Ch. 4: The Throne Room
Aellerain Surana struggled to keep all the names with the faces. At first, she studied every detail of the feast, tried several new dishes, and discovered her new favorite Dwarven dish. Then, the hearings began. Lord after lord, lady after lady approached King Endrin for a seemingly endless list of complaints and requests. She didn't know how the king could stomach so much talking and posturing. She tried to keep herself busy by remembering the titles and the names.
But there were so many! And what Aellie didn't understand is how all of them believed in their own self-importance. She would not deny that Orzammar was a grand city. But that's all it was: a city. Although she'd never seen it, Aellie knew that Ferelden dwarfed Orzammar and that there were other lands whose size outmatched Ferelden's. And yet they fight tooth and nail for their own little portions.
Duncan handled the feast with a patience and good-will that astonished her again and again. No wonder that he is the Commander of the Grey Wardens. He wasn't the only Warden in attendance. Standing on his opposite side, Solon Black tapped his fingers against his crossed arms as he observed the proceedings. Unlike Aellie, who was still just a recruit, Solon was a full member of the order. In addition, Solon was Duncan's lieutenant, which was odd to the elf because after traveling with the Wardens in the last few weeks, Daylen seemed to be Duncan's right-hand man. She wondered if it was because that Daylen was a mage that the Amell wasn't part of the Grey Warden's leadership.
Her inner musings vanished as a Dwarven lady presented her case to King Aeducan. Aellie glanced around and wondered when the infamous Lady Aeducan would finally appear. She had already missed much of the feast, lucky her. But this feast was in her honor. She had to show up eventually...right?
One of the highlights of being rich is a large wardrobe that includes several spare outfits to change into when you don't have the time to clean off all the blood on your current armor. It might have costed her another hour, but Sereda was determined not to enter the Feast with her injuries visible. It might have required a little more make-up than she liked, but she finally stepped into the throne room when she was ready.
The room was expansive with two long tables sitting perpendicular to the entrance. Between the two tables was a red carpet that was as long as the tables. And at the other end of the carpet was the throne itself, a large seat that stood in front of a huge dwarven statue wielding a warhammer. Four huge braziers standing atop of columns lit the room, two at the ends of the tables and the other two flanking the throne. Paintings lined the walls to add to the decor. The tables were filled with food and dining noblemen.
But the first thing Gorim noticed were the visitors. "There are the Grey Wardens. The raid tomorrow must be more than a standard mission if they are involved. The Wardens only go where the darkspawn are the greatest threat."
Sereda rapidly focused on the dark-skinned giant, flanked by silver-haired elf and a nearly hairless human. The dark-haired giant wore intricate armor and two swords attached to his back. The thin-haired one wore light armor and two long daggers on his back. While the elf wore men's travel clothing as she held onto a walking stick. No, not a walking stick, a staff. Is she a mage? Sereda wondered. And why does she not wear a dress?
Undoubtedly, her father would wish to see her, but the noblewoman wished for a moment with the Grey Wardens. She took a few steps toward them when a voice interrupted her plans. "My lady Aeducan. May I bother you for a moment?"
She looked at the speaker and recognized the red-haired nobleman. Lord Ronus Dace. "Certainly."
In his deep voice, the richly-dressed Dace replied, "Many thanks for your willingness to hear me out, my lady. I wish to speak to you of a matter most urgent."
"Of course, Lord Dace," she answered as she reluctantly shifted her body language to focus on him.
"There is a vote coming before the Assembly next week, and a word from you could go a long way towards helping our cause," Dace requested as his hands waved about in front of him.
Sereda quirked an eyebrow as she attempted to remember what issues were lingering among the Assembly. Unfortunately, her transition from trainee to commander left her with too little knowledge. "What cause?"
"The vote concerns the status of the so-called surface caste. Lost to the Stone, air-touched, and so forth."
Air-touched? Aellie overheard. What an odd expression. She wondered how poor Faren was coping right now. Last she saw, he was in a tent, refusing to even look out the entrance.
Unaware of Aellie's inner monologue, Dace continued. "Centuries ago, narrow-minded men declared that any dwarf who left to live on the surface forfeited his caste, and his house if noble. That he was, in essence, no longer a dwarf. I seek only to remedy an injustice, to re-tie the bonds of anyone who can trace himself to one of the noble houses, wherever he may live. Please, agree to speak for this noble cause," the nobleman implored.
We certainly could use the extra help. If it was acceptable for Dwarven noblemen to create harems for needed sons, why not enlist the aid of the surface dwarves? But I doubt that's his real reason. "Why so interested in this particular cause?"
