Chapter Twenty-Two

Shaper

I could feel that it wasn't quite dawn when Eadrek knocked on my bedroom door. I woke Alistair and had Eadrek go to wake Aedan and Leliana too. The others could continue sleeping since it was just an assembly meeting at the moment.

We got there just as it was starting – and I was shown to a seat near Vartag Gavorn of all people. He kept glancing at me – I knew word had spread of me saying I'd toss Harrowmont into the Lava Pit to get Bhelen on the Throne; I also knew he'd heard that I was sarcastically saying I'd support Bhelen unless I could bring Sereda back in Caridins' arms. Seeing that everyone thought Caridin was dead, this seemed like a fairy thing – put up an impossible task that isn't possible for proving worth.

It took 3 hours before Steward Bandelor to call out a break in the meeting. We followed him out – Vartag right on my heels.

I smiled sweetly at Vartag, "Hello Gavorn."

He stiffened, "You know me surfacer?"

Vartag was 4'5 with pitch black hair, a short and stubbly beard, and he had grey-blue eyes. I shook my head, "Obviously not personally – but as a woman who gets the occasional vision of the future… yes."

He narrowed his eyes, "You're with the grey wardens, right?"

"Well… not me – I just lead the lot, you know? Aedan and Alistair are my Wardens. Anyone else you see in my group is just a stray that I picked up along the way. Leliana here is Aedans' specifically though."

Fen gave a bark so I said, "And this particular stray is mine."

The dog gave a satisfied nod and sat happily. Alistair chuckled.

Vartag grinned, "In that case, Welcome to Orzammar. It's always a blessing to have the Order here."

"How does one go about getting Bhelens' help these days, Vartag?"

"Well, I'm his top advisor – and his voice in the assembly while Harrowmont tries to usurp his crown. You seek the aid of Orzammars' finest warriors?"

I nodded, "That I do – I have these treaties signed in the reign of Eithnar Bemot, 16 generations ago – I know he was a Paragon and king. But then, I also know that these lovely documents compel only the king of Orzammar to aid our cause… and there is no king right now…"

Vartag looked stunned, "You are actually very well informed for an Elf – and for one so new to our politics as well. You're right – the treaty only compels a king. No one wishes this fight over more than Bhelen – and worse is that while it rages, Orzammar can't spare any warriors to combat what may or may not be a new blight… scratch that – looking at what we've heard about what your group has done so far, there is no 'may or may not'; this is certainly a blight. You know as well as I that if Bhelen sent his men to aid you, Harrowmont would take the throne from under him – and I'll just say that…"

I cut him off, "I've already decided to help your cause, Vartag. You're right; Harrowmont is an incapable man who would doom the Dwarven race. Just give me the promissory notes and I'll have Aedan and the men of my company go talk to Lady Dace and Lord Helmi."

Vartag smiled, "This could be the start of a good cooperation, Salroka. Here are the notes – all you need to do is show them and the heads of the houses will do the rest."

We headed out as I handed Aedan the notes, "Show them to Lady Dace – just over there – and she will have you go to Aeducan Thaig in the Deep Roads to show her father because only he can pull the support. Lord Helmi is in the Tavern in the Commons. Show him before going into the Deep Roads so that you cause as much unrest in Harrowmonts' supporters as possible."

Aedan nodded, "Who should I take with me into the Deep Roads?"

"I'll keep Alistair here, but you can take anyone else – I do suggest taking Sten, Shale and Wynne at the very minimum. That way, you have two people pulling all the damage and a healer. Be wary of Deepstalkers and Giant Spiders. Also some Darkspawn have tamed a Bronto or two and there may be one in Aeducan Thaig."

"Alright – Come on Leliana. If we're looking at all that, I'll need an archer… I may as well take most of the group, think about it. Zev is good from shadows and Morrigan is good with those entropy spells. So I'll just leave you, Fen and Alistair here."

I smiled, "Try not to have too much fun. And if you promise to be good, I'll let you take the tent."

"I give you my oath," he said excitedly. I handed him the tent and dragged Alistair to the Shaperate.

Alistair gave me a glance, "And the real reason that we aren't going is…?"

"Aedan was supposed to be the leader of this group, Alistair – not me. Sure, it'd be safer if I were to go – fuck, the vision of how I learned my blood is poison to those creatures was supposed to happen in Aeducan Thaig – but Aedan and the others are relying on me too much."

