Chapter Fourteen
"In secret they worked,
Magic upon magic,
All their power and all their vanity,
They turned against the Veil
Until at last, it gave way."
-Canticle of Threnodies 8:2
When dawn broke, we packed up camp. We continued up the path to Orzammar's gates. We were all surprised by what we saw; beyond the stone statues was a bustling marketplace, crammed with merchants and customers. There were humans and dwarves alike, squabbling over goods. It reminded me of Denerim's market district.
"Most traders aren't allowed into Orzammar, so they just sort of... gather near the doors. There are no laws up here at all, I'm told." Alistair said.
"Oh, my…I didn't expect it to be this crowded." Wynne murmured.
As we walked by the crowded stalls, I stole glances at the various wares on display. Arms and armor, silks and leathers; there was plenty of goods to purchase. I wanted to do a little browsing myself. Unfortunately, I had important matters to attend to at the moment.
Up ahead, there were massive steel doors with elaborate designs. Three dwarves were standing guard at the doors. Three humans were standing on the doorstep, squalling at the head guard.
"I demand an audience with a representative of your king," The leader of the human group said. "You insult all of Ferelden with your actions! Loghain will not suffer the delay of his appointed messenger!"
Maker's breath, not more Loghain lackeys. I thought. It's ridiculous how brazen his bootlickers are…I suppose they feel they have the right to be. They see him as a decorated war hero and the mastermind behind the Ferelden army. I'm glad not everyone is under that illusion. Some of us still have sense.
I warily ascended the slope leading up to the doorstep. The three dwarves looked quite exasperated.
"Veata! This land is held in trust for the sovereign dwarven kings. I cannot allow entry at this time." The dwarven guard said.
"King Loghain demands the allegiance of the deshyr or lords, or whatever you call them in your Assembly! I am his appointed messenger!" Loghain's messenger hissed.
"I don't care if you're the king's wiper, Orzammar will have none but its own until our throne is settled." The dwarven guard snapped.
"I have urgent need to speak to your king." I said, hesitantly. Clearly this was terrible timing to harass the dwarven people, but the Blight demanded that I seek their aid. Otherwise, I wouldn't be here at all right now.
"Who doesn't? If I don't get in, no one should." Loghain's messenger growled.
"Orzammar has no king. Endrin Aeducan returned to the Stone not three weeks ago, sick over the loss of his sons," The dwarven guard said. "The Assembly has gone through a dozen votes without agreeing on a successor. If isn't settled soon, we risk a civil war."
"I am a Grey Warden. This treaty obliges Orzammar to aid me." I said. I pulled the Grey Warden treaties from my backpack and presented them to the dwarf.
"The Wardens killed King Cailan and nearly doomed Ferelden! They're sworn enemies of King Loghain!" Loghain's messenger screeched.
The dwarf ignored Loghain's messenger. He took the treaties and studied them for several seconds, and then handed them back to me.
"Well, that's the royal seal. That means only the Assembly is authorized to address it. Grey Wardens, you may pass." The dwarven guard said.
Loghain's messenger and two goons were outraged.
"You're letting a traitor and a foreigner?" Loghain's messenger exclaimed. "In the name of King Loghain, I demand that you execute this...stain on the honor of Ferelden!"
I unsheathed my longsword and pointed it to the throat of the obnoxious man. He was a cowardly cretin; his eyes bulged and he quailed. I was not about to let this imbecile talk down to me, just because he brownnosed Loghain.
"Run to your false king. The dwarves will not hear him today." I spat.
"You...you'll hear of this. King Loghain will see you quartered!" Loghain's messenger stammered.
The small group of Loghain's soldiers fled from the doorstep. I didn't watch them run, I knew they were too cowardly to attack me and my companions from behind. All they were going to do was run to Loghain and inform him of their failure to seek audience with the dwarves. All three dwarves that were guarding Orzammar's gates burst out laughing as they watched the disgraced humans flee.
"You are free to enter Orzammar, Grey Wardens, though I don't know what help you'll find." The dwarf guard said.
He and his companions opened the massive gates, and we walked into Orzammar. Once we entered, I was truly astounded by what I saw. The hall was a magnificent place, full of elaborate stone statues. There were inscriptions at the base of each statue, signifying that these people had been important part of dwarven society.
"How magnificent." Wynne gasped.
"Those statues are dwarven Paragons, if I remember right. The best of their ancestors." Alistair said.
Paragons? I imagine that is the highest title a dwarf could hope for, other than royalty. I thought.
"Ah, yes. The dwarves worship their own ancestors, if you can believe it." Zevran said.
A scholarly-looking dwarven man, who was kneeling before one of the Paragon statues, turned his head and glared at us. He rose to his feet and approached us.
"Show respect, surfacers. You're in the Hall of Heroes, home to the best of us." The dwarven scholar said.
"These figures are quite grand, indeed." I said.
"Paragons, dwarves who achieve such greatness, they're considered ancestors even if they yet walk among us. If only we had one now. A unifier, a voice like that...there would be no dissension." The dwarven scholar said.
"Perhaps I can help." I replied.
Rather than being consoled, his dark eyes blazed angrily. "Perhaps I don't want you to. A surfacer shouldn't see us in this kind of disarray," He remarked. "Goodbye Wardens. I hope you're not needed."
