"Good Morning, Duncan. Father has asked me to accompany you to the Proving."

"I appreciate that."

"I think he hopes if she's escorting you, she won't sneak off and win this one," Gorim said.

Duncan laughed.

Saitada punched Gorim lightly on the arm. "It's understood that the winner will be presented to the Grey Wardens. We actually have a fairly impressive turnout. Mainar appears to be the favorite to win. He's a veteran of four campaigns against the darkspawn. Not much of a commander, but a good man to have at your back."

"He's your recommendation?"

Saitada hesitated, and Duncan nodded in understanding. "I don't mean to do him a disservice, but the man hasn't had an original thought in a decade. Still, he can thump skulls with the best." She shrugged. "There are a couple others I may point out to you, if they show up."

"I appreciate that," he said, falling into step behind her. Gorim trailed along a few steps behind, leaving them to converse privately. He found the princess remarkably easy to talk to, and to his surprise found himself regaling her with a tale from his rather misspent youth. Her laughter was warm and friendly, and he found himself more at ease with her than he had been any save his fellow wardens in more years than he cared to consider.

She introduced him to the proving trainer, praising the man generously enough that he nearly fell over himself giving Duncan details on the various competitors. Duncan made a few mental notes, more in an attempt to keep his thoughts from wandering to the princess than any real effort at considering recruits.

After the fighters were announced, Saitada glanced around. "Would you like to mingle a bit, before the fighting starts?"

Duncan raised an eyebrow, "You aren't going to?"

Saitada sighed. "My presence will make them nervous. Or get certain ones thinking I came to watch them," she muttered almost under her breath before looking back up at him. "Either outcome is something I wish to avoid. Gorim and I will be in the balcony when you are ready to join us. Waiting patiently. Not hiding from Darvianak Vollney at all."

"Thank you, Lady Aeducan." He gave her a half bow, and watched her walk away. A dwarf. A princess. Half his age. He shook his head. And a blight on it's way. He had better things to do than consider certain notions.

#

Kevan ducked his head as he entered the shop. Beraht's goods were widely varied, and he wondered how many of the goods were stolen or otherwise unethically acquired. Beraht was engaged in conversation with a casteless woman he recognized as Jarvia. He felt a tiny chill. Beraht, at least, killed quickly.

"The king is old. His rule won't hold much longer," Beraht was saying.

"Prince Bhelen seems far more sympathetic to our interests than Trian," Jarvia said, tapping her fingers thoughtfully against her sword. Kevan felt his blood chill further. Even just being around such talk was dangerous.

Beraht gave the smug smirk that made Kevan want to stick a knife in his gut. "Bhelen has some tastes of his own that he knows I can provide-" He stopped talking as he caught sight of Kevan and Leske. "We'll finish this later. It's about time you two showed up. What happened with Oskias?"

Kevan shrugged and walked towards him casually. "He didn't have any lyrium or gold on him."

Beraht shook his head. "What kind of rot are you trying to feed me?"

"He told us he'd been putting together a side deal for lyrium, but he'd already sold it." Leske tried to mimic Kevan's casual stance and tone.

"Jarvia! Send a dig-troop topside. If Oskias had a hiding spot up there, I want us up to our elbows in it."

"As you say!" The woman had a strange gleam in her eyes as she looked at them. Kevan began to feel something like a nug caught in a trap.

"And the matter of... punishment?" Beraht asked. There was something in his tone.

"Don't worry. I killed him myself."

"Very interesting, seeing how my cousin was a the Tapsters this afternoon. And he says he saw something change hands between you and Oskias and then the duster sodding stood up and walked out on his own two feet! Does that sound like what I asked? Jarvia, what does that sound like to you?" Beraht folded his arms.

"Sounds like some jumped up face-brands thought they could take a bribe and let him walk free. That's just not right." She ran her eyes up and down Kevan, and licked her lips slightly. Yep, nug in a trap summed it up fairly well.

"The lady says it's not right. You wouldn't disagree with a lady, would you?"

"I'm not stupid enough to kill Oskias in public!" Kevan said, injecting an offended note into his voice. He shook his head.

Leske glanced at him. "Right. I mean, no one's gonna say spit to you, Beraht, but we can't move that free. We needed to get Oskias somewhere private. We took him to the lava sinks behind the mines. You won't be seeing him again."