Alistair blinked, "So… you're pushing him out of the nest?"

I snorted, "Yeah – time for him to spread his damn wings and start leading. I'm not the queen – you or Aedan needs to be leading. This group reminds me of neurotic kids with how much they depend on the leader – and that isn't supposed to be me."

Alistair sniggered, "You know… you're right. Leliana clings to you because of your visions, Sten likes you because you kick his ass with those moves we'd never seen before – granted, he's getting better about avoiding those fancy moves now that he knows what to expect – Wynne hangs back and scolds us if we get hurt but generally doesn't interfere, Zevran seems to see you as a lifeline of some sort, and I love you so I do anything you say."

I gave him an amused glance, "Uh-huh – unless you don't like what I say. I've noticed you getting better about standing up to me, sweetheart. You're really filling into your kingly role. Just a few weeks ago you contradicted me in front of the group. I was so damn proud of that."

He flushed, "I… well… you were?"

"Of course I was, Alistair! If you can't stand up to me – the woman you love and have said you'd do anything for – how are you going to stand up to snooty nobles in Denerim? I was worried about that. You also stood up for me in Denerim – and I think that put you on the path to being more confident, to be sure. That and ordering me around in the bedroom has certainly improved your dominance."

He was bright red, "I… I have to admit I do… like that… more than I thought I would."

I smiled, "And I love that you like it enough to do that."

We got to the Shaperate and he said, "Well… we have a few days alone in Orzammar… our whole group is going off to the Deep Roads, after all…"

"Mmmh… promises, promises," I gave him a bright grin. Eadrek – who had been with us this whole time – cleared his throat, "You two are a special kind of in love, Salroka…"

Alistair – who had forgotten that the warrior was there – groaned. I giggled, "Of course we are, Eadrek. We're married – and newlyweds at that."

Eadrek chuckled and shook his head.

I found the Shaper easily. The man was 4'6 with white hair, grey eyes and wrinkly pale skin. He was the oldest living thing in the building. It helped that his robes were also more elaborate than anyone elses.

I bowed my head, "Atrast Vala, Shaper – I wonder if I might have a moment of your time to discuss health issues and potential inventions that might benefit the Dwarves of Orzammar."

He blinked, "Atrast Vala, topsider. We can talk in here – I don't use the office much, but it's here if I need it."

Eadrek sat outside the room – just chilling while Alistair sat beside me across from the Shaper. "I am Shaper Czibor."

I smiled, "I am Arvaala Anderson and this is my husband, Alistair Theirin – heir to the Ferelden throne. I have quite a few inventions that you may find… useful."

"What inventions?"

"First and foremost, I sell soap – each of the scents has health benefits to them. Here is a list of them. I also sell perfumes, massage oils, tea blends and other little things."

Alistair snorted, "Little, she says. Massage oils also have health benefits too – especially when used with scent in them. She also knows how to make teapots that can hold diffusers for stronger tea and… what were the other things listed, love?"

"Compasses – items that will always point true north can be useful in deep road navigation if one gets lost and their map is no longer any good. Penicillin is a type of medicine that can kill bacterial infections. Dwarves haven't advanced to using electricity yet, so I could teach you how to make not only electric lights, but heat generators to power them. If you chose to learn that, I can also teach you about refrigeration units to keep foods cold so you have less food waste."

Czibor blinked, "I admit, I didn't think you'd have such an impressive list of inventions…"

I coughed, "Speaking of – not just inventions. This book details gluten and lactose intolerance – the allergy of milks and grain products. That is yours for no cost. I believe medical knowledge has no price as it should benefit everyone to be healthy."

Alistair smiled softly at me as his hand found mine.

"Ancestors have mercy… How did you get so much?"

I blinked, "What?"

"So much knowledge…" he muttered.

"Oh… I can remember everything I read – and I used to real a lot, you see. It got to the point that I would read anything to avoid cleaning the house most days – I had two sisters and brothers, so they could do that. I learned to make little baubles as a hobby; blends of tea, soap, candles, and oils – oils are really easy for me. I can make a lot of things, but somethings I only know how to make in theory."

"… Alright Topsider, I will confer with my fellow Shapers about these inventions. We should have an answer for you within the day – or by tomorrow. Do you have samples of the soap, oil and perfume scents?"

