As they approached the Ruins of Ostagar, Drevok couldn't help but think of the old fortresses he helped the Stormcloaks re-claim from the imperials back in skyrim, shortly before the Dragonborn joined, and he was dishonorably discharged as it was discovered that he was a lycan. To think that his exile back in Tamriel was all the result of one-man joining an army would seem ridiculous to some, but that was the truth of it. The dishonorable discharge led to him being ousted from his position of honor as Harbinger, and that led to him fleeing whiterun, only to Join the Dawnguard and their cause in the War of the Dawn. Looking back, Drevok couldn't help but wonder what would have happened had he simply stuck to Kodlak's reasoning and stayed neutral in the civil war. He sighed and looked at Duncan just as the old warden began to speak.
"Here we are at ostagar. Just north of the Kocari wilds. It is here that we shall make our stand. It is an excellent defensive position. Just as it proved key in defending against the wilders in ancient days, it shall prove key in our fight against the darkspawn. If we fail to drive the darkspawn back, fereldan will fall."
After Duncan finished his description, a blonde man in golden armor waved Duncan, Drevok, and Diana. "Ho there! Duncan!" The man greeted joyously. Duncan seemed joyfully suprised by this new man. Drevok made note of this turn of events, for it seemed that the golden clad man was of import.
"King Callin! I did not expect..."
Drevok frowned. This man is a king? He acts like a boy dreaming of saving the world like some hero of old.
Callin interrupted Duncan grinning to the point that his grin seemed to wish his whole face devoured by it. "A royal welcome? I am glad that the mighty Duncan shall be fighting at my side. Ah..." Callin seemed to take notice of Diana, then Drevok. "Dianna! It is good to see you again! Do you know why your father is late? It is very unlike him..."
Drevok noticed a hurt look on Diana's face. It was a look Drevok had seen far too often back in skyrim. Hell! Drevok had made that face four weeks after... No. He wouldn't think about that day. Never again.
Drevok was brought out of his thoughts as Callin made a sudden gasp and a shocked "What?!" Duncan stepped forward with some sorrow. "It is true your majesty. Arl Howe as proved himself traitor. He and his men killed everyone in Castle Cousland. The servants, the Couslands, and myself. Lord and Lady Cousland stayed behind. Bryce had been mortally wounded, and lady Cousland decided to stay by his side and try to hold them off for our escape. If Diana and myself had not escaped, he likely would have told you any story he wished."
Drevok noticed anger come onto the face of this boy king. And he could smell the adrenaline pumping in Callins system. He knew the kings reaction and any pledge would be genuine. "How does Rendon think that he can get away with this?! I swear to you that once we have defeated the darkspawn I shall bring my armies north and introduce Howe to the hang and noose myself!"
Throughout this display, Drevok decided that perhaps this King Callin was more of an optimist and a romantic than a pure child. His display of righteous hatred for this Howe granted him some respect in Drevok's eyes.
It seemed like hours later, that Callin took notice of Drevok again. "Ahh but who is this man. Ho There Sir! Might I know your name..."
Drevok smiled. "My lord, I dare say that I am no older than you, even if my hair states otherwise. I am Drevok."
Callin smiled at the man. "Drevok? I am not familiar with such a name, or your accent for that matter. From where do you hail?"
Drevok continued to smile, even if it was now false. He didn't want to be disrespectful, but had no desire to share his tale with anyone quite yet. "I am afraid that is a very long tale, and few would have heard of my homeland, not even most sailors know where to find it My lord."
"Ahh, we'll then perhaps you would mind regaling me with a few tales sometime anyways. I am certian a man such as yourself must have a few."
Drevok bowed his head slightly, to offer respect. "Perhaps my lord, but you would need to get me very drunk for it is not a happy tale." The sorrow that laced Drevok's words were genuine, and everyone sensed it.
Callin looked disappointed and understanding at the same time. "I fear that I must be off before Loghain sends a search party after me. Duncan, would you please report any news you have for me at my tent, I will be there shortly but I need so see Loghain first, calm np him down and listen to his boring strategies. Not that we need to worry, we have won all of the battles so far."
Duncan bowed his head, his motions genuine, like Drevok's had been intended as, prior to his feelings of uncomfortablility. The only words that left his lips were a simple "as you wish your majesty." The king left but not before saying one last thing, a simple farewell and Drevok couldn't help but feel that the world was going to lose a good man or two in the upcoming battle.
Duncan looked a bit worried and motioned for Drevok and Diana to follow. "What the king said is true, but the darkspawn numbers grow each day, by now they look to outnumber us. Also the king seems to believe that this isn't a blight, and won't listen to my pleas and advice."
Drevok couldn't understand why the king wouldn't listen to Duncan, it was obvious that the king trusted and believed in the wardens more than anything else. However his wonderings were quickly answered by Diana, as she said "Let me guess, he believes that the legends of the Wardens alone make him unstoppable."
Sadly, for Drevok Duncan nodded. "He does indeed. I forgot that how well you two knew each other."
She knows the king well... And she is from a noble family. How high up the food chain was her family.
Drevok shook this thought off. She proved herself to be a fighter, not a milk drinker. She has the smell… The smell of sorrow, of rage, the smell indicative of a person who not only desires revenge, but has the skill to get it one day.
"I assume we aren't the only recruits you have so far." Drevok said almost impatiently.
Duncan looked at the man and smiled. He reminds me of Kodlak with his mannerisms, air of authority, and fatherly smile.
"You are correct Drevok. There are three others, besides the two of you. Speak with Alistair when you are ready. He is the newest of our order and should be able to help you find the other recruits, and will be aiding you as you prepare for the Joining ritual.
Diana and Drevok frowned at this. "Ritual? What? Will we be drinking darkspawn blood or something?"
Duncan's eyes widened just enough for someone with the beast-blood to notice, and Drevok could smell the fear, anxiety, and worry coming off of Duncan like a normal person might smell cookies baking right next to them. So I am right then. Drinking the blood of those… things. Well, not like I didn't go this exact scenario to become a Companion anyway.
Duncan glared at Drevok before saying in what was known as his 'warden voice' "I cannot say anything beyond that the Joining is dangerous and that you will learn all in good time. Feel free to explore the camp, I will be at my tent if either of you need me for anything. We'll speak more once you've found Alistair."
A/N: Sorry about the delay, I had unexpected visitors sunday and totally forgot to upload this chapter. To make up for it, I am going to upload another chapter sometime tomorrow.
Remember, Peace is a Lie.