BioWare owns all but what I made up. : )
So off we are to Orzammar...with a heigh ho and and a bonny-o. Kai is just thrilled to pieces. Something stinks in the state of Orzammar, and she is going to have to find out just what it is. I hope you enjoy it.
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Also, my apologies to you all. I hope you will forgive me. I did not intend to take so long getting this chapter out. I feel I fail you all with the length of time it takes lately, but Real Life does not want to cooperate. I do hope you find it worth the wait.
My signature blessings to you my lurkers, readers, and fans. And especially to those of you who take time out of your busy lives to review. I can't tell you all how much you mean to me, and how much I truly appreciate you all. : )
Blessings!
Kai stood rearranging the baskets of apples, filling in the gaps made as the bushels and baked goods sold. What was not surprising was the rate at which the various alcoholic wares disappeared. Branan still kept the supplies for the palace and Tapsters (carefully hidden beneath a tarp) until he received word that he would be allowed to deliver it inside the city. Under the guise of "protecting the kegs for Tapsters, Branan "hired" Sten and the band of mercenaries. It was a pretense that actually held a modicum of truth.
The delay, according to Branan, was unusual; dwarves loved their drink. Ever since Bhelen had taken the throne, human merchants were allowed, and even encouraged to visit inside of Orzammar. The strange wait resulted in a general edginess that infected Branan and his group.
The delay, perhaps, was not the only thing causing disquiet amongst them: the dwarves themselves exuded unease, both merchants and citizens alike. The tension was even worse here than at the Horn.
It reminded Kai of a hunting trip her family made when some of the nobles were visiting. They made the trip with falcons and the Huntsman's dogs for flushing birds into the sky. The fields were full of calls of their quarry, quail. When the shadow of the falcon would pass over the billowing wheat the silence descended as if a heavy blanket had been cast over the grain.
The tension of the birds would be released in a burst of terrified flight when the dogs would flush them out. This felt the same; and from the normally stalwart and stoic dwarves, it was most un-nerving. They reminded her of the stone they claimed to come from and return to, steady. For them to act as quail waiting for the falcon's punch, it must be very bad indeed.
Such thoughts made Kai tense and edgy along with the vibes from the dwarves. As a result she wasn't sleeping well, if at all. Not that the proximity to the Deep Roads was in any way the cause of her distress...oh no. She had such lovely memories from this place after all. The dwarven politics, more tangled and hard to traverse, than a pit of poisonous snakes. Then the pressing crush of darkspawn, their stench, their corruption around every corner coupled with the constant horrific nightmares; and the song of the archdemon so alluring and compelling rising to a deafening and terrifying crescendo when they came upon it directing the darkspawn armies in the trenches below. Ah yes, good times! Kai gave a mental snort.
"Well at least you don't have to worry about an archdemon this time, or a crazed dwaven woman turning into a broodmother, or a broodmother, or..." Alistair's cheeky voice sounded in her ear. Oh, yes and I managed to forget about that part, thank you so much for reminding me, smart guy. Kai rolled her eyes at him. "Sorry, mi' gra." She could hear his rueful grin. I really, really, really hate the Deep Roads. And dwarven politics gives me hives. Why do I feel as though I will be dealing with both again?. "Because there is no rest for the wicked?" She heard the laughter in his voice and she couldn't help but join him. Alistair always made things better, even when things looked bleakest, then as now. He was her light in the dark. Ha, very ha! Tell me again why I love you? "My minor obsession with my hair? My devilishly handsome looks? My love of fine cheeses? Take your pick." Kai gave him a mental snort and a smile.
Her inner dialogue was interrupted by Zev who tickled his fingers in her hair at the nape of her neck as he leaned in on the pretense of kissing her while he put his lips to her ear. "Jarren informs me that the delectably endowed Wynne wishes to meet you down the hill out of sight from the market. She will be there 'picking herbs for potions' as her reason for being there."
Kai smiled and rubbed his cheek leaning in, "I take it Wynne and Anders have found lodging inside the city then?"
"Si, and as soon as we are allowed in we may break away from Branan and avail ourselves of it." His fingers kneaded the base of her skull making it hard to concentrate. Perhaps pretending to be lovers snatching a moment was a bad idea. His lips tickled her jawbone, "And Tam and Jarren have secured curious positions for the scath and Sten as soldiers to the palace to 'keep the peace' they were told. One of Bhelen's men came looking for them specifically when he heard there were mercenaries in the market. Apparently there is a sort of behind the scenes martial law situation going on. Not where surfacers visiting Orzammar will notice, of course."