I gave him a little box full of glass sample bottles – and even included the Brewmaster scent that I had completed. "The red bottles are soap, the green ones are perfume and the blue ones are oil. The bottles with the black stripe contain heavy Lyrium use – the scent called Templars' Rose. It's a Mage and Templar exclusive item due to that. It enhances their respective abilities. Be careful with those ones. I' only allowing you to take that one because I know the Dwarves are smarter than humans when it comes to that stuff."

Czibor gave a small smile – not even asking where I had gotten the Lyrium as I stood. "I'll be staying at the Warden Compound while I'm here."

"Then we know where to find…"

"One more thing – sorry, for interrupting… I'm sure word has reached you about my being a Seer?"

"It has – Miss. Dagna has been especially vocal about it."

I smiled, "She's just excited about what I told her will happen. My point is – Brother Burkel wants to open a Chantry here. From what I can see, it would bring the charities here – helping orphans, women, children and such. Now, I do not know the long-term effects – just that it will help in the short term and that it should be allowed. I believe that having the Chantry opened here will allow for a Circle – one that would be completely outside the surface supervision. It would be known as the only free circle in Thedas – bringing further notoriety to Orzammar. Again – I cannot speak to the long term effects."

Czibor bit his lip, "A whole circle in Orzammar?"

I nodded. Alistair was gaping at me, "One that sits outside the Chantry supervision?"

Czibor gave a sigh, "Tell Burkel that he can open his Chantry – but that he will be watched. Was there anything else?"

I shook my head, "No – I need to go wrangle some nugs and find a stolen Shaperate Tome. I also have a man to slap some sense into in the Tavern, take out some Lyrium smugglers, and look around the market for something. If I get that all done today then I have the next two days to relax with my husband."

Czibor gave me a gentle smile, "That is as good a reason as any to get things done swiftly. I'll confer with the other Shapers today and send you a message in the morning."

"Thank you, Lord Shaper; I look forward to it – even if nothing comes of it now, just knowing that they're possible may aid in your peoples' advancements in the future."

He chuckled and we headed out.

My first stop was Dust Town – the shaper Tome, the smuggler and Zerlinda were all there so it made sense that I should go there first.

Alistair muttered as we entered Dust Town, "Let me guess; this is where the poor people live…"

I nodded and Eadrek said, "It gets worse with each passing year, believe it or don't. There was never a real ground – which is why the name dust town – but the houses used to be… houses."

I glanced around anticipating the attack from… anyone… but people simply nodded to me and looked away. I gave Eadrek a glance, "Want to explain? I was expecting to be attacked for having nice clothes…"

Eadrek snorted, "Not likely, Salroka – you hired only casteless when you staffed the compound. No one is willing to mess that up for their relatives or a shot at getting coin from you freely. You may be a topsider, but in dust town… you're already a Paragon to these people. You passed over the nobler people and the crafting houses and the commons completely with that choice. Supporting Bhelen on top of that – the one choice we have at the moment who promises to make things better for the casteless – shows your willingness to see these people as people. Dust Town will always be open to you."

"Damn… now I'm gonna feel bad about taking out the Lyrium Smuggler down here…"

Eadrek snorted, "What; Rogek? The blighter has no beard – we can't trust him as far as we can throw him. He never keeps his end of the bargains either. If you're after him, the dusters will offer him up on a platter with their blessing."

"What a coincidence… okay, then. Attention! One sovereign a piece to the people who bring me Rogek!" I shouted.

Silence lasted for only half a second before there was a stampede of people rushing the smuggler. I had the dwarf in front of me – looking worse for the wear – in less than 2 minutes and I passed out coin after coin. 63 gold coins in all – one for each of the people who had come with the mob.

Alistair sniggered, "That's one way to achieve your goal, alright. Now Rogek – have any last words before I personally cut your head off?"

"Ancestors' Balls, what did I do to you two?" the short, white-haired man spat.

I shook my head, "He's a Templar and my other man is a Templar… you doing this buissness harms them even if they don't buy from you. Lyrium is a drug. If I let you live, you cause a great deal of harm to the Kinlock Circle and even the Gallows where my other man will be stationed. I can't allow that."

"Then why is he killing me?"

Alistair growled but I said, "He isn't. As the one who ordered your death, I will be delivering the final blow. How do you wish to be buried; Dwarven rites, Wiccan or Andrastian? My religion says I must atone for the death I cause."

