Chapter 4: The Storm
The coming of summer brought more dire news out of Ferelden. Tales of a nation turning to ash, choking on the darkspawn taint. Tales of a dragon, once a creature of great beauty, worshipped as a god, now rotting as it still drew breath. Stories were told of a hero gone mad, a man willing to watch his home die out of fear of outsiders, a madman killing the very people he should have been turning to for aid.
In Kirkwall all they could do was watch and wait. The Fereldans who had fled the Blight listened to tales of the death of their homeland.
Yet…hope remained.
Stories were told of a new hero, a grey warden, born of a disgraced noble family, a man who was drawing an army to oppose both the Archdemon and the mad Teyrn, a hero who promised victory in the darkest night.
A man named Aedan Cousland.
Solona was shocked when she heard that. Aedan…he was a pacifist, he had told her he wished to join the chantry, such a man would not lead an army, or oppose the forces of darkness.
The boy had no choice, Brother Alec suggested, war and death bring out strange things in people, and show them the strength that they did not know that they possessed.
The Viscountess nodded.
She supposed that made sense.
The names of heroes were whispered, names that had not been heard before: Oghren, Sten, Wynne, Morrigan, and Leliana. The tales also spoke of Alistair, an illegitimate son of King Maric, and best friend to Aedan Cousland. Word was that the Cousland hero intended to put his friend on the throne.
Lady Revka was intrigued by that news. Born of a commoner or not, this Alistair interested her, a son of Maric, illegitimate or not…if made King might be a good match for the Viscountess of Kirkwall.
Solona had rolled her eyes.
Mother do not start. Let us see what is left when the Blight ends, if it ends.
Lady Revka conceded that point.
Whatever happened, Solona wished Aedan well, she was sorry that he did not find the life of peace he had desired, but perhaps…he had found something more.
The tales also spoke of a red haired Orlesian woman, she who fought at Aedan's side, protecting his person and having won his heart.
Solona had chuckled at that news.
Teyrn Loghain likely loved that, an Orlesian in love with a Fereldan hero, and…surprise, surprise, Aedan did actually like women.
The Viscountess could do nothing for their southern neighbors. Loghain's warships blocked the ports. Any attempt to break them would result in a naval war with Ferelden.
The royal court would not approve of those actions, and Solona could not afford to lose soldiers with Meredith laired in the Gallows.
Solona had to wait and pray.
Maker guide you Aedan Cousland, and your friends.
Maker watch over us all.
IOI
The Chantry remained a place of comfort in Kirkwall. The citizens of Hightown gathered to reaffirm their belief in the Maker and his Prophet Andraste. All of Kirkwall was shining this morning a terrible storm had swept the city clean in the night. Water dripped from everywhere, giving the city a sparkling shine.
Today the Grand Cleric held services, asking that the Maker protect not only Kirkwall but all of Thedas from the ravages of evil. She implored that the Maker guide those brave souls fighting in Ferelden, and grant them the wisdom to see the evil of the Blight ended quickly.
In the pew reserved for the Viscountess and her family Solona listened to the Grand Cleric with expectant eyes. At her right sat her Mother, Daylen, and Brother Alec, at her left sat Leandra, Bethany, and Garrett.
Her eyes searched the priests and Initiates serving the grand cleric.
She was only partially listening to the Grand Cleric's sermon, her thoughts were elsewhere. For once she was not thinking of duty, or family, or even Kirkwall.
She was waiting.
Waiting…for him.
The Grand Cleric stepped aside; it was time for the singing of the chant. The faithful rose.
Solona smiled, he was coming.
A young brother took the pulpit; he smiled and addressed those gathered here.
Color rose in Solona's cheeks.
Sebastian.
After their chance meeting at her Coronation, Solona had set her agents to work. The Viscountess had not even realized that she had had agents until she asked Seneschal Bran. What an interesting conversation that was.
She wanted to know more about this chantry brother from the Vael family. What they had found…it surprised her.
