Chapter 10 : Seeking Passage
Alistair quietly lifted himself up the last rung of the ladder. He felt along the ceiling just above him, fumbling to maintain his grip with one hand. This would normally not be a problem, but the chantry dress he was wearing made climbing awkward. He could hear Sten's breathing just below him. It was hard not to. Every sound seemed amplified in the tight shaft.
"That loud breathing had better be because you're out of shape, and not because you're looking up my dress," Alistair whispered down at Sten.
"Unlikely, kadan. I prefer the soft bits a little plumper," Sten replied, "and a lot more female," he continued, not even trying to be quiet.
"Shhh. Sneaking remember? Sneaking voice." Alistair whispered. He started feeling around along the walls and ceiling of the shaft.
It had taken them several agonizing minutes to ascend the ladder; because it was pitch black, because climbing silently in a dress was challenging, and because Sten could barely fit inside the tunnel. Alistair felt something jutting down from the ceiling. After several failed attempts he finally managed to blindly jab the mechanism into submission. He heard an unnervingly loud metal ping as it released, and the ceiling jumped up an inch, a seam of light outlining a small square hatch. Alistair waited several tense moments, listening. When he was fairly certain no one was outside, he lifted the hatch.
The secret passageway came up into a small closet. Aside from the disembodied head peeking out from the gaping black passageway in the floor, the closet, and the room it was in, looked mundane and, more importantly, empty. Alistair eventually managed to pull himself out of the tunnel. After he helped pull Sten up, Alistair closed the hatch. He pressed down hard until he heard a metallic click, which he hoped indicated the hatch was locked again.
"Where is this place?" Sten asked looking around.
"It's an old house Lyssa purchased shortly after we moved here. Let's gear up before we go out. This place is well stocked," Alistair said.
He chose some armor and a helm that obscured his face. He looked over and saw that Sten was doing the same. Alistair rifled through a stack of cloaks and tossed one to Sten. Alistair walked over to the various swords and daggers along one wall. He stopped at a long box and opened it. Inside lay a beautiful sword on a deep red velvet lining. He touched the Sword of Highever reverentially for a few seconds before raising it out of the case. Alistair's various duties always dictated his garb as king, sometimes even requiring he change clothes several times in a single day. On the rare occasions his duties required he be in battle regalia, he was of course required to wear the king's armor and Theirin's sword as well. Those things were back in the castle, however. If they had gone missing, it would have been too suspicious.
Alistair didn't mind. It had been years since he had even looked at the Sword of Highever, and he had missed it. The balance of the fine blade was superb, and he had gotten quite good at wielding it. Theirin's sword was pretty and jewel-encrusted as befits a royal ponce, Alistair mused, but this blade… this blade was as terrible as it was beautiful. He slid it into its scabbard, and belted it on. Alistair turned to the adjacent wall. It was covered with a selection of shields and bucklers. Alistair walked directly to a great shield, emblazoned simply with a white griffon and bearing several deep scars. He lowered it from the wall.
"Another thing I miss about being a Grey Warden," he said softly, "being able to carry you around with me, old friend."
Alistair slung the shield onto his back and tossed his cloak over it. Someone might recognize the shield, or at least the symbol upon it. Alistair turned to Sten to find he was fully equipped as well.
"Let's go." Alistair opened the small room's only door and scanned the streets. He found who he was looking for quickly. The young man was standing just outside the castle as he had been instructed to do. The young man's name was Adley.
Years ago, Adley had sent Lyssa a letter, shortly after she had become queen. He was living with his aunt at the time. He wrote that he was so proud his parents had been able to help Lyssa escape Arl Howe so she could become the "best queen ever." Adley wrote that he wanted to grow up to be a knight so he could protect the queen just as his parents did. He was only five at the time.
Lyssa still personally received all missives and audiences with any citizen of Highever, despite her many duties as Queen and mother. When she had scanned this letter, her heart went out to the young boy, who had lost so much. Both of his parents had been guarding Highever that night. The night that she had lost her family as well, when so many good people had died, for such a useless, foolish reason. Adley's parents had both perished the night Howe had killed her family.
Lyssa had sent for the boy immediately after reading the letter. She housed Adley in the castle's royal wing, and made certain Adley wanted for nothing. He received the same royal education that Duncan had, and Lyssa took the time to involve herself in his combat training whenever she could. Adley was nineteen years old now. In another year, he would likely fulfill his childhood wish and be knighted. He never strayed far from the castle as, despite still being un-knighted, he felt it was his personal duty to protect the queen. He had been particularly hit hard when news of her abduction had come.
Alistair trusted the young man completely, and had told him his plan to escape the castle and find the Queen. He told Adley to remain nearby at all times, in case Alistair should need him. Alistair walked up to Adley, who did not look like he was in the best of spirits. His eyes were red and puffy.