"… You are some kind of crazy… Dwarven," he looked resigned to his fate as I took the sword from Alistair. After I cut the head off in one clean sweep, I cried a bit.

"… E-Eadrek… help me find a proper place to bury him, please?" I asked softly. I saw many casteless watching us – watching to see if I upheld the burial promise. Eadrek led me to a place as I carried Rogek myself. Alistair knew better than to try and take the dwarf – this was my burden.

Once the dwarf was properly buried I spoke, "Atrast tunsha; Totarnia amgetol tavash aeduc."

Eadrek jerked in surprise – and I knew several other dwarves had too. I turned and saw Leske… how was he…? No – the only way he was out here now was if he had escaped with Brosca or worse… betrayed them. I kept my face blank as he approached me and said, "How does a topsider know the burial rites?"

I smiled, "I'm a seer. I don't just see future – I can see the past too… Leske," the dwarf was 4'6 with black corn-rows, green eyes and darker skin that most dwarves. His eyes widened and he made a hasty retreat – likely to tell Jarvia.

I made my way over to Zerlinda and passed her a healing potion and a golden coin. She gave me a grateful look.

My next stop – having seen the tome thief dead already – was the tavern. I spotted a male with cropped brown hair, and a… short beard. I approached him.

"What are you looking at, Stranger?"

"Are you Ordel?" I asked.

His gaze grew suspicious, "I could be. What business… wait… forgive me topsider – I didn't recognize you at first. What can I do for you?"

"Your daughter will die if you do not take her back." I said softly. He flinched, "What? You think she'd die just to keep that thing? She knows what she has to do to come home. I never wanted her gone; just the little cur. Can't she see she'll have a better life if she got rid of it?"

"Oh, I suppose you could pretend your child never existed?"

Another flinch and he cleared his throat, "I've… been trying. It isn't nearly as easy as I had thought. Look, just tell her… we never meant to hurt her. It just seemed best that…" I could see him wavering.

"Ordel, I know the pain of a lost child. A mother hurts more – after carrying and loving that child from the start… it hurts so much more. Did you know mothers bond with their babies while they are in the womb? It's how a mothers' instinct happens."

He sighed, "Oh, just tell her to come home. Her mother and I are waiting for her – child and all." I smiled, "Eadrek, run back to that woman I gave the healing potion and Sovereign to – that would be Zerlinda. I won't leave the Tavern until you return… I have buissness with him."

I pointed to Oghren. He was 4'5 with cropped red hair, a long red beard, blue eyes and pale skin. He was Drunk – and yes I meant that to be a capital D.

Eadrek groaned but left, all the same.

I approached Oghren and sat across from the drunkard. Alistair gave me a curious glance before seeming to think of something, "Oh no… the Brewmaster soap… you intend to recruit him!"

The man slurred, "Eh… wassit? Who're you?"

I nodded, "I'm just someone who knows how to find Paragon Branka… if that doesn't interest you, I can leave…"

Oghren stiffened, "You work with Bhelen… you're just another bureaucrat."

I wrinkled my nose, "And you're just a disgraced warrior that smells like too much ale and piss at the moment. If you decide to join us in the Deep Roads to go looking for Branka, come find me, Oghren. I could use a warrior like you."

Alistair groaned, "You really have a knack for the strange ones – the Qunari, the Assassin, the Bard, the Apostate and now the Drunk."

"Bonus points for a full set," I gave him a cheeky grin. He snorted and I heard Oghren give a matching snorty laugh.

We started walking away when Oghren grunted, "You really plan to find her?"

"I know exactly what she's looking for, Oghren; The Anvil."

He blinked – my words seeming to sober him a little, "In that case… I will join you… when you go into the Deep Roads and not before."

I nodded, "Of course."

Eadrek returned with Zerlinda and Ordel escorted the young woman home.

We headed toward the Provings.

Eadrek sighed, "Let me guess – you intend to fight?"

"Well, I didn't – but now that mention it… we have 4 fighters…"

"We do?" Alistair asked. I nodded, "Eadrek, you, me and Fen. Come on… please?"

Alistair groaned, "Explain these Provings to me, Eadrek."

"Normally, they're just combat-arena matches used to settle debates and honor challenges that could not be settled otherwise. It's a matter of great honor – we believe that the fighter who wins the Provings has the favor of the ancestors and as such is believed to represent the favor of the Dwarven Ancestors. You topsiders usually view it as blood sport. This one is a Memorial Proving – to honor a Dwarf of great stature who died. In this case, it's to Honor the late King Endrin."

