Sorry for the delay
but I've been bugged down getting ready for school and other personal problems
So yeah, here's Chapter 5
UPDATE: fixed this chapter
The Waking Sea
Twenty Six days after the fall of Ostagar
Garrett Hawke was getting a little tired of looking at the blue sky. He'd been doing it almost every day for the past two weeks of living in the crammed Cargo Hold with his family and the other Ferelden Refugees.
Garrett didn't really know why he did it; he just wished he could tell how close they were to Kirkwall.
Being cramped into the Cargo Hold was not a very pleasant experience though Garrett did still have the company of his family, Aveline, and the Crewe family.
Garrett more or less always got along with his Bethany and his mother despite the mixed feeling he saw in her eyes at time.
Garrett was always polite with Aveline even if she kept a distance from him at time. The Crewe family on the other hand was a different story entirely.
The Crewe family was a family of farmers and didn't know much excitement except from the tales of Bards and whatever travelers came through Lothering in passing.
For the first day or two on the ship Henry didn't ask about Ostagar or his trip to Gwaren from Lothering; but on the third day he asked about them. "So... Garrett you were at Ostagar with Aveline, what was it like there with King Cailan and the Grey Wardens?"
"I only spoke with Cailan once and I saw him around Camp a few times but that's about it; the Grey Warden... I didn't speak with them much" Garrett said not wanting to relive Ostagar again.
Henry didn't ask any more about Ostagar, a few times he asked about reaching Gwaren, to which Garrett responded "Henry. You wouldn't believe me if I told you."
Henry took the hint about not really wanting to talk about Ostagar and Gwaren, as did his wife Alice for which Garrett was grateful.
But Henry's daughters Juliana and Jasmine whom had grown up on tales of proud strong soldiers and wanted to know about his time in the Army.
Jasmine, whom was the youngest, ten years old, had only know soldiers as mighty men who protect the weak and taught lessons to underdogs leading them to a greater life. That being the case Jasmine had been pestering Garrett for some kind of wisdom for her later life especially since Garrett had helped her family survive the destruction of Lothering.
Garrett found this kind of annoying but didn't say anything about it to Henry.
Only Henry and his wife understand how bad it was for me; Henry's family had it relativity easy. Just wandering close to road after running from Lothering then finding Gwaren and paying for a ride with his family savings Garrett constantly had to remind himself.
He had too or else he would get mad at all the pestering from Henry's daughters, Aveline had managed to dodge this by quickly telling anyone who asked that she wouldn't talk about it with a stern face which caused people to keep their distance.
Garrett on the other hand tried telling Jasmine this but she thought he was just being humble; after a couple of days later Jasmine stopped nagging him.
So Jasmine wasn't so bad since she learned that Garrett had no wise words for her to base her life on like in the tales.
But Juliana, unlike her younger sister, was a seventeen year old girl who was a bit more understanding of Garrett just trying to protect his family but she wanted to know about the fall of Ostagar and the road to Lothering.
Juliana wanted to know about fighting the Darkspawn and escaping and how it was fleeing Lothering after she discovered that his path Gwaren was nowhere near as easy as hers had been.
Garrett didn't want to think about fleeing Lothering because those lost along the way so he just vaguely told her about Ostagar but left out many details such as Carver.
Juliana had sensed this and had remembered when the two families were talking about Lothering that someone named Carver had been mentioned but the Hawke family changed the subject quickly.
Juliana guested that Carver had died and almost asked Garrett about it but stopped when Garrett changed the subject and walked away acting much colder than he usually was.
I don't want to think about Carver again… Garrett had thought in those quiet times when he was alone as possible in the Cargo Hold or in his waking moments where he looked around at what was left of his family.
Overall Garrett thought Juliana was nice but he didn't like that she saw him as some sort of tragic hero, she had even tried to flirt with him twice but Garrett didn't flirt back.
Juliana was pretty but a little younger than Bethany even and it felt wrong to even think about flirting with Juliana as she was so young, only seventeen.
One time when Garrett had decided to take his armor off because of the heat he noticed Juliana watching him as he removed his armor and undershirt before he put a new undershirt on.
Juliana never brought it up again but Garrett decided to keep more of a distance not giving her any ideas all the same.
Bethany had even talked to Garrett about it giggling as she said "I see you have an admirer dear brother" as Garrett had sat down next to her wearing a simple undershirt and trousers.
Bethany had laughed at the fact that Juliana treated Garrett like a tragic war hero but Juliana was young so Garrett didn't think about it too much. She'll grow out of it he thought.
Now that was all about to change, no more being crowed in the Cargo Hold, failing to find room to take off armor privately, we here Garrett thought as he looked away from the sky.
