Chapter 33
~Prince of Orzammar~
Alistair
The next morning or, hopefully morning—maker how can dwarves even tell down here? Do they see light, or there lack of, from cracks? Do they just assume? — I woke with Morriana still asleep at my side. I gently shake her and receive an annoyed moan. So after 5 whole minutes of trying to wake her up, she reluctantly gave in and got dressed. Waking up everyone else wasn't an issue, since most wouldn't be able to sleep knowing they are underground.
As we all sat in one of the booths in the inn, Shale, of course, standing to the side trying not to attract as much attention as we would like, we waited for breakfast while Morriana told us the plans ahead.
"It seems we won't be able to speak to Bhelen until we prove that we are to be 'loyal'"—actually using air quotes—"and can help him win." Morriana explained. Zevran chuckled.
"I though Harromont seemed like a better ruler." Leliana chimed in. "But I see your point on Bhelen."
"And I rather like the idea of supporting a clever king such as Bhelen. Killing off one brother and having the other blamed. Marvelous." Zevran added. I hadn't heard that part, but when I looked to Morriana she didn't seemed surprised. Perhaps Zevran had told her, or she had heard it from the nobles.
"Yes, I know picking Bhelen seems fun for you, but he is the prince. Most of the assembly probably will vote for him. With us helping will most likely ensure he wins. Bhelen seems to have numerous ideas on helping Orzammar and its people. Harromont seems to just support the nobels rather than everyone. That's not the kind of king Orzammar needs at the moment.
"Is this so normal amongst you squishy things?" Shale asked. "You simply decide who you wish to support and then later see who wins? Wouldn't it be much easier to crush the opposing option?" Mori laughed, and I could help but also smile.
"I see your point, Shale. I wish it could be that easy. But if we decided to kill everyone because it just seems simpler, then where would we be?"
"Without so many problems?" Shale answered simple, as if it should have been that obvious. By the look on Morriana's face, it almost seemed as if she agreed.
"Sorry Shale. Things simply don't work as so. But don't worry, we'll have our chance yet." Shale simply sighed and left her be.
###
Morriana
Alistair, Zevran, Morrigan and I walked back to the Assembly about an half hour later. I'd wanted to ask more about the debate. However, seeing as though an assembly was going on I guess I had no hope of talking to him again.
"Warden." Someone called behind me. I turned to see a black haired dwarf in fine armor. "Welcome. It is a blessing for Orzammar to host your order," he greeted with a small bow. "I am Vartag Gavorn, top advisor to our good prince Bhelen. What news do you bring?"
"This treaty obliges Orzammar to send troops to the surface." I explained to him, hoping he'd be able to help me gain the aid of the dwarves quickly.
"Ah, ancient documents, indeed. These were signed in the reign of Eithnar Bemot, Paragon and king. That was sixteen generations ago." He informed. "Now the difficulty is that the treaty only compels out king, and we are sadly lacking one of those right now."
"Battling the Blight is more important than politics!" Alistair argued, standing at my side.
"No one wishes this fight over more than Bhelen. But while it rages, Orzammar can spare no one to combat with what may or may not be a new Blight." I sighed heavily and pinched the bridge of my nos in annoyance.
"Fine. How can I convince you to help?" I said looking back at him.
"There might be a way if you demonstrate to Bhelen that you owe Harrowmont no fealty." I nodded, signing for him to continue. "Harrowmont has engaged in a campaign of bribery and coercion to ensure that every house serves him. But of a neutral part, a stranger, were to approach certain key members, perhaps with irrefutable evidence of Harrowmont's deception . . ." he left off, but I understood. "I'm certain my lord prince would show his gratitude."
"Alright, what kind of evidence?" I folded my arms.
"Harromont promised the same portion of his estate to two different deshyrs, Lady Dace and Lord Helmi. Harrowmont can't possibly grant it to both of them, but they won't find out until after the vote is cast. I have copies of the promissory notes Harrowmont gave to each of them. Once they see those, they should both consider their votes." As he handed me the paper, I lifted an eyebrow in suspicion.
"Where did you get the promissory notes?"
"That's not important. If they ask, say you found them while searching the shapers' libraries for your treaty." I thought it over for a moment, then nodded.
"I'll find Lady Dace and Lord Helmi right now," I agreed.
"Lady Dace doesn't leave the quarter much. But lord Helmi's adventurous, like to spend his time at the Tapsters . . . in the Commons. Remember, don't tell them you got these papers from me. You learned of them, and drew your own conclusions." I nodded and turned on my heel to leave.
Not a minute after I was out the door another dwarf approached me. I sighed. His name was Dulin, Harrowmonts second, though I really didn't care. That was mostly because when I finally decide to go with something I just don't want to change my mind. And of course, than dwarf didn't appear to like me so much anymore when I agreed with Zevran that Harrowmont was not really to be considered to be a good king. So, after letting him learn I had already thrown in my lot with Bhelen, I walked off with him still standing there. Mean, yes, but what can I say? I hate politics.
