CHAPTER 16

..x..

Author's Note: HI guys. This one is rather short but I felt it ended in the right place based on my plans for the next chapter. Hope you enjoy it nonetheless! Thank you!

Nathaniel's eyes opened to the sound of the dungeon's gates came through the damp, dark passageways. Grunting, he adjusted himself, the chains about his wrists jingling while the cuffs dug into his skin. He was both thirsty and famished, but he'd be damned if he'd reveal that to his captors. Even as he waited for punishment, he would keep his pride. Or whatever remained of it.

Steps echoed in the narrow spaces, growing ever closer. They were two. No. Three people. One set of steps was light, possibly a woman's. The others were heavier, accompanied by the distinct clank of weapons and armor. Shadows stretched along the walls as the torches cast shapes over them, making them seem alive. Then, armored men rounded the corner and her face came into view shortly after, her Grey Warden uniform reflecting the dim lights around her. The seneschal accompanied her, ever the faithful servant.

"Fergus once said you wouldn't have the guts to return to Ferelden after my husband's coronation. I give you credit for proving him wrong," Everil mocked while approaching his cell, her expression cold as ice.

Nathaniel let out a wry chuckle. "How fitting that you would be the one to personally dictate my fate as you did my father's. Have you come to gloat some more before hanging me?"

The queen crossed her arms. "Our families were allies not too long ago. We played in Highever's fields as children—both of us Couslands and Howes. We even spoke of our futures and trusted each other enough to share secrets." She scowled at him. "You and I would have remained friends had it not been for your father's treachery and your most recent attempt on my life."

With effort, he pushed himself to his feet, his muscles protesting under the strain. "Hmph… I'll admit that suddenly seeing you again as a grown woman kept me from ending you in your sleep. Who knew that the spitfire girl who preferred swords over dolls would turn out to look like you do now? Though it seems that even with your fair lady facade, you're still playing the man."

"Watch your words, Howe," Varel warned sharply.

Everil knitted her eyebrows, scrutinizing him. "Why did you choose to act against me, Nathaniel? Your father's actions may have left a stain in your family's reputation, but you could have worked towards redeeming your name instead of almost committing an act of treason."

He scoffed. "Of course… Why didn't I think of that? I should have joined King Alistair's service, instead. He surely would have given a Howe another chance."

"He would have, had I spoken with him."

"Spare me the caring act, Everil." Nathaniel boldly met her stare. "Just tell me what it is you're going to do with me. I have nothing more to lose."

Silence briefly interrupted their conversation as Everil analyzed her options. He had fought on even ground with her just the night before, something not everyone was capable of doing. And she needed more Wardens to help in her quest. She pressed her lips into a line, conflicted by the decision she was about to make. He wasn't trustworthy, but she would have to take that risk.

"I know of a way in which you can redeem yourself, should you survive…" Everil gazed back up at him, a smirk on her face. "You will join my ranks, Nathaniel. I invoke the Right of Conscription upon you."

He paled. "What?"

"But, Commander…" Varel stepped in, shocked.

"No! I would rather you hang me!" the prisoner protested.

"There will be no further discussion." Everil spun about to walk back the way they came. "Prepare him for the Joining."

Varel dipped his head, still anxious over the idea. "Understood."

Clenching his jaw, Nathaniel glared at her retreating form, finding himself trapped within her clutches. Maker help him.

.x.x.x.x.

His feet shuffled over the hall's carpet as the guards dragged him to the throne, where Everil sat waiting for them, legs crossed. Varel stood next to her, holding the Joining chalice. As soon as he was standing before them, his chains came undone and the men who brought him turned around and walked away, leaving him at their commander's mercy. Nathaniel saw them go, then slowly gazed at her, surrendering to his fate. It was either die trying to flee the keep or take a chance with the Wardens. Might as well…

Everil rose from her chair. "All right… Shall we begin?"

Lifting his nose, Nathaniel met her eyes. "I don't have a choice… So let's just get it done."

She took the chalice from her seneschal and descended the steps, approaching him. Her voice came quiet, each word carrying the weight of behind their meaning. "Join us, brothers and sisters. Join us in the shadows where we stand vigilant. Join us as we carry the duty that cannot be forsworn. And should you perish, know that your sacrifice will not be forgotten and that, one day, we shall join you." With a resolute expression, she offered him the cup that would forever change his life.

Nathaniel stared at it briefly and took it, gazing into the black liquid swirling within. He swallowed thick. "The moment of truth..."

The Warden-Commander observed intently as he brought the cup to his lips and drank, some of its contents drizzling down his chin. She took the cup from him and stepped back. Waiting.

The pain came rushing at him like a mad bull, robbing him of breath as he clawed at his burning throat. He fell on his knees, gagging as the taint claimed him. And he collapsed onto his side, his consciousness vanishing.

Seeing it was over, Everil took a step and went to a knee to check his pulse. "Hmph… He made it. It seems I have one more man."

"Commander… Are you sure this is wise?" Varel asked, moving to her side. "He tried to kill you. What's to stop him from trying again?"

"I'll be fine." Everil stood, returning the cup to him. "I knew him once… If he's the same man I remember, then he will do his duty as a Grey Warden." She sighed, gazing down at the unconscious man. "Even if he has to follow my orders now…"

.x.x.x.x.

The nightmares of darkspawn and death faded as he awakened. Nathaniel scrunched up his face and slowly sat up with a groan. His head was pounding, but he was thankful he'd survived the ritual. "So now I'm one of them…" he muttered to himself, running a hand through his raven hair. No longer was he a nobleman. No longer was he just a man wandering Ferelden with a chip on his shoulder. He was to be part of something greater, whether or not he wanted it.

His dazed gaze wandered about the room. He was in one of the chambers where his father's knights once slept, which held a single, one person bed and a few other pieces of furniture. Something blue caught his attention, and he saw the bundle of dyed leather and silver scale armor sitting atop a chair by the door. Huffing, he went to his feet and trudged to it, picking it up and seeing the two griffons etched upon the shining breastplate.

A knock snapped him out of the momentary trance he'd been under. "Come in…"

The door swung open, then Everil stepped in before crossing her arms, remaining by the doorway. "You're finally up."

He turned away from her, undoing the buckles on his leather vest. "Are you sure you should be here alone?"

She half-smiled. "I defeated you once already. You don't concern me."

There was a pause. "Fair enough..."

"Hurry and change. Once you're done, meet me and the others at the courtyard. We're to go to the Blackmarshes."

Nathaniel glanced over a shoulder. "Why would you even want to go there? That place holds nothing but death."

"Another Grey Warden has gone to investigate darkspawn activity in those parts. The rest I will explain on our way there." Everil made to head back out but halted halfway. "Oh, and one more thing…"

He raised an eyebrow.

The queen glared at him in open distrust. "You dare try anything against me again… and I shall execute you myself. Is that clear, Howe?"

A corner of his lips curled up. "Don't worry, your Majesty… I had my chance and it passed me by, I will not risk it a second time. Just know that although my sense of duty has bound me to you, I won't be fighting for you."

"Good thing I expect little else of you…" The door shut with a click as she left, leaving him alone in the room once more.