Ch. 7: A Last Minute
The new recruit grinned at the assembly, showing off his brown-and-black teeth. With his black hair slicked back, he advanced behind Duncan with a swagger. "Hello, hello, gents, and lady," he greeted throwing a wider grin and nod to Kallian. She stared back at him, her expression guarded.
Darrian had seen his type before. The way Daveth's eyes lingered on Kallian before settling on the small coin bag in Valendrian's hands persuaded him to drop one hand over his own money, while his other hand rested on his knife's handle. I guess the Wardens will recruit all sorts of people. Although Daveth wore old, black breeches and a soiled, brown tunic, Darrian couldn't tell which was dirtier, the outfit or the man himself. Daveth's two knives hanging on his belt wasn't reassuring.
Behind him, the Steward rose to his feet as he said, "Greetings, Daveth." Darrian glanced at Cousland. Day-vach was smiling at the cutpurse, but Darrian saw right through it. Aha! He does have one of those fake, polite smiles, I see most nobles wearing from time to time. I've seen much better. He really needs to work on it if he's going to become a Teyrn. "I am Dáibhádh Cousland, son of Bryce Cousland, Steward of Denerim."
Daveth whistled. "So, you're the one the city's talkin' about? The one who did in Arl Kendalls' boy?"
A scowl appeared on Darrian's face. I helped! Do I not get any credit?
Cousland's gaze flashed to Darrian then back to Daveth. "For the most part. I apologize, Daveth, but I must ask you to treat me as my station demands."
Daveth quirked an eyebrow and turned to Duncan. "I t'ought we dropped everythin' once we joined the Wardens?"
"It is traditional for one to do so," Duncan agreed as he looked at Day-vach. "Titles, family, there are some, myself included, who have left behind our family names to represent our calling. However, as much as wisdom there is in this, there is no law or code within the Grey Wardens that requires such sacrifices."
So, there's nothing stopping me from signing up and coming back, Darrian mused.
Valendrian took the same information and came up with a different question. "My lord," he inquired toward Day-vach. "Does this mean that you will not be resigning from your position as Steward? As Vaughan demonstrated yesterday, not all of the nobility treats us well, and, if you'll excuse my blunt honesty, I believe you could be of better service to the Maker's will by maintaining your title."
This elicited a wistful sigh from Day-vach as he gave Valendrian a sad but sincere smile. "Unfortunately, my position is temporary. I have an oath to travel with Duncan to Ostagar to be inducted into the Grey Wardens that I cannot and will not break. And, while victory is likely, even if I were to return to Denerim, Urien Kendalls is still the rightful Arl of Denerim. Once he returns, my position as Steward will be dissolved or made subservient to Arl Kendalls. Only if Arl Kendalls dies and the King approves of my succession can I be made the Arl of Denerim."
I could arrange the Arl's death, Darrian plotted. He glanced at Day-vach. Then again, I doubt Cousland would be so understanding of that kind of aid.
"Until the Arl's return and in my absence," Day-vach continued, turning his gaze toward Darrian. "Seneschal Jonaley, the noble who you saw leaving earlier, will be taking care of Denerim's daily affairs. Although I doubt a meeting will happen, you should take extra care to stay away from him. The man whose throat you slit was his son."
"I thought that he was a noble?" Darrian blurted, before languidly adding, "My lord."
With a dry chuckle, Day-vach gestured to their surroundings. "Nobility doesn't guarantee wealth and power like my family, Darrian. Jonaley is a very minor Bann and has earned an extra salary by serving the Crown as seneschal for the last two decades. But I have not detailed your actions against his family. As far as he knows, his son made a poor decision and has paid it with his life."
"Thank you, my lord," Cyrion said with a small bow, nudging a reluctant Darrian to follow suit. "You honor my family with your protection."
"You saved my life," Day-vach reminded them. "It is the least I could do."
Darrian opened his mouth to ask for a reward as it would have been only fair to do so. Unfortunately, Cyrion shot him a glare and Darrian shut his mouth. Is it that much of a social wrong to ask? He's already rejected the money we tried to give him.
Valendrian spoke next, "My lord, seeing as how we've accomplished our task, may we be dismissed from your presence?
"Oh! My apologies, Valendrian, for being distracted. Of course, feel free to leave and thank you again for the gifts," Day-vach answered with an embarrassed nod.
The five elves bowed to Lord Cousland as Darrian couldn't help but think, I can't wait to get back to Nesiara! Valendrian bid the Steward good-bye, and the five of them made their way to the door.
"If I may have a few more moments of your time," Duncan interjected as he stepped between them and the doors. Darrian noticed that Duncan's focus was on him. "While I do not want to impose, there is a Blight brewing in the South. And, while we did come to Denerim to recuperate, I came here to find as many recruits as I could."
Uncle Surana said with one eyebrow arched, "The Steward said you were a Grey Warden?"
Duncan hesitated before he said, "I apologize, I am getting ahead of myself. I am Duncan, Commander of the Grey Wardens in Ferelden."
Valendrian, since he was the Elder, introduced the small party to Duncan. An unexpected development occurred when Valendrian introduced Uncle Surana. "Pardon me for prying, but do you have a daughter who was taken in by the Circle, Ser Surana?"
Darrian winced before he peeked at Uncle Surana out of the corner of his eye. Ever since the Chantry took his daughter to the Circle, merely mentioning Aellerain was a fast and certain way to ruin Uncle Surana's mood. Today was no different as Uncle Surana's voice strained, "Yes, I do, my lord."