He turned his back and stormed away. Normally such behavior would've offended me, but I had a hard time containing my mirth as I watched him walk away. Dwarves were stocky folks, having slightly bowed legs. Since we had arrived here in Orzammar, it was the first time I had actually seen any dwarves in person. Before, I had only seen them in books and paintings, and from a distance in the Denerim market district. It was a bit humorous to see them up close.
At the end of the Hall of Heroes, there was another set of massive steel doors. When we went through the doorway, we were all awestruck by what we saw. Orzammar was a grandiose city carved into a massive cavern. There were two main levels that I could see, teeming with dwarves. Lava surged like a massive river, and in some places, poured out of the walls like a fiery waterfall.
"Wow. So this is Orzammar? It's huge!" Alistair breathed.
"For a tiny people they certainly build high ceilings." Wynne said.
Zevran peered at the stream of lava nearby. The lava was so bright and hot, it caused him to squint.
"What a remarkable amount of lava. Do you think anyone ever falls in?" He said.
"Lava is bad. Don't go near it." Shale said.
Several yard ahead, just before a massive bridge that spanned across a roiling sea of lava, there were two factions of dwarves gathered. By their expressions and the anger in their voices, they were clearly not friends. There were a few bystanders, watching the commotion apprehensively.
The fighting seemed to focus around two dwarven men, an elderly one with grey hair and a younger one with blonde hair. The blonde dwarf was dressed in elaborate plate armor while the elderly dwarf was dressed in noble's attire. Both men had a contingent of heavily armed warriors by their sides.
"It is the Assembly who makes a king, and a king who nominates his successor. None of it is carried in the blood." The elderly dwarf said.
"Or, as now, when someone tries using the Assembly to pull a coup," The blonde dwarf retorted. "Who's to say what my father said in his final hours when the usurper Harrowmont was the only one by his side?"
"I'll have you thrown in prison!" Harrowmont hissed.
"You've bitten off more than you can chew." The blonde dwarf said.
"Handlers! Separate these deshyrs in the Diamond Quarter! I will not have Bhelen incite a riot!" The dark-haired dwarf to the right of Harrowmont said.
"You'll not speak that way about the man who should be king!" The dwarf to the right of Bhelen snarled. He unsheathed his hand axe and struck down the dwarven warrior who had just spoken ill of Bhelen.
At that moment, pandemonium erupted from the gathered dwarfs. Harrowmont and his men fled, as did the bystanders. Bhelen and his men watched the others condescendingly and walked away, heads held high in an arrogant manner.
Once the crowd dispersed, the city guards appeared. The captain of the guard ordered a couple of his men to clean up the body and the gory mess.
"Stone-blind idiots! I won't have fighting in the commons, especially in front of the outsiders! I find that sodding fool, I'll have him in the Legion!" The captain of the guard said.
Orzammar is in a state of turmoil, just like every other place in Ferelden. I thought. Somehow, I'm not surprised.
The captain of the guard sighed heavily and walked away. Two of his men remained behind, standing guard by the bridge.
I lingered in the Commons, trying to figure out what I should do. There was no one to welcome us or give us any sort of guidance. What was I supposed to do? Obviously there was turmoil in regards to who was to become next king, but where was I supposed to start and what exactly was I supposed to do? I didn't want to destroy the dwarven nation by ignorance.
I decided it was best to stroll around and speak to the commoners, so that I could get an idea of what was truly going on. There was infighting; that much was obvious. But who was the one worth supporting? Orzammar would need a king before it could join the rest of Ferelden in the war against the Blight. I imagined that the outcome of the dispute could be hastened by my input, but I needed to decide wisely.
I went around and spoke to whatever commoner I could find, the support for each faction was about even. Those in support of Bhelen said that he would bring much needed reform and was a pragmatic sort of person. Those in support of Harrowmont said that he was a traditionalist, is well known for being an able administrator, and has authored many compromises in the ever-warring Assembly. They said that had been chosen by the late King Endrin himself to be his successor. I barely had any knowledge dwarven politics, but by the standards I was accustomed to, it was the heir that received the throne. However, that didn't necessarily mean that was what was right for these people.
As I sat in the Tapsters Tavern, listening to the boisterous singing and conversations of the drunken dwarves, I contemplated what my next move would be. Meanwhile, my companions chatted idly.
"Oh, wonderful! A dwarven tavern! I've always wanted to try some of their ale. I hear it's quite potent." Wynne said.
"Do you know that dwarven ale isn't truly ale at all? And it's black. Marvelous!" Zevran said.
"I tried dwarven ale once. I thought it was just something they tricked surfacers into drinking, as a joke." Alistair replied.
The Diamond Quarter is where the nobles reside and from what I understand, the Assembly is the place where the nobles gather to bicker, so I suppose I should try there first. I thought. I wonder if there's a library somewhere here…well, I'm sure there is. A city as large as this has to have a grand library. I wonder if it's bigger than the Circle's library. Oh, I hope there are tons of tomes on history!
Right when I was about to leave, a dwarven man approached me. He had black hair and a long, braided beard. He was wearing chainmail armor.
"Afternoon, stranger. You want to share a brew?" He said.
"Who are you?" I asked.
"Name's Nevin. I fight with Prince Bhelen's expeditionary field unit. Yourself?" He said, handing me a pint of ale.
