2920 , Vol . 27 Content . 2920 : The Last Year of the First Era By Carlovac Townway 2 Sun ' s Dusk , 2920 Tel Aruhn , Morrowind " A man to see you , Night Mother , ” said the guard . “ A Kothringi tribesman who presents his credentials as Lord Zuuk of Black Marsh , part of the Imperial Garrison of Gideon . ” “ What makes you think I ' d have even the slightest possible interest in seeing him ? ” asked the Night Mother with venomous sweetness . “ He brings a letter from the late Empress of the Cyrodilic Empire . ” “ We are having a busy day , ” she smiled , clapping her hands together with delight . “ Show him in . ” Zuuk entered the chamber . His metallic skin , though exposed only at his face and hands , caught the light of the fireplace and the lightning of the stormy night from the window . The Night Mother noted also that she could see herself as he saw her : serene , beautiful , fear - inspiring . He handed her his letter from the Empress without a word . Sipping her wine , she read it . “ The Duke of Morrowind also offered me an appreciable sum to have the Emperor murdered earlier this year , ” she said , folding the letter . “ His payment sunk , and never was delivered . It was a considerable annoyance , particularly as I had already gone to the trouble of putting one of my agents in the palace . Why should I assume that your more - than - generous payment , from a dead woman , will arrive ? ” “ I brought it with me , ” said Zuuk simply . “ It is in the carriage outside . ” “ Then bring it in and our business is complete , ” smiled the Night Mother . “ The Emperor will be dead by year ' s end . You may leave the gold with Apaladith . Unless you ' d care for some wine ? ” Zuuk declined the offer and withdrew . The moment he left the room , Miramor slipped noiselessly back from behind the dark tapestry . The Night Mother offered him a glass of wine , and he accepted it . “ I know that fellow , Zuuk , ” said Miramor carefully . “ I didn ' t know he worked for the old Empress though . ” “ Let ' s talk about you some more , if you don ' t mind , ” she said , knowing he would , in fact , not mind . “ Let me show you my worth , ” said Miramor . “ Let me be the one to do the Emperor in . I ' ve already killed his son , and you saw there how well I can hide myself away . Tell me you saw one ripple in the tapestry . ” The Night Mother smiled . Things were falling into place rather nicely . “ If you know how to use a dagger , you will find him at Bodrum , ” she said , and described to him what he must do . 3 Sun ' s Dusk , 2920 Mournhold , Morrowind The Duke stared out the window . It was early morning , and for the fourth straight day , a red mist hung over the city , flashing lightning . A freakish wind blew through the streets , ripping his flags from the castle battlements , forcing all his people to close their shudders tightly . Something terrible was coming to his land . He was not a greatly learned man , but he knew the signs . So too did his subjects . “ When will my messengers reach the Three ? ” he growled , turning to his castellan . “ Vivec is far to the north , negotiating the treaty with the Emperor , ” the man said , his face and voice trembling with fear . “ Almalexia and Sotha Sil are in Necrom . Perhaps they can be reached in a few days time . ” The Duke nodded . He knew his messengers were fast , but so too was the hand of Oblivion .