21
Upon reaching Skyhold, Talia's first course of action was to order everyone to rest. They had all looked like death warmed over them, unsurprising, since they'd been trudging through knee-high snow for the past few days. Blackwall had tried to stay on watch while they rested, but Talia had given him a stern look and eventually wore him down. She knew they were safe in Skyhold—not only was the fortress steeped in defensive magic, but the wards she'd placed around the main hall were still holding.
They spent the next few days slowly clearing up the main hall and some of the adjacent rooms. They were severely undermanned, but they made do with what they had. Blackwall apparently, had spent some of his years helping villages reconstruct their homes after the Blight, and was more knowledgeable about carpentry than either her or Felix. Together, the three of them managed to plan out what to fix in Skyhold.
Despite his illness, Felix insisted on helping, using his magic to do the heavy lifting, clearing rubble here and there. Talia didn't mention it to him, but she noticed how he deteriorated with each passing day. There was a lethargy to his movement and a paleness to his complexion that he couldn't hide despite insisting he was all right.
Talia had taken over one of the rooms connecting to the main hall, turning it into a make-shift study for her. She cleared the area out, and pushed a desk to one corner of the room, facing the door. Felix had commented about her paranoia when she put protective wards not just over her doors and window, but also her table.
"It's not as if anyone can ever read what you write, Talia," he said in a tone that was more fond than exasperated. Felix wasn't wrong, but it was better to be careful. She'd also retrieved the Wabbajack from where she'd left it in one of the bedrooms, wrapped it with old, heavy fabric they'd scavenged, and propped it in one corner of the room. She didn't want anyone seeing the staff. Owning a staff would already make people suspicious, but if they saw what the Wabbajack even looked like...
And if they accidentally cast a spell using it?
The very thought made Talia grimace and cast a chameleon ward over the artifact, ensuring that the staff would remain out of anybody's sight.
Near the end of their first fortnight in Skyhold, Harding passed by, bringing an entire caravan of men and supplies. At Talia's raised eyebrow, the dwarf simply gave her a secretive smile and handed over a letter from Leliana.
There wasn't any fluff in the Spymaster's correspondences, and for that, Talia was grateful. She gave her a rundown of what was happening in Haven. Indoril had already made her way back to the village, and was preparing for the voyage to Val Royeaux. Leliana and Cassandra would be accompanying her to the meeting with the chantry officials.
Of course, you already know this.
After our conversation, I told Josephine some of what you told me, and we both agreed that you have been truthful this time around. We've sent some men to help with the repairs, as well as a dwarven engineer to assess the damage.
We have yet to inform Cullen and Cassandra about the situation, but if we wish to continue working as a cohesive unit, they must be briefed.
I'll be sending your requested report on Warden Blackwall with my next letter.
Thank you for the Andraste's Grace.
Talia shook her head at how she ended the letter. Leliana had never acknowledged the flower in any of their conversations, now she knew why.
With the help of the additional men, they'd managed to transform the lowest floor of the fort into a semi-functional base of operations.
Perhaps the most valuable addition to their crew at Skyhold was Gatsi, the Dwarven Engineer that Josephine had sent along with the caravan of supplies. Talia and Blackwall accompanied him around the fortress as he took stock of the damages. They exchanged raised eyebrows as he pressed his ears on the walls and scribbled furiously on his vellum.
As they completed their first circuit of Skyhold, they returned to Talia's office to discuss Gatsi's assessment.
"Well, the good news is that main foundations of the fort are still structurally sound. The undercroft in particular is a work of art, any dwarf worth his salt would be a fool to alter anything down there," Gatsi said, as he squinted at his list. Talia didn't know much about buildings, but she listened attentively and looked to Blackwall whenever there was something she couldn't understand.
"I know a reliable group of stonemasons, and carpenters; they're staying up near the Fereldan-Orlesian border. They're affordable, and they're the best in the business. We can source most of the needed materials from Gwaren and Jader."
"Isn't there a dwarven kingdom nearby? Why not from there?" Felix asked curiously.
Gatsi hesitated for a brief moment, but Talia picked up on it right away.
"Is there a problem?"
Gatsi sighed. "Yes, one large problem unfortunately. Orzammar's currently on high alert. There's been an issue with the throne. Ever since the King disbanded the Assembly, there's been…well…a lot of dwarves weren't happy. There's been a lot of attacks on the throne, but none have been successful until recently." He licked his lips in anxiousness. "Apparently someone who'd been banished to the Deep Roads came back and made an attempt on King Bhelen's life. Even succeeded in killing his left-hand man, Frandlin Ivo."
Talia's eyebrows rose in surprise. "That is quite serious. Is Orzammar on lock down, then?"
"Not officially." He shrugged. "But it may as well be. There's been a ridiculous amount of security when entering and exiting the kingdom. It might take a long time before you're able to get the materials you need."