I nodded, "Other types of Provings include the yearly Trial of Blood: a great tournament that crowns the kingdom's best and most popular fighter. Glory or Honor Provings are the most typical proving in which combatants fight for the honor of a particular person, house, cause, or in order to settle a dispute. There are also Celebratory Provings: A Proving held to celebrate an event. Grand Provings are the most prestigious – I think those are only held for visiting dignitaries like Kings and Emperors. Before -1170 Ancient, they were held in Kal-Sharok. And finally, the final type of Proving: Unsanctioned – the ones where illegal tactics are used and the whole proving is declared invalid. If I fight in the Proving, I won't be using my magic because mages aren't supposed to fight due to unfair tactics. Casteless are also not allowed to fight… and some fighters use elite teams of people they don't know. You're supposed to know your people."

Eadrek nodded, "Precisely. This may be a memorial proving but Bhelen and Harrowmont also have people fighting for the favor of the ancestors. If their person wins, then people will also look more favorably on them."

"Then why should we fight – you hate fighting."

"I hate killing. But these people also view it as a great Honor to die in the Provings if they fall. Actually, they view it as so much of an honor that even if I accidently kill someone, they wouldn't need me to give last rights – because I honored them by killing them."

Eadrek nodded quickly, "If someone dies in the Provings, then they died fighting for their ancestors – it's the best way to go for any fighter. Outsiders don't usually fight, but when they do, they usually lose because Dwarves view this as such an honor."

Alistair blinked… "Well… I mean… are you sure?"

"I would still grieve the loss of those I slay, but this will aid in our efforts for Bhelen."

"Then we can do it."

I beamed, "Thank you, love."

He sighed, "What have I gotten myself into?"

I smiled, "A loving marriage?"

He gave me a sappy look, "Well… there is that."

Eadrek chuckled, "You two are so sweet it gives me a toothache. Come on – the Proving Master is over there, so we can sign up."

I laughed and we approached the white-haired, white-bearded man.

He looked at me in surprise, "Ah – The Provings will begin shortly… I'm sure you can find a place in the stands."

I chuckled, "I'm here to fight – with an oath of no magic being used during the rounds. I'd like to champion Prince Bhelen."

The proving master looked surprised, "Well, that's a surprise – Never thought the Wardens would take an interest in our king…"

"Oh – I'm not a Warden. My husband is, but I just lead the group."

He shrugged, "Is there a particular name you wish listed?"

"Ara will be just fine."

"Normally, the human and elf names are so hard to pronounce – yours seems easy enough. We have an opening in the first round – are you ready to fight?"

I nodded, "Of course, Proving Master."

"That's what I like to hear. Looks like Seweryns' drawn the first bout. He was one of the youngest champions ever. He beat his own father at twelve years old; all for the right to earn his battle status two years early. Just go down through there – it's where the fighters make their final preparations. All withdrawals are treated as losses and signs of the ancestors' disfavor once the Provings actually start."

I nodded my head, "Thank you."

Alistair and my group headed down the ramp and were shown to a room. I changed into black leather pants, a crimson tank top with a black leather vest, 3-quarter length gloves with arm sheathes for my throwing stars, daggers at my hips, thigh-high 1-inch tall thick-heeled boots with more sheathes and then I threw my hair up into a pony-tail.

I added a black leather choker with crimson embroidery. Alistair looked me over with desire, "You look… Makers' Breath…"

I smiled, "I think I'll take that as a compliment."

Eadrek chuckled, "You might win just for distracting your opponent. Seweryn likes pretty women enough; he might lose his focus – for once."

I flushed at the compliment, "Well – a gal can dream. Oh – they're calling me now. Watch me out there," I winked.

They nodded and moved to the team stands – a spot for the people who were part of the current team, but not fighting.

I hear mummers through the crowd as I stepped out in my outfit.

I heard the Proving Master begin his speech, "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 Seweryn made history as a lad of twelve by defeating his own father in this very ring. Today, he fights as a champion to Prince Bhelen – as does his opponent, the current leader of the famed Grey Wardens; Lady Ara!"

Seweryn looked at me in blatant curiosity as he bowed, "May our prince find honor and victory."