"No wonder the dwarves are tense. Just what by Andraste's flaming knickers are we getting ourselves into, I wonder. Well at least they will be in a prime position to spy at the palace."
Kai almost gasped when Zev's teeth gently nibbled her earlobe. "Ah, mi cielo, you and Trouble do have a very close relationship don't you?" He pulled back his amber eyes twinkling with mirth.
Kai wrinkled her nose at him, "Yes, as proven by the Antivan assassin standing before me." Zev gave her a throaty chuckle. "Well, at least you can't say being with me is boring." Kai shrugged at him.
Zev threw back his head and let out a full laugh this time, "Si, I cannot accuse you of that. Fortuna is a fickle mistress, she took so much away from me, and then she led me to you, my beautiful Kaidana." His fingers stroked down her neck, "And for that I hold no complaints, despite Trouble knowing where you are at all times, no?" He did kiss her this time, before continuing, "Say hello to our delightfully bosomed Wynne for me, and tell her I long for a pillow as soft and firm as..." Kai put a finger to his lips stopping his comment before he could finish. He grinned and kissed its tip.
She shook her head, grinning, grabbed a book, a hunk of bread, an apple, and cheese before telling Branan she was taking a lunch break. He nodded and Kai made her way discreetly around the market stopping at booths, gazing at wares, and talking to merchants while wending her way to the outer edge of the market where the land dropped off into a sloping hill. Kai paused at the edge, taking a deep breath, stretching, giving the impression she was taking in the view and relaxing.
Kai caught sight of Wynne's brightly colored mage robe as the enchanter wandered under the tall pines, using a small crescent shaped blade to cut herbs before placing the bunches in the specialized reed basket carried by two leather straps worn crossed ways over her torso.
Wynne's gray head looked up and Kai waved as one would, casually to a barely met acquaintance, which is what they were supposed to be. Wynne bobbed her head, and Kai went to sit on a large rock with a flat top that jutted out over the hill offering a stunning view of the valley below. Kai had discovered the rock back during the Blight when they first visited Orzammar. They had been waylaid by bounty hunters hired by Loghain to kill her, Alistair, and anyone with them, after Zevran's attempt failed. The rock had served as a place to stay from view while they cleaned off the blood.
Today she used it as a clandestine meeting place. Kai took out the book opening it up on her lap and while eating her lunch, waiting as Wynne made her way around the rock eventually, gathering herbs from its base before leaning against it as if she needed a break.
Kai stuck her finger between the pages of the book, while crunching her apple and looking into the valley below. Wynne looked in the same direction as if taking in the view. Kai whispered out of the corner of her mouth, "Zev told me you have lodging for us, once we get inside that is."
"Indeed. And I will say this young lady, that on the surface things appear to be normal. Normal, that is, if you aren't looking for trouble. Whoever is behind this is very clever. There are strange folk around the inner market square. They dress like Fereldens and speak in Ferelden, but with a slight accent, an accent I can't place." Wynne's brows furrowed, "One such stranger took to hovering around Garin, who sells lyrium and other minerals while Anders and I were there."
"Ah, yes, 'Garin the Giggler', as Alistair called him. One too many hits with the lyrium, even for a dwarf." Kai chuckled.
"Yes, well even our jocular Garin is not his usual cheerful self. Oh, he tries, but it's forced. The stranger, in particular seemed to make him nervous."
"Curiouser and curiouser. This is worrisome Wynne. I really don't like this at all." Kai let out a huff of air.
"Neither do I, my dear, neither do I." Wynne flashed Kai a rueful smile before rolling her shoulders and stepping away from the rock a bit. "When you get into Orzammar, go to Tapsters and order the lichen ale batter fried nug. The bar maid Corra will tell you they are out, but offer you Oghren's Nug Special. They will pass you instructions where we are staying, just in case we have to change locale before you get there."
Kai flashed Wynne a surprised look, raising her eyebrow. Wynne grinned and shrugged, "What? I been around a bard, an Antivan Assassin, and have followed a woman in charge of her own band of rogues, thieves, soldiers, assassins, and spies. I was bound to have picked up a trick or two by now. I may be old, young lady, but old mabari can learn new tricks." Wynne shot her a wicked grin, "Besides, I learned out of necessity as Trouble always seems to know just where you are does it not, young lady?"
"Hey-y!" Kai did her best Alistair imitation, "Have you and Zev and Ali been talking about me?"
The elder mage just chuckled and began to walk around to the other side of the rock. "We all came to that conclusion during the Blight, your recent adventures are only adding to our tally sheet." Kai humphed, which only made Wynne laugh harder as she walked away making her way back up the hill, stopping to gather herbs as she went.
