Chapter 14: Sten of the Beresaad
"Shok ebasit hissra. Meraad astaarit, meraad itwasit, aban aqun. Maraas shokra. Anaan esaam Qun" a deep voice recited, attracting the attention of Alvar and his band as they passed through the streets. Alvar, Alistair, Leliana and Morrigan stopped in their tracks and gazed towards the direction of the voice. They noticed the source across the street. A tall giant of a man, stood in an iron cage. His skin is grey and his white hair is braided in a ponytail at the back if his head. He wore simple clothing.
"Maker's breath! A Qunari, here!" Alistair exclaimed in wonder.
Alvar recalled studying about the Qunari during his history lessons. The white haired, metallic skinned giants dwelling in the far northern island of Por Vollen, their philosophy which they called 'The Qun' and their strict ways of life, warlike attitudes etc. He had also read about their wars during the Steel and Storm Ages, how the Qunari war machine was so powerful that the Chantry had called multiple Exalted Marches to face them. The very way of life in Thedas was in risk of extinction. Ultimately the Qunari were halted after all the Andrastrian realms came together to defeat the common foe. Despite halting of the war machine, the Qunari threat had never ceased and the Tevinter Imperium in northern Thedas still continued their conflict. It resulted in a stalemate which continues even today.
Alvar's views on the Qunari and the Qun were rather sour from his learnings; And his pious nature did not help either. "I thought those heathens come with horns," he commented, as he intently watched the caged giant.
"So did I," added Alistair.
"I never expected to see one here," said Alvar, he turned to Leliana, "Can you tell us something about him?"
Leliana nodded, "The Templars captured him in a farmhouse," she said, "they say he killed the entire household who owned the farmhouse."
"Maker's breath!" exclaimed Alistair in shock. Alvar's eyes widened for a moment.
"Thus, the Revered Mother has ordered him to be locked here," Leliana continued, "He is left to the mercy of the darkspawn."
"It won't hurt us to go talk to him," uttered Alvar, "Let us see what he has to say," saying that, the four of them approached the cage.
Alvar stood in front of the cage, his companions stood behind him. Alvar crossed his arms and scanned the giant head to toe. The giant noticed him and stared back, his face was grim. "You are not one of my captors" the giant spoke coldly, "I will not amuse you any more than I have the other humans, Leave me in peace." He demanded.
"Who are you?" asked Alvar.
"A prisoner," the giant answered, "I am in a cage, am I not? I have been placed here by the Chantry."
"Why?" demanded Alvar.
"I have been convicted of murder. Have the villagers not spoken of this?" asked the giant.
"I have heard so. Are you guilty of the deed?" questioned Alvar.
"Are you asking me do I feel guilt, or am I responsible for the deed?" asked the giant, "The villagers are not wrong about what I have done. How I feel matters not for my life is forfeit now." The Qunari answered impassively.
Alvar stood silently for a few moments. The lack of emotion did surprise Alvar, but he had partly expected it, considering who he was talking to. Added with the crime the Qunari had committed, he was appalled and knew not what to say.
"He has committed a grave sin," Leliana uttered sadly, "But no one deserves to be left behind to the darkspawn."
"This is a proud creature locked up in a cage like an animal," said Morrigan, "I would suggest we free him, at least for mercy's sake."
"Mercy?" Alistair was taken aback, "I was not expecting mercy from you."
"I would also suggest Alistair take his place in the cage," retorted Morrigan.
"Now that is the Morrigan I know," Alistair laughed sardonically.
"Just leave me in peace," demanded the giant.
Alvar frowned, he then turned around to face his companions, "Are you all out of your minds?!" he snapped.
"You want to show mercy to this heathen murderer?" yelled Alvar in disbelief.
"Everyone deserves the Maker's mercy," Leliana said calmly.
"Except oxman barbarians whose only goal is to bend entire Thedas to their heathen ideology! Just look at this beast," Alvar turned halfway, raising a hand towards the cage, "Does he even remotely sound repentant?!
"Leaving this one to starve is a mercy, the Templars should burn him at stake." Alvar looked at the giant, "It is no less than what you deserve!"