"Those on the surface are our lifeline. They facilitate trade with the surface. They're honorable and...um..." Dace broke down as he tried to find the words. He sighed before speaking at a lower volume. "Let's be honest. I don't care a whit for those who have wandered from the Stone. My wife, however, is a gem of a different color. She has a cousin, a useless sort, but she is quite fond of him. He joined a speculative venture to the surface, hoping to make his fortune and went bust. Now he wishes to come home, but he cannot, for he has no house and would be casteless. For my wife's sake, I take up his cause. Will you lend me your voice?"
Sereda could understand the curse of an annoying family relative. "What do I get in return?"
"I keep my ears to the Stone, my lady. I hear many things, some of which could be a great help during your mission tomorrow. A little forewarning to help your forearming, if you know what I mean."
Sereda wasn't sure what the odds were that Dace would know critical information. However, her first assignment had to go perfectly. "You have a deal. What do I do?"
"When your father presents you to the noble houses, I will ask for your opinion on the matter. You have merely to say that you feel our surface brothers should be returned their noble rights. What could be more simple?" Dace instructed.
Sereda nodded, said good-bye, and proceed onward to the Grey Warden giant. The ebony giant gave her a light bow. "Greetings, my Lady Aeducan. It is an honor to meet you at last. I am Duncan of the Grey Wardens. And these are my companions: Aellerain Surana, Warden recruit, and Solon Black, my Second-in-Command."
"Greetings Lady Aeducan," Solon replied with a nod.
Aellie tried to test out some of the local vernacular. "Stone met, Lady Aeducan."
"And I am Sereda Aeducan. The honor is mine, Wardens," Sereda replied with something unusual: open-hearted sincerity. She nodded to all of them, though she reserved a small, amused smile for Aellie.
"I have had the opportunity to recently meet with your father. He speaks highly of you. He says you may be the most skilled warrior in all of House Aeducan," the Grey Warden explained.
A warm smile flitted over Sereda's face. "My father does me great honor."
"I have no doubt it is deserved. We need more Grey Wardens like you. And quickly. Even as the darkspawn weaken here in Orzammar, they are stirring on the surface. A Blight has begun. Soon the fight must go beyond the Deep Roads, lest the darkspawn threaten all the world."
"You honor me with your praise," Sereda replied. "I do not know as much as I should about the Grey Wardens." She wanted to know something in particular.
"You know of our dedication to destroying the darkspawn, our frontline presence during a Blight. What else would you know?"
"Could I join the Grey Wardens and still stay in Orzammar?" If I could tap into the Grey Warden's reputation and remain here as royalty, my own fame and acclaim would be extraordinary.
"I'm afraid not. Grey Wardens go where they are needed most. Right now that on the surface at the ruins of Ostagar, where the human king gathers his armies to face the Blight," Duncan explained with a small shake of his head.
Sereda sighed. "I am an Aeducan. Orzammar needs me here."
The answer didn't faze him in the slightest. "Then it is a good thing that you have other paths before you. Some are not so lucky."
Like Faren, Aellie silently added.
Duncan nodded good-bye to her. "I wish you luck in the Deep Roads tomorrow. Show the darkspawn the might of your people."
"I intend to, master Duncan. Until our next meeting." She returned the nod to all of them. Sereda resumed her course to her father. She was three steps away from the carpet's edge when another voice grabbed her attention. "You're a fool."
The lady Aeducan coldly regarded the speaker. "Lady Helmi."
"Your mother would melt the Stone if she knew what you just did," the grey-haired lady replied.
It was only for the younger Helmi's sake did Sereda soften the edge in her voice. "Excuse me?"
"Lord Dace is playing you false. Go ahead, be his puppet. Your first command will be marked by every major house turning their back on you," Lady Helmi warned.
"I'm listening."
"Last spring, a guild from the Merchant caste invested heavily in an expedition with a guild from the surface. Lord Dace backed the merchant guild, pouring a great deal of money into the venture. The expedition was a disaster."
"So this is Lord Dace's play to recover his losses?" Sereda surmised.
"Clever child," Helmi complimented. "Lord Dace lost a great deal of money and prestige. The surface guild has no way to repay the investment. But it does have several leading members who are descended from the noble houses. House Helmi, Bemot...Aeducan."
Sereda's eyes narrowed. "If the surface swellers returned to their noble houses..."
Helmi nodded. "You begin to see the whole picture. Your house and mine would be forced to pay the surfacers' kin debts. It would be a great victory for Lord Dace."
Of course, this could be a ploy Helmi's part. But I doubt it. Her daughter looks up to me. At worst, this will cost me an alliance with Lord Dace, but if she's right, it'll ruin our houses. This is the safer bet. "Fine. Let Lord Dace think he's fooled me."
