Chapter seven: a new addition
Tywin and Bastion helped pull the longboat onto the shore, with the original mooring rope they tied the end of it around the base of the Griffin statue to stop it from sliding back into the waters. Chumley had become silent and reserved; he sat on the banks of the river simply polishing his weapon avoid all eye contact with the others.
Jayden, Alexis, Syrus and Lovis were gathered around in a circle with the female Qunari. They were looking at the map given to them by the Wardens and Jayden was taking advice on which destination the group would travel to next. Jayden pointed to their current location, "We're here by the Silver Lake. From here the next closest key is located here, in the Summer Palace"
"Why are some ruins called the Summer Palace?" Alexis asked.
Jayden showed the marker on the map, "The Summer Palace was built during 4:40 Black, at the time when Pedgite was part of the Orlesian Empire. Then the newly appointed King of Pedgite, Duke Lanval de Campouyre, had an Orlesian Chateau constructed to be his seat of power. When it was finished he named it the Summer Palace, there he and other Orlesian nobles would consort and mostly host extravagant parties. Ten years later when the Pedgite nobility rose up against them all of the Orlesian were rounded up and killed before they burned the palace to the ground. I mean it's still a ruin but they still call it the Summer Palace"
Lovis looked at the map and the surrounding area, "…a large ruin in a deserted area would be an ideal hiding spot"
Jayden folded up the map, "Well then, the Summer Palace it is"
As the young noble put away the map he then turned to see the female Qunari, he realised that before he and his group were to depart that she should be informed of what they were doing. After he cleared his throat Jayden spoke, "Well….from here the closest village is Loudrus. However, something rather serious is happening there so I would recommend…."
"The Summer Palace is located to the south," she interrupted, "If we were to leave now it would take full day of travel for us to reach it as soon as possible"
Jayden seemed somewhat surprised, "...we?"
Before he could say anything else the female Qunari reached out her hand toward Jayden and said, "I, Ashaad, formally of the Valo-Kas mercenary company, pledge my service to you in combat and in protection"
Bastion had finished helping Tywin and so he came over to see what was happening, as he approached Bastion saw that Ashaad had extended her hand out toward his friend. He felt that she was offering him something but before anything could be decided he placed his hand on Jayden's shoulder, "Jayden, what is happening?"
"Well…it turns out the Quna…I mean, Ashaad, was offering to join us," Jayden replied.
Bastion without saying a word looked at his friend, signalling with his eyes that he wanted him and his friend to have a private moment to discuss matters. Jayden realised what Bastion wanted so pausing his conversation with Ashaad, the young noble and his closet friend walked away to be sure they were out of earshot of the others. When the two were alone Bastion displayed a look a concerned mother would have for a wayward son.
"Jayden," Bastion began, "We are testing the legality of traveling with an apostate but now you intend on bringing a Qunari with us on our travels?"
"She has pledged her service to me and I have not decided on if I should let her join," Jayden replied, "Besides, another well trained warrior would be a blessing"
Bastion stole a quick glance of Ashaad before continuing, "Have you forgotten the attitude of our countrymen toward her kind?"
"You don't need to give me a lesson regarding history. My Great Grandfather lost his life trying to repel them from our kingdom, I am fully aware of how people will react to her. What would you have me do, turn her away?"
"You are playing with fire. With an apostate and a Qunari with us we could invoke the wrath of the chantry. Your father is a powerful man but he can only protect you to a certain point and I do not wish to see you Val Royeaux in chains,"
Jayden thought over his decision carefully, having a highly trained warrior join his group would be a blessing but given how Pegtians would be disturbed to see a Qunari walking freely through their lands. Considering all option, weighing the pros and cons the young noble came to a conclusion regarding Ashaad's offer. Patting Bastion on the shoulder Jayden walked away and returned to Ashaad, "I thank you for your kind offer of service, I would be more than glad to have you join our company"
Jayden then took hold of Ashaad's hand and shook it before she replied, "Thank you Master Brent"
At the king's camp was a tent where the wounded were being tented to. Bann Lettic and his men had suffered terrible losses but only one of the Grey Wardens had fallen in battle. Warden Brosca sat beside a stretcher that held the body of a fallen comrade covered by a large wool blanket. As he pulled the blanket back he looked upon the face of the fallen Warden, it was the elf who was Warden-Constable for Pedgite. As he lay on the stretcher Brosca looked at the gaping wound on the corpse's neck, in respect he pulled the cover back over the body before patting it on the chest, "May the ancestors grant you peace Ralath, I know you deserve it"
From the distance came footsteps before a shadow was cast down on Brosca, when he turned he saw a human who looked almost like Jayden expect older and with more confidence. The Dwarf quickly stood up and bowed when he realised who it was, "Lord Brent, it is a pleasure to meet you your grace"
Jareth looked past Brosca before replying, "...if you are busy I can return later?"
"I was just bidding a dear friend a final farewell. I am glad you are hear your grace, when I was told the Teryn of Greenstone would be joining the King's army I insisted I speak with you as soon as possible"
"I was told of this, you said you know of my son Jayden. Tell me what has become of him,"
"Surprising really," Brosca continued, "A young man with zeal and ambition appears to me in a time of need. I saw this as an opportunity; I needed someone to perform a task of great importance and he seemed suitable…."
"Are you saying that you let take on a dangerous mission that could put his life in serious jeopardy?"
"I did not force him to join; I told him that I needed someone willing and able. I saw something in him, a desire to prove himself and so I gave him the chance he wanted. Honestly, I find it disturbing the lack of faith you have in your son,"
Jareth violently point his finger at the Warden, "If you were a father you would understand! Was he with someone?"
"A number of people went with him but I think he was closet with a young man named Bastion, he acted much like a brother and showed the concern for him that you have now,"
A lot of Jareth's worry and anger faded and was replaced with a steadfast reassurance regarding his son's safety. Retracting his aggressive gesture and letting out a sigh of relief the Teryn changed his attitude, "…I see, Bastion always was a voice of reason for him so I guess if he is with my son then it is not as bad as I first though. Warden, I apologise for my outburst as my wife and I have been deeply worried over his disappearance"
"Understandable," Brosca added, "My advice, I see a lot of potential in Jayden and I believe he is well suited for the task"
Jareth quickly looked past Brosca again to examine the body of the fallen warden, "…that man, who was he?"
"His name was Ralath; he was the Warden-Constable for Pedgite. He came from the Alienage in Draton. One day his sister was beaten and killed by a drunk, in retaliation he slit the man's throat and later apprehended by the city guard. Before he was due to be sentenced a Grey Warden present at the court conscripted him, since then he has always been stationed in Pedgite. He died trying to hold back the enemy which provided the opportunity for Jayden and his company to escape,"
"He sacrificed his life for my son?"
"Jayden's efforts are vital to the stability of your nation as well as the security of Thedas. Trust me, I would not have chosen him for the task if I did not think he were capable. All he needs is an opportunity to be more than what he is,"