"The Qun is the only way for enlightenment," the giant proclaimed, "Dying for the Qun is the greatest honour I can receive.
"Although I would prefer my death in battle with my sword in hand."
Alvar gave a sardonic laugh, "Are you really asking for a warrior's death? No, you will die here like the murderer that you are."
"The creature seems like a warrior to me," Morrigan said in her usual nonchalant tone, "Can we not find a use for him?"
"A use?" mocked Alvar, he then turned towards the giant, "So, tell me beast; besides killing civilians, what other talents do you possess?" he asked imperiously.
"I am Sten of the Beresaad, the vanguard of the Qunari people," answered the giant, "As a vanguard, I have led soldiers to battle. I have seen a fair share of war."
"There," Morrigan joined in, "He is a soldier and a leader of some sort. Now tell me Alvar, with the blight and Loghain on our hands, will he not be of use to us?"
"The blight?" Sten seemed curious, "Are you Grey Wardens? My people have heard of your Order."
Alvar crossed his arms, "And what if we are?" he asked haughtily, "It still does not change the fact that you are a bloodthirsty murderer."
"Mayhap, he can atone for his sins by fighting the blight," suggested Leliana.
"Atonement by fighting against the darkspawn is something I can do," said Sten, "It might even lead me to my death in combat."
Alvar crossed his arms and pondered for some time, he did need assistance and Sten being a soldier and a commander could prove very useful. But could they trust the Qunari who just killed a family of civilians and shows little remorse for the deed; and added with the fact that he greatly loathed the Qunari people and philosophy. Alvar cursed in his mind at his desperate situation. He sighed and looked at Sten, "How can I trust you to not kill me like you did the peasants?" he demanded.
"I give you my word," declared Sten, "I will not break it you unless you give me a reason to."
Alvar facepalmed, Sten was not helping his case if he wanted to be free. But still one thing which even he respected about the Qunari was that they took their words seriously. Mayhap he can be of use, but he must make sure to keep this 'heathen savage' under a tight leash. "How do we you out?" he demanded.
"The key to my cage is in the Chantry," answered Sten, "Seek the Revered Mother, she is the one who had me imprisoned."
"We were on our way to the Chantry anyways," said Alvar, "We shall return with your key."
Sten nodded as Alvar and his band turned around and walked towards the Chantry.
xXxXxXxXxXx
After walking past a few houses, Alvar and his band finally reached the village Chantry. The Lothering Chantry is a large building with thatched roofs. There is an empty yard at the front, enclosed in a stone wall which surrounded the Chantry building. The gate is open and currently there are a good number of people in the front yard. Alvar and his companions entered the front yard.
"We are all doomed!" a harsh voice wailed loudly. Alvar looked in the direction of the voice, he noticed a small group of people gathering around something or someone. Alvar, Alistair, Morrigan and Leliana approached the group. They noticed the source of the wailing. A man in Chasind furs stood waving his hands and wailing, "They are coming to get us, we are all going to die!" he bawled.
"Please stop, you are scaring the children," pleaded a refugee woman.
"Better to slit their throats now than have the darkspawn take them!" cried the wild man. He then turned his head to notice the four newcomers.
"There!" he yelled, pointing at Alvar, "This one carries the disease, he will be the doom of us all!" he cried. The people's gaze turned towards Alvar, their fearful stares made Alvar uneasy, he took a deep breath and approached the wilder.
"What are you yapping at, savage?!" demanded Alvar.
"The darkspawn have killed my family, they are coming to kill us all! We are all doomed!"
Alvar looked over the man, a Templar stood a couple of feet away, "Will you not get him to shut up?!" he bellowed at the Templar.
"Be my guest," answered the Templar, "I have no wish to taste his axe,". Alvar then noticed the large battle-axe behind the Chasind man.
"You carry the blight, the disease," the wilder exclaimed hysterically, "You are one of them, you will bring death to us all!"