"Adley," Alistair whispered trying to look casual as he stood next to the young man.
Adley turned to Alistair and stared confused for a moment, Alistair raised the hinge on his helm to look into the boys eyes. Recognition filled Adley's face.
"Your majesty! What are you…?" Adley stuttered. He paused a moment, coughing to clear his throat. "I'm sorry, I should have been there… I should have been there to protect my Queen," Adley said kneeling before Alistair.
"Get up, Adley," Alistair hissed pulling the boy's arm, "You haven't failed me. Listen to me."
Adley stood up and stared confused into Alistair's eyes.
"The queen is not dead. You cannot tell anyone you know this, understand?" Alistair asked.
"Not dead? Are you sure? The Grand Cleric said she saw the wedding band herself," Adley said.
Alistair shook his head. "You must trust me. I know of what I speak. Do you trust me?"
Adley looked into Alistair's eyes and nodded.
"Good. Now, you see me. So you know I am not dead either. But this is also something you cannot tell anyone. Understand?" Alistair asked, his voice stern.
"I...," Adley stammered looking back at the castle. "The ruckus... they think you have perished?"
"Yes. It was the only way I could get out. But no one can know," Alistair said.
"I understand," Adley said regaining his confidence. "What do you need me to do?"
"I need you to run up to the templars guarding the gate. You need to tell them you saw a Q'unari climbing over the wall. Tell them you tried to stop him, but he ran into the center of the city, and you lost him. Can you do this?" Alistair asked.
"Yes," Adley said looking at Sten and smiling. "I never believed them, Sten."
Sten put his hand on the young man's shoulder. "You are also kadan. I won't say it again. Do not feel bad."
Adley blushed and ducked his head awkwardly. Alistair shook his head and looked into the sky.
"Alright. I also need you to do something else. After things have settled a bit, find Arl Teagan. Tell him you saw me and that you are with us. Keep the Arl safe. If you hear that he is going to be put in the dungeon, warn him. If Teagan decides to leave the castle, you can go with him. Help him if he needs it. I must go now," Alistair said patting Adley on the back.
"Good luck, your majesty," Adley said nodding his head. Then he darted off toward the castle gates.
"Come, we must head to Amaranthine," Alistair said.
"He is a good boy. Do you think the Mabari will be well cared for? Maybe you should have asked him to check on them for me. We can still stop him..." Sten said.
Alistair sighed deeply. "Sten, your assistant is taking good care of the Mabari. Now come on. I do not wish to be caught after all this, and you are the biggest man on the street right now. It won't take a genius to put two and two together."
"I can bend over a little," Sten said helpfully, "Like this."
Alistair turned to see Sten hunched over and shuffling forward.
"A hunchbacked giant? You think that's less conspicuous? Stop that! You'll draw even more attention. Let's just hurry," Alistair said.
They headed through the city toward Amaranthine.
**
"Will you stop picking flowers?" Alistair asked grumpily as Sten bent to pick yet another daisy.
"You will thank me later," Sten said arranging his bouquet.
"What are you going on about now?"
"When you see Lyssa, you can give them to her. I won't even tell her I picked them," Sten said smiling.
"How very generous of you," Alistair said flatly.
"Yes."
"They'll be all dried up you know. Won't last more than a day," Alistair said.
Sten frowned as he looked down at the floral arrangement in his hand.
"You are not very nice, kadan," Sten said sadly.
"Wonderful, now I can add bullying a sentimental giant to my long list of sins. You know, I used to think it might be nice if you were a little less... detached. I suppose this is one of those be careful what you wish for situations," Alistair said.
"Human men give women flowers, yet you do not give Lyssa flowers. What is wrong with you?" Sten asked.
"What is wrong with...? Oh for goodness sake, I am not neglectful. Lyssa just happens not to be a flower person. She's a warrior. She likes pointy, thrusty things," he gestured, then stopped himself. "I mean daggers by the way," Alistair said blushing.
"She might like swords better. Swords are bigger." Sten said smiling.
"I did not mean that and you know it. It came out wrong. And just because I'm not a giant doesn't mean my sword is…. insufficient... well, maybe not as sufficient as yours," Alistair said blushing a deep red.
"No, it isn't."
Alistair sighed, "I hate these road conversations."
**
"I apologize for my earlier indiscretions," Sten said.
"Oh thank the Maker. Have the drugs finally worn off?" Alistair asked.
"Yes."
"Well, I for one am glad. I would have expected that kind of talk from someone like Oghren, but coming from you... it is unsettling to say the least. Swords indeed."
"No. Oghren would not talk of swords. He carries an ax," Sten said.
Alistair looked over at the giant. Sten's face was impassive.