It turned out that Garrett was right; the Ship Captain walked down into the Cargo Hold and yelled "alright we've arrived at Kirkwall, after my crew and I unload our Exports you all will free to leave the ship."
After almost an hour of waiting for the Exports to be unloaded the Hawke family and the other passengers we're lead off the Ship and into the Gallows, getting their first view of the city.
And what a sight it was. Bigger than any city in Ferelden, even Denerim, Kirkwall was almost three entire cities that were lumped together each with their own districts and people, Hightown, Lowtown, and Darktown.
Hightown was where the wealthy elite lived, Nobles and powerful merchants, whom lived in expensive apartments and estates that reflected the sheer wealth of the city.
Lowtown, where the middle to lower class people lived with its various huts, hovels, and shacks that served as homes beside the small Inns and taverns that littered the place.
Finally Darktown the most dangerous part of the city. More or less a barred off section of the old sewage system built long ago by one of the many empires that once controlled the city, Darktown was nothing but a slum of wretched scum and villainy.
Every part of the city had crime, that was only natural, but Darktown was another matter as neither the City Guards nor the Templars bothered to send patrols down there, too much ground to cover with the Undercity below Darktown where legends and myths told of strange things buried deep beneath the city where the first natives of Kirkwall had lived before being conquered.
Of all of this however Garrett and the others mostly saw the Hightown estates that loomed over the city.
As Garrett walked off the ship and looked around he stared at something that caught him off guard. Along the narrow channel that lead to Kirkwall's Docks and Gallows there were huge golden statues of beings welded into the sides of the channel.
The statues were all holding their faces in anguish as they appeared to be chained up cruelly.
The infamous Twins of Kirkwall… they're supposed to be slaves Garrett thought in shock as he moved on towards the Gallows with his family. The Ship Captain was standing on the bridge watching the people get off smiling.
Why would he do that… he's been paid and already exported his Cargo. He's just standing there, even has his haggling table with him... and that odd smirk Garrett thought suspiciously as he and his family shouldered past the other refugees towards Kirkwall.
When Garrett, his family, Aveline, and the Crewe family got off port they all noticed something… a crowd was forming outside the entrance to Kirkwall.
"They're not letting anyone in the city" Aveline said studying the crowd. "What, that can be. We've traveled all this way" Leandra said.
"It's true. Look at them all" Aveline replied as the group got closer look seeing there were eight armored Guards blocking the entrance with more apparently inside the city.
"This can't be right, they have to let us in. I have a cousin who owns a crop business here I'm sure they'll let us all in" Henry Crewe said worriedly as if trying to convince himself more than anyone.
Bethany looked on sadly as they walked in front of them saying "they're Fereldens just like us, fleeing for their lives" watching the crowd. "And they'd throw us all out the Wolves" Aveline said in disgust looking at the Guards.
"The Amells have always been highly regarded in Kirkwall. My brother Gamlen will get us in" Leandra said hopefully. "My cousin can help you all get in as well it's the least we can do" Henry said facing Garrett and the others.
"Why, thank you" Leandra said smiling politely. "There that man is leading the Guards here, we should speak with him" Aveline said pointing out a man standing in-front of the crowd wearing armor of a higher rank.
Walking through the crowd Garrett could tell some people had been waiting outside Kirkwall for a quiet a while.
Similar to Gwaren there were clusters of people 'camped out' outside the city with nowhere else to go… looking like they'd been there for quite a while.
When Garrett reached the Guard that seemed to be in charge the man looked at him coldly stopping him before he could say anything.
"Get back to the crowd you lot. Trying to bully your way through won't get you into Kirkwall any faster" the Guard said coldly. Aveline matched the Guard's cold stare with one of her own saying "but you do intend to let us in."
The Guard just looked at her annoyed and said "we have enough poor on our own in the Free Marches we don't need you refugees piling up."
"Why aren't we allowed into the City? We don't have to all stay some of us can travel to other City States from Kirkwall" Garrett asked crossing his arms.
"We can't keep track of everyone that enters Kirkwall. How many people would just stay here and pile up. If it were up to me I'd bar the Gates and let you find somewhere else to beg… but that's not my decision it's Knight Commander Meredith's" the Guard said coldly without any kind of empathy.
"That's a Templar title. Why would a City Guardsman answer to the Templars" Aveline asked curiously as she and Garrett took the lead of the group.
"We don't answer to her but she's the power in Kirkwall, don't know what would happen if the Viscount went against an order from Meredith… humph he wouldn't take that chance" the Guard answered.
"There has to be someone in charge I can talk to" Garrett said taking a step forward. "You want in, talk to the Captain. There's a line, I'm just here to keep things orderly" the Guard said.
