The shadows cast by the statutes of old sent a shiver down Aiden's spine. It wasn't that they scared him, but that a feeling of defeat came over him as though the battle was already lost. Duncan dismounted his horse and Aiden followed closely with Bax. He paid his feelings no mind though, and continued to the entrance of camp.
"Ho there Duncan." the King called out.
Duncan bowed to the King "Your majesty I was not….'"
The king interjected placing a hand upon Duncan's shoulder, "Expecting a royal welcome? And this is your new recruit? It is a pleasure to meet you. You are Bryce's youngest yes? Your brother arrived with the troops yesterday, and now we await your father's arrival."
A wave of pain replaced by anger shrouded Aiden's face, "He is... not coming your majesty. He's dead."
"Dead? How can this be, do you know Duncan" shock registered in the king's eyes and voice.
You would ask Duncan? Am I not the one you should ask? I was there and I'm standing right here and you want the answer from Duncan? Aiden looked to his new mentor, but would not allow the man to speak for him.
"Arl Howe massacred my family. He attacked while our troops were away, barely making it out in time. I would have stayed and died by their side had Duncan not conscripted me and pulled me away kicking and fighting him every step of the way." his voice was filled with fury as every word left his mouth, and all the King could do was stare in utter shock.
Intimidated by Aiden's words and presence Calain composed himself, "I'm sorry for your loss. You have my word: once we are finished here we will bring Howe to justice. Until then you'll have to settle for the Darkspawn. Now if you'll excuse me I must go before Loghain sends out a searching party."
Aiden stifled a laugh. Give Howe a proper trail? That is not justice. That would be too merciful for the monster, "Were it up to me your majesty you wouldn't get the chance to give Howe a proper trail, but seeing as how I'm stuck here I will help the Wardens in any way I can." Visibly gulping at the words the younger man of two years spoke the king walked away.
Standing at the bridge Duncan looked to Aiden, "That was no way to talk to the king Aiden. He is Ferelden's ruler and is the reason the Wardens are here in the first place. You will respect him."
"Respect is earned not given freely because you wear a crown. Besides I hear it's the queen and her father that truly rule this land; no surprise there." he chortled.
Duncan glared at his recruit, "You may not like it, but you will do what is asked of you."
Aiden matched his glare, "And if I do not stand by a king wanting to pay at war?"
"You will be labeled a deserter. Much worse that Howe if I'm to understand correctly."
Aiden steeled his jaw, "Very well Duncan I shall hold in my contempt for our boy king."
Glad Aiden saw reason Duncan addressed him one last time, "There are a few things I must take care of before we can proceed, until then feel free to wander the camp, and Bax can join me. When you're ready find Alistair, another Warden, and then come find me." He gave a nod to Duncan as he watched them walk off.
Aiden spoke to the watchful guard at the end of the bridge, "Excuse me, can you tell me where to find Lord Cousland's tent?" It felt weird for him to say that. Usually it was always brother, or Fergus, but never before Lord Cousland: that was until now.
The guard looked the boy over. His armor was of quality work and blades were even finer, but even a boy in fine armor and weapons surely has no need to find such a lord, "And who might you be to ask of this Lord, hmm boy?" The guard said it with a sneer and mocking tone.
Not playing this man's obvious game Aiden just replied, "I'm Aiden Cousland, brother to Fergus Cousland, now Teyrn of Highever." the guards jaw dropped.
"I meant no offence m'lord. I just thought by the looks of your armor that you were no one but a mere soldier. Please forgive me."
"I'll let it pass this time, but please do try to remember that looks can be deceiving."
"Yes m'lord" the guard bowed in thanks, "The Teyrn's tent is in a ways just past the mages camp. Shouldn't be hard to miss."
Aiden said nothing as he passed the man and made his way into the camp. Once he found where the mages were camping he stopped dead in his tracks and looked around. Um, yeah shouldn't be hard to miss huh? The guard failed to mention which side of the mages camp he was referring to. Left or right? Which way to go.
The old sage watched taking a break from her potions as she rested in the shade of a tree. It had been a long few days since her departure from the Circle Tower and little rest had been afforded since she'd arrived; helping to heal the wounded, making potions for the battles done so far, and awaiting the arrival of an old friend. Wynne sighed with contentment for the moment when a soldier ran past then stopped dead in his tracks.
The soldier's armor had the coat of Amaranthine on the shoulder plate, only discernible in the sun, but his face resembled that of his father and brother. Curious that he wears the armor of Rendon Howe's personal guard. And I wonder who he's looking for? As the youngest Cousland searched in all directions Wynne couldn't help but notice that he may have been a bit lost.
"Excuse me, may I help you?" she called out.
Aiden turned to her in confusion, "I'm sorry. Was I in your way? If I was, I humbly apologize. It's just that the guard at the entrance failed to mention which side of the mages camp my brother is on."
She looked at him as though only a mother could, with a smile and knowledge of a child being lost. "Do not fret dear boy, I can help with that," she was now just three feet from him, "Now who are you looking for?"
"I'm looking for my brother, he's here with Lord Cousland, and I seem to be very lost."