"I see," Talia merely said before steering the conversation back to the Skyhold. When they'd finished their briefing, Felix and Blackwall remained in the room while Gatsi left to start listing the needed supplies.
"Well, that complicates matters," Felix sighed as soon as the door was shut.
"We can still source most of the materials elsewhere." Blackwall leaned on Talia's desk.
"The materials aren't the problem." Talia pursed her lips. "Stormcrown is in the Deep Roads, and finding her takes priority over everything else."
"What makes finding the Warden-Commander so important?" Blackwall asked with a frown. "I'm not clear on what her role is to be in the Inquisition."
Talia glanced at Felix surreptitiously before answering. "Well, as I told you before, she has information I need. And we're kin…of a sort. There is much the two of us needs to discuss."
The Warden observed her discreetly as she mentioned being 'kin'. No doubt, he was still wondering what she was and how she'd come to be. Felix had suggested that she be truthful with Blackwall, but Talia wasn't so sure. The mere mention of the time-travel incident had shaken him badly; it took days before he became comfortable in their presence again, and even then, he was still on his guard.
What would his reaction be to learning she was displaced through time and space?
"Apart from that," she continued. "There is the issue with the missing Wardens. Leliana still hasn't found any information on them, unfortunately."
"You don't think they could be responsible for what happened at the Temple?" Blackwall said somewhat defensively. "The Wardens have only ever worked towards the safety of Thedas. And they don't have any interests in the Chantry."
Talia raised her hand in a placating gesture. "We're not saying they had anything to do with it. But they might know something about it. You have to admit that disappearing in such a manner isn't making them look too good."
Blackwall grumbled but didn't dispute her statement.
"You think Orzammar would accept outside aid?" Felix asked suddenly.
"Felix?" she asked curiously.
"There's only one entrance to the Deep Roads; I'm sure the King won't allow anyone to go in or out as long as this entire business hasn't been resolved," he elaborated. "But, if someone were to hunt down this fiend—,"
"That's all well and good for entering, but if we don't actually kill whoever it is that's been attacking him, he'll probably have us all executed." Talia pointed out. "And even if we did manage to get away, I don't think it's a good idea to antagonize the ruler of a foreign kingdom."
"The King may not care about us and our excuses, but he knows Stormcrown doesn't he?"
Talia was surprised that Felix even knew about that, but not as startled as Blackwall was.
"Really?" the Warden asked.
Felix gave Blackwall an unreadable look before responding. "Yes. I've read about it in texts. She settled the civil war when she was enforcing the Grey Warden treaties. I don't remember the details, but I'm certain the King owes his coronation to her."
That was right. Talia had read about that as well, how Stormcrown had returned from the Deep Roads with a crown fashioned by one of their missing nobles or some such.
Sighing, Talia pulled a piece of parchment from her drawer and handed Felix some ink.
"If we're going through with this madness, then we'd better ask what Leliana knows."
The response from the Spymaster came two days before they were to set out for Orzammar. In the five days they were waiting, the trio wasn't idle. They pored over their plans, trying to find alternatives to entering and exiting the Deep Roads. Blackwall and Talia often sparred, trying to get used to each other's fighting style. It took much convincing on her part, but Felix had finally agreed to stay behind and look after Skyhold.
"It's not just your health I'm worried about, Felix," she had told the mage as he gave her a skeptical look. "If all of us leave, who will the men look to for instruction? I know there are leaders among the scouts, but I'd feel a lot more comfortable if someone I trust is on top of things."
And while Felix finally relented, he still insisted that Talia bring one of the other scouts or soldiers with them. She thought bringing another would lead to complications, but in the end, she'd asked which of the archers would be willing to follow them into the Deep Roads.
Hadrian was eventually their chosen candidate. He was a young, human scout who excelled in infiltration. And while he did pale at the mention of the dreaded Deep Roads, there was no hesitation when he pledged his bow to their quest.
Blackwall gave them lectures on the different types of darkspawn they could encounter and how best to deal with them. The dunmer had yet to encounter one, so she was more than willing to let the Warden take command. Hadrian was surprisingly insightful, pointing out potential weaknesses in the dark creatures and proposing new techniques and formations he believed useful.
Blackwall was teaching Hadrian some close combat techniques when a scout appeared with Leliana's letter.
"You should continue the lesson." Talia waved to Blackwall. "But meet us back at my study when you're done."
Felix was already in Talia's office when she got there, and he looked up from where he was examining some maps to greet her.
"Letters from Leliana." She waved the folded-up paper. "Let's see what she has to say about Blackwall before he gets here."
Leaning against her table, she unfolded the parchment and flattened the creases out of the letter. Felix settled beside her and read along over her shoulder.
Talia frowned as she skimmed the report on Blackwall; Leliana couldn't find any information on who he was prior to being recruited by the Wardens in Cumberland. She raised her eyebrows when she read that he was the Warden-Constable, and that he'd been awarded something called the "Silverite Wings of Valor". So, he was essentially the second-in-command? But why was he away from the order for so long? Why didn't he know anything about the Taint? Why didn't he know anything about what happened to the Wardens?