Alvar heard gasps from the crowd gathered around, 'is he talking about the taint?' he thought. Alvar threw quick glances at the people around, their faces full of worry and fear stared at him. Alvar tensed; fear can make people do unimaginable things, he hoped the people would not be roused to get together and kill him, out of fear and with the desire for the bounty on his head. 'No, if I have to leave this place alive, I must assert my authority over these peasants. They must know I am not to be trifled with,' deciding that, he took a step towards the Chasind wilder.
The next instant, Alvar's right hand went to the hilt of his sword and in a single sideward sweep, he slashed across the throat of the wilder. Blood splattered from his torn jugular, the wilder grunted; clutching his throat he slumped forward and lay writhing on the ground, he would die soon. This happened in mere seconds. The people gasped in horror, even Alistair and Leliana were appalled while Morrigan remained impassive. Alvar cut a rag from the dead wilder's furs and turned towards the crowd, "Anyone else wishes to talk of impending dooms?!" he thundered while wiping the blood on his sword with the rag.
The people stood silently and many of them exchanged glances. "Now, get out of my way," demanded Alvar as he walked towards the Chantry entrance, his three companions followed him. The horrified people quickly moved aside offering the four of them a wide berth.
Alvar, Alistair, Morrigan and Leliana entered the Chantry Hall, they stood near the door. They looked around the main hall, there were some Chantry sisters, Templars and refugees here and there. At the head of the hall is a statue of Andraste, in front of the statue is a podium on which, the Chant of the Light was kept. A young sister stood behind, reciting the chant, her soothing voice is heard could be heard even at the doorstep.
"There, that one," Alvar pointed at a Templar captain, "He must be Ser Bryant," he turned to Leliana, "Leliana, we will have a talk with Ser Bryant. In the meantime, you go to your room and fetch your things."
Leliana agreed and she walked towards the dormitories while Alvar, Alistair and Morrigan walked towards the Templar captain.
"Ho, are you Ser Bryant?" called out Alvar.
"Yes," nodded the Templar captain, "Greetings travellers, how may I help you?"
"Ah, you are Grey Wardens I presume, I am surprised to see survivors."
Alvar and Alistair were silent and stared impassively at the Templar. Ser Bryant put his hands in air, "Fear not, you are in no danger here."
"So, you will not have us arrested for Loghain?" asked Alistair.
"I am a Templar and a servant of the Maker," answered Ser Bryant, "I care not for the politics of the kingdom. If you are here to seek the Maker's blessings, you are welcome."
"My thanks, Ser Bryant," said Alvar, "Can you tell us what has happened after the disaster at Ostagar?"
"With King Cailan's death at Ostagar, Teyrn Loghain has called for a Landsmeet," Ser Bryant spoke gravely, "Our Bann has gone to Denerim taking all the soldiers, leaving us to look after the village." His tone showed disgust as he said this, "I get that he has to be there for the Landsmeet but why take all the soldiers with him?"
Alvar nodded wordlessly. The Templar continued, "There are rumours that Teyrn Loghain has proclaimed himself Regent to his widowed daughter, the Queen Anora. He has ordered all the nobles to unite under him against the darkspawn."
'So, that is his plan,' pondered Alvar, 'He plans to use the Blight as an excuse to take the throne for himself. Regent to the Queen my arse, is Anora a mewling baby that she needs a regent?' But Alvar still did not understand why did he have to kill Cailan when both Loghain and Anora had influential power over him. 'Mayhap he wanted the title of king as well,' he thought, 'he might officially crown himself sooner or later."
"How did the nobles react?" questioned Alvar.
"They did not take it well," answered Ser Bryant, "Word has it there was dissent from many nobles. A faction of some dozen or so even quit the Landsmeet, they were led by our Arl Leonas Bryland."
Alvar's eyes brightened, his interest is piqued, "What kind of dissent?" he asked calmly, putting on a tactful face.
"I do not know exactly, but I heard it had something to do with Arl Rendon Howe," answered the Templar, "Even Bann Teagan spoke out against the Teyrn, he was in disagreement about the Teyrn's withdrawal from Ostagar."
Alvar was delighted on hearing the news yet he did not show any of it, "Bann Teagan? Was Eamon not present for the Landsmeet?