Beraht narrowed his eyes. "Hmm... I don't like you making me look weak... but it's smart to keep the Sword Castes from asking questions." Suddenly he smiled. "That's why I like you two. Now, I got something else for you. Make some use of your... unique skills."

Brosca gave an unconcerned shrug, ignoring his heart pounding in his ears. "Do I get to make some other duster cry?"

"Not if you know what's healthy for you." Beraht's voice was sharp. "This one I want you to be invisible. The Warrior Caste is hosting a Proving today - all the best fighters, last man standing - you know the sort of thing. They're showing off for some Grey Warden who's looking for candidates to drag off to a life of eternal glory. Now, it's not often we get every name fighter in Orzammar lined up like that, and I have certain acquaintances who... take an interest in this sort of thing."

"You're taking bets on the fighters?" Kevan began running through his mental list of people who would pay a few coppers for a good tip.

"There's a lot of coin to be made when people get the fever up. Favored fighter's an officer named Mainar, veteran of four darkspawn campaigns. Everd's a long-shot. Just got back from the Deep Roads offensive. Some young buck who has all the ladies drooling. I've a lot of money riding on him. Mine and other people's. I expect to see that eight-to-one pay off. Understand?"

"So how am I supposed to help Everd win?" Kevan asked. He wondered if he dared bet his newly acquired silver. That kind of pay-off meant gold.

"They fight only gets announced to contestants themselves... to prevent illegal gambling. So first, you'll have to find Everd, see who he's fighting, and when. When the name Mainar comes up, I want you to slip this drug into the bastard's water. It'll slow his reflexes, just enough to take the edge off, not enough to show. But it wears off quickly, so don't use it until just before his fight."

"All right. We'll go now."

"You bet you will. Here's your pass to get into the grounds The Proving starts as soon as the clock strikes. And when I say I have coin on this, I'm not talking about some pittance, like the value of your life. If I don't see Everd's name on the winner's sheet, you better make sure I never see you, or your sister, ever again." Kevan had to force his fists not to clench when Beraht mentioned Rica.

#

"Alright, which bookie are we visiting?" Leske asked as soon as they were out of Beraht's shop.

Kevan grinned. "One that doesn't work for Beraht. I'm betting twenty. You?"

"I'm betting it all. Gold, Kevan. We could buy our way in, instead of just getting stuck with Carta make-work." Even speaking in a whisper couldn't keep the excitement out of Leske's voice.

"Darvin will be at the arena. He'll take his cut, but he won't report us to Beraht," Kevan said. He strode across the arena bridge. "Maybe we'll actually have a chance to watch a few of the matches."

"Wish I could have watched the gloring proving. Adal Helmi going toe to toe with Saitada Aeducan. Pisk hasn't shut up about it. You'd think they'd been mud wrestling stark nekkid, the way he tells it."

Kevan stumbled a bit as the image popped into his head, then he laughed. He coughed, then approached the guard on the arena door. The guard sneered. "Turn around, brand. No casteless on the grounds."

"But I have a pass right here." Kevan waved the document Beraht had given him.

The guard all but snatched it out of his hand. "Hrmmmm... Looks legitimate." He glared at Kevan. "Go on through, then. But stay to the trenches. Grey Wardens don't need some eyesore getting between them and the fighters." He shoved the pass back at them before moving aside to let them enter.

Kevan felt a small tinge of relief as they entered. He walked into the main hall, Leske a step behind. He was attempting to figure out where Darvin might be when Leske elbowed him. "Stone's embrace! That's one of them. One of the Grey Wardens." Kevan turned his gaze in the direction Leske was pointing. The lone human was fairly easy to pick out of the crowd. "I dare you to go over and talk to him. Say, 'Welcome to Orzammar, Warden ser. May I drink your bath water?"

He chuckled, then winked at Leske before heading in the warden's direction. Leske started frantically shaking his head, and Kevan just smiled.

#

Duncan was walking through the arena commons when two dwarves in particular caught his eye. They had marks on their faces, and were getting strange looks from some of the others present. One had dark hair styled into several braids and had only stubble. The other wore his blond hair tied back, and his beard and mustache sported rather intricate braids. The dark haired one caught sight of him, and elbowed his companion. They exchanged a couple words, and then the blond walked over to him.