"Just so, my clever friend," Helmi heartily agreed. "Smile and nod, and when he asks his question, tell him the so-called surface caste are right where they belong. That should take Lord Dace down a peg or two."
"Thank you."
"You're welcome. Remember this when my house needs your assistance," Helmi replied.
"I will not forget," Sereda promised, picturing her web of power including House Helmi.
By now, another lord was speaking with King Endrin. "My king, please reconsider. The trade contracts alone could bring great prosperity to our houses..."
Lord Bemot interrupted with his huge nose. "Will we really turn our back on our brothers and a potential fortune in cheap labor because of a political technicality?"
"Denial of the traditions of our people does not qualify as a political technicality!" Endrin countered. Even had he not been seated on his throne, he was easily distinguishable from the rest by his pure-white hair, his red tunic with the black furred shoulder guards, and his commanding presence. Age had not diminished his voice, which was as strong and sharp as ever. "There is more to life than monetary gains, my lords Bemot and Meino. The Assembly of Kal Sharok will respect the rule of Orzammar, or they will rot and die alone, surrounded by enemies."
Lord Meinos nodded reluctantly. "Yes, my king."
King Endrin looked past the lord. "But look, we have company to spare us further wrangling. Atrast vala, my sweet daughter. How fine you look in your grandmother's armor. I hear you were declared champion of the Provings!" the elder dwarf chuckled. "I suppose you were never one to sit by when something exciting was going on. Are you ready to be presented to the heads of the noble houses?"
Sereda couldn't stop the smile from appearing as her excitement rose. "Of course, Father." She rotated until she was looking at the assembled nobility as per tradition.
"So dutiful," Endrin murmured appreciatively. "Very well, let us begin." He stood as he addressed the entire room. "Lords, ladies. Grant me a moment of your time. We are here today so that I may present to you my second eldest child. Blessed by the Stone and born of the blood that ran in the veins of the Paragon Aeducan. Who would pose a question to the prospective commander? Who seeks to know the prospect better?"
Aellie bit her tongue to avoid asking anything. Duncan warned her it was not her place to become involved in politics. It was a much harder trial than she suspected. Aren't Grey Wardens treated like nobility? Can't I have at least one question? When she sideways glanced at Duncan, the Warden-Commander gave her a firm look. She hid her scowl and watched the proceedings with her tongue reined in.
Lord Dace spoke out. "I have a question. I seek to know the prospect better."
"Lord Dace, head of House Dace, speak," Endrin announced.
The red-headed man looked over the assembled crowd. "Lords, ladies, my question concerns the plight of our wayward kin, the so-called surface caste. What does the commander prospect think is the proper place for these lost souls?" he called out in an emotional tone.
Sereda smiled at the lord before she answered precisely. "They should be respected...but no more."
"Are you satisfied, Lord Dace? Do you feel you have learned something about the prospect?" Endrin inquired.
Replying sullenly and trying to look as invisible as he could, Lord Dace nodded. "Yes, my king."
"Then if there are no other challenges, I give you Orzammar's next commander!" Cheers broke out from the assembled gathering. As loud as they were, Sereda dreamed of giving them a victory for them to really cheer about. "Tomorrow, our newest commander will lead part of a mission to strike a great blow the darkspawn. Not only does this recover access to some of our most important mines, but it also allows our honored guest Duncan, head of Fereldan's Grey Wardens, to strike far into the Deep Roads."
Duncan nodded to Endrin. "Thank you, King Endrin. While the darkspawn seem to withdraw, it is only because they are massing on the surface. This could mean a Blight and my men and I will discover the truth."
"We are honored to have you with us, my friend," Endrin answered, unperturbed by the news of a Blight. Sereda understood the attitude well. While the Surface only dealt with Blights occasionally, the Dwarves were under continuous siege from the Darkspawn. Blights were the only time they were given a respite. "Now, feast, drink, and celebrate, for the morning brings battle!" Once he was finished addressing the crowd, Endrin turned to his daughter. "As for you, my commander, find your brother Trian and send him to me. He may be watching the Provings, or getting some rest in his rooms."
"What do you want with Trian?" Sereda casually asked.
Endrin shook his head at her. "Don't question everything. Just go, for the ancestor's sake."
If she had been a more foul mood, she might have huffed or left with a sarcastic remark despite being in such a public place. As it was, she nodded and left to do her father's bidding.
"I suppose you're proud of yourself," Lord Dace growled at her as she neared him.
"You underestimated me," Sereda replied cheerfully, wearing a triumphant smile.
