Shown into a small antechamber for his second audience, Rathnal forced himself to sit down and wait, refusing to let his agitation show as time passed. If they hadn't already had another plan in place he would have been tearing up the room in frustration. As it was he spent the time considering all they still needed to do to defeat the Blight, making mental lists of what and who they needed. When he was finally shown into the throne room he ignored the arrogant smirk on Trian's face, only just managing to hide his alarm at the number of dwarven nobility in attendance. "Thank you for seeing me again your Majesty."
"I have decided to grant you ten warriors to your cause. They will be dispatched when we receive word that you need them."
Rathnal wanted to drag him from the throne and pound his face into the stone floor, instead he accepted graciously. "Thank you for your generosity your Majesty."
Trian leaned back into the throne dissatisfied. He had wanted the Warden Commander to beg for additional support, kneel before him and acknowledge that he, Trian Aeducan held him in his grasp.
"If I might ask your Majesty, the fight will clearly be on the surface. Will the warriors be allowed to return to Orzammar?"
"Of course not; they will find death in glorious battle."
"And if they survive?"
"Either way they are dead to Orzammar. I admit I expected complaints as to the number of warriors Orzammar can spare."
"You have lost many warriors in the war against the Darkspawn already your Majesty and if they cannot return I understand why you can spare so few, after all if the Blight destroys Ferelden at the very least trade to Orzammar will be disrupted and of course they will return to try and take your great city." Rathnal heard disgruntled whispers from the Deshers and almost smirked at the fury in the King's eyes.
"Indeed. Before you leave, I have received a disturbing report that you have exiles amongst your ranks."
"The Wardens do not discriminate your Majesty."
"Indeed, however the two exiles with you I will not tolerate."
Rathnal gritted his teeth, but this was no surprise. "Since we have the answer to your support your Majesty we will be leaving, you will not have to tolerate their presence."
"You misunderstand me Commander. You will hand them over to the guards immediately. My father was too lenient and simply exiled them, by returning their lives are forfeit."
"They are Wardens Majesty and you no longer have claim to them, especially in a time of Blight when every Warden is needed."
Trian's scowl deepened, he was not used to people denying him anything. He leaned forward a malicious smile suddenly curving his lips. "Very well Commander, but should they be seen outside of the Compound they will be arrested immediately."
Rathnal only just managed to hold onto his last fragment of calm. "If that is all your Majesty, I have a Blight to deal with."
"My father respected the previous Commander. You have large boots to fill."
"I believe that is something we have in common your Majesty." Bowing Rathnal left feeling the King's fury.
Trian's scowl deepened as the Deshers began to file out hearing whispers of his disrespectful attitude towards the Warden Commander. He made a mental note of the whisperers; those who spoke against him could not be trusted and would have to be dealt with.
Rathnal stepped outside of the palace with a sigh of relief. "He's a bloody fool." He muttered angrily striding his way back to the compound.
xXx
"Ten!" Sereda spluttered. "Even I did not think he would be so brazen as to suggest so few in number. His arrogance was always his biggest failing."
"Not only that, if you and Faren are seen outside the compound he intends to arrest you; I wouldn't be surprised if the bastard has this place watched. How else would he know you are here?"
"Then we leave tonight when most are in their beds; if we do have a fight there will be less chance of innocent bystanders being hurt."
"Your brother is a bloody menace." Rathnal muttered. "I better make contact with Rainesfere."
xXx
"But that means it could be months before you return to the surface assuming you do not encounter too much resistance!" Cailan spluttered in frustration.
"True, but with so few dwarven warriors we could use a golem army."
"Does anyone even know how to make golems anymore?"
"I'm hoping this Paragon Branka will, assuming she has survived of course. If the Maker favours us maybe she has been so long because she is making an army."
Cailan sighed deeply. "This is a lot of what if's and maybes."
"In my place what would you do?"
"As the man I was before I lost my memories I have no clue, but as I am now, I would likely do as you are doing Commander, it is simply frustrating. I would urge you to have Lady Delilah stay at the Compound until your return." He silently prayed that would mean Jayden would remain with her.
"Lady Delilah views this as a test of faith. I have spoken to her and she is determined to join us. I could order her to return or stay in the Compound, but we were attacked on the way here as you know and I do not trust King Trian. As alarming as it may sound, I believe she would be safer with us than the two alternatives."
"Makers breath; it seems I cannot prevent this. Very well Commander, but stay in touch."