He smiled and crossed his wrists to give a formal bow. ""Stone-met and blessings on your house." He noted the dwarf's surprised look. "That was the proper greeting for an outsider last time I visited Orzammar. Has it changed? Or is there a reason you're looking at me so strangely?"

"In my part of Orzammar, we just go with, 'Hello'," the dwarf said.

"We do the same in my part of Ferelden. Hello then. My name is Duncan. I'd say, "of the Grey Wardens," but I suspect you already know that. Pleased to meet you."

"I'm Kevan." Kevan hesitated. "Of... nobody."

"Ah... of course. That's what the face-brand means, then." Duncan mentally kicked at himself. Saitada had told him just that not even an hour before. "I remember that now."

"Is it true you're here looking for recruits?"

"The Wardens are always looking for those who have the courage to spend their lives in battle against the darkspawn." He gave the young man an appraising look, and realized that he matched one of the descriptions Saitada had given him earlier. It took a small act of will to keep his face straight. "It's rare we find both those with the skill and the will. The best Wardens are ruthless to their enemies, compassionate to their friends, and inspiring to their troops. It's a lot to look for, but I hope to find it here." He noted the other dwarf waving to get Kevan's attention. "And I hope you may find what you are looking for."

#

Leske just shook his head. "Duster, you are insane."

"You knew the moment you said 'I dare you', I was going to go talk to him," Kevan replied.

Leske grinned. "I dare you to let me date your sister."

"What's that, you want me to push you into the lava?" Kevan asked. "Let's do what we came here to do, and then get lost."

"Right. Everd is this way." Leske led him towards the fighter's quarters. "Let's find out when he's fighting." He started to knock, and the door swung open.

Everd was laying on the floor. Kevan started to step forward, assuming foul play, when the gladiator let out a loud snore. Leske let out a string of curses. "Sod it! He's stone drunk! He could draw a dead man for his bout and still lose." He shook his head. "Beraht's going to kill us if we slip up here. He's already jumpy enough after that stunt with Oskias -"

Kevan ignored Leske as the man continued to babble in panic. He shook Everd, but the man didn't respond. He was considering dumping the basin of water over the man's head when Leske grabbed his shoulder. "Hey, I just had an idea..."

"Do I want to hear this?" Kevan asked. Maybe he could get his hands on a healing potion of some kind.

"So, you've been rubbing my nose in how you're the meanest thing with a blade, right?" Leske spoke fast, waving his hands in his excitement. He pointed. "Everd's armor is over there and you're about the same size..."

A slow smile spread across Kevan's face. He nodded, then looked at Leske. "If I do this I'll win by skill alone. I won't use the drug."

Leske's eyes widened. "You've got a heart of steel, salroka. Get in the armor."

He had to shove Leske's hands away as the man tried to help and nearly buckled the greaves on wrong. The helmet was all that was left when he heard Everd's name called. "Time to go. Place the bets," he said, shoving his coinpurse into Leske's hand before rushing off.

The arena master only gave him the barest nod before letting him onto the field.

#

Duncan's eyes fell on Saitada the moment he entered the viewing stand. She smiled, then patted the seat next to her, and he moved to join her. She gestured at a servant, and a moment later, Duncan was being offered a cool drink. He accepted it gratefully.

"You look thoughtful," she said.

He tore his thoughts away from the direction they'd been headed, and took a sip from the drink before replying. "I just met a young casteless that matched a description you gave me earlier."

She laughed. "First time I let you walk around on your own, and you find the guy for whom I've been searching three days." She shook her head. "And?"

"He approached me. Even asked about recruits."

She leaned towards him, eyes bright. "And?"

"I gave him the speech. With luck, he will seek me out again." He smiled at her, then tore his eyes away from her pale green ones and looked out at the fighting ground. "If he does, perhaps I will leave Orzammar with two recruits."

Saitada shot a glance over her other shoulder. "If Harrowmont doesn't stop with the matchmaking, you may just leave Orzammar with three."

He felt his heart pound, and told himself to stop being foolish. He kept his voice light. "Remind me to tell Harrowmont to keep up the good work."

She elbowed him playfully. "Hush you. It's starting."

#

Duncan smiled as he watched Everd down his first opponent. The man certainly was fast. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Saitada lean forward, her eyes narrowed. He turned towards her. She met his eyes. "That's not Everd," she said, careful to keep her voice quiet.