"I'm Aveline, a Grey Warden." I replied.
"Figured as much," He said. "Good folks, the Wardens. I was in the Deep Roads when that one came by. What was his name...Doocan...Duncan…? Something like that."
Upon hearing Duncan's name, Alistair looked at us. He was going to be listening closely to our conversation now, no doubt.
"You knew Duncan?" I inquired.
"I met him, sure. Good man. Solid," He said. "He knows what we go through in the Deep Roads. Not many do. Not even the ones who live this close. You have to be on the front lines."
"Who's your unit fighting?" I said.
"Darkspawn. Not much use in turning our weapons elsewhere while those vermin still live." He replied.
"I've never been in the Deep Roads, not yet at least." I said.
"Every Grey Warden ends up there. That's where they send you when you're ready to leave this world. Go die in the dark, putting away as many vermin as you can," He said. "Getting more crowded these days, though. We go back tomorrow and we're not the only ones."
So that is what the Calling is, then? I knew it had something to do with death…well, I suppose that's a valorous way for one to meet their demise. I just wish I had been informed about it by the Wardens themselves. I thought.
"Thanks for the drink, but I should go." I said.
"Watch yourself. Orzammar politics are getting near as dangerous as battle." He warned.
I then departed with my companions. Not too far away from the Tapsters, there was a middle-aged dwarven woman kneeling at the base of a statue. She had her head bowed and was murmuring something in her native tongue. She must have sensed our presence, because she stood up and faced us.
"I'm sorry. Do you have an offering for the ancestors? Although...I can't imagine your ancestors reside in the Stone." The dwarven woman said.
"Who are you?" I said.
"My name is Filda, widow of Teruck of the Smith Caste. I pray here every day for my son, Ruck. I only wish I knew whether I should be asking for his safe return or for the ancestors to accept his soul." She sighed.
"What happened to him?" I inquired.
"It was five years ago. He was only a youngster. He joined a Deep Roads excursion, the only smith to go with the warriors to repair their arms. He was so proud. But he got...separated somehow. When they came home, he wasn't with them." She said.
"Do you want me to look for him?" I asked.
"How? There's no way except to brave the Deep Roads yourself." She said.
"I'm a Grey Warden. That's what we do." I replied.
Her eyes lit up. "A Warden! So you could do it! Only Wardens face the Deep Roads without a company backing them. Oh, thank you! The ancestors finally heed my prayers!" She exclaimed. Tears of joy were streaming from her eyes.
"Take heart, good widow Filda. We'll do our best." Wynne said.
"Humph, don't get your hopes up. We could search the Deep Roads for decades with no sight of the boy." Zevran muttered.
Filda ignored his comment. "Please, find me as soon as you return!" She said.
We left Filda to resume her mourning, and went to search for Lord Harrowmont. From what common folks said, the nobles resided in the Diamond Quarters, which was just past all the vendor stalls. A lavishly decorated flight of stairs led up to the nobles' residences.
When we neared the staircase, I heard what sounded like someone calling out to us. I turned to the source of the sound; when I did, I saw a young dwarven girl with bright red hair trying to get our attention.
"You look like you're not from around here." The young dwarven girl said.
"Yes, you could say that." I said.
"Oh, wonderful! I've been trying forever to find someone who really knows the surface world. I...I don't suppose you've heard of something called 'The Circle'?" She said.
"Yes," I said. "My companion here is a senior enchanter of the Circle."
"Oh, my lady, it's an honor. I've never met an actual mage. Is it true that you can manipulate nature's forces with your mind? Like you were born with lyrium in your veins?" She asked.
"Don't let the glamour fool you, child. Wielding magic is a dangerous occupation and a great responsibility." Wynne replied.
"We'd be happy to answer any questions you may have." I said.
"I've been trying to reach someone there for years; I've sent missives with every caravan, but I never get a reply. I want to know if they would accept me for study." She said.
"Do you want me to ask them?" I said.
"That would be wonderful! My name is Dagna, daughter of Janar of the Smith Caste. Tell them I've already begun reading the Tevinter Imperium's "Fortikum Kadab" and it's just fascinating," She said. "Did you know the Imperial Magister Lords once had genealogies of every human family known to produce a mage child? Oh, I'll start packing my bags right now! I'll be waiting by my father's shop!"
Dagna ran off in the direction that we had just came from. When she was gone, my companions and I went upstairs to the Diamond Quarter.
The Diamond Quarter was more bustling and its people were more sophisticated. The guards, warriors, and nobles alike were sharply dressed and had an air of confidence about them, much like how it had been at my parents' castle.
I headed to the Assembly, to seek an audience with whomever would hear me. Hopefully someone would. With all the infighting among the nobility, it would be a miracle if any of them would stop squabbling long enough to hear me out.
The Assembly chamber was located towards the end of the Diamond Quarter. It was heavily guarded and there were lesser nobles flocked by the steps, gossiping. The guards allowed me and my companions to enter, surprisingly. When we entered, the deshyrs were in the midst of a heated dispute.
"Your mind has gone to dust if you think we would pass such a writ. Half our houses would grow broke without surface trade." One deshyr said.
"The proposal is only effective until we have a king ensure are respected by the surfacers!" A dark-haired deshyr said.