"What?" he asked.
"Two handed. Very powerful," Sten said.
"Two handed... you lied! The drugs haven't worn off!"
"The drugs have worn off. I simply find that your discomfort about this particular issue amuses me." Sten said.
"I am the King you know. People aren't supposed to talk to me this way anymore," Alistair grumbled.
Sten smiled a little.
**
Alistair and Sten arrived in Amaranthine late in the day. Connor came rushing toward them out of breath. Alistair put his hand on the hilt of his sword.
"Alistair! You're alive! We heard... the news was not good," Connor said breathing heavily.
Several Grey Wardens moved closer to the trio and noted Alistair's defensive stance.
"Stay your blade your majesty. He is no abomination," one of the Grey Wardens said firmly.
Alistair slowly removed his hand from the hilt of his sword.
"I have heard what they are saying about me. It is not true. Nor is what they are saying about my father. Father would never betray you. He loves you like his own son," Connor said reaching out to Alistair.
Alistair looked down at Connor's outstretched arm. After a moment, he took it, pulling the young man in for an embrace.
"I'm sorry. So much has happened. It is hard for me to know for sure anymore," Alistair said as he pulled back.
"I understand. Everyone was afraid the rumors were true. If Duncan had not warned me, I'm certain the Templars would have annulled first and investigated never," Connor said.
"Duncan, is he alright?" Alistair asked hesitantly.
"Yes. He has gone to Orzammar with First Enchanter Irving. I received news recently of his safe arrival. He told me he did not write that letter to you, Alistair. Alistair... I am sorry about... Lyssa," Connor said hanging his head.
"Do not be. She is not dead," Alistair said. He started off towards Vigil's Keep.
"But... people say her body. The ring you gave her... Why would the Q'unari lie? Do they really want us to invade? And if so, why would they bother faking her death," Connor asked confused.
"They would not," Sten said. "It is strange this thing. This kind of subterfuge, it is not the way of the Q'unari. They must believe she is dead, and this is her body."
"You said Duncan warned you," Alistair said looking at Connor. "What did he say exactly?"
"He was watching the Imperial Highway with that telescope Wynne gave him. He saw Lyssa heading toward the Tower. And he saw the Q'unari head into her camp. He knows what is going on. He saw the templars riding toward the tower. He seemed to think this meant something important, but he did not speak of it. He warned us all to leave the tower. If he hadn't been there... all the circle mages who were at the tower that day would be dead."
"My son... He saw what happened..." Alistair said with horror in his eyes.
Connor looked at Sten and the other Grey Wardens. Connor stepped forward to take Alistair's arm. "He left a message for you. Will you walk with me?"
Alistair looked at Connor and nodded, mute.
They walked toward the gardens surrounding Vigil's Keep and sat on a bench.
Connor took a deep breath before speaking, "Duncan asked me to tell you that he loves you. He... said you shouldn't blame yourself for Lyssa. I'm sorry, for what I am to say next. It is private, and I know this. But I think Duncan really wished you to hear it. He said it is not a crime to love your son. It is not wrong to want to be a good father. And he said that you are a good father, and always have been. He said that he understood he was not the easiest of sons to deal with. He wanted you to know that he would make it up to you."
Alistair wiped his eyes before the tears could spill out. He rubbed his face, picturing his son saying this.
"Did you not think it strange," Alistair asked, "these words coming from his mouth?"
Connor stared at Alistair surprised. Alistair was not one to speak of personal issues with others. And now, not only was he voicing a secret concern over his son, he was, in a way, asking Connor for counsel.
Connor looked out at the lush gardens. He did not want to say the wrong thing to Alistair. This conversation really couldn't come at a worse time.
"I... no. At first maybe a little. But... I guess I know a little something about strange twelve year olds. I contacted a desire demon at that age, if you recall, and set the undead on the people of Redcliffe. It was not on purpose, but... I know there are those who believed I should have been killed. People still do not understand mages, so they segregate and vilify us. My mother knew this, and that is why she hid my gifts from my father. Duncan... he is not so different from a mage. I have met many evil people. I know the feel of evil, intimately in fact. Duncan is not evil. He is special. And that can be hard to understand. But, he is still your son. And he loves you," Connor said.
Alistair looked out at the garden and smiled to himself.
"Forever will I be glad Lyssa worked so hard to save your life. Thedas could use more people like you Connor," Alistair said as he mussed Connor's hair.
Connor smiled and stood with Alistair. "Oh yes, Duncan also told me it was important that you trust your instincts."
Alistair tsked and laughed. "The boy thinks he's so smart. Trusting my instincts is all I have ever done. It's gotten me this far in life, so I don't plan on stopping now. Let's go see if we can gather up a small army. And a boat. I feel like sailing!"