[center]Imperial Capital
12th of Sun's Height, 4E 205[/center]

The messenger barely glanced aside as he tore through the small town on the outskirts of the Imperial City, driving his exhausted mount hard across the brilliant white bridge that led to the city gates. When he reached them, he paused only long enough to dismount and brandish the letter he carried, sealed with the sigil of the Penitus Oculatus. He was admitted immediately, and though he himself was as exhausted as his horse, ran as fast as his legs could carry him to reach the doors of the white-gold tower. The letter granted him admittance there as well, and he was escorted directly to the Emperor's chambers by the Imperial Guard. He didn't know what was in the letter, only that the agent that had given it to him had died to make sure it was delivered, making it important enough for the messenger to run three horses to their deaths and be forced to steal seven others, simply to ensure his journey was as quick as possible. 

Once in the Emperor's chambers, he dropped to his knees and offered up the letter, not daring to lift his eyes from the floor. The letter was taken from his hands, and he heard the seal being broken, then long silence as he assumed it was being read. His eyes began to drift closed while he waited to be dismissed, and he jerked with a start when a voice addressed him. "You did well, bringing this as quickly as you did. You shall be commended for your bravery, as the journey was no doubt a harsh one. Go now and rest, you will be given food and a room here in the tower." He tried to stand, but collapsed back to his knees, unable to muster the energy. Now that he had stopped moving, the enormity of his exhaustion slammed into him like a brick wall.

"Apologies, Sire." He tried again, and this time the guards helped raise him to his feet and support him out of the room.

When he was gone, the Emperor also left the room and proceeded directly to his offices, sending messengers to summon his advisors, aides and administrators with all haste along the way. When all were gathered in the room, he looked each one in the eyes before sighing heavily, as men are prone to do when a great burden is suddenly thrust upon them, and began to speak. "Has the delegate from Hammerfell left the city yet?" One of the aides nodded. "Very well. We shall have to do it ourselves. Find the nine fastest messengers still in the city, and send three each to the legion at High Rock, High King Bellemont, and the ruler of Hammerfell. It is of the utmost importance that they be informed of what has transpired in Skyrim. Go now, I will have the missives ready when you return." 

The Aide scurried off and the Emperor turned to another. "Go to the University and request an audience for me with the head researcher. I have something I wish to discuss with him as soon as possible." The second aide nodded and left, and the Emperor turned to the head of the Penitus Oculatus that were stationed in the imperial city, one of his most trusted advisors. "Send agents into Morrowind as soon as you can gather them. This business in Cheydinhal must be investigated further, and all leads point to Morrowind. Go." The man bowed and excused himself, and the Emperor's attention was yet again redirected, this time to the Head of the Imperial Legion in the city. "Send the eighth legion north to Skyrim, and begin the mustering of two additional legions. If the attack on Skyrim is as severe as I have reason to believe, they will be needed there." When the Emperor finished, the officer saluted, then turned on his heel and marched out of the room. It was only then that the Emperor seemed to relax, sitting back in the chair behind his desk. This did not bode well for the fragile treaties that had been crafted at the summit in Black Marsh, but if he had any say left in the world he would not let his beloved Tamriel fall to these invaders.

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Actions:

-The eighth legion musters and begins the trip north toward Skyrim.

-The Imperial Army begins the mustering of two of the auxiliary legions.

-Messengers are sent to High Rock and Hammerfell carrying letters from the Emperor.

-Spies are dispatched to Morrowind following leads gained in the investigations in Cheydinhal.