"Something doesn't add up." As Talia glanced over at Felix, she could see him squinting thoughtfully. "He's the second-in-command? Then why doesn't he know what happened to the Wardens of Orlais?"
"I don't know," Talia replied. "It's…strange, to say the least, but Leliana hasn't found anything incriminating about him."
"The Grey Wardens are a fairly secretive bunch, though. And Blackwall does strike me as the kind that would follow orders down to the letter."
That was true.
"Do you think we can trust him?" Talia asked.
Felix looked thoughtful for a moment before nodding. "We don't know much about him, but he seems like a genuinely good person. The men I found with him with during our initial meeting…they were farmers, stablehands, the like. None of them had any battle experience, and Blackwall went out of his way to teach them how to swing a sword, block attacks—the basics of survival. He claimed he wanted to recruit them for the Wardens, but I think he just wanted to save those men."
"He does seem to be the do-gooder type," Talia agreed.
"Your complete opposite then?" Felix quipped and her lips twitched in amusement. She huffed, but didn't deny the statement.
"It's obvious that Blackwall's hiding something," Talia said instead. "But…I suppose as long as it doesn't affect us, he can keep his secrets."
For now, she added in her mind. Secrets were dangerous things—she should know, she dealt in secrets all the time. But they had more pressing matters to deal with than the mystery that was Blackwall.
Felix gave her a skeptical look, but just as he was about to answer, he was seized by a coughing fit. Talia immediately supported him by the arm and rubbed his back lightly until it subsided. She observed his palms surreptitiously as he straightened, and was relieved that there was no blood.
"Well…that was unpleasant," he rasped and he wiped tears that gathered in his eyes from the force of his coughing.
"Do you need any water?" she asked lightly. Talia had begun to be more careful in her words. She knew Felix was getting worse, but he didn't need her to point it out.
"No." He let out another series of coughs, shorter than the last. "I'll be fine. Let's see what Leliana has to say about King Bhelen."
Though Felix gave her an exasperated look for her efforts, Talia steered him towards a chair and set him down gently and, with a casual flick of her hand, summoned the pitcher and glass from across the room and into her hands.
"That is possibly the most casual use of magic I've ever witnessed in my life," Felix commented incredulously as she poured him a glass of water.
"Magic has always been a part of my life. I use it for every mundane thing I can think of," she admitted, placing back the pitcher on her table. "Tests your control and helps deepen your magicka pool. I'd have thought you Tevinters did the same."
"Well, of course." The mildly affronted tone had Talia chuckling. "But I don't think I've ever summoned a pitcher of water because I was too lazy to walk a few strides."
"There's always a first time for everything," Talia said in amusement. "You've already used magic to clear out dust from a room, you'll get there eventually."
A sharp knock on the door, announced the arrival of Blackwall. She beckoned to him when he opened the door tentatively.
The Warden nodded at Felix in greeting as he approached.
"How did the lesson with Hadrian go?" Felix asked.
"Well enough. He's a quick study, managed to think up some new formations that could help us out, Herald." He addressed the last sentence to Talia.
The dunmer nodded in approval. "We were just about to start with Leliana's report on Bhelen."
Talia placed Leliana's letter on the desk, and the three of them crowded around it. They were silent as they went through Leliana's report, save for some displeased scoffs from Blackwall and sighs from Felix. The more Talia knew about Bhelen, the more she was discomfited by their coming mission. When she finished, she shared a grimace with the two men.
"I can't believe he killed one of his brothers and framed the other just to get the throne," Blackwall said in disgust.
Oh, Talia could believe it. Some people would do anything for a taste of power. She was more surprised that Leliana managed to get this information. Where, when and how, she didn't know, but she was impressed, nonetheless.
"Ruthless, merciless, and cunning. Not exactly a great combination for us." Felix sighed.
"It doesn't look good," Talia agreed. "Bhelen routinely kills off or exiles his opposition. I'm not seeing what kind of deal we can strike with him that will end with all of us still alive."
Felix rubbed his jaw, looking thoughtful. "Leliana mentioned that the easiest way would be to mention the Warden."
"Yes, but in what context?" Talia asked.
"Can't you claim any relation to her?" Felix leaned back on his chair. "Maybe you can go on to say you're looking for your sister or something of the sort."
"Now that Leliana's revealed this much about Bhelen, I'm a bit worried about our reception if we introduce ourselves as members of the Inquisition."
"I don't know if you've noticed, but you're quite distinct in appearance," Felix said somewhat sardonically. "Once Bhelen sees you, he'll know without a doubt that you're from the Inquisition."
"Maybe Hadrian and I should go without you?" Blackwall offered. "I'm a Warden, it wouldn't be out of the ordinary for me to be looking for the Warden-Commander. And Hadrian can pose as one as well."