Wynne smiled at the boy, "Not to worry, you weren't too lost. In fact you're closer than you think. Continue forward until you see a ramp on the right, walk up it and then on the left should be where your brother is at."
"Thank you." he started to run in the direction the woman told him of but then stopped and came back. "I forgot my manners earlier. What is your name dear lady?"
"My name is Wynne, and well met." the boy bowed to her as he left once again.
Wynne watched him run off to the encampments with a smile, Ah he looks so much like his father. I wonder why he didn't divulge his brother's true nature, or his own for that matter. She had not seen the family in some time, since their youngest was born as of fact. The mage however could tell that he'd become a fine young man, but something sinister darkened his aura and was somewhat cold. Maybe I'm imagining things, she relented returning to making potions for the battle to come.
She was right. Aiden had found his brother's tent not to long after coming up the ramp and turning left. Fergus wasn't there though: Dekka, a servant from his house, told him that his brother was on patrol with some of his men, and wouldn't be back until after the battle. Aiden was happy at that, for he didn't want to explain the circumstance that'd forced him here.
Lifting the flap on his brother's tent he crossed the threshold. It didn't feel right being in there, not after what happened. Aiden looked around at the sparsely furnished tent; a cot was set up in the right corner, a foot locker at the end, a chest in the left corner, and a table big enough for one was all there was. Looking closer at the chest he realized it was the one his brother coveted beyond all other items he owned. It was basic in its craftsmanship, but the lock was top tier; something Aiden would love to have practice with. What's in the chest I wonder? Fergus usually doesn't bring this thing with him, why now? And more importantly what's in it?
Curious as to why his brother brought along his personal chest Aiden was intrigued by its presence. Slipping over to the object he knelt down to study the lock. It seems simple enough to pick, but should I? Maybe there's something personal that he doesn't want anyone to see in there and that's why he brought it. The curious rogue reasoned with himself. But maybe there's something else important on the inside?
Debating on whether or not to open the chest Aiden found some wire scraps and fiddled with the lock; a slight click announcing it's open. Opening the lid Aiden's curious mind became even more so when he found it empty. An empty chest? My brother brought along an empty chest? Groaning at his find Aiden hauled himself up, but noticed that the bottom of the chest came up higher than it should. What have we here? Inspecting the bottom he came to find it was a false plate covering what was most important. Pulling the covering back Aiden found what his brother had been hiding.
This day had started out great for the new Warden. He woke up, ate breakfast, and even had time to slip away for a walk earlier. That's when things started to go downhill. Whilst on his walk he ran into the Revered Mother. Of all the people it had to be, it had to be her.
"I'm sorry sir mage, but the revered mother request your presence."
"What her grace wants is no concern of mine." the Mage retorted in mock tone.
Alistair clarified, "I was only asked to deliver the message." His answer was returned with a stone glare that made him worry. Please do not turn me into a toad. Plleeasssee. The man silently begged.
Scoffing the mage left with a wave of a hand in the air, "Few," Alistair sighed in relief, but was filled with uncertainty upon seeing a man grinning from ear to ear leaning against the marble pillar.
He was at least five inches taller than himself which would put him at six foot evenly, he was also rather tan for someone in Ferelden who's weather was usually harsh and cold, and had this confidence and presence about him that made Alistair a little jealous. The man watched the mage leave before coming to the senior Grey Warden still smiling.
"Please tell me you're no mage," the blonde blurted out in worry, "my track record isn't going so well today."
"Maybe I am," the tall man replied with a shrug, "and maybe I'm not."
Right. I should probably watch what I say, "How do I know if you're a mage or not?" Alistair looked Aiden up and down studying him cautiously.
"Let's see: if I were a mage I would have probably turned you into a toad by now yes? And be carrying a staff which I'm not."
"Mmm, alright you have me there." I rather like this fellow, "Any way my name is Alistair and that would make you, the new recruit." he stuck out his hand and the other man clasped it with a firm grip, "What you just witnessed was the highlight of the show. I hope you enjoyed it."
"Yes and I'm Aiden. Your show did have flaws though. For one he never turned you into a toad, if that'd happen it'd be the talk of Ferelden for weeks. Sadly we have work to do I expect, or at least that's what Duncan said, so we should probably be going."
The two walked off. "Have you met any of the other recruits by any chance?"
"No, I haven't had time. Watching you cower to that mage took most of it up."
"Well he started it, and besides you chose to watch us fight, but you should probably meet them. Common this way."
The two stopped behind a man chatting a blonde woman up, but she didn't bite. Undoubtedly upset by something he said she slapped him across the face and walked off. Aiden couldn't help but laugh.
"Ay! What are you laughing at?" the man turned around, "Ah, Alistair, so you saw that did you?"
"Yes, and let me tell you it was priceless," Alistair jesting at his comrades failure. "This is Aiden, another recruit that will be taking The Joining with you."
"Well I guess I should introduce myself then, I'm Daveth. I look forward to anything that comes our way." Aiden saw right through him, Daveth was a thief, and by the looks of it not too good of one, but he would be welcome on the field no matter what.