"Leaving conveniently positioned to take over all contracts. I'll see your head on a pike first!" A blonde deshyr hissed.
"Deshyrs, lords, and ladies of the Assembly: I've already doubled the guard to prevent violence. Must I summon more?" The dwarf at the center of the room said.
"Steward Bandelor, Bhelen's sympathizers are tying our hands with trivialities! They may as well open us up to the sky!" The blonde deshyr exclaimed.
"I suggest we put the matter to a vote." A black-haired lady said.
"And I suggest you have a taste of my family's mace—" The dark-haired deshyr said.
"Enough! The Assembly is in recess until the members can regain control of their emotions!" Steward Bandelor said.
The gathered deshyrs, lords, and ladies started murmuring in discontent. At that monent, Steward Bandelor noticed me and my companions. He let out a weary sigh and approached us, ushering us outside the inner doors.
"Stone-forsaken fools and dusters," He grunted. "I'm sorry, this is the Assembly of the Clans. Only deshyrs and occasional guests of state are allowed in."
"You don't recognize Grey Wardens?" I asked.
"Forgive me, I am so exhausted. I completely forgot about the message from the gate guard. Welcome to Orzammar, Wardens. I hope you can forgive our unrest. The loss of our king has hit us hard. Respect for your role is great, but you won't receive a proper hearing until we have a king on the throne." He replied.
"Is there anything I can do to break the stalemate?" I said.
"I must admit, Warden, I'm at a loss myself. It lies with Prince Bhelen or Lord Harrowmont, and they are slow to trust anyone at these uncertain times. I only wish there was more I could do for you." He said.
Evidently, these people were going to be of no help to me, so I departed from the Assembly chamber. When I stepped out of the massive steel doors, I was approached by a dwarven warrior dressed in chainmail. He had light blondish-brown hair and a bushy beard.
"I heard there was a Grey Warden here. I am Dulin Forender, second to Lord Harrowmont, King Endrin's own choice as successor. Word is spreading that the surface may suffer a Blight. It is shameful we're not in a better position to help." The dwarven man said.
"Can I speak with Lord Harrowmont?" I said.
"In an ordinary time, he would be honored to meet you. Unfortunately, we've already caught more than one of Bhelen's spies approaching his lordship under a pretense of friendship. So, I'm afraid I won't be able to take your word. If you want to speak with Harrowmont, you'll have to prove he can trust you." Dulin said.
"Well…how can I prove I'm not working for Bhelen?" I asked.
"That's a generous offer. If you mean it, you might attend the Proving today. The deshyrs take it very seriously and unfortunately, Bhelen found some way to blackmail or intimidate House Harrowmont's best fighters into stepping down." He replied.
"So, you'd like me to enter the Proving in Harrowmont's name?" I inquired.
"It would certainly make your loyalties loud and clear." He said.
"And this is to be your king? One who cannot keep his own men from running like frightened children?" Zevran said, raising an eyebrow.
"Lord Harrowmont does not use threats or intimidation to motivate his men. He leads by example." Dulin responded.
"Ah, I see. So it's his example they follow as they cower from this Prince Bhelen?" Zevran said.
"How dare you slander Lord Harrowmont!" Dulin exclaimed.
"Why should we ally ourselves with someone too scared even to grant us an audience?" Zevran asked.
Zevran, please shut up! I thought. As if you have any room to talk? You're so afraid of the Crows coming after you that you ally yourself with the targets you failed to kill, just for protection.
"You'd be nervous if someone was out to get you." I said.
"I suppose not everyone can face death as undaunted as an Antivan, it is true." Zevran scoffed.
"Do you agree to fight in Harrowmont's name?" Dulin asked.
"Yes. I'll enter the Proving and also see why the others withdrew." I promised.
"Excellent. The arena is located off the Commons. Talk to the proving master and tell him you're entering in Lord Harrowmont's roster," He said. "The key fighters we lost were Gwiddon and Baizyl. You can look for them in the fighters' preparation chambers, behind the ring. Be sure it's before the fights begin. After the first bout, no one may change the roster. If you need to find me again, I'll wait in the Tapsters Tavern, off the Commons. There's no better place to hear gossip, perhaps even word of your victory."
Dulin escorted us out of Harrowmont's estate, but not to the arena. He went to the Tapsters, so we had to find that ourselves. On our way out of the Diamond Quarter, we stumbled upon a warrior and a guard arguing. Their quarreling was so loud, it was impossible to disregard.
"It'll be two sodding years tomorrow! By the holy sodding ancestors, how can you people just ignore that?" The redheaded warrior exclaimed.
"Branka didn't go alone, Oghren. She took the whole house; everyone but you." The guard said. "Just go drown yourself at the Tapsters already. You know as well as I do that's how this always ends."
"You think I'm afraid of some cub warrior who's barely off the teat? I'll—" Oghren snapped.
"You lift a weapon or attack a single citizen in Orzammar, and you're stripped of your caste and exiled. Even you couldn't have forgotten that. Get out of here before I call the guardsmen!" The guard snapped.
Oghren stormed off, muttering under his breath. When he departed from the Diamond Quarter, the guard who had been arguing with him turned to me.
"Can you believe it? Oghren's barely even a Warrior Caste anymore and he just clomps in here like he's entitled." The guardsman said.
"What were you and him fighting about?" I asked.