The lord did not even try to deny it. "That is the way the games of the Assembly are played. Next time, I will think more of you. If you'll excuse me, my lady." Dace glowered before he trudged off to try to shake off his embarrassing defeat.
Sereda let him walk away before she headed for the royal bedrooms. Even if she had to deal with snooty Trian, she didn't think nothing could ruin her day. I may have two merchant clients, House Helmi's support, prevented Dace from ruining us, won my own Proving, and am now officially Orzammar's newest commander. Could this day get any better?
To her surprise, she found not only Trian, but Bhelen in Trian's room. The blonde brother gruffly greeted her. "So, you are a commander now. In name at least. Shouldn't you be attending our king father?"
"Father wants to see you, Trian," she neutrally replied.
"Of course he does. We must discuss strategy before tomorrow's battle." Trian turned his icy blue eyes onto the youngest brother. "Bhelen, stay here and stroke the new commander's conceit if you like, but then get to bed."
Bhelen looked positively relieved with Trian's exit. "All day I've put up with that. He can really grate on the nerves."
Sereda felt another pang of sympathy for her youngest sibling. "I agree."
Bhelen frowned as he looked from the door to his older sister. "And what I'm going to tell you next won't make you any more fond of him."
This puzzled Sereda. "What are you talking about?" Is this about the dagger?
"Trian has begun to move against you," Bhelen quietly whispered. "I never thought his much-proclaimed honor would allow him to actually act on his jealously. Big sister, Trian is going to try to kill you."
Sereda blinked. Trian? 'Honor-is-life' Trian? "That seems a little far-fetched."
"I wouldn't have believed it myself if I hadn't overheard him giving orders to his men. Trian's decided you're a threat to his taking the throne," Bhelen warned her fearfully. He glanced at the dagger on her belt. "Maybe he's right."
"True," Sereda conceded without hesitation. "Trian's a pompous ass and everyone likes me better."
"It would be unusual for the Assembly to ignore the king's choice, but it does happen," Bhelen reminded her.
"The founder of House Bemot became a Paragon and king in one move from the Assembly, and he was a commoner," Gorim added.
"That was an extraordinary case," Bhelen admitted. "But at least a half-dozen times, the Assembly named a lesser family member - or even someone from another house - as king. Twice, it was a woman."
It'll soon be thrice. "Well, I would make a good ruler..."
"You entered the Provings held in your own honor just for glory and to please the crowds," Bhelen said as he listed off her accomplishment. "If you win glory against the darkspawn tomorrow, it will only strengthen the case for you as the next heir. Trian fears Father will replace him on the spot. If not, the Assembly will surely turn against him when Father dies. You know his pride will never allow him to step aside."
Without a doubt, but there's a missing piece. "What's your angle in all of this?"
"It seems Trian has shown that brothers can't always be trusted. I am next in line. If Trian succeeds in his plot against you, how long do you think I'll live?" Bhelen revealed worriedly. He glanced around Trian's room as though it might react to Endrin's Eldest's future desires for murder.
Not yet convinced, Sereda turned to her Second. "Gorim, what do you say?"
"Permission to speak freely?"
"Of course, my friend."
"Trian would be a terrible king, but not one wants to say it," Gorim answered bluntly. "He has just enough backing in the Assembly to make it ugly when your father dies, but not enough to become king. Killing him now makes your house stronger now and saves a great deal of bloodshed later."
Hard logic to argue against. "Very well. Trian dies."
"I'm afraid I must agree with you," Bhelen declared sadly. "Tomorrow's battle is the time to do it. I'll find out the rendezvous and buy the time to do what must be done. I'm taking your place as Father's second, so I'll be at hand tomorrow. For now, try to get some sleep."
"Sleep well, little brother," Sereda said softly. And if you foul this up, I will make sure to use your Casteless whore against you.
The three of them left the bedroom. How ironic that we are plotting Trian's death in the same room he sleeps. Some of the more superstitious lords would consider that bad luck. Sereda smiled to herself. I make my own luck.
Where the hallway branched off to the right, Sereda and Gorim took the right path to her room. "May the Paragons smile down on you," Gorim said as he dropped her off in her bedroom.
But Sereda clasped onto his hand with a mischievous grin when he was about to step away. "Gorim, I believe we had plans for after the feast."
He glanced down the hallway. "I thought I said those activities should be held outside the palace," her Second reminded her half-heartedly.
She stepped forward and captured his lips in a brief but fiery kiss. She leaned close to his ear and whispered, "Everyone is at the feast."
"That...they are," He replied before letting himself be pulled into the bedroom.
A/N: To read the stories of Aellerain and Faren, journey over to The Mage and The Thief, both can be found in my profile.