"Of course."
Rathnal sighed as the runestone dimmed, groaning softly as he rubbed his forehead in a vain attempt to ease the headache that was forming. He glanced up wearily at the knock, smiling slightly as Alistair slipped into the room. "So much for less complicated than the Circle."
"Here take this it will help with the headache, Will sent it."
Rathnal sniffed the contents of the cup grimacing. "What is that?"
"Will said don't worry about it and just drink it."
Sighing Rathnal drank the contents in one swallow, gagging and shuddering as he forced it to stay down, but the effect was almost instantaneous as the tension eased. "Disgusting but effective; how did he know I had a headache?"
"I imagine we all would have after the day you've had."
Rathnal chuckled softly. "I suppose so."
"So … Lady Delilah is coming with us. Do you think that is wise? I mean if anything happens to her there could be major trouble for us."
Letting out a long sigh Rathnal nodded. "Sending her back to Rainesfere or leaving her here could prove just as dangerous as going into the Deep Roads as bizarre as that sounds. Besides she is Will's charge, he will keep her safe and Sister Leliana rarely leaves her side and that woman is deadly with a blade."
"I suppose."
Rathnal yawned. "Get some rest, we leave in a few hours."
xXx
Jayden sought out Delilah as everyone began making preparations to leave; gently knocking on the door of the bedroom she had chosen, smiling as she looked up from her packing. "How are you doing?"
Fastening her pack Delilah sat on the edge of the bed. "To be honest I am not thrilled about going into the Deep Roads. Sadly I am not as adventurous as you."
Slipping into the room Jayden pulled up a chair and gently took her hands. "I'm not thrilled to be going either. My last visit to the Deep Roads ended with a lot of Wardens dead, being buried alive for a short time and being briefly bonded to a spirit who I thought was my mom, to find our way out. However the alternative of staying here and not knowing what is happening to Rath, Ali and the others … but I realise this must be scary for you, it's scary for all of us and I wanted you to know that no-one will think the less of you if you stay here."
"I can think of at least one person who would, besides why do you think I could cope any better wondering what was happening to you? If there is danger we will face it together."
"You are far braver than you believe yourself to be."
"No, I am just almost as stubborn as you are." Returning his smile she gently squeezed his hands, sinking into his gentle kiss. "If Leliana catches us …"
"Let her." Jayden stood and pulled her gently into his arms. "There is no harm in a kiss."
"Tell that to Morrigan, she seems to despise such things."
"Don't want to think about Morrigan." Jayden murmured gently caressing her lips. A soft moan his only answer as Delilah sank willingly into his kiss.
xXx
By midnight they were ready to leave waiting a little longer until the streets emptied before stepping outside. Surprisingly no guards rushed to detain the former princess and her lover, however, as they approached the doors leading to the common, guards matching their own in number stood ready. Rathnal noted one of the guards step forward and tensed.
"Warden Commander I am Rayvak. Your party is free to pass apart from the exiles. They are to be taken into custody on orders of his Majesty King Trian Aeducan."
Rathnal felt his temper begin to fray. "Whoever they were before and whatever they did no longer matters they are Wardens and as such outside your Kings jurisdiction."
"Forgive me Warden Commander, but …"
"I have had enough of this nonsense." Rathnal snarled moving to the guard. "I came here seeking aid for the Blight that will destroy us all if not stopped. You cannot be so foolish as to think they will be happy simply taking the surface. Once they are finished they will return here. Let us see how proud your King is when his Kingdom is in ashes at his feet. Now we have a country and quite possibly a world to save so you will let us pass or I swear your journey ends right in that very spot!"
The guard met Rathnal's gaze before glancing to the others in his party, they could fight true, but he wasn't sure they would survive it. He stepped back. "Safe travels Wardens."
Rathnal gestured to his companions, each one moving through the gates, ensuring all had passed before he joined them. He gave a shuddering breath as the doors closed behind them.
"Damn Commander!" Faren muttered grinning slightly.
"I told you I'm not a diplomat." Rathnal huffed.
"Sometimes diplomacy is not worth the effort." Rinna pointed out. "We should move quickly before we are stopped again."
"Excuse me."
Rathnal turned seeing a young dwarven woman looking up at him.
"You are the Warden Commander aren't you?"
Rathnal glanced around wondering if this was the King's idea of a delay and more soldiers were already on their way to detain them. "Yes."