"Arl Eamon has been sick," Ser Bryant spoke with uncertainty.
Alvar raised his brows, "What kind of sickness?" asked Alistair.
"I am afraid I do not know, ser" answered Ser Bryant, "He has been sick even before the battle of Ostagar. It is quite unnatural, none have been able to say what ails him."
Alvar and Alistair were taken by surprise, Alvar seemed somewhat indifferent, Alistair looked worried. "Can you tell me more about him?" requested Alistair.
"I cannot, but you can ask Ser Donall over there," Ser Bryant indicated his arm towards a knight standing away, "He is on his way to Redcliffe, I trust he can tell you more."
"Is the Revered Mother inside? Can I meet her reverence?" asked Alvar.
"Yes, Ser," nodded Ser Bryant, "She is in her room, you may meet her if she allows."
"My thanks, Ser Bryant" Alvar gave a slight nod, and then turned to Alistair, "You go talk to Ser Donall, I will talk to the Revered Mother," Alistair nodded in agreement.
"Show him that letter we found with the bandits," instructed Alvar, "He may know about it," Alvar turned to Morrigan, "As for you, will you go with Alistair or will you accompany me?"
"Go with Alistair he asks!" mocked Morrigan, "I would be anywhere than have only Alistair for company, I will come with you."
"What a delight to hear that," Alistair smiled and he walked towards Ser Donall. Whereas Alvar and Morrigan made their way towards the Revered Mother's room. Leliana joined them before they entered the room.
Alvar looked at her from head to toe, she is now dressed in a light leather armour, she has a longbow and a quiver full of arrows at her back. A short sword is sheathed at the side of her waist in her belt. She also carries a bag over her shoulder. She is ready to travel. When Leliana had told him about fetching her things, this was not what he had expected.
Alvar wondered how did a Chantry sister possess such equipment; she did say she had a colourful life before joining the Chantry, 'Maker knows what that means,' he thought. Now he was certain that there is a lot more to Leliana than what meets the eye. Her clear Orlesian accent hadn't gone unnoticed by him either. He would keep an eye on her; if she is a spy planted by the Orlesians, then there could be trouble, to say the least. If he refused her to come along, then she might just follow his retinue. For now, he was stuck with her.
"I am ready," said Leliana.
"We are going to talk to the Revered Mother," said Alvar, "Come with us, if you wish."
Leliana nodded in response and so Alvar walked inside the Revered Mother's room with the two women following him.
The Revered Mother's room is quite simple. The windows had stained glass. Burning candles on candelabras are placed around, lighting the room. The Revered Mother sat on a chair, her hair is grey and her face wrinkled, showing experience. A young man, dressed in the robes of a Chantry brother stood beside her. The Revered Mother looked up from her seat to see Alvar, Leliana and Morrigan enter. A welcoming smile formed on her face.
"Come in, children," she greeted gently, "Have you come to pray? Do you seek the Maker's blessings?"
"I, yes, your reverence," answered Alvar, "I was hoping to receive your blessings."
The Revered Mother nodded with a smile, she got up from her seat. Alvar and Leliana knelt on one knee and bowed their heads towards the Revered Mother. Morrigan stood unmoving, Alvar looked over his shoulder at her, her face showed unwillingness. Alvar glared at her and gave slight nod of his head, demanding her to follow suit.
'Ugh, I should have gone with Alistair!' Morrigan cursed in her mind, as she reluctantly knelt on one knee and bowed her head in similar fashion to Alvar and Leliana.
The Revered Mother hovered a hand over the three of them as she recited solemnly, "Blessed art thou who exists in the Maker's sight. Blessed art thou who seeks His forgiveness. Blessed art thou who seeks His return.
"Blessed is the Prophetess, His daughter, sacrificed to the holy flame. May the chant reach the Maker's ears and tell Him of our contrition. May the Maker watch over us all."
"May the Maker watch over us all!" Alvar and Leliana repeated solemnly. Morrigan was silent
Once the Revered Mother was done, Alvar and his two female companions rose to their feet. The Revered Mother went took her chair, "Now, is there anything else you wish of me?" she asked humbly.