"Oghren, the drunken wretch, comes up here two or three times a week, hounding people to lead some suicidal rescue mission after Branka," The guard said. "It's been two years since Branka left. No one has ever stayed in the Deep Roads that long and survived. The search teams who went out found nothing, but Oghren wants to keep risking lives searching."
"Why did Branka go into the Deep Roads?" I inquired.
"Chasing some old treasure…she was quite secretive, outright rude, really. Said she never asked to found ahouse, that she didn't care about politics, and that we were too self-absorbed to defeat the darkspawn. She actually threatened anyone who said they'd come after her." He replied.
"How did she become a Paragon?" I asked.
"She invented a smokeless fuel that let the Smith Caste increase their output by nearly a third. Deaths from the black lung also dropped. The Assembly said she had the favor of the ancestors and declared her a Paragon." He said. "They moved Branka, Oghren, and all their relatives into the Noble Caste and founded a new house in her name."
"Why does Oghren care so much about Branka?" I queried.
"She's still his wife, isn't she? Even if she took their entire house into the Deep Roads and abandoned him." He sighed.
"I should get going." I said.
"If you see any guardsmen, tell them Oghren was at it again." The guardsman said.
We departed from the Diamond Quarter and went to find the arena. It wasn't difficult to find. It was located just off the massive bridge we had seen when we first entered the city.
Once we entered the arena, we began searching for Baizyl and Gwiddon. I inadvertently bumped into a disgruntled dwarven man standing apart from the crowd of babbling Proving fans, while I was searching for the two men that Dulin had tasked me to find.
"Look, I already told the proving master I withdrew. Do you have to keep harassing me?" The dwarven warrior snapped. He had dark brown hair and piercing brown eyes, and was dressed in leather armor.
"Who are you?" I asked.
"Why, I'm Baizyl Harrowmont. But you know that. Why else would you...uhm, if you weren't looking for me, do me a favor and pretend I never said anything." He said.
"Did someone make you drop out of the Proving?" I inquired.
"I left the Proving on my own business, and I've no intention of discussing it." He growled.
"If you tell me what's happening, I could help you." I said.
He shifted his weight uneasily, his eyes flickering around to see if anyone nearby was listening.
"Look, it's just, when I was younger, I had a thing with this Aeducan girl, Revelka. Lesser cousin, nowhere near the throne," He said. "Her family wanted her marrying up, so they matched her with a Bemot. But...we didn't exactly stop seeing each other."
"So you're afraid your affair will be exposed?" I asked.
"She's married to a prominent deshyr's heir. We should've stopped a long time ago, but I love her. Do you know what that's like? Now Bhelen found out and I can't even help my cousin for fear he'll tell her husband." He sighed.
When he said that, my thoughts went to Dairren. I wonder if that's what his mother had wanted…marrying me would've been considered marrying up, since I was the daughter of a well-known teyrn. I thought. Human social hierarchy is nowhere near as strict as the dwarven one seems to be, but I can empathize with him about how he feels about not being able to be with someone he loves.
"What evidence does Bhelen have?" I asked.
"They have letters...love letters Revelka wrote me. If they were made public, she'd be disgraced. Her husband would cast her aside and I'd be lucky to be allowed to die in a duel." He said.
"Would you fight again if your secret was safe?" I inquired.
"There's no way to guarantee that. I appreciate the thought, but they really have me over a shaft, here." He said.
"I can get those letters back for you." I said.
"You'd do that? I don't know how to thank you...I know it's my own fault, but I'd have married her if I could. Bhelen's fighter Myaja has the letters. If you make sure she never shows them to anyone, I'll fight for Harrowmont again." He said. "But you need to find them quickly. Registrations close once the first bout starts."
I slipped off to find Myaja's quarters. According to the Proving fans, the quarters for the warriors fighting in Harrowmont's name were to the left, while the quarters for those fighting in Bhelen's name were to the right.
Myaja herself wasn't in her personal quarters. She was standing just outside the doors, talking to another dwarven warrior. He looked quite similar to her. Her sibling, perhaps?
Before I approached her, I turned to my companions. Out of all of them, only Zevran knew about stealth and stealing, but also, he knew how to distract people with idle conversation. The others wouldn't be much help, so I pulled him aside to whisper the plan to him. I was to pick Myaja's lock and swipe the letters, while he distracted her with idle conversation. Between him and my other companions, I figured they could keep her distracted long enough for me to find the letters.
I hung back while Zevran and the others approached Myaja and her companion. They both were warriors and looked rather similar. I imagined they were siblings, possibly twins.
Once I was certain that Myaja and her companion were completely distracted, I picked the lock on the door leading into her quarters; the one I thought was hers, anyways.
I quickly sifted through her belongings. My conscious nagged me about how this behavior was indecent, but I didn't have much of a choice. I made sure to make as little mess as possible. I didn't want her suspicions to be aroused later on.
When I came across a locked chest, I picked it and to my relief, I found the love letters inside. I stuffed them into my pocket and slipped out of the chamber, making sure to lock the door behind me.
By this point, Zevran was unable to keep Myaja and her companion preoccupied any longer. I barely managed to sneak back into the group before they spotted me.
Now that I had the letters in my possession, I returned to Baizyl. He was where I had left him, pacing impatiently.