"You honor me with this battle," I said – making sure my voice was clear. He smiled and launched into an attack; he was a Sword and Shield man. Thanks to Alistairs' training with me, I knew how to dodge this – if I hadn't trained with Alistair before, I'd be fucked – with a capital F.

As it was, the man managed to get several cuts and blows in during the fight; I wasn't used to fighting someone smaller than me.

I did win – but it was a close damn call. "The winner is… Lady Ara!" the crowds cheered as I walked out.

Alistair was instantly there and patching me up muttering, "Why did I let you talk me into this?"

I giggled, "My sweet man – I didn't lose."

"No – but you came back injured; very injured. Look at this cut! Maker, I can see bone."

I rolled my eyes – he wasn't exaggerating; my bone was showing and I was glad that there were 3 bouts until my next fight to give me time to heal up. Potions were consumed and poultices slathered into the wounds. Damn stuff smelled like mint – yuck.

When I complained, Alistair said, "You knew better – you should have dodged that blow. You brought this smell on yourself, my love. If it reminds you to be more careful next time, I will shove it under your nose."

I blinked and laughed, "And you say that you don't stand up to me!"

He chuckled, "I suppose there are exceptions to each rule."

I was called to my next match and I could see Alistairs' horror when he realized I was fighting two people.

After the first part of the speech from the Proving Master, he called out, "This round, Lady Ara will take on the notorious duo; the Warrior Caste twin terrors; now fighting for Prince Bhelen, Myaja and Lucjan!"

The female was front and center with Lucjan to her right. She spoke first, "May the stone honor you…" her voice was actually really sweet and delicate sounding…

Her brother finished, "When you fall." His voice was deep and smooth.

I giggled, "Ancestors' guide your hands."

They smiled – they liked that I fought for Bhelen. I had to roll out of the way of Myaja and her hammer more than once – and I pulled my throwing blades for the first time. Last round, I had only used my daggers.

A blade embedded in her left hand and another in her right knee – he fell with a cry. Lucjan looked surprised – he was a stealth fighter however and tried to get the upper hand at once. He almost did.

I managed to make him lose his weapon and we ended up in Hand combat… that gave me the edge.

Of course, I was announced the victor as I limped out of the ring after retrieving my weapons.

Alistair – once again – scolded me. I stuck my tongue out at him.

My next bout against someone named Roshen went more smoothly.

Past that was the team battle.

"This round is paired combat! Just as Kiotshett fought as King Bloadlikks' second defending our empire, so have Dwarves always fought alongside a second. Lady Ara, choose your second; for now you face Lord Darvianak Vollney and Olaniv!"

"I chose Prince Alistair Theirin of the Grey Wardens!" I called out. Alistair came into the ring looking relieved as the crowds went wild hearing his introduction. He looked a little flushed, but mostly determined and protective as he stepped up next to me.

When the fight began Alistair jumped to protect me – this did not go unnoticed by our opponents. Olaniv began to attempt flanking. I rushed at Alistair who – knowing what I was about to do – knelt with his shield up.

There was surprise on the faces of our opponents as I was launched into the air and came down hard on Darvianak. I had him pinned while Alistair took care of Olaniv. This was the quickest battle yet.

The stands were completely silent for two whole seconds before roaring in approval. We were now the favorite to win.

As the final fight began, the proving master yelled out, "Only two warriors remain – both champions of Prince Bhelen! Fighting for his royal cousin, Piotin Aeducan as led his team o triumph every time so far. Challenging him – also on Prince Bhelens' behalf – is The Warden Commander, Lady Ara who has risen from nothing to stand at the competitions' summit. Each will lead a unit of four soldiers – to see once and for all the ancestors' favor!"

"You fight well… it will be a pleasure seeing you fall."

I laughed, "The pleasure is all mine."

I think everyone was stunned when a Mabari entered the ring on my side and pressed against me. This fight was the hardest… but only because none of the males on my team would let me get a hit in. I managed to be the one to best Piotin himself but only barely.

"The winner is Lady Ara! Congratulations! You defeated the man Prince Trian himself once called 'the horns of my army'! Do you deny this woman has earned the championship? Then I am pleased to announce Lady Ara as the winner of this memorial proving; the favorite of the ancestors!"

I bowed, "It was an honor."

"In this day, we affirm the friendship between our city, and your Order!"

We had already gathered the shaper tome so after that win, we headed back to the compound to await the Shapers' summons tomorrow.