"There is, your reverence," said Alvar, "I wish to talk to you about the Qunari imprisoned in the cage." He said politely.
The Revered Mother sighed, "What is there to talk about him?" she asked, her tone became faintly aloof.
"He was a soldier in the Qunari horde, I believe his sword arm can be of use to my cause," Alvar said solemnly, maintaining a diplomatic tone, "I wish to take him with me. Thus, I humbly request your reverence to have him released."
The Revered Mother was speechless for a moment, she could not believe the request, "That creature has killed an entire family. The same family which took him in and offered him food and shelter. Not even the children were spared!" the old woman spoke bitterly, her tone filled with disgust, "And how does that savage repay the hospitality?! He kills those who offered him a helping hand.
"This is why I have left him to the darkspawn, that is what he deserves."
"Yes, your reverence," nodded Alvar, "It is in the nature of those heathen savages to murder helpless unarmed people. I would say leaving him to the darkspawn is a mercy for a beast like him, whose kind only lives for war and destruction. If it was up to me, I would have had that beast tied to a stake and burned alive in the village square like the heathen that he is!" The conviction in Alvar's voice took Leliana and Morrigan by surprise, they wondered whether Alvar had changed his mind.
"But unfortunately, your reverence," Alvar's voice calmed, "I find myself in desperate situation. Circumstances where any sword which would swing in my favour is vital. It is by lack of alternatives, that I request you such."
"I can understand the desperation of your cause, Grey Warden," the Revered Mother spoke calmly, "But can you trust one such as he? Butchery is in the nature of these creatures, I fear you may become his next victim."
"I am the Teyrn of Highever, your reverence," proclaimed Alvar, "I ask you not to free him but to transfer him into my custody. He will be under my leash, I will make sure he does not harm anyone." He declared resolutely.
"You are the Teyrn of Highever?" the Revered Mother asked, her tone displayed doubt.
Alvar put his hand forward and showing the old woman his signet ring, "I am the rightful Teyrn of Highever," he proclaimed. "Although circumstances have forced me away."
The Revered Mother raised a hand, stopping him, "I have heard enough," she said sternly, "I already have enough things to concern with than the politics of the nobility."
The Revered Mother sighed, she then nodded, "Alright, you can take that Qunari with you. The key to his cage is over there," she pointed at a desk nearby, beside the desk stood a small chest, "And that chest contains his clothes and armour," she added. Then the old woman ordered her attendant to offer Alvar the key and the contents from the chest.
The attendant walked towards the chest to fetch the requested things.
"And one more thing," uttered the Revered Mother, "We have a donation box here, may I request you to make an offering for the needy, my Teyrn," she requested, deliberately addressing him so.
Alvar nodded in agreement, he opened his coin pouch and counted some sovereigns. "Seven sovereigns!" he proclaimed as he put them in the donation box.
"That is the most generous offering we have ever received, as befitting your station, my lord," the Revered Mother smiled gratefully, "The Maker shall smile upon you, my lord."
Alvar gave a slight nod in acknowledgement. He then took the offered key and the armour. He examined the armour, it is a brown breastplate along with a hauberk of the same colour. The breastplate is too large and wide around the shoulders for even a well-built human, clearly it was made for a giant. There are intricate markings and patterns on the breastplate. There is also a gridle of crimson colour. The armour set is of fine make, clearly it was not meant for a common soldier.
"I do not see any weapons," commented Alvar.
"We did not find any weapons on him, mayhap that is why he did not resist capture by our Templars," said the Revered Mother.
'Sten did not resist capture' thought Alvar, he could not believe that part. 'A heathen butcher gave up without a fight? Mayhap he wanted to get arrested, could he have some other agenda? Could he be a spy?' he pondered and he glanced at Leliana standing nearby, she was adjusting her own leather armour, 'Maker, was this one not enough? How many people must I keep an eye on?' Some part of him regretted agreeing to take Sten and Leliana along with him, especially Sten. But then he was desperate for allies and more bodies to put between him and his enemies was tempting.
"My thanks, your reverence," Alvar thanked the old woman.