"Tally sheet, really? UGH!" Kai bit into the apple once more, before throwing the remains in a high arc down the hill. "I suppose you were in on this, list, as well?" Kai asked into her head.
"Well, my love, we had to have something to help us keep up." Alistair's voice was filled with mirth. Thank you so-o much! You are a bad person! "Do you hate me?" Yes! And I will show you just how much when I get to the Fade. Kai gave him a chuckle. "We-ell, if you must know, Wynne is the one who started it. She even ran the betting pools...um, forget I said that." Bets? Oh ho! That sly old bird and I need to have a little chat sometime. "Blast, um...okay, I need to go, I hear your mum calling! Bye, mi gra!" And with that Alistair was gone.
Kai gave a snort while jumping down from the rock and then making her way back up to the marketplace. Apparently her timing was impeccable as always, Branan was preparing to deliver the kegs to the palace and Tapsters. He nodded to her as they loaded kegs into smaller wagons that were hand drawn, with long handles.
They drew the wagons into Orzammar passing through the large metal doors, out of the Hall of Paragons, and into the atrium area of the Commons.
The view never ceased to amaze her. The cavernous room carved out of solid rock by dwarven engineers. Sounds from the normally vibrant market place bouncing and rebounding from wall to building, to ceiling and back again. The dwarves lit the cavern with a combination of torches, lanterns, braziers, the lava channels, and a very clever use of air vents lined with pyrite that bounced sunlight into the interior. The result was an extremely well lit city. Not as bright as being outside on the surface, but no one would ever be likely to trip over their feet because it was too dark. In fact, it reminded Kai of twilight or just at dawn when the world was visible but hazy falling into shadows.
Branan led them first to the right, past Figor's Imporium, the Nug Wrangler Boermor, and Garin the mineral merchant. Kai tied on her kerchief over her head and covered the vallaslin on her face with the makeup Leli had given her. She kept the her head down as they passed Boermor and Garin. Kai didn't want them recognizing her.
She kept alert for the strangers Wynne mentioned and noticed groups of two to four in various areas around the commons. All were dressed as Wynne described, common clothing for Fereldens. And as the mage said, unless you were looking for trouble, every thing seemed to be normal. But Kai watched as Boermor flashed looks at a group of three such "Fereldens" standing near his shop. The group appeared to be wandering the commons talking, but they were keeping eyes on Garin and the nug wrangler.
Kai paid special attention as they passed the three men and one woman stood talking. They did indeed speak Ferelden, but the accents were slightly off. Kai hoped that if she heard them she might be able to place it, unfortunately that was not going to be the case.
They stood in front of wide metal doors that opened to let them into the lift that would take them to the upper levels of the city and the Diamond Quarter. They were to deliver to the palace first, the King's personal supply. They would deliver to Tapsters afterwards.
Kai found her mind wandering on the long ride up to the Diamond Quarter. She reckoned that she spent a month of her life just riding this hoist when visiting Orzammar during the Blight. Oghren began humming under his breath the song "Dwarven Girl from Emponeema Thaig." This too was familiar from the time she and he had met here a lifetime ago. The song was just long enough to last the whole the ride up. The only problem with the tune... it usually managed to work its way into one's brain and not leave for a fortnight.
"Dwarf, cease that obnoxious melody." Sten's voice growled from over Kai's head. "I have no desire to spend three hours in extra meditation on the Qun to remove it from my mind."
"I could squish its head like a lemon...squi-ish. That would end its horrid noise." Shale's voice sounded from behind her as well.
Oghren turned and looked at their giant companions. "You, giant...whatever you are, sod off. The song makes the ride go faster." Oghren belched, "And, you, you giant walking statue, are supposed to be my pet." He waved the broken control rod, "So no threatening dismemberment, head flattening, or any other harm to my person. Heh, old Oghren is in charge."
"Only in pretend, drunken dwarf. You could find yourself falling into a lava channel." Kai could feel Sten's stare on the back of her head. "Kadan, is in charge as always."
"And a good thing too, or we would all find ourselves captured, dead, or lost if the drunken dwarf were leading us." Shale's voice sounded with contempt, and Kai stifled a giggle with her hand.
Poor Branan was not used to her companions' bickering, flashed her a look. He must have thought they were serious and disliked each other. Kai gave Branan a wide grin and a head shake. He returned the smile, nodding, before shaking his own head at their insults.