"It's not a bad idea…" Talia pursed her lips in thought. "But I doubt you'll be able to convince Stormcrown to come with you without me."
"Well…what if there was a way for Blackwall and Hadrian to pose as Wardens, but you get to accompany them at the same time?" Felix suddenly said.
Blackwall frowned. "I'm not seeing how she can sneak in without being seen. As far as we know, there's only one entrance into the mountain."
"Well, you know…" Felix rubbed the back of his neck in discomfort and sent Talia a meaningful glance that left her confused.
Blackwall raised his eyebrow at the mage's odd behavior. "We know…?"
"Just spit it out, Felix," Talia said impatiently.
Felix shrugged as if to say 'well, I tried'. "The ring."
"The ring?" Blackwall asked in bemusement.
"Ah," she said in understanding.
Felix gave her another glance and tilted his head in Blackwall's direction. The Warden, to his credit, tried not to look as annoyed as he probably felt. "Are you going to explain…?"
Talia hesitated briefly before reaching into her pocket. As much as possible, she didn't want to show or explain the daedric artifacts she had to anyone. Even on Nirn, it wasn't something that could be announced and paraded around. She pulled out the Ring of Khajiiti from her pocket and tilted it towards the wall sconce, allowing Blackwall to see it clearly.
"It's…a family heirloom," Talia lied. "Enchanted with a chameleon spell." When Blackwall still looked confused, she elaborated, "It makes me almost invisible."
"Almost invisible?"
She gave Blackwall a small smile, before putting it on.
As her body disappeared, Blackwall jerked away in surprise, and even Felix jumped a little.
"It's not fool proof in any way." The Warden whipped his head around in shock as she spoke. "Here, watch the light sconce."
Talia lifted her hand and slowly waved it in front of the light. The look of concentration on both their faces as they tried catching a glimpse of her hand was quite amusing.
"You're right," Blackwall said after a moment. "There's a strange distortion in the air. Is that your hand?"
"What? I can't see anything." Felix frowned.
"It can be difficult to see, but it is possible," Talia said as she took off the ring. Both flinched as she reappeared. "The ring lets me blend with my surroundings, but it's not an invisibility spell. If there's a strong enough light source, they will spot me."
But it was a good idea, brilliant in fact. There would be problems if there would be conflicting stories about where she currently was. Especially due to the sensitive nature of their meeting in Val Royeaux.
Blackwall nodded. "You can follow behind me and Hadrian. Or avail yourself of a dark corner in the room while we convince the King?"
That was the part that Talia was worried about. While she admired Blackwall's skill with a sword, she wasn't too impressed with his diplomacy.
"Maybe we can get Hadrian to do most of the talking?" Felix piped up. "He was originally Leliana's agent wasn't he? That means he's had experience with this sort of thing."
"I agree," Talia said. "We can go over what we think the King will ask and how both of you should respond. And I'll be there to intervene and help both of you with answering the King's questions. Just…try not to react when I start whispering in your ear."
Blackwall grimaced. "That's easier said than done."
"Then we'll have to practice a lot, don't we?" She shared a determined look with the two men before they hunkered down and concretized their plan of action.
The day of their departure dawned bright and early. For once, the wind wasn't howling at the Frostbacks and snow wasn't falling. While it was still cold, it was far from the freezing temperatures Talia had come to associate with the area.
She was saddling her horse, a beautiful chestnut-colored Dalish All-Bred. Sylvia, the woman assigned to the stables, had assured her that it was from good stock, raised by Master Dennet himself. Talia had spent some time getting to know the animal before their departure, grooming him and feeding him some treats. It was a proud thing, but fiercely loyal to Talia, and wouldn't allow any other to mount him. The haughty way it tossed its mane and, for lack of better term, glared at anyone who tried to touch it reminded Talia of a certain uptight and prickly guard captain.
And so, she'd lovingly named the beast Hieronymus.
When Blackwall had first heard her call her horse by its name, he had given her an incredulous look. She had raised an eyebrow, daring him to say anything against her choice, and he'd hastily assured her it was a fine name.
Felix had no such qualms.
"Hieronymus? Really?"
The Tevinter was seeing them off, despite Talia's gentle suggestions that he should probably start resting a bit more.
"What? It suits him." She shrugged.
"'Demon' might be a more apt name," he said drily, and Talia chuckled lightly.
"He just reminds me of someone." She stroked the horse's mane fondly. "A story for another day." She forestalled his questions.
"Well, here's hoping I'll still be around to hear that story."
Talia paused in her ministrations and turned to the mage. Felix gave her a small, sad smile.
"I suppose this is goodbye, for now?" he asked, extending his hand for a friendly shake.
Talia smiled as she gripped Felix's hand. "Yes," she said, as she tugged him forward. His surprise made it easy for Talia to pull him forward into a hug. "We'll see each other soon."