"May the Maker guide your path,"
Alvar gave a single nod of his head and along with Morrigan and Leliana, he left the room carrying the key and Sten's armour set.
xXxXxXxXxXx
When Alvar and Morrigan had gone to see the Revered Mother, Alistair approached the knight Ser Donall. The knight had his back to Alistair, he stood bending over a book on a table nearby.
"Ser Donall?" Alistair called out.
The knight turned around, "Yes, how may I help…." His eyes brightened, "Alistair! Is that you?" he exclaimed with a smile.
"Yes, Ser Donall," Alistair smiled back.
Ser Donall embraced Alistair, who returned his embrace. "Maker's breath, how come you are here?" asked Ser Donall.
"I am a Grey Warden now," Alistair proclaimed proudly, "I go where I am needed."
"Right, I heard about what happened at Ostagar," Ser Donall spoke sadly, "I was certain that you were dead."
"Not yet, thanks to Loghain for that," Alistair uttered spitefully.
"If Arl Eamon wasn't ill, he would set Loghain straight." Ser Donall said with determination.
"Yes, I heard from Ser Bryant that he is sick," said Alistair, "But why are you here?"
"Our only hope is now a miracle, every knight has gone in search of the sacred ashes."
"That reminds me, I have something to give you," Alistair took out the scrolled letter and the Chantry locket, he offered them to the knight.
"This is from the Redcliffe Chantry," Ser Donall observed the locket. He then opened the letter and read it, "Ah, this belongs to my partner Ser Henric, where did you get these?" he asked with worry.
"We found it with the bandits outside Lothering, on the Imperial Highway," answered Alistair, "I couldn't find anything else. I am sorry."
Ser Donall let out a sad sigh, "Never mind, thank you for bringing me these,"
"Can you tell me more about these sacred ashes?" Alistair asked, looking curiously at the knight.
"The healers have tried various methods, but none seem to work. So, left with no other alternatives, Arlessa Isolde ordered all the knights to search for the urn of Andraste's ashes."
"How is the Arl's condition?" enquired Alistair.
"The last time I saw him, he lay still in his room. I do not know how he is now."
"Lady Isolde believes Andraste's ashes will cure him?"
"The ashes are rumoured to cure any ailment," Ser Donall said determinedly, "Besides, the Arlessa is out of options. This is probably her last desperate hope, after all she sent all the knights at Redcliffe."
"Have you found the ashes?" asked Alistair.
"No, I fear we are chasing a legend," answered Ser Donall, "With every passing day, my hope dims."
Alistair let out a sad sigh, "How long has the Arl been sick for?" he asked.
"The Arl fell sick before the battle of Ostagar," answered Ser Donall, "I believe something sinister is behind this. Mayhap someone,"
"Someone like Loghain," Alistair uttered with contempt.
"It could be," Ser Donall rubbed his forehead, "Maker, all this talk of conspiracies makes me ill."
Alistair was about to talk more when he noticed Alvar, Morrigan and Leliana walking by. Alvar glanced at him and gave a slight nod of his head as he passed by. Alistair turned to Ser Donall, "I am glad for our talk, but I have to go now," he said.
"Alright, I shall go to Redcliffe and tell Arlessa Isolde about all that has happened," said Ser Donall, "Mayhap you should come with me."
"I would love to, but I cannot," Alistair spoke with disappointment, "Mayhap I will come some other time."
"Goodbye, Ser Donall,"
"Goodbye, may the Maker watch over you," Ser Donall bid him goodbye. Alistair nodded and rushed after Alvar and the two women.
xXxXxXxXxXx
The four of them stood outside the Chantry door, they noticed that the crowd had reduced now. And the corpse of the Chasind wilder, killed by Alvar was gone. Now, only a pool of blood remained on the ground. Alvar and his band walked out of the vicinity of the Chantry, they stood near the wall around the Chantry.
"Listen here, you all," Alvar addressed the three others, "We can talk later about what we have found. I want to leave this village as soon as we can."
"I agree with that," nodded Alistair.