With that Garrett, Aveline, his Family, and the Crewe family went up the stairs into a higher level of the Gallows. Garrett saw what looked like the Guard Captain talking with some other armored Ferelden soldiers… other deserters.
I'm glad others survived Ostagar even if they left the Army… were they part of the same company? Garrett thought as he led the group through the large courtyard that was this level of the Gallows.
The Captain was arguing with the soldiers about getting into Kirkwall, the Captain was more or less calm but the Soldiers were not and quickly growing angrier.
"Let us in you flaming Blighter! We're not staying in this pit outside Kirkwall" yelled one soldier with red hair. "Then get back on your ship and leave, Kirkwall has no more room for Refugees" the Captain said still trying to calm the soldiers down.
Another soldier with graying hair yelled "the Ship's already gone; we paid good money to get here. Why can't we even get in?"
The Captain still calm and collected replied "you and practically half of Ferelden. There's nothing I can do Sir. Unless you have legitimate business here we ask that you move on."
"But some Fereldens have been getting in, ones that aren't Merchants" Garrett called as he led the group to the Captain. "That's right, we've seen you let lots of people in" said the red haired soldier in anger.
"Citizens of Kirkwall, Merchants, and Nobility whom can pay for relatives to get in because they can take care of them. Others are simply people who can spend money and stand on their own, and help Kirkwall's economy. There's no more room for refugees in Kirkwall. I didn't make the rules good Sirs I just enforce them" the Captain said with genuine sympathy as he gestured at the entrance to the City in the distance behind him.
Henry Crewe stepped forward and said "yes, my cousin William Crewe has a business here. I sent a letter from Gwaren's Raven Post he should be able to get us in."
The Captain pulled a sheet of paper out and searched through a list.
"Crewe… yes your right, your cousin is waiting outside the gate, a Guard will bring him here for you then you'll be allowed into Kirkwall" the Captain said.
The Crewe family looked happy but before Henry could thank the Captain the red haired soldier stopped him.
"What! You're gonna let them in but not us" the red haired soldier yelled. The Captain calmly raised his hand trying to calm everyone down saying "I never said that exactly but they have a relative paying and looking after them here."
"We've been here for four days! They just got here" yelled the gray haired man as he pointed at the Crewe family. Henry tried to calm the soldiers down "I sure Kirkwall will be able to help y-" he began but never finished.
The red haired soldier suddenly drew his Longsword and yelled "that's it we're craving our way in here, men!" the soldiers all drew their weapons.
The Guard Captain pulled his Shield up but not his Longsword and yelled for back up. Garrett drew his Longsword and Shield as well, using his Longsword Garrett blocked a downward slash from the red haired soldier that was aimed at the Guard Captain.
The red hair soldier looked stunned that Garrett was helping the Guards and not him as the man gaped at Garrett beside him.
You're a soldier, a deserter… one of us the red haired soldier seemed to say with the surprised gaze he gave Garrett in split second.
Garrett pushed the red haired soldier back then slammed his Shield into him. The soldier didn't fall down but staggered as he tried to fight back.
Garrett quickly looked back and saw Aveline helping the Guards as well, Henry pulling his family away from the fight, and Kane protecting Leandra.
Bethany was about to use magic when Garrett yelled "Bethany! Stay back" as he gave her a look of warning. Bethany understood what Garrett meant and went to stand with Leandra and Kane.
Can't let anyone see Bethany using Magic or the Templar will take her away Garrett thought as he turned to continue the fight.
As Garrett was turning back, the red haired Soldier had regained his footing had slashed at Garrett. Garrett barley dodged the slash and swung his sword his for a slash to the soldier's head.
The red haired soldier blocked this as Garrett had intended then used his Shield to knock the soldier out by slamming his Shield hard directly into the soldier's face.
Kane had brought a soldier down by biting his leg and pulling while Aveline was locked into a collision of Shields with another soldier.
When suddenly the other Guards arrived to back up their Captain quickly bringing down the outnumbered soldiers with sheer force.
"Unbelievable. Guards! What happened? Armed soldiers attack your Captain and it takes well over ten minutes for you to help" the Guard Captain yelled to his Guards as the stood around.
Garrett lowered his Longsword as the Guards glanced at them warily before the Guard Captain called "not them they helped."
"Alright back to your post and don't let this happen again" the Guard Captain called to the Guards as they saluted. Garrett looked at Aveline and his family, seeing that they were fine he sheathed his Longsword and Shield as the Guardsmen left them heading back to their post.
Henry and his family, whom had backed away and stood out of the fight, moved forward again and stood next to Garrett's.
"Thanks for the help" the Guard Captain said before looking at them sadly as he continued "but I can't change the rules, even after helping me like you did… unless someone can pay for your entrance to Kirkwall then I can't let you in."