Felix squeezed once before letting her go.
"Are we ready to leave?" Talia turned to Hadrian as the scout approached, already on his horse.
"Everything's ready, Your Worship."
Talia nodded at him, and mounted her horse. She looked down at Felix and smiled. "See you soon." She turned to the two men accompanying her. "Let's go." She spurred her horse forward.
As they passed the stone bridge, Talia paused and looked back at Skyhold. Felix was still standing near the gates, and while she couldn't see him very clearly, she thought he looked melancholic. Resigned to his fate…his death.
I'll come back for you. I will save you.
"My lady?" Blackwall asked.
Talia was filled with newfound determination. "It's nothing. Lead the way, Blackwall."
Their trip was mostly quiet. Talia wasn't in any mood to do small talk, still lost in her thoughts about Stormcrown, Felix, and what was waiting for them in Orzammar. Blackwall picked up on her mood, and decided not to engage her, while Hadrian just seemed to be nervous.
The sun was already sinking in the sky when Blackwall signaled for them to stop. They were still a good hour or two away from Orzammar's gates, but they had to regroup before continuing their trip.
The three went over their plan as Blackwall and Hadrian suited up.
There were a few parts of some Grey Warden armor found in the pile of mail, shields, and weapons brought into Skyhold by Harding. Blackwall managed to find a chestpiece, a pair of pauldrons, and vambraces that fit him, and Talia looked for other armor parts that didn't look too out of place with the rest of his outfit.
Hadrian's case was a bit harder, they found some leather armor, and had to incorporate parts of a Warden battlemage's armor to his cuirass.
"I feel like an impostor in these clothes," Hadrian muttered as he flexed his arms, testing his flexibility.
"You are an impostor." Talia said in amusement, and the man flushed in embarrassment.
"Unless there's another Warden there, I doubt they'll notice anything out of place. If that happens, I'll just say you're my recruit," Blackwall reassured them. He turned to Talia. "Will you be riding with me, or Hadrian?"
Blackwall had been the one to point out that even if the person was somewhat invisible, a horse that was burdened with someone looked very different from one that wasn't; someone might notice the depressed saddle. Apart from that, it would be difficult to ride the horse without holding onto its reins, and floating leather straps might tip the guards off.
"I think it would be more prudent to ride with Hadrian." He took up less space than Blackwall on the saddle, and she would be seated behind him. Hopefully, the darkness would cover the fact that his armor would be pressing up against an invisible barrier.
"What about footprints, your Worship?" Hadrian asked. "There's snow everywhere…"
"Let me handle the footprints," Talia said firmly. Water walking spells worked for all types of water, including snow. She'd found out accidentally while on an assignment in Bruma before. Both Blackwall and Hadrian had yet to be made aware of her magic, and she intended for it to stay that way until absolutely necessary.
Hadrian mounted his horse, and Talia settled in behind him before putting on the ring. Blackwall gave them a once-over before getting on his own horse. Their packs had all been transferred onto Hieronymus, and the reins on her horse were tied to Blackwall's.
It was nightfall when they were finally approaching the gates to Orzammar. The path to the stronghold eventually widened into a large clearing, where different dwarven merchants had set up shop.
Talia marveled at the place as they approached. The entrance to the Dwarven Kingdom was carved into the mountain and there were two statues of dwarves towering over them on either side of the gate. Above the gates was a sentry station with two flags protruding from each side. Two of the guards stationed near the gates started walking towards them, and both Blackwall and Hadrian stopped their approach. The dunmer silently cast a water-walking spell, along with a muffle, and dismounted the horse before the guards could come near. Hadrian twitched almost imperceptibly as she did, but otherwise, showed no indication of her movement.
One of the guards grinned at them, but the other looked disgruntled at seeing the two, and eyed their uniforms warily. The two dismounted their horses once the guards were a few meters away.
"Hail, travelers. What brings you to the gates of Orzammar?"
"Greetings." Hadrian gave them a polite smile, bringing one fist to his chest in salute. "I am Hadrian, and this is Constable Blackwall, Wardens of the Grey. We would like to request passage into the Deep Roads."
"Well you can't, Orzammar's closed to outsiders." The rude guard said flatly. His companion gave him a dubious look, which Hadrian seemed to notice as well.
"I'm afraid that's not an option for us," Hadrian said seriously. "This task is of utmost importance not just to our unit but to the entirety of the Order. We must enter the Deep Roads."
"And I already said that you can't," he snapped. "I don't care who you are, no one's entering Orzammar tonight."
Hadrian narrowed his eyes. "Surely you don't want to be known as the guard who obstructed the Wardens from performing their duties?"
"What?"
"As I've mentioned, this task comes from the top of the command chain. If we come back empty handed, whose name do you think are we going to mention?"
"And why would I care about which of you assholes knows my name?"
"What do you think will happen if we aren't able to enter the Deep Roads?" Hadrian crossed his arms. "The Commander will lodge a complaint with King Bhelen, and guess who's going to have to take the brunt of the King's wrath?"
