Dear Diary,
We take an alternate route out of the deep roads, thanks to Oghren. He understood, we couldn't just walk through Orzammar with Serena. Once back at camp we have a meeting.
I introduce everyone to Serena and show them the evidence we found in Aeducan Thaig. Setting out the crown I received from Caridin, Leske whistles appreciatively, "Well that might be enough, who are you planning to put on the throne?"
I think for a moment Serena has shown herself to be fair and forward minded, in our conversations. She would have been a good ruler if not for Bhelen's treachery.
Leliana jumps up. "Wait a minute," she says quickly rummaging in her pack. "This may help," she says handing me piece of parchment. I quickly scan the parchment; it seems to be love letter to a casteless girl from Bhelen, the contents basically saying he would make her his queen, once he was king.
"Where did you find this Leli?" I ask curiously.
"I was sneaking around the palace and young dwarven woman dropped it when attending to her child, after she left I picked it up," she grins cheekily, "I didn't think much of it at the time, but it after what you found I thought it might mean something."
I look at Serena. "Do you think with what we found in the Thaig and this it would be enough to overthrow Bhelen?"
She reads the letter, "It might be but it's all consequential. However it might be enough to clear my name."
I grin wickedly. "Serena, how would you like to be the ruler of Orzammar?"
She looks like eyes are going pop out of her head. She starts to say something and stops collecting her thoughts.
"It was never my place as the middle child and a woman I was to be married to some noble house," she says practically, "Orzammar does need change, and the traditionalists know that without the surface trade we would have crumbled a long time ago but refuse to let the surface dwarves have any kind of say in politics. The casteless are a great resource that is being overlooked as well as the Legion of Dead, especially as they protect us and we offer nothing in return. Being in the deep roads has taught me this."
"Good," I grin at her. "Because it is my intention to put you on the throne."
"The very fact I'm alive will piss Bhelen off," she smirks.
We find Serena a cloak with a hood to hide her face. I decide to take Shale, Oghren, Zevran and Wynne with us.
As we walk into the Assembly, we hear. "Lords of the Assembly! I call for order! This argument gets us now where!"
"Then, why these delaying tactics?" Bhelen demands petulantly, "I call for a vote right now. My father has one living child to assume the Aeducan throne. Who would deny him that?"
"Your father made me swear on his deathbed you would not succeed him," Harrowmont states dryly.
One of the guards walks out in front of us, "I apologize for the interruption Lord Steward, but the grey wardens have returned."
The Lord Steward momentarily looks relieved to see us.
"We should let the warden speak," says Harrowmont, "What news do you bring?"
"I bear a crown from Paragon Caridin for his chosen King," I announce, handing the crown to the Lord Steward. He takes the crown looking over it intently.
Oghren steps forward. "Caridin was trapped in the body of a golem," He explains. "This Warden granted him the mercy he sought, releasing him and destroying the Anvil of the Void."
He pauses dramatically. "Before he died, Caridin forged a crown for Orzammar's next king, chosen by the ancestors themselves."
"And we are supposed to trust this," Bhelen sneers, "The word of a drunken sot and a Grey Warden known to be in Harrowmont's pocket."
"No," I answer cheerfully smiling. "I don't expect you to just take my word." I pull out the papers. "Lord Steward, would you take a look at these papers?"
I hand him the ledger and the letter. His eyes widen as he scans them, "Where did you find these?"
"The ledger was found in Aeducan Thaig. The other was in the found in the Royal Palace," I smirk.
"How can we believe anything this warden says?" Bhelen shouts.
"Silence!" the Lord Steward commands. "These both look legitimate. The crown is of Paragon make and bears the House Ortan's ancient seal. Tell us Warden! Whom did Caridin choose?"
"He wished me to give it to whomever I chose." I say firmly.
"The grey warden knows nothing about us," Bhelen fumes. "Why would a paragon entrust someone like this with such a weighty decision this is ridiculous."
"Actually Brother," Serena replies cheekily, lowering the hood of the cloak. "This warden is noble and actually has a great grasp on Orzammar politics, as well as good sense about her."
"Lady Aeducan!" The steward gasps. The room stills in shock and everyone looks at her.
Bhelen is stunned. Harrowmont is the first to speak. "I didn't expect to see you alive," he says gently regarding her.
"We've argued in these chambers for too long," the Lord Steward decides. "The will of the Paragon is that the grey warden decides."
"I grant the crown to Serena Aeducan," I proclaim smiling.
"What! You would hand Orzammar over to the woman who killed my brother," Bhelen rants.
I look at the Lord Steward. He nods and holds out the papers. "Here is a ledger showing payment from Bhelen to the Carta and here is a letter from Bhelen to a casteless woman telling her he will become King, both contain Bhelen's seal," He explains to the deshyr. "I believe this clears Lady Aeducan of any wrong doing in Lord Tristan's death."
"I will not abide by this," Bhelen shouts.
"The ancestors have spoken," one of the deshyrs says firmly.
"Serena is your king, stand behind her," I plead with Bhelen.
"Would you let a surfacer decide the fate of the dwarves?!" Bhelen rants.
"Watch out!" The deshyr cries out "He brought weapons!"
"Guards!" Harrowmont calls out.
Grabbing his sword, Bhelen looks around like he is expecting aid and jumps down from his platform, no one else even moves. I think his supporters may have realized they allied with the wrong side. He heads toward Serena but I get between and he starts attacking me.
I grabbed my daggers as soon as I saw him grab his sword, so I am ready for the assault. His anger makes him stupid leaving his right side open to attack. I plunge a dagger in and twist. I know it's a kill strike. He drops to the floor. As I kick his weapon away, Serena runs to him. "Bhelen you stone-eaters ass! I should hate you," she rants angrily. "But I love you brother, although I can't forgive you." She says more softly.
Bhelen tries to speak but he's fading fast. "Rica…"
"Don't worry brother I will make sure she is cared for," Serena nods understanding.
Bhelen nods and closes his eyes for the last time.
Serena stands up. "Warden…thank you," she says with unshed tears glittering in eyes.
"I appreciate your forthrightness, Warden. You have acted with grace throughout this torturous process." Harrowmont says gratefully. He looks a Serena with affection.
"I withdraw my bid to be Orzammar's King, and pledge myself and my house to Serena Aeducan." Harrowmont says dropping to a knee.
The deshyrs come forward still looking a bit stunned at the recent events. I and my companions move off to the side being vigilant that any of Bhelen's supporters might attack.
Serena nods walking up to the Lord Steward as he places the crown on her head.
"Let the Memories find you worth, first amidst the lords of the houses, the king of Orzammar." The Lord Steward says reverently.
"I admit," Serena says sorrowfully, "I did not think even Bhelen would defy the word of a Paragon. However, at least his followers have seen him for what he was, and I trust if there is any insurgency, I will be able to bring it under control."
"I have faith in you, King Aeducan," I say bowing slightly.
"Indeed," she says smiling. "More than anyone but Harrowmont, Warden, and I thank you for it."
"Those loyal to throne will begin preparations for a surface mission immediately," she commands. "Orzammar will fulfill its treaties."
"Thank you, King Aeducan. Perhaps your rule will mark a new era for Orzammar," I offer kindly.
"Now, if you'll excuse me," she says looking at Bhelen, "I must get to the palace and set our plans in motion."
"And I must return to my duties on the surface," I say smiling at her.
"You are always welcome in Orzammar, Warden" she says gratefully, "I wish you luck against the Blight, Warden. May we foster another four centuries of peace."
"Please visit me in the palace before you leave, Elly" she adds softly as she leaves.