Leandra walked up to the Guard Captain and said "my brother Gamlen Amell can get us in, he's Nobility."
"Gamlen, I know of him but I don't think he's Nobility, he's a weasel who couldn't rub to two coppers together to save his life, spends time getting drunk and trying to get easy money" the Guard Captain said in surprise.
"What? But the Amells are part of Kirkwall's Nobility. He'll find a way to get us in, even if he has to pay for it" Leandra said. "I sorry my lady but if we're talking about the right Gamlen than I doubt he can pay for you get in… I'm truly sorry" the Guard Captain said.
"I'll pay for it" Henry Crewe said firmly as he shook Garrett's hand and thanked him for saving his family once again.
"I'm sorry sir but unless your cousin can pay for his family as well as yours then they will not be able to get in" the Guard Captain said frowning.
Henry looked at Garrett sadly saying "I'm sure we can find a way to help get them in."
Garrett smiled slightly at Henry appreciating the effort just as a Guard followed by a man who looked similar to Henry but with browner hair appeared behind the Guard Captain.
"Henry! Thank the Maker you made it here" William Crewe said as he hugged his cousin. "Maker it's good to see you again William I wish it'd be under better circumstances" Henry said finishing the hug.
"I managed to pay for you and your family to get in but our Crop Business isn't going to go so well after this… we're gonna have to careful if we want to keep the business going but we're family so it was well worth it" William Crewe said as he smiled good naturedly at the rest of the Crewe family.
"Thank you so much sir I'm glad to finally meet you" Alice Crewe said as she hugged William followed by Jasmine and Juliana.
"William we have to help these people here" Henry said gesturing towards Garrett, Aveline, Leandra, Bethany, and Kane.
Garrett awkwardly waved having stayed silent with the other not wanting to intrude on the Crewe family.
William awkwardly waved saying "hello there." "I'm sorry Henry but I don't have the money to pay for anyone else… I barely managed to pay for you and your family. I can't pay for another person let alone another family" William said glancing at the Hawke family and Aveline.
"But William this man saved our lives at least twice now… there must be something we can do" Henry said looking at Garrett somberly.
Garrett walked to Henry putting his hand on Henry's shoulder reassuringly saying "it's okay Henry." Henry looked at Garrett sadly as if he wanted to say something but wasn't sure what.
Garrett nodded reassuringly saying "Henry go ahead. You can't do anything here… we'll find our own way in."
Henry just nodded and sadly said "I'm sorry Garrett this is no way to repay your kindness."
"It's alright your family needs you" Bethany said looking at Henry before turning to Garrett continuing "… we understand." "It was nice meting you all I wish you the best of luck" Leandra said smiling as Aveline just shifted awkwardly.
"Take care Henry" Garrett said taking his hand off the man's shoulder and stepping back. "I will find a way to help you I promise" Henry said sternly.
Alice said "thank you" as she moved to stand next to her husband. Henry nodded sadly then ushered for his family to follow him towards the entrance to Kirkwall. "Goodbye" Jasmine said as she moved to follow her parents.
Juliana lingered as she awkwardly looked back at Garrett in particular. Noticing this Garrett fought the urge to raise his eyebrow before gesturing at the entrance to Kirkwall saying "go with your family."
Juliana smiled awkwardly saying "I hope… I hope I'll see you again someday" before following her family into Kirkwall.
"At least they got in" Leandra said standing beside her children watching the Crewe family make into Kirkwall with the others lucky enough to do the same.
The Guard Captain looked at them as they waved the Crewe family off then glanced at his Guards stationed around the courtyard.
"Look I'm not supposed to do this but you helped me with those soldiers… I'll personally find Gamlen Amell and see what can be done" the Guard Captain said awkwardly waving for a Guard to take his place.
"Just wait here for now until I come back" the Guard Captain said walking off towards Kirkwall.
"Thank you" called Garrett hopefully as he, his family, and Aveline watched the Captain walk off. Knowing it would take a while Garrett and the other moved sit down on a higher level of the Gallows next to the stairs that lead into Kirkwall.
Three Days Later
This is worse than being stuck in the Cargo Hold of a ship Garrett thought as he walked past some of the other refugees giving him warily looks due to his armor. The people clustered here in and about the various levels of the Gallows were unable to get into the city but also had nowhere else to go.
Seeing the looks of some of the more desperate refugees Garrett had put on his Ferelden Field Armor as a precaution.
As he walked Garrett noticed his armor had the intended effect, the more desperate looking refugees kept their distance; though few refugees had weapons even fewer had armor let alone both.
Glancing back at the ports visible in the distance Garrett coldly narrowed his eyes at sight of the Ship that had originally brought them to Kirkwall. Garrett couldn't stand the fact that the Ship Captain knew this would happen.