As the guard paled, Talia couldn't help but be impressed with how Hadrian was handling the situation so far.
The young man shrugged. "If you still don't want to grant us entrance," he smirked. "I can always just invoke the Right of Conscription."
The guard looked like he would faint, though his companion seemed amused at what was happening. "You can't do that!"
"Oh, I can and I will," he said in a deadly quiet voice. "As I am a generous man, I shall give you until the count of three to decide your fate."
"B-but, but—!"
"Three." He gave the guard a smirk, before pitching his voice loudly. "I invoke the Right of—,"
"Stop, stop! All right! You can enter. But we don't decide who goes in and out of the Deep Roads. And before you complain, only the King can grant permission. Now, get out of my sight!"
The guard stomped away, with his companion snickering. As they moved away from them, the three could still hear their conversation faintly. "You know, this wouldn't have happened if you weren't flappin' your gums about, now would it?"
"Shut your trap."
"You do know," Blackwall said slowly as they led their horses to the stable at the side of the mountain, "that we're giving the Wardens a bad name by throwing around the right of conscription?"
"Meh." Hadrian shrugged. "I got us through the gates, didn't I? I wouldn't have done that if Orzammar's gates were truly closed to outsiders. The fact that the other guard gave our almost-warden-recruit a strange look after mentioning it made me suspicious. Besides, if the command actually came from the King, he would have led with that. And he wouldn't have caved to our demands."
"Good job, Hadrian," Talia said from somewhere behind them, and the two stiffened slightly before relaxing. "Don't answer," she added when Blackwall opened his mouth to speak. "I'll be following right behind you."
A different pair of guards met them at the gates and escorted them into the kingdom. The foyer was a large hall with various statues of different dwarves on either side of the hall. Talia squinted at the writing on one of the figures, and it read "Paragon Caridin". She assumed they were revered ancestors.
The next door opened to a large area, with a high enough ceiling that Talia had trouble spying it due to the dark. They walked across a large stone bridge, and when she looked down, the dunmer could see various other bridges and roads that led to different areas of the kingdom.
As they made their way to the palace, Talia kept her attention to the conversation Hadrian was having with their escorts. It was quite amazing to see him in his element, chatting with the guards, casually interjecting questions that let them learn more about what was happening in the kingdom.
It turned out that Orzammar was closed to outsiders, but this didn't include Grey Wardens. It wasn't just Frandlin Ivo that was killed, but also some deshyrs. After the deaths, Bhelen, through some convoluted Dwarven politics, managed to disband the Assembly, leaving him the sole power in Orzammar. Naturally, this caused some unrest, but dissenters were silenced swiftly.
The King apparently had grown paranoid due to the incident. Guards were stationed all around Orzammar, but he seemed to be focusing on the Deep Roads specifically. All guards that were at the Deep Roads entrance the night of the assassination were executed under grounds of treason. As Gatsi had mentioned, the suspected criminal was someone who'd been exiled from Orzammar years ago.
As they entered the palace, Talia noted that the everything seemed to be made out of stone and metal. If she had to compare it to what she knew, the layout seemed similar to Dwemer ruins she'd lightly explored in Skyrim.
They stopped before the throne room, and the chatty guard set out to look for the new steward. Just before leaving, he said a passing remark that made all three of them stop in their tracks.
"So, you gonna meet up with your Warden buddy?"
"Pardon?" Hadrian asked in confusion.
"The one that arrived a few weeks ago? What was his name?" the guard asked his companion, who only shrugged back. "Eh, not important. Tall human, long hair, face looked like it sucked on a really sour lemon."
Talia cursed in her mind. Their entire plan hinged on the fact that no one would be able to recognize them. Another Warden would complicate matters.
To Hadrian's credit, he managed to recover quickly. "Hmm. He's not familiar. Must have been sent from a different branch."
"Huh. Well, he's staying over at the Tapster's Tavern, if you'll be looking for him."
"Thanks," Hadrian said. "We'll look for him after everything's done."
"Paragon's blessings unto you, Wardens," he said before leaving. The other guard seemed content to stay quiet. Hadrian and Blackwall were giving each other meaningful looks, but were unable to speak freely due to the presence of the guard.
Talia looked around the room, looking for a good way to distract the guard. She spotted a dwarf noble seated on a bench near two suits of armor. With a telekinesis spell, she pulled both suits down onto the dwarf. The loud crash alerted all guards in the room, and the dwarf's shout had them all leaping from their posts to help her.
Blackwall and Hadrian both jumped and stared at the ensuing chaos. The Warden recovered more quickly, looking around him surreptitiously and speaking quietly, "My lady?"
"I'm here," Talia said quietly. "This mysterious Warden in Orzammar may be a problem, but if it's at all possible, we should avoid going to the Tapster's Tavern, or anywhere near the area. It may be best not to interact with him at all."