"The Proving is almost starting. I should leave if you haven't found anything." Baizyl said.
"I have your letters right here." I said.
"Where did you get those? No, no, I don't want to know. Thank you. I can't say what it means to know my Revelka is safe." He said.
"Then you'll fight in the Proving?" I asked.
"I will be glad to fight for Harrowmont in the Provings." He said.
One down, one more to go, I thought.
Since that was settled, I moved on to find Gwiddon. He was a little more difficult to locate. I managed to find him in the left wing of the warriors' quarters, where Harrowmont's fighters were. He was standing near a couple guards. The distress and indecision in his eyes clearly showed that he was having inner turmoil.
"You new in the fights? I don't remember seeing you before." The dwarven warrior said.
"I'm Aveline, of the Grey Wardens." I said.
"It's a pleasure. Sorry it can't be longer," He said. "The name is Gwiddon, and I just tendered my resignation. Somehow, I don't think the ancestors will favor me today."
"Dulin Forender asked me to talk to you." I said.
"I bet he did. That man thinks nothing is beneath him. Well, you can tell him I had my reasons. It's not much what happened as to what's going to. I heard from a reliable source Lord Harrowmont's already given up the throne. Bhelen called this whole Proving to let his Lordship save face when he concedes." He replied.
Such a naivety…you can't always believe what you hear. I thought. A small lie on my part won't hurt. He'll be helping his cousin out. It's not as if I'm entirely lying anyways. It's true that Harrowmont isn't conceding, but I haven't gotten to speak to him in person yet. Gwiddon doesn't need to know that.
"That's ridiculous! Harrowmont isn't conceding." I said.
"Oh? And where did you hear this that's more reliable than a member of the Assembly?" He asked.
"I heard it from Harrowmont himself." I said.
"Well, that's not what I expected...I know Lord Harrowmont. He's an upstanding man. He'd never lie to someone's face. Maybe you're right. I...I'm just a warrior. I've always tried to stay out of these noble politics...if I find out this whole thing was some flunky of Bhelen's lying to me for his own gain…I'll...I'll..." He said, becoming increasingly agitated.
"Get back in the Proving and knock some heads?" I said.
"Maybe I will at that." He said.
Gwiddon departed from the warriors' quarters. After he left, I went to find the Proving Master. He was standing in front of the doors leading into the arena itself. He was an old grey-haired dwarf.
"The Proving will begin shortly. I'm sure you can find a place in the stands, or were you here to take part in the fight?" The Proving Master said.
"What is a Proving?" I asked.
"Oh, I forget you surfacers do things so differently. The Provings are where the best fighters in Orzammar prove their worth and the worth of their houses. Provings can also settle matters of honor. Whoever wins receives valos atredum, the ancestors' blessing. Whoever loses is deemed unworthy," He said. "This Proving will honor King Endrin's memory. Are you interested in fighting?"
"Yes. I'd like to fight as Lord Harrowmont's champion." I said.
"Well, that's a surprise. Never thought the Grey Wardens would take an interest in our king. Let me just put into the schedule here," He said. "Is there a particular name you wish listed?"
"Aveline, of the Grey Wardens." I replied.
"We'll just call you 'Grey Warden', seeing as those human names are a real burr to pronounce. We actually have an opening in the first round. Are you ready to start?" He said.
"Ready and eager." I said.
"That's what I like to hear. I will warn you though, this is your last chance to make preparations or meet the competition. Once the fights begin, there are no new additions to the roster. All withdrawals are treated as losses and a sign of the ancestors' disfavor. Do you want to start or would you like some time? The fighters' quarters are behind the ring." He said.
"I am ready now." I said.
"Go down to the ring then. I'll be right there." He said.
I entered the arena, while the Proving Master took his place. My companions were given good seats, so that they could spectate.
As I walked out to the arena, I was overwhelmed by the amount of people looking down and making commotion. Sure, I'd participated in a few tournaments back at my parent's castle, but that was nothing compared to this. The arena was massive, the audience was twice as large and twice as boisterous. It felt like all those eyes were judging me.
"This is a Glory Proving, fought under the eyes of the Paragons of Orzammar to honor the memory of King Endrin. First up is Seweryn of the Warrior Caste. Many of you remember when he made history as a lad of twelve by defeating his own father in this very ring. Today, he fights as a champion for Prince Bhelen. Opposing him in Lord Harrowmont's name is a member of the famed Grey Wardens!" The Proving Master said.
As the Proving Master spoke, Seweryn entered the arena. He had dark brown hair, swarthy skin, and dark eyes. He was wearing silver chainmail and wielded a longsword and shield.
"In the name of House Aeducan and our future King Bhelen!" Seweryn said as he approached me.
"For the glory of Lord Harrowmont!" I said.
"First warrior to fall is vanquished. Fight!" The Proving Master said.
As soon as the Proving Master finished speaking, Seweryn charged at me. I barely had enough time to dodge as he swung his sword at me.
Dear Maker, what am I to do? Are we fighting to the death or just until one of us falls unconscious? 'The first one who falls is vanquished' does not tell me much! I thought. I should've asked someone for the rules beforehand.
When he swung at me again, I sidestepped him and smacked him upside his head with the pommel of the sword in my left hand. The blow left him a bit dazed, which allowed me to gain the advantage. I finished him off quickly.