"What?" he asked, keeping his own voice low.

"I don't know who is wearing that armor, but it isn't Everd. He was under my command only a couple weeks ago. He is nowhere near that light-footed." She looked back to the fight.

Duncan watched the man take out his opponent easily. "Whoever it is, he is winning."

"I noticed," Saitada said contemplatively. She turned to look at Gorim. "Do me a favor. Make sure I've got a dozen or so of my men handy."

Gorim nodded and immediately left. Duncan looked back at her. "Lady Aeducan?"

"If this gets ugly, I want to keep the peace."

"I see."

The dwarf had just finished his last fight when a wobbly dwarf walked out into the arena. Beside him, Saitada let out a small hiss. Duncan raised an eyebrow. "I take it that is Everd?"

"It is indeed."

Below them, Everd stumbled towards the center of the ring. "Wha-? Is it my bout a'ready? Hey! That's my armor!"

The Proving Master starred, a dumbfounded expression on his face. "Who are you? How dare you disrupt this sacred -"

Mainar pushed the healer away from him. "Wait! I know that man. That's Everd!" He turned slowly to the armored man. "Then... what imposter did I fight?"

The proving master stepped up to the podium, his voice ringing loud and clear. "Remove your helmet, warrior, and let all who watched you see your face."

The combatant unfastened the strap on the helm, then let it fall to the ground. Duncan shook his head as he recognized the blond dwarf that had spoken to him earlier. The man smiled up defiantly. "I am of no caste or clan, but I have defeated you all!" he shouted.

Beside him, Saitada was directing her men. They moved quickly down to the arena floor. Duncan watched as the proving master's face all but turned purple with rage. "Casteless! You insult the very nature of this Proving! Guards, take this... filth away!"

Duncan stood, hoping to buy time for Saitada's men to reach the man. "Hold your men, I pray you. This warrior has defeated the best you have to offer. Is that not what this proving is for?"

The proving master's jaw nearly unhinged. He swallowed and made a visible effort to control himself. "We are honored by your presence, Warden, but this proving is not solely for you. There are laws which have governed this arena for a thousand years. This man is no warrior! He is casteless, rejected by the ancestors. His very footsteps pollute the Stone. He has no place here."

Duncan looked down at the man standing proudly in the arena. He smiled. "Except as your champion..."

The proving master gave him a disgusted look. "Guards, take him."

Saitada stepped up to the podium and called out, "alive, if you please." The proving master started to protest, and one glare from the princess had the man stumbling backwards, hands up in a gesture of surrender.

"Now, see..." The proving master swallowed. "Lady Aeducan..."

Saitada gestured at her newly arrived guards as they entered the ring, and looked down at the man in the ring. "Alive, Master Corlin," she repeated. "I assure you, we will get to the bottom of this."

"Yes, of course, as you say, my Lady."

Duncan saw Kevan's face as the princess's men pushed past the other guards to take him into custody. Kevan looked up and met his eyes before letting the guards take him away. Duncan smiled, then looked to Saitada. She raised an eyebrow in response. "Well?"

He shook his head. "A bit impulsive, perhaps, but I can't question his skill. Or his..." Several words came to mind. He went with, "bravery. What happens now?" He fell into step beside her as she made her way out of the stands.

"They'll arrange a trial of some sort before the shapers. My father may oversee. I'll talk to him. He may prefer to let you handle this more... discreetly... and think of it as you doing us a favor."

"How long do you think?"

"A couple days, more or less. I'll head off the calls for blood."

"Thank you."

He heard her let out a delighted laugh. "Stone, did you see him? That's one for the stories." She hugged him, then threw up her hands. "He beat them all. In front of everyone. Stone, if he can manage half that performance for the wardens..."

Duncan shook his head and found himself smiling at her enthusiasm. She'd been beautiful before, but with that half wild, joyful smile on her face. It was a sight he'd take with him anywhere. "I suppose all that is left is for me to conscript him."

"Not all that's left. Stone, I almost forgot to tell you. I talked Trian into speaking with our father. The feint is being arranged for two days from now." She ran a hand through her crimson hair, then made herself calm down. "When you meet with the Ferelden king, have him send formal word. I'll start work on Trian and my father." She smiled. "With luck, we will fight at each other's side in the days to come, my friend."

"I look forward to it."