"We need supplies for the road as well, so we will split up for now," explained Alvar, "Alistair, you and Leliana shall go buy some food and water for us all. I and Morrigan will fetch that Qunari. Once you are done, we need a rendezvous point to meet at," Alvar rubbed the stubble of his chin in thought.
"We can meet by the village mill," suggested Leliana, "It is to the north of the village, even the northern gate is also close by so we can leave quickly."
"Good," said Alvar, "So be it, here is money for the provisions," Alvar handed five gold sovereigns to Alistair. "We will meet by the mill then, from there we will leave Lothering through the northern gate.
"And Alistair, just buy enough for a couple of days. We do not want more than we can carry."
Alistair nodded in agreement and the two of them walked fast towards the shops in the village square.
"Come Morrigan, let us go and get Sten," said Alvar.
"Hopefully, I have won't have to seek your Maker's blessings when we do that." Morrigan uttered nonchalantly.
Alvar rolled his eyes as they proceeded towards Sten's cage.
They soon reached the cage. "You are back, so I am to assume you were successful," commented Sten.
"The Revered Mother has agreed to let you into my custody," Alvar said sternly, "If you are to come, you will obey me!"
"I understand," said Sten.
"Give me your word that you will do as I tell you to and you will never cross me,"
"I will not cross you unless you give me a reason to," declared Sten.
Alvar stood silent for a while, "Should you break your word I will kill you myself," he said sternly.
"You can try," Sten responded impassively. Alvar then opened the cage. Sten stepped outside and stretched his arms.
"And here is your armour," said Alvar as he tossed him his armour.
"I have not found any weapons, I suppose you had a sword."
"I was a soldier, I had my sword," answered Sten as he dressed up in his armour.
"Well, the Revered Mother said you were found unarmed."
"She is right,"
"Do you know where your sword is?" demanded Alvar.
"No,"
Alvar shrugged, "Whatever, we will find you one." 'But you will not get one until I trust you,' Alvar thought to himself.
Sten did not answer. He was done wearing his armour, "Can we go now?" he demanded.
"Yes," having said that; Alvar, Morrigan and Sten made their way towards the village mill.
xXxXxXxXxXx
"How much did you buy?" asked Alvar.
"With so many people here, we could not buy as much as we wanted," said Alistair, "But we have bread, cheese, apples and water to last us for at least three days."
"Good, we can find some other village or mayhap come across any travelling merchants for more," said Alvar, "Now come on, let us be on our way." They strode towards the northern gate.
When they were only a few yards away from the northern gate, they found their way blocked. A number of villagers stood in their path. Alvar and his band stopped a few metres in front of them. Each one of them carried pitchforks or long wooden staves. Most are grown men, a handful are women, there are a couple or so adolescent youths as well. They stared at Alvar's and his band, some of them are impassive, some fearful.
"What are you lizards all gaping at?!" Alvar bellowed at the crowd, "Move out of our way!"
"They say you Wardens killed the king!" one of the villagers responded, "We do not know if it true; we do not care. But that coin on your heads can feed many hungry bellies!"
Alvar tensed on hearing this, he had suspected the intentions of the mob and now his suspicions proved true. "Hold!" he yelled raising an outward palm, "I have killed foes more daunting than your entire lot put together! Do not throw away your lives, I will not hesitate to kill you peasants if I must! Do not force my hand!"
The villagers exchanged glances with one another, "Get them, get them all!" yelled one of them as they readied their makeshift weapons. Alvar and his followers drew out their own weapons.
"Get that mouthy black haired one! Even his shield is broken!" The villagers rushed towards the five of them, screaming, their eyes full of murder.
Alvar, Alistair and Sten stood at front, their weapons ready in their hands, Sten clenched his fists. Leliana and Morrigan readied their bow and magic staff. There peasants attacked the outnumbered band, Alvar and his companions fought off their foes. There are seventeen of the peasants against five. Despite outnumbered, Alvar and his band were far from outmatched. They are well armed and armoured while the peasants wore no armour and their equipment are farm tools.
The peasants could not take overwhelm them as they had planned, one by one they fell dead to their foes' better equipment and training. Within a matter of minutes, it was all over. The ground littered with seventeen corpses. Alvar's band were completely unscathed. They stood over the ground littered with bloodied corpses. Alvar stared at the cold faces in remorse at having to kill innocent peasants.