Sebastian Vael, that was his name, the third son of Prince and Princess Vael, he had been placed in the Chantry at fourteen. Before that, he had been training to lead Starkhaven's militia. He was said to be a skilled archer, and had won many tourneys in those events.
Then…there had been the incident.
There had been some kind of scandal, involving a noble girl from a rival family. The Prince had been furious with his young son. He had sent Sebastian away without evening listening to any appeal.
Sebastian had come to Kirkwall, made an initiate by Grand Cleric Elthina herself.
Sebastian had apparently been very wild boy, he had tried to escape the chantry several times over his first few years there, but his faith and respect for Elthina had kept drawing him back.
He had been in the chantry for almost six years now, and she had watched from the shadows for the last two.
Solona hated to admit it, but Sebastian…he…he intrigued her.
Yes…she had been very interested in the affairs of Prince Vael's third son, probably more than was appropriate to be truthful, but she could not help it.
She…she had wanted to know.
Foolish girl, she could almost hear her mother say, the boy has no support at home, and no title.
All true, but…the spark she felt when she heard his voice, when…when she looked into those blue eyes.
The whole world seemed a better place.
The Viscountess sighed.
She also knew that he had not taken his vows yet, which made her strangely…excited. The Chantry asked for vows of poverty and chastity.
If…if he chose to leave the Chantry before he took them…?
He could still have a life, not in Starkhaven perhaps, but…but…
Fear, excitement, and worst of all…longing burned within her. It filled her body with a deep long buried heat. Gooseflesh rose on her arms.
The Viscountess smiled.
Go talk to him.
What?! No!
The thought was preposterous! She…she was the Viscountess of Kirkwall! How would it look to go up to an Initiate of the faith and…and ask him what…?
What could she say?
What did she want to say?
Greetings Milord Vael, I'm Solona, and... You…you interest me. Would you like a tour of the keep? We…we can start with my bedroom.
The Viscountess's eyes widened.
What?!
Solona shook her head.
The thought…it came out of nowhere, where had it…?
Oh Maker.
That would not do.
It would not do at all.
IOI
"Cousin?"
Bethany looked at Solona, the Viscountess was not singing, she was simply staring, a happy look on her face.
Bethany followed her cousin's gaze, down to the handsome brother standing on the pulpit.
Wait…was her noble cousin…?
Oh Maker.
Bethany smiled.
Oh…poor Solona, she was totally and utterly smitten with the lad.
It was cute.
She nudged Solona.
The Viscountess started.
"Huh? What?"
Bethany gave her a sly smile.
"What?" Solona whispered.
Bethany leaned in.
"You are glowing cousin."
Was she?
Panic came to Solona heart, was she? She knew it happened when she used her magic sometimes. Could everyone see? Could…?
She looked down, she…she was herself, her magic inactive. No, wait…Bethany meant.
She glared at cousin.
The young woman giggled.
"He is quite handsome," she murmured.
Solona stared forward, her honeyed daydreams shattered.
"Silence," the Viscountess muttered.
"He truly is."
"Hush you."
"You should go talk to him."
"Beth."
"Yes Your Excellency?"
"Hush."
"Yes Your Excellency."
IOI
The Viscountess emerged from the Chantry feeling like a complete and utter idiot.
Bethany was right to laugh at her; she had sat through most of service smiling like a fool, and for what?
Solona shook her head, it was time to return to the keep, and at least there she could say that she knew what she was doing.
"Cousin," Bethany said shyly behind her, "There is someone I would like you to meet."
Solona rolled her eyes, sweet Maker…what now?
She turned to scold her cousin about not letting her leave.
Her words died on her tongue.
Sebastian stood before her, Bethany smiling behind him.
Oh Maker…Oh no.
"Oh…um…I…uh…"
"Viscountess,"" Bethany said smiling, "I would like you to meet Brother Sebastian. He led the chant today."