"The winner is the Grey Warden!" The Proving Master announced.
To my disbelief, the audience cheered wildly. When the cheering started to die down, I exited the arena and met the Proving Master by the doors.
"That was an exciting start, Warden. Seweryn is rarely trounced and so thoroughly! Are you ready for your next opponent?" He said.
"Yes." I said.
"Excellent! Let us go." He said.
I returned to my place in the arena and the Proving Master returned to his place, in the center of the stands.
"This is a Glory Proving, fought under the eyes of the Paragons of Orzammar to honor the memory of King Endrin. This round, Harrowmont's champion takes on the notorious duo, the Warrior Caste's twin terrors, now fighting for Prince Bhelen, Myaja and Lucjan!" The Proving Master said
I hope they don't even find out that I stole those letters. I thought as they approached me.
"May the Stone honor you —" Myaja said.
"—when you fall." Lucjan said.
"May the dirt taste good when I feed it to you." I remarked.
"First warrior to fall is vanquished. Fight!" The Proving Master said.
The two of them came at me, like twin tornadoes. Myaja came at me head on while Lucjan tried to flank me. The two of them were skilled warriors, but they were not nearly as lithe as I was. Outmaneuvering them was easier than I had anticipated. Their shorter, bulkier limbs and heavy armor prevented them from responding to my lighter, more precise attacks.
The two of them were knocked unconscious and I was victorious again.
"The winner is the Grey Warden!" The Proving Master announced.
The crowd cheered louder this time. My second win in a row, I was beginning to feel more confident in myself. Perhaps I'd be able to win this Proving after all.
I met the Proving Master outside the doors again.
"Well, that was an exciting bout. Two on one, and you took them both easily. Are you ready for your next opponent?" He said.
"Yes." I said.
"Excellent! Let us go." He said.
I returned to my place and the Proving Master returned to his. Anxiously, I awaited my next opponent.
"This is a Glory Proving, fought under the eyes of the Paragons of Orzammar to honor the memory of King Endrin. Harrowmont's champion cleared the Stone, but can she hold out against the Paragons' own favorites, the Silent Sisters? We'll find out as the Warden faces Lady Hanashan, who proved her worth to Paragon Astyth the Grey by cutting out her own tongue, and to Prince Bhelen by fighting in his name." The Proving Master said. "First warrior to fall is vanquished. Fight!"
Lady Hanashan wielded an enormous broadsword and wore chainmail armor. She proved to be a more difficult and intimidating opponent. It required more effort to dodge her massive blade.
Eventually, I was able to best her and knock her unconscious. When she hit the floor, the crowd broke into rowdy cheering once more.
"The winner is the Grey Warden!" The Proving Master announced.
I met up with the Proving Master again. He looked quite impressed.
"Harrowmont will be pleased, Warden. The Silent Sisters' support was a great boost for Bhelen. Are you ready for your next opponent?" He said.
"Yes." I said.
"Excellent! Let us go." He said.
Back into the arena, I went. My victories were leaving me increasingly exhilarant and hopeful.
"This is a Glory Proving, fought under the eyes of the Paragons of Orzammar to honor the memory of King Endrin. This round is paired combat. Just as Kioshett fought as King Bloadlikk's second defending our empire, so have dwarves always fought alongside a second. Master of all weapons, prisoner of none, Wojech Ivo has never won the same way twice. What will he do today, lords and ladies, and will it win the day for Prince Bhelen? Grey Warden, choose your second, for you face Wojech Ivo and Velanz." The Proving Master said.
"I choose Alistair of the Grey Wardens." I said.
Alistair made his way down to the arena. As he approached me, I saw apprehension in his eyes, but also enthusiasm.
"You chose me? I'm surprised." He said.
"We've stuck together since the start of our quest. I couldn't think of anyone else I'd rather have at my side." I replied.
Whatever his response was, I didn't hear it. The Proving Master's voice completely drowned his out.
"Last one standing will be declared victor! Fight!" The Proving Master said.
Wojech went for Alistair, while Velanz came at me. Judging by Velanz's fighting style, he was not a true warrior, but a rogue. He wielded a wicked looking hand axe and a dagger. He tried to use dirty tricks and incapacitate me. He was quite dexterous for a dwarf, but he still was no match for me.
Mere seconds after I defeated Velanz, Alistair defeated Wojech.
"The winner is the Grey Warden!" The Proving Master announced.
While the crowd cheered, Alistair was beaming. Seeing him exultant, even for a brief moment, somehow made my day. Sometimes he drove me insane, but I'd rather see him cheerful than despondent any day.
Alistair and I exited the arena and met the Proving Master. The rest of my companions were with him, including Zeke.
"Wojech Ivo is one of the best this arena has seen, Warden. Harrowmont picked wisely. The final round will be a team battle. Who do you chose to fight alongside you?" He said.
"Wynne and Zevran." I said.
"Are you ready for your next opponent?" He asked.
"Yes." I said.
"Excellent! Let us go." He said.
I returned to the arena with Alistair, Wynne, and Zevran. The Proving Master, Shale, and Zeke returned to their places in the audience.