"But what do we do if it's inevitable? Surely after meeting the King today, he'll insist on meeting us together with the other Warden?" Hadrian asked.
"We'll cross that bridge when we get there," Blackwall said firmly. "For now, we focus on the meeting with the King."
"I agree," Talia said. She spied the chatty guard towing a harried-looking noble with him. "Look sharp, they're back."
"My apologies, Wardens." The noble greeted as he approached and shook both their hands, introducing himself as Wollum. "Have you been waiting long? Things have been quite…" He waved his hand in lieu of describing the Kingdom's state. "I assume you are here to ask permission to enter the Deep Roads?"
"Yes. Warden Blackwall and I have been tasked with an important mission from our Warden-Regent."
"This seems like an urgent matter. Well," he clapped his hands together. "The King is currently in a meeting with another, but given who you are and well…I'm sure you can all discuss it together."
Both Blackwall and Hadrian looked nonplussed at what Wollum was saying, but Talia understood what he said immediately, and she almost cursed out loud. The doors opened, and Wollum announced them.
"Your Majesty, may I present Warden-Constable Blackwall, and Warden Hadrian Threnhold?"
"You may approach." Came Bhelen's booming voice.
The man standing near the throne was exactly how the guard had described him. He was tall, with long, dark hair, and a scowl that rivalled Cassandra's on a bad day. As they approached the throne, he looked at the two men suspiciously.
Blackwall and Hadrian looked surprised at the presence of the other Warden, but thankfully, none of the horror Talia knew they felt seeped into their expressions. Both men glanced at the other man briefly before bowing in front of the King. "Your Majesty."
"Welcome, welcome, Wardens Blackwall and Threnhold to Orzammar." His tone was jovial, but Talia could see the sharpness in his eyes as he spoke. "What brings more Wardens to these Dwarven halls?"
Hadrian's eyes flickered over to the other warden before speaking. "Your Majesty. Warden Blackwall and I come before you to ask your permission to enter the Deep Roads." He took a deep breath before continuing. "Warden-Commander Stormcrown is urgently needed at our headquarters, and we have been tasked in searching for her. Our orders come from the Warden-Regent—,"
"Oh?" Bhelen all but purred, and Hadrian paused in speaking. "How very interesting."
Talia narrowed her eyes. What did the King know that they didn't?
The dwarf turned to the other Warden and addressed him. "Is that right…Warden-Regent Howe?"
Fuck. Talia thought as both Hadrian and Blackwall stiffened. Talia summoned a compulsion spell in her hand, ready to cast it onto the King or the other Warden. But the unthinkable happened next.
Howe straightened, looked Bhelen in the eye, and lied. "They were not referring to me. Warden Hadrian and Blackwall are both from the Wardens of Tantervale. Warden-Regent Celeste reached out to me weeks ago for the whereabouts of Warden-Commander Stormcrown, and I informed them she was currently in the Deep Roads."
Thankfully, neither Blackwall nor Hadrian gaped but Talia could sense the bewilderment in their eyes. Talia rubbed her brow in annoyance. She hadn't anticipated how difficult it was, to be on the sidelines and be unable to intervene.
Bhelen grunted, looking mildly put out. "I see. Well, as I've told you again and again, I cannot do this while the threat of assassination looms over me."
"King Bhelen," Howe said exasperatedly. "I fail to understand how allowing the Wardens through to the Deep Roads increases your risk of assassination. If you fear that this assassin is hiding out there, then you may post a hundred guards at the entrance while we step foot inside. But we must enter the Deep Roads."
The King gave Howe a cold look. "And I have already said what I need from you to get my permission."
"The Wardens are neutral."
Bhelen scoffed. "Tell that to Savith. She ended the civil war and put me on the throne. The Grey Wardens can intervene whenever they wish, Warden Howe. You cannot claim otherwise."
"The Deep Roads is a large place, you cannot expect us to—,"
"Do not presume what I can and cannot do in my own kingdom, Warden Howe." Bhelen's voice turned dangerous, and Hadrian stepped forward to diffuse the situation.
"King Bhelen, if my understanding is correct, you wish for the Wardens to seek out this assassin, presumably hiding out in the Deep Roads?" When Bhelen grunted his assent, Hadrian continued. "Our search for Warden-Commander Stormcrown takes precedence, as it is a direct command from our superior." He stood rigid as both Bhelen and Howe glowered at him. "However, once our task has been completed, we can present Warden Stormcrown to you, and then further discuss the situation with the assassin."
When Bhelen said nothing, Hadrian added, "The Warden Commander would likely prefer to be a part of this investigation into the assassin, especially since she knows you personally, and has spoken highly of you in the past."
The dwarven king narrowed his eyes but let out a hearty laugh. "You speak flowery words, young Warden. Very well. I accept these terms."
Hadrian bowed, and Talia could see the relief in his eyes.