Solona's heart raced.
"Yes…um…indeed," she stammered, cursing her weakness and stupidity.
She spoke with city leaders and nobles all day.
Why was this so sodding difficult!
"Greetings Your Excellency," Sebastian said.
Solona did not respond, beyond a cough.
Say something fool.
"It rained last night," she said.
Oh nice…Solona…very sophisticated.
Sebastian laughed lightly.
"Yes it did," he said ignoring her stupidity, "The Maker showed us his wrath for sure."
The Viscountess swallowed hard.
I'm going to kill Bethany!
She tried to center herself.
She was the Viscountess for Andraste's sake; she was not some ill-educated bumpkin.
"You…you sing beautifully Brother," she informed him.
He smiled at her.
It made her terrified heart leap, the butterflies in her stomach spun.
"You have met my cousin," she motioned to Bethany," Lady Hawke-Amell."
"Yes," he purred, "She mentioned that you wanted to speak with me?"
She did?
Oh Maker!
"You remember don't you cousin," Bethany asked, "The new trade agreement with Starkhaven?"
Trade agreement, there was no new…
Bethany nudged her in the ribs.
Solona paused.
"Cousin," Beth whispered.
The Viscountess thought.
Oh…
"Trade agreement," Solona laughed nervously, "Yes…thank you Beth, I had almost forgotten."
"Always happy to help Your Excellency," Bethany smirked.
Solona shot her a look.
You will pay for this later Beth.
"As I informed Lady Hawke," Sebastian said, "I'm not certain if I could convince my Father to accept new concessions, but I'm happy to speak with you about what I know, after supper perhaps?"
Solona stifled a nervous giggle.
Sebastian in the keep…
Would he like to see her bedroom?
Don't you say that…don't you dare!
"I…I would like to have you…for supper…to eat food." The Viscountess replied.
"Excellent," Sebastian smiled, "But I'm afraid I need to attend to evening prayer. I could come after."
Solona blushed.
He could come whenever he wanted.
"Tonight then," he said.
"Yes," she said with a dreamy look on her face.
"Tonight."
Sebastian was coming to the keep.
She…she must have been dreaming. She felt like she might faint.
"VISCOUNTESS! VISCOUNTESS!"
The panicked voice shook her out of her revelry; a city guard was running through the crowd.
"I NEED TO SEE THE VISCOUNTESS!" he cried.
Bradley and Darren were there, blocking his path, swords drawn.
The guard fell to his knees gasping for breath.
"My lady…We…we are in danger…monsters…great gray horned monsters!"
Solona felt the giggling girl fall away. Sebastian was forgotten… for now.
The Viscountess came to the forefront. It was the daughter of the Lion of Kirkwall who now faced the scout.
"What has happened?" she asked.
"Monsters…Wounded…"
Aveline, who had been with some of the other guard in the chantry stepped forward, she had some experience calming panicked soldiers.
"On your time son," she said softly.
The boy took a deep breath and started again.
"Monstrous warriors Viscountess," he said, "Gray skinned giants, hundreds of them, all camped on the wounded coast."
Brother Alec stepped forward; he thought he knew what the boy was talking about.
He prayed he was wrong.
"Do they carry any banners?" the sage asked.
"Yes," the scout said, "they bear this symbol."
He pulled piece of red cloth from his belt and laid it on the cobblestones. It bore a strange diamond shape insignia.
Brother Alec spat. He knew that symbol; all born in Tevinter knew it.
"The Qunari," he hissed.
IOI
An emergency session of the royal court was summoned.
Nobles shouted nervously, plans were discussed and discarded! Panic filled the chamber.
The Qunari had landed on the wounded coast with an army.
What were they going to do?
Solona sat on the throne. She knew she needed to act. Fear was the enemy here, if they gave into it they would never stand against the Qunari.
"My Lords and Ladies," she shouted over the din, her voice getting lost in the panic.
"My Lords and Ladies please be calm!"