Garrett had even seen him haggling with former passengers to get another ride to somewhere else.
You greedy old bastard Garrett thought as he saw the Ship Captain taking money from former passengers and leading them back onto his ship. Once the Ship Captain had even looked at Garrett, smiled, and sat at his haggling table in the lower part of the Gallows waiting for more people to try and get a ride somewhere else.
I'm not getting back on your Ship; you knew about this and didn't warn anyone. You played us knowing that only a few would actually get into Kirkwall Garrett thought angrily before moving on and finding his family and Aveline waiting for him.
It wasn't much but they managed to get themselves a small cramped space to themselves while they waited for Guard Captain Ewald returned, either Aveline or Garrett was always there to guard it however.
Refugees were clustered all over the Gallows and fights had broken out over space.
Bethany looked up at Garrett saying "how did it go?" Aveline stood up as Leandra sat with Kane looking at her son.
Garrett hefted his carrying pouch up opening it as he said "didn't get much but I managed to barter for some food with the other refugees."
It had been like this ever since arriving here. Garrett would try and get some extra food for them while Aveline stayed behind with the others just in case some of the other refugees tried something.
Reaching into the pouch Garrett pulled out the food he gotten and handed it out to Aveline, Leandra, and Bethany in turn.
"Thank you Garrett I'm sorry we didn't have time to grab more food back at Lothering" Leandra said frowning from where she sat as Garrett took a seat beside Bethany saying "we were fleeing the Darkspawn I'm glad we managed to grab anything."
Just as Bethany began to eat the food Garrett had managed to barter for she noticed something… Garrett didn't have any food and was just sitting there looking bored.
"Garrett?" Bethany asked turning to her brother.
"Hmm" Garrett said glancing at Bethany.
"You're not eating" Bethany said frowning as she looked down at the food in her hands. "That's all I managed to get, its fine. Eat, you need your strength" Garrett said from where he sat as Leandra looked at her son sadly… she'd already finished more than half of her food.
"No you should-" Bethany began only for Garrett to interrupt saying "I was in the army, Bethany… I know how to run on less."
"But-" Bethany said not liking this only for Garrett to look at her calmly saying "Bethany. Eat."
Bethany nodded reluctantly as she continued eating when Aveline stepped towards where Garrett was sitting. Aveline had been nibbling on the food Garrett had handed her, a long thin strip of dried meat when she'd overheard Garrett and Bethany arguing.
"Here" Aveline said tearing off half of the thin strip of dried meat where she hadn't nibbled yet.
Garrett looked up at Aveline meeting her eyes where she stood still seeing the coldness in her eyes but also the shadow a smile on her lips… she'd approved of what he had done for his family.
"It's fine Aveline" Garrett said about to brush the food away when Aveline shook her head. "I was in the army too. Both of us know how to run on less if we need to" Aveline said still holding out half of the thin strip of dried meat.
Garrett opened his mouth about to refuse when Aveline spoke up saying "Garrett just shut up and take it."
Garrett raised an eyebrow at that, as Bethany chuckled and Leandra grinned, before raising his hand and taking the food Aveline had offered. "Thanks" Garrett said chuckling slightly as Aveline nodded saying "don't mention it" before stepping back to her earlier spot.
She's still cold towards me… but that was an improvement Garrett thought as he nibbled on the thin strip of dried meat.
After eating the Hawke family and Aveline went back to simply waiting for the Guard Captain to return with Gamlen. There really was nothing else to do, trapped outside the city like this.
Hours had pasted since eating and yet still no sign of the Guard Captain nor Gamlen. "It's been three days! This waiting has to end" Aveline said frustrated as she paced back and forth, she had been doing it for some time now.
Bethany had asked her to sit down with her and Garrett but Aveline said she couldn't just sit and wait she needed to move.
"I'm sure it won't be much longer, the Guard Captain said he'd get Gamlen and see what could be done, Gamlen must still be trying to get us a way into Kirkwall" Leandra said trying to calm Aveline.
Garrett was sitting down next to Bethany watching Leandra tell Aveline that Gamlen would get them all in when he saw the Guard Captain appear from the entrance to Kirkwall walking back into the Gallows.
"Wait, the Guard Captain's coming and… is that Gamlen?" Garrett said standing up as he saw the Guard Captain being followed by a man with hair the same shade of gray as his mother's but looking a bit younger than Leandra if a bit ragged.
He was dressed in simple plain clothes, not anything near what Nobility were known for wearing.
The Guard Captain pointed Gamlen towards them then walked back to his old post and relieving the Guard who had filled in for him. Gamlen walked to Leandra smiling as he reached her and said "Leandra, damn girl, the years haven't been kind to you" as he hugged her.
