Chapter 30

Nienna

The rest of the march to Ostagar lasted a few days, and by now I was used to what seemed to be the endless walking and camping in the middle of nowhere. Ever since we left Highever Araya had been quiet most of the day. I knew that she was grieving and processing what had happened, carrying that guilt with her. I gave her the space she seemed to need and Duncan seemed to do the same as well. We had camped maybe only a few miles from Ostagar the night before and when we left at sunrise the ruins quickly came into view as it didn't take much longer to complete the march.

Duncan was starting to fill us in on what to expect when he was interrupted.

"Ho there Duncan!" A tall man in bright gold armor greeted him, offering him his hand, and I recognized him as King Cailan.

Duncan took his hand, clearly caught off guard. "King Cailan? I didn't expect-"

"A royal welcome? I was beginning to worry you'd miss all the fun." He smiled at him and I was surprised to see him so… optimistic.

How could an impending Blight be fun? Shouldn't he be more worried about this? I thought to myself.

"Not if I could help it, your majesty." Duncan said to him, his expression and tone seeming to fit the situation better.

"Then I'll have the mighty Duncan at my side in battle after all! Glorious!" He smiled as he stepped back to look at me and Araya. "The other Wardens told me you had found some promising young recruits. I take it, these are them?"

"Allow me to introduce you, your majesty." Duncan turned towards us as well, but the king just moved to stand in front of us.

"No need to be so formal Duncan. We'll be shedding blood together." He looked to Araya first and he seemed to recognize her. "You are Bryce's youngest, are you not? I don't think we've ever actually met."

"Yes your Majesty, my name is Araya." Araya bows to him, seeming more formal than I have seen her.

"Your brother has already arrived with Highever's men, but we are still awaiting your father."

A glimpse of pain crosses her face, then it goes neutral. "He's not coming. He died when our castle was taken." Her voice does not convey any emotion, but I doubt this is true of her mind.

"Dead?! What do you mean? Duncan, do you know anything about this?"

"Teryn Cousland and his wife are dead, your Majesty. Arl Howe has shown himself a traitor and overtaken Highever castle. Had we not escaped, he would have killed us and told you any story he wished."

"I… can scarcely believe it! How could he think he could get away with such treachery! As soon as we are done here, I will turn my army north and bring Howe to justice. You have my word."

Araya's face stays devoid of any emotion. "Thank you, your Majesty."

"No doubt you wish to see your brother. Unfortunately, he and his men are scouting in the Wilds."

"I am not eager to tell him, your Majesty."

"Of that I have no doubt. You will see him again once the battle is over, I am certain. I apologize, but there is nothing more I can do. All I can suggest is that you vent your grief against the darkspawn for the time being."

"Thank you, your Majesty."

He finally turned towards me. "May I know your name, friend?" He asked me, and I was surprised he was treating me with respect.

"I am Nienna, your Majesty." I answered, not exactly sure how to speak with him. It's not like he has ever shown his face to us in the alienage.

"Pleased to meet you. The Grey Wardens are desperate to bolster their numbers and I for one am happy to help them." Oh, that's why he respects me. I'm a Grey Warden. "I see you're an elf, friend. From where do you hail?"

"The city of Denerim." I told him, without thinking. Oh shit… what if he knows what I did?! What if the entire camp knows?! I need to tread carefully...or I may lose my head.

"As do I!" He smiled at me, as if we shared something in common. We don't share anything, even if we are from the same city. "Though I have not been in the palace for some time. Do you come from the alienage?" Where else would I live in the city? "Tell me, how is it there? My guards all but forbid me going there."

"You have no idea how bad it actually is, do you?" I thought out loud, and I quickly realized what I had just said to the king. My ears went flat from my embarrassment, and worried at what he might do.

"You think I care nothing about these things, but I do. I suppose trust will only come with proof." He said, seeming sincere in his words, which was surprising to me. "Things will change once we defeat the darkspawn. In the alienages, and all through Ferelden. For now, we must attend to war." You would be the first king to actually keep that promise, or even make it in the first place. I'm surprised it's more than empty words. "Allow me to be the first to welcome you to Ostagar. The Wardens will benefit greatly with you in their ranks."

"Thank you, your Majesty." I need to remember to hold my tongue while here. Chances are most of the humans here aren't as friendly.

"I'm sorry to cut this short, but I should return to my tene. Loghain waits eagerly to bore me with his strategies." He stepped back from us, a smile still on his face.

"Your uncle sends his greetings and reminds you that Redcliffe forces could be here in less than a week." Duncan said to him, and I couldn't help but wonder how long he was holding onto that message.

"Ha! Eamon just wants in on the glory. We've won three battles against these monsters and tomorrow should be no different."

"You sound very confident of that." Araya said exactly what I was thinking, though I knew if either of us would get away with saying it, it would be her.

"Overconfident, some would say. Right, Duncan?" King Cailan laughs. He's laughing now… is he really that confident or just stupid? Probably both.

"Your Majesty, I'm not certain can be ended quite as… quickly as you might wish."

"I'm not even sure this is a true Blight. There are plenty of darkspawn on the field, but alas, we've seen no sign of an archdemon."

"Disappointed, your Majesty?"

"I'd hoped for a war like in the tales! A king riding with the fabled Grey Wardens against a tainted god! But I suppose this will have to do. I must go before Loghain sends out a search party. Farewell Grey Wardens!"