Whether it was out of desire to encourage or be courteous, Duncan smiled at Uncle Surana. "Then I bring you glad tidings. Your daughter, Aellerain, has not only become a powerful mage in her own right, she has joined our noble Order and is now at Ostagar."
The look of utter shock on Uncle Surana's face was just as Darrian guessed it would happen. He'd all but given her up for dead. The shock gave way to a guarded hope. "Is my….my - is my daughter well?"
"Very much so," Duncan affirmed. "She is a very curious individual, always seeking to learn more now that she is freed from the Circle. In the brief time I spent with her, I can assure you that your daughter has become a courageous and kind-hearted young woman."
Uncle Surana hesitated before posing his next question. "Has she, she asked of me?"
"Unfortunately, I don't think she is aware that you still live, however, I'd be more than happy to pass any message you would have for her," Duncan offered.
A long pause filled the time as Uncle Surana stared uncertainly at the Grey Warden. "Just tell her….that her father would like to see her again, if possible."
Duncan answered, "Of course. It would be my pleasure to. But as I was mentioning earlier, with a Blight happening in the Korcari Wilds, the Grey Wardens need every qualified man or woman we can find." He looked straight at Darrian. "I believe you are one such individual worthy of joining our Order."
"Duncan, my friend, it is a great honor to receive an invitation to the Grey Wardens, but Darrian was married only yesterday," Valendrian protested.
"The Darkspawn do not care about age or about family, they will destroy all regardless," Duncan replied to Valendrian before diverting his attention back on Darrian. "You could help prevent that from becoming a reality. I'm giving you a chance to make a difference, to save lives."
The first thought running through Darrian's mind was, he can't possibly be serious. Darrian waited for the mistake to be cleared up, for Duncan to say he hadn't meant it, that there were others who would deserve to be Grey Wardens. But Duncan just waited patiently for an answer, his eyes never wavering. Who am I kidding, it's not like it's my decision, Darrian reasoned as he turned to his father, who had always had final say in his life after mother died.
Another surprise ambushed Darrian when his father merely returned his look. "Darrian, you are a man now. It's time you made your own decisions and took responsibility for your own life."
Darrian waited for his father to change his mind, he could already see what Cyrion preferred: stay, as he had always done. Although Darrian knew that was what his father really wanted, Cyrion refused to say more and gestured for Darrian to answer the Grey Warden. Reluctantly, Darrian turned his attention to Duncan, now realizing it was truly his decision to make. I'd finally be able to put all of those lessons Mother gave me to use. Whole battles where I can fight however I like and no human guards to try to catch me. Maybe I'd even become a hero. Darrian briefly imagined himself standing atop a pile of monsters, knives held high in victory. It was an intoxicating image. Before he said yes, Darrian paused as he considered the other hand. Father doesn't want me to go. My home, Uncle Surana, and Soris is here, he reminded himself, the counter-argument only half-convincing. Then one particularly strong memory flowed into his mind: Nesiara, beneath him, with a look of rapturous pleasure on her face. "I decline," he declared as his cheeks involuntarily reddened.
Duncan frowned but said, "Very well, I will abide by your decision."
While Darrian was deciding his fate, Dáibhádh glanced at Kallian and beckoned her to come closer with his index finger. She leaned down with one ear next to him. He whispered, "Until Howe is removed, Highever isn't safe. I want you and your family to stay here in Denerim. I'll put a word in with Finn and make sure there is work here for you and your family."
Kallian grimaced as she replied, "My lord, our home is in Highever, everything we own is still up there. We can't just forget about it all."
"It's not safe," Dái insisted. "When he attacked the castle, he put everyone to the sword, women, elves, children. Don't return to Highever." He ignored the scene in front of him as he turned to look her directly in the eye. "For my sake, please."
Kallian's resolve wavered as she made to reply, opening her mouth but then closing it. She bit her lower lip before slowly nodding. "Very well, my lord. I'll explain it to my family when I see them next."
"Thank you," Dái replied, feeling a small weight lift off of his shoulders. His attention returned to Darrian and Duncan. He had wanted to join Valendrian in protesting Duncan's invitation. Unfortunately, he knew his reasons were more personal. No one can explain how important family is, Dái thought as the ever-present ache in his chest throbbed, until it is gone.
But, Darrian surprised Duncan and Dái when the elf rejected the invitation. Must have something to do with that blush on his face, Dái mused. Duncan gracefully accepted the rejection and allowed the elves to leave without further question. As they left, Dái studied the one known as Nelaros Surana before the doors cut off his sight. He glanced at Duncan, more than a little curious about this Aellerain. With the elves gone, Duncan and Daveth walked over to him.
Before Dái could ask, Daveth spoke, "So, when are we goin' to be travelin' south to the big fight?"
"On the morrow," Duncan answered before adding. "I assume?"
Dái nodded. "Seneschal Jonaley has a few matters that require my personal attention, but yes, we leave on the morrow. We did not have a large lead on Howe's men when we arrived in Denerim. It would be unwise to linger here." Dái frowned and asked, "Can you ride, Daveth?"
Daveth apologetically grinned. " 'Fraid not, your lordship. Can run like mad when the occasion calls for it."
The humor did little to ease Dái's mood. "So, there is little chance we'll catch Fergus."
A hand rested on his shoulder. Dái glanced up and saw Duncan looking down on him. "Don't worry, my lord. All of us are traveling to the same place. Although we will have to make a stop in the Brecilian forest, you'll meet your brother at Ostagar."
While Dái appreciated the effort to comfort him, he couldn't help but ask, "Why are we stopping in the forest?"
"To meet the Dalish."
...to be continued in The Scout