The doors opened allowing them to leave the confinement of the box and stopped Oghren from responding and ending the argument. They made their way down the stone corridor towards the palace. As they passed Horrowmont's estate, Kai felt a wave of guilt. She asked Behlen to spare the man, but he refused. In dealing with Anora, Kai understood. If she had taken Morrigan up on that ritual, and Ali had lived, they would have been in the same situation. Execute Anora or forever take the chance that supporters of hers would free the woman and cause trouble. Still, it was not a shining moment in her life. "Sometimes life hands us the choice of two evils, my love. You did the best you could with what you were given. And I know that you did far better with it all, and still do, than I would have." Alistair's voice was the soothing balm now as it had been then, when she had been thrown into a fit of despair, self-loathing, and doubt. Thanks, beloved, I still feel badly about it all though.
Zevran, perhaps sensing her mood, reached out and grasped her free hand with his, linking their fingers before raising them to his lips and kissing them. Kai smiled and gave him a sigh with a wink.
At the palace they were stopped at the doors by guards, asked their business, and then subjected to a thorough inspection. Once inside, they were subjected to the same before speaking to the Chamberlain who took the delivery before handing over a leather sack filled with Branan's payment. Kai noticed more human's dressed in noble attire this time, peppered amongst the dwarven nobility. The tension and un-ease were strongest here.
Sten, and her Scath were ushered into an alcove to speak to Vartag Gavorn, Bhelen's right-hand man. While Branan stood talking to the Chamberlain about the expectations of future shipments, Kai noticed Vartag kept shooting looks her way. Despite her clothing, and her covering her tattoos, she was certain he recognized her. She cocked an eyebrow at him, widening her eyes slightly. He quietly rolled his eyes towards her companions standing before him and back at her. She gave the slightest nod, which he returned. He gave her a pointed look, but Kai was uncertain to its meaning. She could only return it with a pointed look of her own, before they turned to leave.
They rode the damnable elevator once more, though Oghren refrained from humming, barely; and back around to the commons to the area that led to Tapsters and then on to Dust Town, if one kept going. They did not keep going, but stopped instead at the tavern. Branan knew they would be leaving him once they had unloaded the kegs for Tapsters. Some of his employees had already entered Orzammar and were inside Tapsters. They had clothing on that would be switched out with Kai and Zev, so as not to arouse suspicion. They would leave with Branan. Argus was with Anders and Ser Pounce since Kai figured that a three hundred pound mabari going in, but not coming out would certainly garner notice.
So, far they seemed to be getting into place without much trouble, save that whole moment with Vartag. Kai wasn't sure if that wasn't going to bite them all in the backside. She was going on instinct that Vartag didn't not like what was going on, and would be on their side. She hoped so at any rate.
Branan approached Corra the hostess, and owner, and her father, the barkeep, to notify them of the delivery. They were ushered to the back storeroom behind the bar where Kai and Zevran met with Branan's servants. They quickly exchanged clothing and Branan and his employees left the storeroom with a bit of a noise so they would be noticed. Kai and Zevran using their rogue skills walked in the shadows and made their way to the front of the tavern before reappearing as if they had just walked in the door.
They made their way back to Corra who stood again in her usual place by the bar greeting newcomers. She gave them the standard greeting but with a sly wink. Kai grinned and at her, "I'd like a drink, and your ale batter fried nug. One for me and my friend here." Kai nodded her head at Zevran.
Corra smiled, "With fifty-two types of ales, seventeen types of mead, and a dozen imported wines, we should be able to serve your needs. As to the fried nug, well we ran out and the batter needs to steep in the ale for a time. I can recommend the Oghren's Special though, named for one of our own who became a hero during the Blight fighting with the 'Hero of Ferelden' may she rest with the Stone. What'll you have?"
Kai kept from snorting, barely, "Oghren's Special for both of us. A mug of mead for me, and a glass of your best Antivan red for my friend here."
Corra nodded, and motioned for one of the bar maids to lead them to a table. The dark-haired dwarf walked up to them with a slight smile. She was beautiful, with smooth skin, green hazel eyes, and striking features. The silken skin of her face was marred only by the tattoo for the casteless on her right cheek, and the beautiful geometric design on her forehead. She gave them a slight bow, before waving an arm indicating they should follow her in that direction.
The bar maid led them to the back of the tavern sitting them in one of the furthest seats but strategic in that they had their backs to a wall and they could see the entire bar. Kai spent only a moment wondering if Corra gave instructions to her staff about her preference on not letting anyone come up behind them. That was soon dispelled when the bar maid gave a quick glance around before leaning in, "Hello, 'Hero of Ferelden'."