She was still ignored.
Solona's eyes narrowed in anger.
They needed to be…
"OUR VISCOUNTESS HAS CALLED FOR SILENCE!" a loud voice broke through the cacophony!
"HOLD YOUR TONGUES!"
Solona turned. Aveline Vallen had come in with Darren and Bradley. She was the one who had shouted.
The throne room fell silent. A pin hitting the floor could have been heard.
Solona smiled at her.
"Thank you Ser Aveline," she said to the Ferelden.
The warrior scoffed.
"I am no knight Milady," she said.
The Viscountess smirked.
She just might have to remedy that.
Solona sat down on the throne.
"We must decide what must be done," she said, "And quickly."
"A word Your Excellency," Brother Alec had entered the chamber as well, the young scout who had brought the warning at his side.
The look he gave her was the one a master gave his apprentice.
It meant you better had listen to what he had to say.
"We are listening Brother Alec," she said.
"What does the Viscountess's tutor know about these monsters!" a nervous lord shouted.
Alec gave him a withering glare.
"I'm Tevinter by birth," he said, "We know a great deal about killing Qunari."
The lord fell silent and returned to his seat.
Alec turned to address Solona.
"Your Excellency," he began, "We need to know how many warships the Qunari have with them. Then we can decide what to do."
The scout spoke next.
"No warships," he said.
"What do you mean Solona asked.
The man took a deep breath.
"One ship, broken on the rocks, the warriors came ashore in lifeboats, or crawled out of the sea like demons."
Alec considered what the boy said.
"Not an invasion then," the Brother said pacing, "No, not an invasion, more ships would have come. Qunari do not do anything halfway. They would not break the Llomerryn Accords lightly. A shipwreck perhaps…but what is a Qunari Dreadnought doing this far from Par Vollen?"
Alec snorted.
He had no answers.
Solona knew not to interrupt her master when he was thinking.
"What do you advise?" she asked the sage.
He nodded.
In this, he had an answer.
He looked right at Solona.
"You must ride out to greet them," he said, "The Qunari respect strength. Anyone else who goes to parlay with them will be rebuffed.
Captain Jeven laughed at the sage.
"You would throw the Viscountess to those monsters?"
Alec grinned at him.
"Perhaps you should go Guard Captain," he purred, "Show the Qunari your strength?"
The way Jeven paled told what he thought of that idea.
IOI
Solona sniffed.
Jeven should have the first to volunteer for this duty, but the guard captain was not the best of men.
The Viscountess rolled her eyes, she promised herself to find a guard captain with a harder spine before the year was out.
First…they had Qunari to deal with.
She considered what Brother Alec had told her.
Her Master was no fool. If he believed that this would work. Could she deny his wisdom?
She had promised herself to trust him completely. He was unlocking her full potential, both as a mage and as a ruler.
She would trust him in this.
She rose from the throne. She addressed them all in the strongest voice she could manage.
"Ready my armor," she said, "and prepare my entourage. I shall address this matter personally."
The nobles looked ill.
Maybe they thought that she expected them to accompany her.
It would have been nice.
"Permission to come Your Excellency," Aveline said dropping to one knee.
Solona smirked.
"Looking for a title Aveline?"
The warrior woman shrugged.
"Just trying to pull my own weight Your Excellency," she said.
Solona laid a hand on her shoulder.
"You may come." She whispered.
"I'm coming to."
She turned to see Garrett striding into the chamber, daggers at his belt, and warhound at his side.
"This little trip sounds fun," he exclaimed.
Aveline shook her head.
"Not now Hawke."
Garrett grinned.
Solona glared at the members of her court.
"My Ferelden kin shame you all," she said coldly.
The nobles looked at each other nervously.
They knew what she was asking of them.
They were either lords…or they were not.
One by one, the others volunteered to accompany her entourage.
Kirkwall needed to be strong now…united.
The Qunari were at the gates.