"But I cannot hold you on your word alone," he added casually, and Talia could see Blackwall tense. "I will have to ask you to stay here to help guard me. The assassins could attack anytime, you see."
A hostage. Talia thought. That was bad, but likely the best deal they were going to get.
"I understand," Hadrian said bravely, and Talia couldn't be more proud of the young man. "But the decision rests on Warden-Regent Howe, as he is the highest ranking Warden here?"
Howe pursed his lips, but sighed and nodded tightly. "Very well."
"Excellent. We shall have a hearty meal before you depart tomorrow. Wollum will collect you from the Tapster's Tavern."
And without another word, he dismissed them.
Howe's body was taut as they exited the palace and made their way to the tavern. Blackwall and Hadrian shot each other worried looks as they followed after him, and Talia readied her dagger as they ascended the steps to Howe's room. Once they made their way in, Howe bolted the doors, and Talia cast a muffle spell on the room.
Without warning, the Warden whirled around far too quickly and pinned Hadrian to the wall, a dagger by his throat.
"Who are you?" he asked dangerously. "I know you're not Wardens. Why are you looking for Savith Stormcrown?"
Blackwall had his blade out, but Talia got there first. She pressed the Blade of Woe to Howe's exposed throat, and he stiffened as the cold metal kissed his skin.
"Let him go," Talia said softly. "And I promise to answer all your questions."
There was a moment of indecision before Howe dropped his blade, and Hadrian moved towards Blackwall and not so subtly hid behind him.
"Who are you?"
Talia sheathed her dagger and removed the Ring of Khajiiti. Howe's eyes widened as he took in her appearance. "You're—,"
"Talia Indoril."
"You're that Herald from the Inquisition? I've heard rumors, but I didn't think—," He shook his head. "Are you related to Savith then? Is that why you're looking for her?"
Talia sighed. "In a manner of speaking. We share family, though we aren't directly related."
Howe narrowed his eyes. "Why the deception then? Why go through this farce? You could have approached Bhelen on behalf of the Inquisition."
"Due to circumstances I cannot freely divulge," Talia said, referring to her accidental time travel. "It is paramount that Bhelen does not know that I am here…or anyone else for that matter. As for the 'farce', it was the simplest explanation we could think of that wouldn't raise much suspicion. Your presence here was simply…chance. Besides, Blackwall is an actual Warden, Hadrian is not."
Howe eyed Blackwall before turning to Hadrian. "Much as it chafes me to commend you for what you did, I highly doubt we would have been able to enter the Deep Roads without your intervention."
Hadrian eyed him nervously before nodding. "It was the only thing I could think of. It worked out rather well, except for the part where I became a willing hostage."
Blackwall clapped him on the back. "You did well, and I believe you will continue to do so."
"I agree with Blackwall," Talia said. "You've shown real skill in speech, and your ability to adapt to the given situation was rather masterful."
"Thank you, Your Worship." The young man turned bright red.
"So," Talia turned to Howe. "This isn't the ideal situation for any of us. But I do believe we share a similar goal."
"Unfortunately."
"Unfortunately," she agreed.
Howe sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Before we start, I need to speak with him." He pointed to Blackwall with his free hand, and the Warden started.
"What about?" Talia asked curiously.
"Warden business," he said sharply. Howe grabbed Blackwall by the elbow and all but hauled him out of the room.
Talia didn't try to eavesdrop, since she wasn't alone, though she was sorely tempted to. Silence permeated between her and Hadrian for a quite some time before he broke it.
"I wonder what they're discussing," Hadrian said, as he took a seat on one of the chairs.
"What's your opinion of Warden Howe?"
"Too serious for his own good. Adaptable. Cunning, and smart."
"That lie about the Wardens of Tantervale was done rather smoothly," she agreed.
"Loyal to Savith Stormcrown. As long as we can get her on our side, he will follow her lead."
Their conversation was cut short as the two returned. When Blackwall and Howe entered the room, their companion was bone white, while Howe had a grim look on his face.
Talia raised an eyebrow at Blackwall, but he shook his head ruefully.
"I don't trust any of you," Howe said bluntly.
"The feeling is mutual," Hadrian muttered.
"Trust cannot be given so easily in times such as these," Talia said. "But we have no choice but to work together to find Savith."
And finally get some answers. She thought.
Talia extended her hand, and Howe, after a moment's hesitance, reached out and shook it firmly.
"We appreciate your help, Warden Howe."
The man spread out a map of the Deep Roads onto the table, before sighing. "Call me Nathaniel."
"Nathaniel, then."
As the four of them bent over the map, Talia couldn't help but be worried and excited for what was to come. A step closer to Savith Stormcrown was a step closer to getting back to Nirn.
A/N: Sorry for the long wait. Just a note regarding Bhelen disbanding the Assembly, I remember one of the nobles talking about it during the Winter Palace mission, though I could be mistaken, it's been a while since I've played it.