"Wonderful, I've been trying forever to find someone who really knows the surface world. I don't suppose you've heard of something called the Circle?"
"Why would you be interested in the Circle?" Rathnal asked curiously.
"They are not somewhere anyone should go and as a mage I know." Serris murmured.
Dagna sucked in a delighted breath. "It's truly an honour; I've never met an actual mage. Is it true you can manipulate nature's forces with your mind? Like you were born with lyrium in your veins? I can't even imagine…"
A little taken aback by her enthusiasm Serris smiled slightly. "I … well magic is a bit more involved, but I suppose essentially yes, but why are you interested in the Circle specifically?"
"I've been trying to reach someone there for years. I've sent missives with every caravan, but I never get a reply. I want to know if they would accept me for study."
Rathnal glanced to Serris who shrugged. "Um … you know dwarves can't do magic don't you?"
"I don't want to do magic, but I don't see why I shouldn't study it. It would be a valuable exchange. Orzammar would learn of one of the great natural forces of the surface and the Circle gains direct access to our knowledge of lyrium smithing." She grinned in delight. "I've already begun reading the Tevinter Imperium's Fortikum Kadab and it's just fascinating. Did you know the Imperial Magister Lords once had genealogies of every human family known to produce a mage child?"
Rathnal rubbed his forehead. "I'm sorry but who are you?"
"Sorry I just get so excited; I'm Dagna, daughter of Janar of the Smith Cast."
"Listen Dagna I don't know why they haven't replied to you in the past and normally I would say you should do whatever you can to do what you really want to do, but that place … it is dangerous and they are in no state to take on anyone for study at the moment. I was at the Circle just recently and trust me that is not somewhere you want to go; we found ourselves in the middle of a damn rebellion." He sighed as her eyes widened, disturbingly he was sure it was curiosity. "If it is something you feel you have to do give it a couple of years at least. Give the Circle a chance to repair itself. Besides there is a Blight on the surface, you are safer here, for now at least."
Dagna hesitated then nodded. "Thank you for speaking to me, I appreciate it."
Rathnal sighed as she hurried off. "Why do I get the impression she is more eager to go now than before. Well I've warned her, what she does now is up to her. Come on, we need to get to the Deep Roads before the King decides to detain us all."
xXx
The guards at the entrance to the Deep Roads saw the group approaching and moved to bar the way. They had expected them to head for the surface, but Trian hadn't taken any chances and informed all guards. He might be an arse, but he was also a tactician.
"For Makers sake." Rathnal hissed. "I really would advise stepping aside, we wish no blood to be spilled, but we are going into the Deep Roads. This is Warden business and you have no right to stop us."
Vorik stepped forward. "You can pass of course Warden Commander, but the exiles stay."
Gritting his teeth Rathnal took a calming breath. "They were exiled to the Deep Roads yes?"
"Well … I mean … yes."
"So they are only returning to where they were exiled to."
"I … um …"
"So why do we have an issue?"
"King Trian has ordered their execution." He shifted uncomfortably. "We have no choice."
Sereda having known Vorik since they were children understood his reluctance and loved him for it; removing her helmet and revealing her face. "Vorik I am a Warden now as is Faren. The King has no say over us."
"He will have our hides if we …" He grunted in pain as Sereda's fist slammed into his jaw sending him sprawling on the ground.
"Tell them the truth, you had no choice."
Rubbing his jaw Vorik met her gaze winking. "You always did have a harder hit than I ever expected."
The guards glanced uneasily over the assorted group before glancing to Vorik.
Easing to his feet Vorik signalled for his men to step aside. "Good luck to you Wardens, a word to the wise, if you want to come back this way you better have a damn army with you. The King will ensure you need one."
Sereda nodded and grabbing her helmet led the way into the Deep Roads.
"Very diplomatic." Rathnal murmured smiling slightly.
Sereda glanced to him allowing herself to return his smile. "Rinna has the right of it; sometimes diplomacy isn't worth the effort, besides he's an old friend." Sighing she glanced back to where the warriors had once more taken up position. "Vorik's right though, we better have a damn army with us or we need to find another way back to the surface."
xXx
The servants hurried to be somewhere else as King Trian roared his displeasure at the soldiers he had gathered in the Great Hall.
"You let them leave!" He snarled.
Commander Vorik stood his ground refusing to flinch beneath the fury of his King. "They are Wardens."