"It's good to see you again Gamlen" Leandra said still hugging Gamlen. "Let me say up front, I wasn't expecting this, the Blight, your husband... dead. I pretty much figured you'd be Ferelden for life" Gamlen said as Leandra let go of him.
"Oh Gamlen, we came too late, my poor Carver didn't make it" Leandra said sadly as she grasped her younger brother's hand.
"Oh Maker save you Leandra don't drop this on me. I'm not completely sure I can get all of you in Kirkwall" Gamlen said not wanting to look any of them in the eyes.
"If you can't get us all in then just get Mother and Bethany in… we can take care of ourselves if need be" Garrett said as he and exchanged a quick glance with Aveline while Kane smelled Gamlen.
Leandra Hawke put a stop to that thinking almost instantly after Garrett said it. "No, we stay together" Leandra said firmly as Bethany grabbed Garrett's arm saying "we stick together."
"I was hoping to grease to palms technically I'm still Nobility but Leandra the Amell fortune isn't what it used to be and the Templars having been cracking down hard… gonna need more grease" Gamlen said quickly not wanting to go into detail just yet.
But Leandra wanted the details out in the open and said "what do you mean not what it used to be? Just the estate itself should be able to let us in we can all live there" she said.
"Right. About the estate... listen I've been meaning to write you but the estate's gone… to settle a debt" Gamlen said looking ashamed.
"Then there's no hope" Leandra said sadly, "not just yet, I know some people who can help me get you in but it will need some work on your children's part" Gamlen said looking hopeful.
Garrett looked Uncle Gamlen straight in the eye and said "Mother said our family was wealthy are you sure that's all you can do?"
"I'm helping I really am, look I've got two offers of work who can lend me the money I need to get all of you into Kirkwall" Gamlen said almost annoyed at Garrett's question.
"I still can't believe you sold the Estate Gamlen. How could you?" Leandra asked almost hurt. Gamlen looked back at her shifting awkwardly as he "well I didn't expect your blasted family to land at my doorstep I've got an uh nice place in Lowtown it'll all work out, you'll see."
Garrett looked at Gamlen thinking about what he said about two offers of work before narrowing his eyes and asking "what do you mean exactly Gamlen?"
Gamlen straightened up calmly saying "look I've talked to some eh contacts of mine. Anyway the point is two of them will lend me the money to get all of you in." "But" Garrett said raising an eyebrow not liking where this was heading.
"But" Gamlen said not meeting Garrett's eyes. Still not meeting Garrett's eyes Gamlen spoke up quickly and awkwardly saying "you and your sister will have to work off the debt... for a year."
"Why exactly would these two contacts of your offer to pay for us… there are plenty of other Ferelden Refuges who are desperate enough" Garrett asked suspiciously.
"Well yes that's true but not an... eh you see..." Gamlen began rubbing his forehead uncomfortably. "Look I told them about Bethany it was the only way they'd even listen to me let alone actually make a deal" Gamlen said very quickly wanting to get it over with.
Garrett walked to Gamlen and grabbed him by the collar roughly "you did what" he said coldly. "I told them about Bethany" Gamlen said trying to be calm.
Leandra looked at Gamlen shocked "Gamlen how could you… you knew about her and you risked her safety what about the Templars" she said.
Bethany looked embarrassed and just stood behind everyone, "look, it's a year, and they can keep the Templars off her back I sure they've had business with Apostates before" Gamlen said trying to calm everyone down.
Bethany surprised Garrett putting her hand on his shoulder saying "brother if it'll get us in than its okay. Besides I can do with some help staying hidden from the Templars." Slowly Garrett let go of Gamlen's collar and stepped back.
Bethany had always known Garrett was protective of her, being his little sister, but ever since what happened to Carver Garrett had looked out for her even more, she was touched by that but knew they needed to get into Kirkwall.
"Think of it as having a job when you get in" Gamlen said trying to smooth things over. "It's the best deal I could get. Trust me another group of Ferelden Refugees won't get a better option" Gamlen said.
Leandra just looked at Gamlen then said "this isn't right… the Amell are Nobility and their youngest have to work off a debt for a year." "Seems to me like you're selling us into slavery" Garrett said crossing his arms.
Gamlen looked uneasy but said "look I understand you're mad but this will get you into Kirkwall so listen."
Garrett nodded somewhat reluctantly.
"I got two offers, one from a Mercenary group and another from Smugglers" Gamlen said as he brushed Kane off of him. "Tell me about the Mercenary" Garrett said still not liking this.
"They're hired Swords how do you expect them to be. I wouldn't invite them to dinner or anything but it's a job" Gamlen said shrugging. "Alright how about the Smugglers" Garrett asked as Aveline shifted uncomfortably behind them.