Thieves make good rogues and in this battle they will be sorely needed he was sure. Hmm let's see a true test of your abilities then Daveth. Aiden walked over and put out his hand, Daveth returned the gesture and shook it all while Aiden, smiling, took his coin purse right off him. Needs to more aware of his surroundings that much is certain. I can't however assess his combat ability until I see him fight however. Oh well, I'm patient enough to wait.
Releasing the man's hand Aiden was curious about his recruitment, "So Daveth how'd you end up here of all places?"
The thief beamed in delight, "It's rather funny really. I was from around here once y'see and the day I was able to outrun my pa I never looked back. Found myself in Denerim and had quite the catch there; that is until I stole Duncan's purse right off 'im."
Aiden was amused and laughed, "Wait you're telling me you were able to get Duncan's purse off of him? Nice"
Daveth beamed even more with the compliment fist bumping the newcomer standing with Alistair, "Anyways I ran but that old codger can run and eventually caught up to me. The guard was with 'em too, and I had a bounty on my head, but Duncan conscripted me in the nick of time. Said my skills would be useful, and I was in no position to complain really: they string you up if you got a high enough bounty." he mused at the happy remembrance of his time, "I walked out the Denerim gates giving them the finger."
"Alright that was good. Way too good. I like you Daveth."
"Same to you. If you don't mind me askin' but 'owd you get recruited?"
"Yes how did you come to join our order?" Alistair too inquired.
All the fun Aiden had been having melted away; smiles replaced with stone walls and far away eyes, "I'd uh, rather not talk about it if you don't mind."
Seeing the look on the Warden recruit's face both Daveth and Alistair accepted his silence, "Well I should be going now. I'm sure Duncan has something for me to do." Nodding to Alistair and Aiden the thief stole away into the afternoon.
"Blessed are the righteous, the lights in the shadow. In their blood the Maker's will is written."
"Ah, great you've led us to the Chantry at Ostagar, nice view now let's get out of here," Aiden quipped making to turn around.
Alistair caught him by the arm, "Ser Jory's here, so just wait."
Crossing his arms Aiden leaned back putting more weight on his back leg as he hummed away the words the Chantry sisters spoke. If there was a list of the top ten things he hated the Chantry would be number two right under Howe at number one.
With the Chantry sister having finished blessing all those that stood around a balding man greeted them, "Hello I'm Ser Jory."
"Hello, my name is Aiden, I'm the new recruit." the man was taken back a bit. Strange.
"It is a pleasure to meet you. Isn't it exciting to be joining the Wardens. I grew up listening to their tales and hoping one day to join their ranks."
"You're not too smart are you?"
"It was hard impressing Duncan. When I was recruited I had to leave my wife who's with child to be here. It's one of the greatest things a soldier can come to do."
It was official Aiden preferred the thief to this warrior. He even mentioned that he left his wife, who's with child to be here. A silence overcame the group.
"Yes, well I think we best be getting back to Duncan now that we've all met." Alistair chimed in.
"I'll catch up with you. I've got to go and see the quartermaster about something." Aiden informed.
"Very well, but please come soon."
Going in the opposite direction of Jory and Alistair Aiden was stopped by a man in a cage, "Hey you."
Intrigued he went over to the man, "So let me guess they got you for something you didn't commit?"
"Desertion, but I wasn't really deserting."
"Uh huh, and what exactly were you doing?"
"Those mage's have things and I saw one put down a key to a chest, so I took it. One night I abandoned my post to go and poke around in it, but was caught and arrested for desertion."
"I see, but why do you need me?"
"That guard over there has some food, and was wondering if you could get it for me."
Looking at the caged man Aiden felt sympathy for him, "Alright, but if you still have the key it's mine. Got it."
"Yes. Thank you," the deserter thanked profusely.
"Excuse me," Aiden called to the guard, "So I spoke with this prisoner her," he gestured to the cage.
"And?"
"Look he's probably gonna get a hanging, but he shouldn't have to suffer so why not give him some food."
"All I got is mine."
"I know, but what would Andraste do?" Gah those words felt bitter leaving his mouth, but it just might work.
"Fine, but if he's belching I'm telling them it was you," the guard warned handing over his food.
Having handed over the food and retrieved the key to a mages goodie box Aiden went to see the quartermaster. Once there he looked at the man's selection of chains settling on the strongest one he had placing Jade's ring on it then around his neck.
Duncan and the others were waiting for him when he arrived. "There is one more task before you can join the Wardens," Duncan informed them and continued on, "You will be traveling into the wilds where you will retrieve three vials of darkspawn blood, one for each of you."
"Okay and what's the second task?" Aiden asked knowing that Duncan was about to say something else.
"There was once a warden base not to far into the forest, there you should find a cache and inside some documents pertaining to some agreements that the Wardens made some time ago."
Sounded easy enough, but then again many things that seemed easy turned into shit.
"Alright, finally some action. It's about time." Aiden said pleased with the thought of letting off some steam.
"Agreed. Let us meet these spawn head on," Daveth was the only one that agreed with Aiden, and he was okay with that. They approached the gate leading to the wilds, knowing that they would not return until their task was complete.