"You disobeyed my direct order!" Trian wanted to execute him, but Vorik was favoured by many of the noble houses and they could not afford to lose his skills as a warrior.
"Your Majesty …" Lord Harrowmont clenched his fists as Trian held up his hand to silence him.
"As High General you are lucky you are not being punished with your men. Perhaps it was a mistake to keep you on as General after my father's death, you have clearly lost control of your men." He glanced to Rayvak who was a nephew of the General. "I will not have disobedience. Vorik and Rayvak will receive ten lashes each and should you or anyone disobey my orders again there will be an execution!"
Rayvak paled, but uttered not a word as he and Vorik were stripped of their armour albeit reluctantly by some of their own men, Trian's second Beldrin who was more a thug than a warrior who enjoyed inflicting pain, carrying out the punishment in front of the soldiers present. His heart burned with fury as each lash tore into the flesh of his back feeling blood slip down skin. He didn't dare glare at the King, but he vowed to himself that one day Trian would fall and he would do all he could to make sure that happened.
Fists clenched, blood slipping down his chin where he had bitten his lip to stop the cry of pain Vorik stared straight ahead. He felt the anger of his men that burned as brightly as his own. Trian had made an enemy of them all this day. You would have done better to kill me.
Leaning back into the throne Trian's gaze swept over the subdued men, silence falling after the final lash struck. "They will return and when they do I want them brought to me. Do not fail me again. Now get back to your posts." He watched the soldiers leave turning to Harrowmont who was not bothering to hide his anger.
"Your father …"
"My father is dead and I am King, you would do well to remember that!" Trian snarled rising from the throne signalling to his second.
Harrowmont watched the King leave almost choking on his rage. Trian was a worse King than even he had anticipated and he doubted Bhelen would be any better. Perhaps it is time the Aeducan rule came to an end.
xXx
Shifting restlessly in bed Ellowyn gave up on attempting to sleep. She had wanted to join the Warden's scouting south and had almost persuaded her brothers, but Oren had raced into the room having discovered her intention and his reaction had been so distressing she had promised him she wouldn't go. However watching Aedan and Rory leave had felt crippling, her hand had been sore into the next day from Oren's tight grip as though he feared she would run after them at the last moment. Days later she was still feeling restless and agitated.
Sighing she stared at the ceiling, shadows shifting in the pale moonlight finally pushing back the covers and moving over to the window, easing open the latch and breathing in the cold night air. She felt without purpose and it was creating an opportunity to be overwhelmed by her grief. She concentrated on her stolen moments with Rory, the kisses she knew she should never have initiated or accepted, but she craved them, needed them to get through the day it seemed at times. It would lead to more grief in the end she knew, yet she couldn't stop herself. She felt desperation to be held, to be loved and her hand strayed as it often did to the amulet the spirit of her mother had given to her. "I wish you were here mom." Tears slipped down her cheeks as she thought of her parents. "I wish you were both here." Slumping onto the bed she curled into the foetal position giving into her tears. Exhausted she finally gave into sleep, her hand still clutching the amulet.
Waking to the dawn Ellowyn realised she felt calm and determined that she would find a purpose. Washing and dressing she slipped along the corridor to Dairren's room startled to see Gabriel leave the room, his face twisted in anger and frustration hitting the wall opposite.
"Gabriel?"
Paling Gabriel bowed his head. "My Lady I …"
"Rough night? You can be honest with me."
Gabriel hesitated before all of his frustration and fear started to spill out. "Every spell gives him more feeling, but it is all pain! Every movement feels as though he is breaking bones. I begged him, pleaded with him to use the Ashes Will brought back but he refused. I said I would go through the Gauntlet myself, I'm sure the King would allow it, but he just went crazy. Maker I don't know what to do."
Gently resting her hand on his arm she gave a soft squeeze. "Let me speak to him. I have known him for most of my life and I can be very persuasive."
"Thank you my Lady."
Knocking on the door she entered the room hesitating as their gazes met; his face was almost grey, his eyes dark with pain, his hands shaking. "Maker Dairren ..."
"Wynne wove another of her spells last night. I was fine for an hour or so." He closed his eyes trying to gain control of himself. "The pain, it won't stop." He swallowed as Ellowyn settled beside him and gently took his hand.
"Perhaps the spells are making things worse. Perhaps there is another way."
"We just need to give the Senior Enchanter more time."
