Chapter Twelve: Change over

The deer Alexis and Chumley had brought back from their hunt had now been carved up and added into the cooking pot along with the diced vegetables. Sitting around the fire all eating from wooden bowels everyone seemed to have enjoyed the delicious meal Bastion had prepared. A few feet away from the camp lay a freshly dug grave. It was for the apostate that attempted to send them all to the Fade, yet, sadly died in the process and out of respect they decided to bury her body.

Chumley enjoyed every mouthful of utter delight and just as he slurped up his last spoonful the dwarf even went as far as licking the inside of the bowl with his tongue. After licking his bowl clean Chumley savoured the taste before cheerfully brushing away any remains from around his mouth.

"Now that," Chumley said gleefully, "Was truly delicious"

Bastion smiled, "Feel free to have some more if you wish"

"Oh no, I would not wish to rob the others of such a fine dish,"

Jayden finished and placed the bowl down beside his feet yet as he looked around he wondered, it had been a while since they had all set off with him on their objective but he only really knew Bastion. If they were to go any further he felt it was time to interact with those under his leadership, get to know them better as they were all shedding blood together it seemed he should know more about his companions. Sitting up right Jayden began to think of something inspiring to say yet he felt with so many ideas he failed to put thought to words, instead he thought honesty would be the best course. Looking around at the others Jayden formulated words before speaking them aloud, "…I know this…this task was not something any of us expected, even so, I'm glad each of you are with me to protect Pedgite, even if you are not native to my homeland I thank you. Even so…"

From the distance came the sound of marching; from the foliage emerged a battalion of armed Templars in full battle armour accompanied by an entourage of mages. Jayden got back up to his feet as these soldiers approached. Lovis remained where he was trying to hide his worries by looking down into the bowl of stew in his hands. Jayden was quick to approach while Syrus followed behind him as they went to greet the protectors of the Chantry. As the two drew closer the Templars parted, allowing two members of their party to greet Jayden and Syrus. One was a Templar with silver trimmed armour and the other was a mage with dark yellow robes with a staff crafted from oak.

"Commander Colban, First Enchanter Falos," Syrus said as he nodded toward two.

Jayden turned his gaze to the young mage, "You know these two?"

"Of course," Syrus replied, "Allow me to introduce you to the leader of Pedgite's Circle of Magic, First Enchanter Falos and Knight-Commander Colban who leads the Templars in Pedgite"

"We were on our way to join King Tristian's army but when we encountered Corella on the road I saw an opportunity to capture a Blood Mage," Colban added.

His voice was deep with a stoic tone which only enforced the intimidating atmosphere he projected among others. Falos remained silent but when he looked upon Syrus he could both see and feel something had changed the young apprentice, this anxious young man who seemed terrified of anything and everything now stood proudly with an enriched and newly bestowed self-confidence not seen in anyone except within Orlesian nobility. Unsure what the source of this new found confidence was Falos decided the best way to know its origin was to ask, "apprentice, you seemed a changed man"

Syrus smiled while trying to stand proudly, "Well First Enchanter…I have recently undergone my harrowing"

"Without the aid of the Circle?"

Jayden and Syrus shared a look between each other before Jayden intervened, "…the blood mage you were seeking, we encountered her but when she saw Tywin it all went to shit. She panicked and used Blood Magic in an attempt to cast us all into the Fade. We would have been doomed, yet, without Syrus's help we never would have survived"

Something intrigued Falos, Syrus had changed in some shape or form but if he truly had undergone his Harrowing then he could think of nothing else that could have happened. Approaching Syrus the First-Enchanter placed his hand on the young mage's shoulder, "You have done well Apprentice. We will have to wait until the crisis has passed before you are confirmed as a full Mage, I hope you understand?"

Syrus said nothing but simply nodded in agreement. Jayden had a question regarding the efforts of the Grey Wardens and saw this as an opportunity to seek his answer, "First-Enchanter, you said you were on your way to join the king. Might I ask what is happening?"

Falos turned his attention toward the young noble, "…By Royal Summons, King Tristian is raising an army to march on the Grey Tower. Some Maker-cursed Heresy has emerged, known as…"

"The children of Kostamojan," Jayden interrupted.

"…Yes, they attempted to capture the village of Lodus but a company of Grey Wardens along with the village militia repelled the attack. They retreated to the Grey Tower and now the king is building an army to march upon the ruined fortress. We has risen a banner and pledged to serve his majesty,"

Jayden bowed his head out of respect, "I thank you for informing me. My company and I are fulfilling a mission bestowed upon us by the Warden-Commander. My name is Jayden Brent; my father is Lord Jareth Brent, the Teryn of Greeenstone. When you meet with the king and his Marshall, that being my father, I you to relay a message to my father, tell him I'm in good health and I shall see him again shortly"

Colban acknowledged, "We shall gladly relay the message"

King Tristian stood at the end of the table, looking over the map of Pedgite the area where the Grey Tower was shown had been encircled with Ink. Obviously planning a form of attack yet unable to formulate properly as another burden weighed heavily on his mind.

From the over end of the tent the king heard footsteps, looking up he saw Jareth entering under escort of a royal guard. With a flick of his wrist the king signalled to his guard he was dismissed and in a moment the two men were alone.

"You said you needed to talk Your Majesty," Jareth said standing patently.

Tristian slowly made his way toward the Teryn until the two were standing side by side. Sighing heavily before resting against the table Tristian spoke, "…what I am to speak of will not leave this tent, understand?"

"Of course,"

With a lump in his throat Tristian struggled to think of how to say it. Instead, he said what he was told, "...The Queen and I, for many years we have tried to produce a son and heir. Twenty years of marriage and our only child is our daughter Yvette, while she is a fine young woman and beloved by the people I fear many of the nobility will not allow her to rule alone"

"She has proven to be charming at social occasions, perhaps given time they will…"

"Never the less," Tristin continued, "The Laws of Succession regarding the crown demands a male heir must be the one to inherit. Today, my wife's physician confirmed my greatest fear. She is no longer able to sire children. Because of this I must turn to you Lord Brent"

"What for?"

Tristian then stood up straight, "Our two families, the Brents and the Mayfleets, have always been there to ensure the stability of our kingdom. To put it plainly, you have a son and I have a daughter. I wish for my daughter and your son, Jayden, to rule together when I pass from this world"

"My son has already been promised to Lady Lusinda. Her father is the Arl of Buxton and a strong ally of Greenstone,"

"Well if that is the case I shall speak to the Arl. Let him know Jayden shall marry the Princess while I secure his daughter a worthy husband,"

Jareth was flabbergasted at the decision but knowing he could not overrule the king he decided to accept the idea, "Very well your majesty, I shall speak to Jayden about this the next time I see him"

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