, again the mouth of both people dropped open. Avulstein muttered: “Tullius?” Julius quickly responded: “No, no, I’m Gaius Julius Caesar, his Captain. The two looked again, but finally Avulstein nodded. He said: “My name is Avulstein Gray-Mane, and this is my mother, Fralia Gray-Mane. You said something of the Thalmor?” Julius nodded. Avulstein replied: “Damn bastards, I’d attack the Embassy if needed.” Julius responded: “No, I know a better way, let’s say that I have someone who can get him free. When I am back in Solitude, I will make the neccessary arrangements.” Avulstein looked suspiciously: “Who?” Julius said: ‘I can’t say that.” Julius said: “Fralia, you are selling necklaces?” She nodded and Julius asked: “Can I buy one?” Fralia nodded again and showed him a few ones. Julius counted his money and said: “I want the ruby one, how much Septims?” Fralia said: “500 Septims” Julius thinked for a while and taught: “I have still 1200 Septims left and the 300 Septims Tullius gave me. I’ll take it.” He nodded and handed her the money over. Fralia looked happy and handed him the necklace over. She said: “If you bring Thorald back, how can we thank you?” Julius simply said: “Just remember it was the Legion.” He walked outside and returned to Jarl Balgruuf’s palace. The Jarl said: “Welcome, it was about time to eat.” Julius and the Jarl took place at his long tables. Balgruuf asked: “A bit of Mead?” Julius replied: “No, thanks. I don’t like alcohol.” Balgruuf frowned but nodded. The Jarl and Julius eated and were talking about various things. On a certain moment, Balgruuf asked him: “That shield, never seen one like that. Where is it for?” Julius replied: “Testudo formation, when Ulfric attacks, you will see how useful it is. Now, about the attack, Rikke is bringing my Wolves, archers and a few supplementary foot soldiers, we will have around 40 men. Cipius will bring 25 footsoldiers . How many troops do you have?” Balgruuf thinked for a while and said: “I think around 10 archers, and 20 footsoldiers. The rest is staying in the city. How are we going to defend the bridge with only 95 men? I think that Ulfric has around 200 Stormcloaks.” Julius responded: “Testudo, my Jarl. The Stormcloaks can only enter the city via the main gate.” Balgruuf became a bit impatient and replied: “Good, but what is an Testudo?” Julius said: “A shield wall. Look at my shield.” The Jarl understood it and swigged another bottle of mead away. Balgruuf had another question: “That dog of you, what is his name?” Julius replied: “Achilles.” The Jarl asked: “Never heard of, tell me from where it comes.” Julius telled: “As you know, I am a Roman and not an Imperial. My mother told me the stories of the Trojan war when I was young. Achilles was a Greek hero, who died of an arrow in his heel. Legend says that his mother, Thetis washed him in the river, called the Styx. Because of that, he was invicible, except for his heel.” The Jarl nodded and they wished each other good night. The next day, Julius woke up, and putted the Whiterun Guard armor on. He walked outside and in place of directly departing to Windhelm, he realized that he better taked the carriage instead of walking. It was now 8 hours a.m. When Julius arrived in Windhelm, it was around 4 hours p.m. The guards nodded to him, reconizing him as a messenger. Someone told him about the New Gnisis Cornerclub, so he stopped there. There were mostly Dunmer and Argonians. Julius considered it might be good to have some friends in the city. He overheard a Dunmer talking about how bad Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak treated them. Julius walked to the inn’s owner and buyed a bottle of wine. The Dunmer growled: “Another Nord to beat us up?” Julius replied: “No, I am Tribune Gaius Julius Caesar, I am an Imperial.” The man nodded and presented himself as Ambarys Rendar. Julius asked him: “If Ulfric is going to die, who do you consider as a better Nordic Jarl?” The man responded: “Brunwulf Free-Winter, he is the best of all Nords. He is the only one of them who is kind to us. You’re a Legionnary?” Julius nodded and whispered: “If we need to assault Windhelm, can I count on the aid of the Dunmer and Argonians.” The man nodded: “Everything to see the current Jarl go away.” Julius wote his name down and whispered: “When we can defeat Ulfric, I count on you. Free-Winter will become Jarl, if possible.” The Dunmer nodded enthouastically and Julius walked towards the Palace of Kings with Achilles. He found Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak sitting in his throne. Julius choosed his words carefully: “My name is Gaius Julius Caesar. I am a messenger of Jarl Balgruuf the Greater.” Ulfric responded: “And what message do you have?”Julius replied: “This.” and handed Ulfric Balgruuf’s axe over. Ulfric nodded and returned it. “You are very brave to carry this message. A pity you are a legionairy.” Galmar Stone-Fist said: “I want to see your face, I’d like to know when I kill you at Whiterun.” Julius removed his helmet, praying to the gods. Galmar exclaimed: “It is Tullius!” Ulfric replied: “Impossible, that Imperial milk-drinked doesn’t dare to come in Windhelm, or am I wrong? Expect a bit of entertrainment in the near future.” Julius said: “I am not Tullius, but I am with the Legion.” Galmar waved him out with: “Goodbye, Imperial milk-drinker.” Julius turned and replied: “I am no Imperial. I am a Roman.” Galmar exchanged looks with Ulfric, but let him go. Julius ran the city out, together with Achilles. The carts were too slow, he needed a horse. He had only 950 Septims left. He talked to the stable’s owner, Ulundil. “Price of this horse?” “1000 Septims” “I only have 950 Septims, I am a Tribune of the Imperial Legion.” “That changes things, 700 Septims if you can teach those Stormcloaks a lessson.” “Deal.” Julius handed him the money over and gallopped to Whiterun with Achilles. Julius enjoyed the life of a soldier, it was already a while ago, after the defeat of Pompeius Magnus. Those senators were a bit on the idiot and dull side at moments. When they were at Loreius