"It won't be pretty I can tell you that much. They have a lot of connections and get around a lot. They never Smuggle slaves or eh the flesh though. Some of them are just as ruthless as mercenaries but some are pretty okay people too" Gamlen said.
Garrett looked at Bethany and said "what do you think Bethany?"
"I don't really care who we work for as long as we get into Kirkwall" Bethany replied.
Garrett stroked the stubble on his chin that was starting to grow into a beard thinking it over the Mercenaries do a lot of killing and fighting, Bethany will have to work, it wouldn't be good for her to use Magic killing people for Mercenaries. They've probably had Mages work for them before. But I don't like the fact that she'd use Magic to kill people whom the Mercenaries chose, the Smugglers don't work as openly as the Mercenaries and they've probably had more Mages than the Mercenaries, they'd know how to keep her hidden better.
Garrett nodded saying "the Smugglers it is."
"Fair enough" Gamlen said. Aveline walked up to Gamlen saying "what of me? I will not have people form debts on my behalf."
"Doesn't really matter it's not your debt, just take the free ride" Gamlen said chuckling as Aveline frowned glancing at the Hawke siblings. Leandra looked at Aveline and said "you helped us get here Aveline it's no trouble."
Aveline looked around uneasily before saying "I... thank you."
"Alright then, I'll send a message to Athenril, the leader of the Smugglers, oh and one more thing. You'll have to uh… do one job before you actually get in. Athenril wants to see that you get things done, she'll be the Elf with dark green leather armor."
Garrett nodded not liking this but seeing no other way, "anything else you haven't told us?" he asked eyebrows raised. "No that's it, I swear" Gamlen said trying to smooth things over.
Gamlen sent the message and said that Athenril would be at a lower level of the Gallows a bit further away of from the Guards patrol. The City Guards didn't have the man power to patrol the entire Gallows especially with all the clusters of Refugees and as such only patrolled the first few levels of the Gallows from the entrance to Kirkwall.
"Garrett just talk to her and do the job she wants then you'll have your way into to the city" Gamlen said smirking clearly impressed with himself. Garrett nodded as he started walking with Bethany and Kane when suddenly Aveline joined them.
"I'll help this one time. I don't like this… but it'll get us into Kirkwall and it's the least I can do" Aveline said as she walked beside Bethany and Garrett. "Alright" Garrett said happy to see Aveline talk with him even if she was still a bit cold towards him but he thought that maybe one day they'd be friends.
Garrett, Bethany, Kane, and Aveline found Athenril in a corner of a lower level of the Gallows, Athenril was standing coolly and calm with two armed men beside her. She looked at Garrett as they walked towards her.
Athenril studied Garrett before saying "you must be Gamlen's nephew, interesting, you have a family resemblance.
Looks like you and your sister got all the looks in the family, I don't know what Gamlen's told you about us but he certainly told us a great deal about you."
Bethany looked at Athenril nervously saying "what did Gamlen say about me?" "Enough to peak our interest, provided you can justify your Uncle's confidence that is" Athenril replied.
"I want to know exactly what we'll be doing for you in the long run. No holding back" Garrett said getting attention away from Bethany for which she was grateful.
Athenril laughed smirking at Garrett as she said "straight to the point I like that. I can be honest, we don't compete with the Coterie or the Thieves Guild but we keep our hands in a lot of pockets; that said we're not hired killers or slavers but anything else is fair game."
Garrett looked at Bethany then back to Athenril asking "you can keep my sister hidden?"
"The Templars in Kirkwall like to think they have all the Mages leashed in that Tower of theirs, but really, when has that ever been true, I can keep her from their attention. Trust me it wouldn't be the first time" Athenril replied reassuringly.
"How did you get to be one of my Uncle's contacts?" Garrett asked not seeing how she could be friends with Gamlen. "That's what he calls me, he owes me after that last idea of his" Athenril replied chuckling.
"Okay then, what do you need me to do" Garrett asked. Athenril smiled then waved for them to follow her.
"There's a Merchant named Cavril, a friend of the Templars, so they let him set up his little shop here in the Gallows" Athenril said as gestured towards a bald man wearing a silk tunic near a small makeshift shop.
Cavril had two armed Guards similar to Athenril's standing Guard behind him. "My group here in Kirkwall supplied him for a piece of the profit but now he doesn't want to pay up. We go near him, the spineless blighter screams for the City Guards, we can't get to him without getting involved with the City Guards but you can. Get our money plus a little something extra and you're in" Athenril said coolly.
"How much does he really owe?" Garrett asked eying Cavril and his shop, "twenty one Sovereigns but don't forget the something extra after all Cavril is a bit late on his payments" Athenril said smiling.
Garrett nodded starting towards Cavril's shop with Aveline, Bethany, and Kane.
