11111

"I'm still not sure about Bhelen," said Alistair as the group entered Orzammar's richest area, known as the Diamond Quarter.

"I know," replied Odin thoroughly tired of having this argument once more. What he wouldn't do for a distraction…

"Odin!"

Before he quite realised it the Warden found himself being embraced by his sister.

"I can't believe it! I heard a dwarven Grey Warden came to Orzammar and I couldn't help but hope… Look at you! My little brother, a battle scarred veteran." She looked over his shoulder "And with quite the unusual entourage."

Odin did eventually manage to get his voice back "Rica? Is that you under all the jewels?"

Rica smiled, "Can you imagine? As of last month I'm a royal concubine to House Aeducan. They've moved mother and me into the palace. You could fit our whole neighbourhood just in the bathing room! I wish you could meet little Endrin. But they don't let me bring him outside the royal nursery."

Odin's brain, normally a fairly sharp object, was in chaos with this wealth of good news. His first coherent question was personnel.

"I'm an uncle?"

"Little Endrin was born right before his grandfather died. His grandfather, the king, can you believe it? My son is an Aeducan. The future king of Orzammar spends his nights in my bed." Rica paused; clearly she couldn't completely comprehend her new lot in life, before adding. "Beraht was a toad, but I have to thank him for teaching me to read, dance massage and whatever else Bhelen sees in me."

Odin had now more or less caught up with all the implications, and he was also keen to prevent his Sister from going into too much detail about her relationship to Bhelen. "I'd bumped into Leske while I was searching for you in Dustown. I heard you'd got a noble patron but Royalty? I have to say sis, I'm impressed." He paused and looked somewhat guilty "I had feared the worst after I left, but now I return and find that my new nephew could one day be a king. Which brings me back to why I'm here, the Blight has hit the surface and I need the city's help to end it, which means getting a new ruler."

"So the rumours are true? Ancestors protect us." Rica looked nervous but hopeful as she asked "Does that mean you'll support Bhelen?"

"I was planning to help him anyway; this is just another very good reason to do so."

Rica beamed "I can introduce you to Vartag Gavorn. He's Bhelen's chief lieutenant. He'll help you if anyone can."

"Great, take me to him."

As the two siblings headed toward the Assembly catching up with each other news Morrigan turned to Alistair.

"I take it even you see it is pointless to argue further," said the Witch in a smug tone.

Alistair looked up ahead, taken aback by this development, "I guess so."

11111

Sure enough a new round of tasks had to be done. Odin led his companions around the city finding various aristocrats and issuing them with documents showing Lord Harrowmont was cheating them, probably fake in Odin's opinion but he didn't particularly care. Lying to nobles was always fun, and often essential to survival.

The group also took part in the Proving, mostly so Odin could annoy the Proving Master, who grudgingly allowed him to compete as long as he didn't use any name other than 'Warden' in the faint hope no one would remember the last time he competed. Naturally Warden Brosca defeated all opposition. Satisfied that he had shown the city what casteless dwarf with no formal training could still crush the Warrior Caste's finest Odin and co went back to work.

This led them into the Deep Roads, a vast underground network built by the Dwarfs and now home of the Darkspawn. Thankfully the Blight made it possible for them to enter without certain death and find Lord Dace and present him with the 'evidence'. Despite the group's complete lack of experience in tunnel fights their trip was a success. Lord Dace was found in perfect health and was infuriated with Harrowmont's apparent double dealing. The only real concern Odin had was the new game the Luggage and his War dog had come up with, hunting Deepstalkers. These vicious pack predators were a constant menace in the Deep Roads but by the time they returned to the city their population had dropped considerably and the old Dwarven highways were littered with remains, sometimes half eaten, of the unfortunate beasts. Both of the creatures responsible for this massacre were certainly pleased with themselves. Evidently their contest was either a draw or it had simply been for the fun of it.

Notes delivered Odin was finally allowed to meet his brother in law (in practice if not in name) and chosen candidate. He tried as best he could not to gape at the splendour of the Royal Palace as Vartag Gavorn led them through, clearly the rest of his companions were in a similar state. He couldn't be happier that his family had found a home here. They soon arrived in the study, as expected Prince Bhelen was a politician to the core.

"Welcome to your new house, little brother." The prince announced amicably. "My Rica tells me you won the Grey Warden's attention at last year's Proving. Vartag says you have been a great help in my campaign to regain the throne."

Such politeness, well two could play at that game. Odin put on his most polished diplomatic tone. "Thank you my Prince, I was happy to help. It would be good to have a King not blinded by Tradition and after everything you have done for my family, well it would be madness not to help. After all my new nephew could end up King one day!"

That last comment caused Bhelen to twitch ever so slightly. "I haven't exactly picked an heir yet. But he is my son and a son of House Aeducan. He has the same rights as any son of my blood." The smooth, ingratiating smile returned. "Assuming of course he grows up to be as clever and courageous as his uncle."

Odin smiled and nodded at the compliment. "So I assume that even with House Dace and House Helmi now on your side the assembly will still be deadlocked."

Bhelen frowned, not entirely for show. "Yes, many still back the usurper Harrowmont and many more remain undecided. The scales must be tipped further and I believe the best way to do that is by dealing with the Carta. Your sister told me of your past run-ins with Jarvia. She took over Beraht's operations after you left and expanded them considerably and the succession crisis has allowed her even more opportunities. From what Rica says, I doubt Jarvia remembers you fondly. "

Odin's voice was unusually cold, "The feeling is more than mutual I assure you, so do you want her dead or alive?"

Bhelen smiled "I like how you jump straight to the point. I want Jarvia dead and her Carta wiped out. It would boost my popularity to be known as the one who eliminated her. And I could promise you the troops you need. I would offer you help but I imagine you know Dust Town far better than I do."

Odin paused as he faced the uncomfortable thought of killing so many of his fellow Dusters. "Killing Jarvia is one thing but many in the Carta are only there out of desperation. If they were to be given other options, say for instance fighting Darkspawn in the army, then they would surely be of greater use to you and me."

Bhelen looked thoughtful "I cannot change the Caste system until I have the Throne but if you can persuade them to abandon the Carta permanently and lay low until my coronation that would suit our goals admirably. As long as the Carta is dismantled of course" he added, eyes narrowing.

Odin nodded "Excellent, I'll deal with this now."

11111

Not so far away, on the considerably colder surface a rather haggard looking traveller was looking at a strange device that kept making ding noises at odd intervals. In spite of his cursing and complaints due to constant malfunctions it was slowly, very slowly (with lots of dead ends, false starts and circles) leading him towards the Frostback Mountains.

11111