"This is a Glory Proving, fought under the eyes of the Paragons of Orzammar to honor the memory of King Endrin. Only two warriors remain. Fighting for his royal cousin Bhelen, Piotin Aeducan has led his team to triumph over every unit so far. Challenging him on behalf of Lord Harrowmont, the Grey Warden has risen from nothing to stand at the competition's summit. Each will lead a full unit of four soldiers, to see once and for all whom the ancestors favor." The Proving Master said.
"You fight well, but your judgment is questionable. The throne will never leave House Aeducan." Piotin said.
"I dedicate my triumph to Harrowmont's victory." I said.
"Last one standing will be declared victor! Fight!" The Proving Master said.
At an instant, my team collided with Piotin's. This time around, victory wasn't so easily won like the previous rounds. Piotin and his men were clearly skilled, especially Piotin himself. While Alistair directly engaged Piotin, Wynne aided him with her healing magic, while Zevran and I picked off the henchmen.
By the time Zevran and I finished off Piotin's henchmen, it was obvious that Alistair was running out of stamina. We flanked Piotin in order to help Alistair finish him off. When Piotin finally fell, I felt as if I could collapse from exhaustion.
"The winner is the Grey Warden!" The Proving Master announced. "Congratulations. You defeated the man Prince Trian himself once called 'the horns of my army'. Do any deny this Grey Warden has earned the championship?"
The applause of the audience was absolutely deafening, but it was nice to have such enthusiastic support. I certainly hadn't expected this when I first signed up.
"Then, it is my honor to declare this Grey Warden champion of the Proving, who was shown that the ancestors favor Lord Harrowmont." The Proving Master said.
"It was an honor." I replied.
"Through this day, we affirm the friendship between our city and your order." He said.
With my companions, I exited the arena. The audience was evacuating the stands, chattering excitedly about the spectacle they had just witnessed. It wasn't often that Orzammar saw other people besides their own and it was even rarer for an outsider to win a Proving.
We went to the Tapsters to find Dulin. He was sitting alone in the very back of the tavern, watching the patrons. When he spotted me, a grin broke out across his face.
"Atrast vala, Champion. I hear you performance in the Proving was nothing short of Amazing! I must thank you for bringing both Baizyl and Gwiddon back into the fight. His lordship was touched to see his old friends stand for him. There can no longer be any doubt where your sympathies lie. If you're ready, Lord Harrowmont will see you now." Dulin said.
"Excellent. Lead the way." I said.
"His lordship is looking forward to meeting you." He replied.
Dulin lead us to Harrowmont's estate, in the Diamond Quarter. It was a sumptuous estate, filled with elegant furniture and rungs, and the overall architecture was exquisite. If a lord's estate was so opulent, it made me wonder just how extravagant the royal palace was.
Numerous butlers and servants were scurrying about, and there were quite a few guards present. Lord Harrowmont was waiting for us in his private chamber. Two guards stood by the doors, but otherwise, he was alone. Up close, he looked older and wearier than I had initially thought. But there was also a glimmer of optimism in his eyes.
"I appreciate what you've done, Warden. I apologize for putting one of your rank through such trials," He said. "I am Lord Pyral Harrowmont. I thank you for your efforts to help me preserve King Endrin's throne."
"I respect King Endrin's wishes." I said.
"Then it is truly refreshing to talk with you. Even had you not aided me, I would be honor-bound to present your treaty to the Assembly. But I'm afraid with no king, they will not act. If you want my support to count, I will have to be king and right now, there's no way to get there," He said. "Have you heard of a woman named Jarvia and the criminal carta she runs?"
"Yes. What about them?" I said.
"The Assembly receives pleas every day from the common folk, begging that something be done about her. So far, no one has managed. Jarvia hides her base in Dust Town, the raw edges of the city where no one lives but casteless and criminals. If you would help me in this, it would show the Assembly that I, and not Bhelen, have the ability to defend and rule the city." He replied.
"I will do this for you." I replied.
"Do this and I promise if I take the throne, I will not stop until the Assembly sends your troops. Look for Jarvia in Dust Town and do whatever it takes to see that justice is served," He said. "I imagine you are exhausted and it is late. You may stay in the guest quarters for the night."
"Thank you kindly, Lord Harrowmont." I said.
He summoned a couple servants, who guided us to the guest quarters. We were given food and a chamber of our own, except for Shale and Zeke. They had to share a chamber with me. One of the servants gave Zeke some leftover meat bits. I had no idea what kind of meat it was, but evidently it was tasty to Zeke because he scarfed them down in no time.
When I finished eating, I decided to give Shale to crystals that I found back when we were in Honnleath. I completely forgot about them, until I had seen them glowing in my backpack while I was eating.
"I see it found some augmentation crystals. I was not even aware it knew about them. Well done," Shale said. "So, what does it think? They don't make me any wider, do they? I find I am already too wide as it is."
"I think they're so pretty!" I said.
"They are, aren't they? I so adore them! I think it should find some more as soon as possible. I want to glitter from ear to ear, so to speak." Shale said.
I wasn't exactly sure what augmentation crystals were, but they had been all over Wilhelm's laboratory, so I figured they had something to do with the golem. I was glad that my hunch was correct. I'd have to keep my eyes open for more, supposing I'd be able to find anymore.
Shale stood a few feet away from the door, while Zeke and I went to sleep. My entire body ached and my eyes were heavy. The bed was much lower than I was accustomed to, but I was too tired to care.