Lady Dace wasn't too hard to find, though with that attitude I'm sorry I found her so soon. However her attitude quickly changed when I showed her the paper. She understood, but informed me that only her father could revoke the deal.
"Where is he?" I asked. "I can take these to him."
"He's leading a deep road expedition, trying to secure an ancient thaig. It's unlikely he'll be back before the election, but perhaps this vote is important enough for you to brave the tunnels to tell him? The Dace family would be in your debt." I thought for a moment. I've never been in the deep roads. But I have fought darkspawn. I guess I'll go ahead and take my chances. Might as well.
"I'll go tell him, then."
"Thank you. He was searching an old Aeducan site. He left me with this map, in case his expedition never returned." She handed me that map, and I couldn't help feel like that was a very depressed thought. "I'll give you a pass as well," she said handing it to me. "No one is allowed past the front lines. Good luck." With that she turned and headed inside. I turned to the other, as they stood there, awaiting my orders.
"Okay, Alistair, come with me. Zevran and Morrigan, why don't you deliver the other papers? Let's make this go quicker." I handed Zev the papers and they took off without a word. I sighed, then cocked my head, signaling for Alistair to follow.
###
It seemed to get colder the further we went through the deep roads. As I walked I looked at the papers in my hand. I couldn't wait to find this Lord Dace guy. There was something about being down here disturbed me, despite this place was no doubt crawling with darkspawn and other things. We hadn't encountered much so far. Nothing but these little creeping looking things called Deep Stalkers. As we walked Alistair was looking over the papers, studying them for some reason.
Finding Dace was easy enough. I mean, how often do you find a group of dwarves hanging out in the deep roads. Maker must have granted us the gift of timing. It was no sooner that we arrived when a whole group of Deep Stalkers suddenly emerged and attacked. But these little things were easy to fight, and barley put off any attack or defense other than biting, which luckily didn't happen to me. One did try at Alistair, but I don't think the poor thing had any teeth left to try it again.
It was over as quickly as it had begun, which Lord Dace was thankful for.
"Lucky you got here just in time friend. We can talk, but I think some more might show up." It was no sooner after he said that that more did come after us. A bit less than before, but these things are easy to take down and don't do much damage. When the fighting was finally over and there were no signs of more approaching, Dace turned to Alistair and me.
I quickly explained the papers I gave him, and, as anyone would be, he was outraged and pledged his vote to Bhelen. I let myself have a small smile of pride that I was finally getting somewhere easy in getting the treaties. Obviously, it hasn't exactly been easy with this.
"We'll be heading to Orzammar strait away, Dace told us as his men gathered. "Care to travel with us? Safety in numbers, right?" I nodded with a smile. There was something about Dace I liked, despite the fact he was a politician.
We met up with Zevran and Morrigan soon after we came back. Theirs had been much easier than ours had been—lucky bastards—so, without wanting to wait, we headed for the palace to see Bhelen.
"You know the papers were forgeries, right?" Zevran told me when we were about half way there. My heart nearly stopped at this, and I could help but wonder if I just damned Orzammar.
"What?" I stoped and turned to them. "How do you know?" Zevran lifted an eyebrow at me. Oh, right. Assassin. Antiva . . . right. "Is this a bad thing?" Zevran was silent a moment, thinking.
"Most likely not. The way the papers were written shows that he is clever and cunning, but not in a way it would hurt his people. I believe he should be fine." I breathed a sigh of relief. Damn my lack of education. We hurried all the way to Orzammar, my heart still not calming any at all.
We seemed to be known in the Aeducan halls. None of the guards gave us a second glance as we passed. The only ones who took a curious notice of us were some of the noble walking about the palace. A guard stationed near doorway led us to Bhelen, which I was thankful for. There was no way I would have been able to find it myself. I might have a good memory, but it was selective memory than anything. The guard stopped before Bhelens door and opened it carefully.
"Sir, the Wardens have returned," the guard spoke as we entered. Stepping out of the way we entered his room. Bhelen looked up from his desk and stood, nodding at the guard, who nodded in turn and shut the door behind them.
"We delivered your papers." I told him. I considered bringing up the fact they were fact, but I thought against it. Maybe I didn't need to.
"And I thank you, Warden. You have helped me much."
"And do I get my soldiers now." Because I don't want to do much else. Because I just want my army.
"I would be giving you my men now, but I need another favor from you." I tried to refrain from sighing. But I gestured for him to continue. "Crime has gone up within Dustown do to the carta. The Cartel is being run by a woman named Jarvia." He didn't even need to say it.
"You want me to go in and kill Jarvia, and give you the credit." Bhelen nodded.
"By doing so, this would cause me to gain more votes and become king." I thought for a moment, then nodded.
"Very well. We'll do it." Bhelen nodded his thanks.
"Please be cautious, Warden. The Carta is very dangerous."
"I understand." I told him. And I did. There were often elves in the Alienage who decided to go under and begin a crime ring. Which in turn didn't help the slander the humans there brought upon us. If one of us was a criminal, we were all criminals.
"You should begin your search in Dust Town. That's where they mostly are. Good luck, Warden. Paragons be with you."