But then he quickly reminded himself that these peasants weren't unarmed and not entirely innocent. They would have killed him with no remorse whatsoever. Alvar took a few breaths and his thoughts helped as he started feeling less remorseful. He had to choose between his head or theirs, he was happy about his choice. 'Besides, more peasants will be born anyways' he told himself mentally.
Alvar and his group continued towards the northern gate. The five of them soon left behind the village as they made their way northeast towards the city of South Reach.
Suddenly up ahead, they heard cries for help. "I sense some darkspawn," declared Alistair. The five of them rushed in the direction of the shouts. As they came closer, they noticed the source. Two dwarves were under attack by half a dozen darkspawn. The dwarves stood cowering near an ox cart. Alvar presumed them to be merchants.
"Attack!" yelled Alvar drawing his sword and broken shield, "Be quick, before they kill those dwarves!"
The five of them charged the darkspawn with weapons drawn, yelling war cries. The darkspawn turned around to face the new attackers. With the numbers being almost equal; Alvar, Alistair, Leliana, Morrigan and Sten took on a darkspawn each. The darkspawn were all killed after a short battle lasting a minute or so.
The two dwarves slowly approached Alvar, "Many thanks stranger" panted one of them. Alvar saw them clearly now, one is an older man with a beard. The other is a young one with no beard, he is the first dwarf Alvar had seen without a beard.
"You are welcome," said Alvar, "Who are you? What are you doing here?" he questioned the dwarf.
"Bodahn Feddic at your service," the bearded dwarf proclaimed, "A travelling entrepreneur and this is my son Sandal," he said placing shoulder around the younger dwarf, "Sandal, say hello to the nice human who saved us."
"Hello," the younger dwarf greeted softly.
"And what of you, ser?" asked Bodahn, turning to Alvar.
"I am Lord Alvar Cousland of Highever," Alvar proclaimed proudly, "These men and women are my retainers."
"Greetings then Lord Alvar," Bodahn gave a bow, "If I may say, lord. Your gear is quite peculiar from what I have seen on other nobles…."
Alvar sighed, "I am also a Grey Warden," he said softly, "Alistair here as well," he said indicating an arm towards Alistair.
"Alright," nodded Bodahn, "I see you travelling this route. May I ask of your destination…. Lord? Is referring your as 'lord' appropriate?"
Alvar smiled at that, "Yes, it is what befits my station," he said imperiously. As for your question, we are travelling to the city of South Reach. As for my business, it is my own."
"I understand, I have a request Lord Alvar."
"Out with it."
"Sandal and I happen to be travelling to the same destination," said the older dwarf, "Can we travel with your entourage?
"As they say, there is strength is numbers."
"We travel a dangerous path, are you sure you would want to travel with someone like me?" asked Alvar. Alvar did not mention the bounty on his head, lest this dwarf get ideas.
"After seeing how you slaughtered those darkspawn, yes. Where else would we be safer than with a valiant lord like yourself? Please kind lord, allow us to join your entourage for now. In return, I shall offer you a discount on all my wares. Even my boy Sandal will offer his enchanting services for no cost." Bodahn pleaded Alvar.
"Enchantment!" Sandal exclaimed brightly.
"How big of a discount are you offering me?" questioned Alvar.
"A very generous one, my lord. Much bigger than the one I had planned for an illustrious lord like yourself!" Bodahn praised him, hoping to stoke the nobleman's ego. "I offer a 25%!"
"And your son is an enchanter?" Alvar asked skeptically.
"Yes, my lord. Sandal can take lyrium and infuse it into weapons to enhance their vitality!" Bodahn spoke with clear pride in his voice. "He will offer you his services for free, my lord!"
Alvar thought about the offer, 'at least they are less murky than that Leliana and the Qunari,' he thought. "Come along then," he said, "But keep to yourselves," he said sternly.
A/N: What happened during the Landsmeet in Denerim? Find out in the next chapter where we will go to Denerim.
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