The first thing they noticed about Cavril was that he was not a fair business man; Cavril was trying to get rid of a pestering woman who keep telling him that she would give him all she had.
"But sir it's worth more than four Sovereigns. Please for the Maker's sake help me" the woman pleaded. "Look I can't just buy every trinket you Fereldens bring with you, I'm sorry but I have to ask you to leave" Cavril said clearly annoyed.
"But sir!" the woman said almost hysterical, Cavril turned and nodded to one of the armed Guards behind him, the Guard stepped towards the woman saying "miss, you have to leave now."
The woman huffed as she left the Shop, Cavril saw Garrett walking towards him then looked around noticing his coin pouch. Smiling brightly at Garrett and his coin pouch Cavril said "welcome to my shop how can I help you."
"Did you just cheat that woman?" Garrett asked with a hint of anger. "No as I explained I can't just buy everything those refugees brought with them, I have a shop to run, I'm truly sorry" Cavril replied.
"I'm sure the profits help from the sorrow" Aveline said with a disapproving look. Cavril looked embarrassed then said "uh how can I help you." Garrett walked up pretending to look at the inventory then give a quick nod to Bethany and Aveline.
Aveline nodded and shared a look with Bethany. Garrett stepped closer to Cavril then started to speak. "I hear you owe some money to your suppliers; I think it would be in your best interest to pay them back. Now."
"Oh this about Athenril isn't it, tell that bitch I'm going straight to City Guards again" Cavril said annoyed as he started to walk away from Garrett.
Garrett quickly pulled free his knife and put it barely a centimeter from Cavril's throat stopping the man in his tracks. The two armed Guards made to defend Cavril but Aveline, Bethany, and Kane blocked them.
Aveline had drawn Wesley's Shield and Bethany raised her hand ready to use Magic if need be as Kane growled at the two men showing his teeth.
"I suggest you pay up now" Garrett said calmly as he held the knife to Cavril's throat.
"O... Okay, just take what's in the chest there" Cavril stammered pointing at a chest behind his inventory. "Bethany" Garrett called. Bethany walked past the Guards and opened the chest, inside were twenty six Sovereigns, Bethany looked at Garrett whom looked Cavril in the eye.
"You owe twenty one Sovereigns but you've delayed payment so I think we'll just take all of it, you know, for interest" Garrett said. Cavril looked shocked but felt the knife on his throat and hastily said "alright take it... just take it all and leave me alone."
Bethany took the money, put it in an empty pouch then walked back to Garrett. "Thanks for the business Cavril" Garrett said sheathing his knife back in on his belt as he and the others walked away.
They made it back to Athenril without Cavril doing anything, he really is a spineless Blighter Garrett thought as Athenril saw them coming. Garrett walked straight up to Athenril, held up the money saying "here, we even got the something extra."
"Well, well, would you look at that, I think you'll do fine in our line of work. Tell your Uncle he'll get his money and be ready, there will be more jobs once you get in. We're off to a good start Hawke" Athenril replied smiling as she took the money and walked off with her Guards.
The group went to Leandra and Gamlen and told them the good news, "see I told you it would work" Gamlen said smiling as he walked back into Kirkwall to get Athenril's money and buy the Hawke family and Aveline's way into Kirkwall.
Garrett watched as Gamlen walked into Kirkwall.
Leandra looked at her children saying "I can't believe this is how we'd get back into Kirkwall." Bethany looked back at her mother saying "at least we're getting in, that's all I care about right now."
Garrett just calmly said "a whole year… let's just get this over with." Garrett went to his sister Bethany and his mother Leandra hugging both of them, he'd lost his younger brother he wouldn't lose anyone else.
"I promise I'll make us a better life here" Garrett said letting go.
Aveline looked awkward, like she felt she shouldn't be there when Garrett hugged his family. "Aveline, you're our friend. I'm glad we helped you get into Kirkwall" Bethany said seeing how uncomfortable Aveline was. "I... thank you" Aveline replied.
"The Blight is still raging in Ferelden. King Cailan is dead and the Grey Wardens will have to deal with it but for now at least we have a new home" Garrett said as they all waited for Gamlen to return.
"If only my poor Carver were here" Leandra said sadly, "and Wesley" Aveline put in; Garrett turned to look at his family and Aveline then tried to lighten the mood by saying "let's just see what happens. We have a long year ahead of us."
Kane barked happily as he moved to stand next to Garrett and Bethany. Garrett turned back and saw Gamlen talking to the Guard Captain. Gamlen turned and waved them forward. The Guard Captain nodded pointing towards Kirkwall.
As the Hawke family and Aveline stepped into Kirkwall all Garrett could think was a year, then we're done.
I'll find a way to get a better life for Bethany and Mother.