farm, Julius encountered a jester. “Agh! Bother and befuddle! Stuck here! Stuck! My mother, my poor mother. Unmoving. At rest, but too still!" The jester’s look slightly reminded him of someone else. Julius asked him: “Who are you and what are you doing here?” The jester replied: “Poor Cicero is stuck. Can't you see? I was transporting my dear, sweet mother. Well, not her. Her corpse! She's quite dead. I'm taking mother to a new home. A new crypt. But... aggh! Wagon wheel! Damnedest wagon wheel! It broke! Don't you see?” When Julius heard the name, he knew it, it was Marcus Tullius Cicero, the stubborn orator. he taught: “Sure this is one is not real Cicero, he would laugh with this jester.” Julius asked him: “Can I help?” The jester said: “Oh. Oh yes! Yes, the kindly stranger can certainly help! Go to the farm - the Loreius Farm. Just over there, off the road. Talk to Loreius. He has tools! He can help me! But he won't! He refuses! Convince Loreius to fix my wheel! Do that, and poor Cicero will reward you. With coin! Gleamy, shiny coin!” Julius could always use some Septims, thus he entered the farm. Loreius said: That Cicero feller? Hmph. Tell me something I don't know. Crazy fool's already asked me about five times. Seems he's not satisfied with my answer. Why can't he just leave us alone?" Julius replied: “Just help him, he hasn’t done you wrong and he will pay you.” Loreius stuttered: “Look, I... I... You're right. You're right. Feller might be nutters, might not. But fact is, he needs help. I turn him away, what kind of man am I, hmm? Look, um... Thanks. And I'm sorry for my unneighborly reaction. If you talk to Cicero, you be sure and tell him I'll be down to help soon.” Julius walked down to Cicero and said: “He’ll help you.” The estatic jester said: "Oh stranger! You have made Cicero so happy! So jubilant and ecstatic! But more! Even more! My mother thanks you! Here, here. For your troubles! Shiny, clinky gold! A few coins for a kind deed! And thank you! Thank you again." Cicero tossed him 600 Septims over. The man had certainly enough money. Julius jumped again on his horse and gallopped with Achilles to Whiterun. He dropped the horse at the stables and entered Dragonsreach. Rikke, Cipius and Balgruuf were already discussing everything. Julius said: “Ulfric’s coming.” They nodded and Legate Rikke said: “We know, what do you think to do?” Julius replied: “Set the Wolves in 3 lines in Testudo formation at the gate, I will join them in the fight. Set the other footsoldiers as backup, if some Stormcloaks manage to break trough. Archers in two lines on the gate. Look, like this. When the first line shoots, the second prepares their arrows, when first line has shooted, they step back and second steps forward. First reloads and like that you can maintain a constant line of arrows.” Rikke nodded and asked Cipius to take command of the archers. Cipius nodded and walked outside. Rikke said: “This is it, Julius, time to prove your soldiers for real!” Julius nodded and asked the Jarl to watch his dog meanwhile. He quickly changed armor and returned the Whiterun armor to Proventus. Outside, Rikke was already giving a speech to the soldiers: "This is it men! This is an important day for the Empire and for the Legion. And for all of Skyrim. This is the day we send a message to Ulfric Stormcloak and the rebel Jarls who support him. But make no mistake. What we do here today, we do for Skyrim and her people. By cutting out the disease of this rebellion, we will make this country whole again! Ready now! Everyone, with me! For the Empire! For the Legion! Rrrrrraaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh!!!!" Julius and the soldiers cheered, and setted up in Testudo formation. He shouted some last orders, before the Stormcloaks attack: “Second, and third, if a Stormcloak tries to climb on the Testudo, just push your sword up.” After these words, the rebels attacked. They were not used to this new formation, so the first few were already cutted down, before they realized it. Cipius, who was commanding the archers, had already killed a lot of the Stormcloaks with arrows. Julius saw in the distance Galmar Stone-fist observing the battle. Rikke, and the footsoldiers were just waiting, because most of the rebels were killed by Cipius’ arrows and the others were stabbed by the strong Testudo formation. After almost a hour, most of the Stormcloaks losed heart and fled. Julius noticed Galmar Stone-Fist sounding the horn and they waited before disassembling. Julius shouted and waved to Galmar Stone-Fist: “Stone-Fist, are you sure that these men are all milk-drinkers?” The general walked angrily away with the remnants of his Stormcloaks, thinking how he should explain Ulfric. Julius observed the losses and a few archers were killed or wounded by arrows, Rikke’s footsoldiers and Balgruuf’s reinforcements were okay. Julius checked the shields of his Wolves and they just needed to let Beirand repair some. Balgruuf brought Achilles with him and speeched: “Revel in your victory here today, even as the gods revel in your honor! They already sing of your valor and skill! The halls of Sovngarde are no doubt ringing with your praises! In defeating these Stormcloak traitors, you have proven the hollowness of their cause and the fullness of your hearts. The citizens of Whiterun are forever in your debt! But Ulfric will not stop here. No, he will continue to strike out against any true Nord who remains faithful to the Empire. He will continue to sow discord and chaos wherever he can. And so, we must each one of us, continue to fight this insurrection, lest our fallen brothers have died for naught! Lest our honor be lessened should we allow these bloodthirsty beasts to prowl our lands! Carry on men, my gratitude and blessings go with you! For Whiterun! For the Empire!" Everyone cheered and Rikke gave another order. “Report to Tullius, I will take care of the last things and depart then.” Julius called Achilles over and they departed to Solitude. Balgruuf also informed him that he was allowed to buy property in Whiterun.