"Dairren, why did you refuse to take the Ashes?" She frowned as he turned away from her.
"Ell please I cannot … I …"
"Is there a reason you do not want to use them?"
Dairren sighed softly, the Arl's words that he was undeserving and would be a traitor to his King if he used them still made him feel sick. "I do not want to talk about it."
"Do not want to, or cannot? Arl Eamon was awful to Will about it. Did he say something to you too?" She sighed as he remained silent. "Dairren we have known each other since we were children. You know I can keep a secret, please tell me what is going on, it will go no further."
"I do not deserve them." Dairren whispered after the silence seemed to scream at him.
"Why would you think such a thing?"
"You swear you will tell no-one else?"
"On my honour."
"Arl Eamon came to me; he reminded me I am a minor noble, I have nothing to bring to the war effort except my sword arm and that is worth little. I have no coin, no influence, no men and my father wants nothing to do to me. The Ashes would be wasted on me and given our Kings lack of memories it would be the act of a traitor to use them."
Ellowyn stared at him stunned. "He had no right to say any of that to you!"
"It is all true Ell. I have nothing I can contribute, I am just a man and I am not worthy of such a healing. Besides, I have come to accept that this is my punishment for not saving my mother. I will suffer this pain as she suffered."
"Dairren she would never want you to suffer and it is not your fault your mother died." She shrank from his piercing gaze.
"Can you tell me you do not feel guilt over the death of your own parents? That you weren't there to help them?" He paled as he saw tears in her eyes. "Ell I am so sorry I should never have …"
"Yes I do feel guilty, but I also know my parents would never want me to suffer. You honour your mom not with suffering, but by healing and helping to defeat the Blight. If you fear using Will's Ashes then I will do the Gauntlet again." She was startled as he gripped her wrist.
"No, I won't let you go through that again. Maker knows how you would be tested this time."
"Then Gabriel will go, he …"
"No! That Gauntlet would probably have him face his sister who died in childbirth after her husband beat her. Gabe feels such guilt over her death. I won't have him forced to face that because of me."
"He loves you Dairren. He would take the chance I know it."
"And it is because I love him that I won't allow it."
"You know we could just sneak off in the middle of the night."
"Ell please."
"There is only one way I will not return to Haven and that is if you promise to use the Ashes assuming Will has them when he returns."
"Ell I've explained why I cannot."
"The Arl is a fraud; it took two pinches of the Ashes to save him because the first didn't work. His illness was a sham and he had no right to demand you suffer; no right to use two pinches! I do not know what game he is playing, but I will stand with you no matter what he says and Fergus will too and he will be Teyrn of Highever. A Teyrn outranks an Arl." She allowed a slight smile at the first sign of hope in his eyes.
xXx
Within his private rooms in the Arl of Denerim's Estate, Rendon unrolled the message that had arrived by raven that morning, sitting down heavily in the nearest chair his mind chaos; rereading the message several times before his frown deepened. Leaning back in his chair he slowly rubbed his chin anxiety building in his chest.
His daughter was travelling with Wardens, he couldn't imagine what events had led to that happening, was she a captive or willing companion? There was no sign of Ellowyn and she was not a woman to be missed, though it was a safe bet she was within Bann Teagan's estate given that was where Delilah had been seen leaving. In what state Ellowyn was in however was anyone's guess, for if Eloen's spells had held then she was likely confined. He needed to know what was happening with her to know if he needed to adapt his plans.
More astonishing was the news that Jayden lived and he too was travelling with the Wardens. His thoughts turned to Loghain and Anora who after their initial grief appeared to be extraordinary composed and focused. He had certainly expected Loghain to sink into deep grief after the loss of his son, yet he had not. His blood ran cold, they knew he was alive; it was the only reasonable explanation. That they had not told him meant they still did not trust him. Pacing the room he discarded ideas as quickly as he thought of them until he stopped dead in the centre of the room. Jayden needed to be brought to him without the knowledge of Loghain and Anora. A little time spent with Eloen and he would be declaring the Cousland's traitors, he might also very well know the location of each of the Cousland's and while he might refuse to tell him willingly, no-one could resist Eloen's magic for long. Delilah might have that knowledge if he did not, with perhaps an idea of where her brother and Warin were. If she would not tell him then Eloen would make her, he would not let his feelings for his children get in the way of his plans again.
The specifics would be worked out with Eloen, but first he needed them brought to him and Hawkwind had proven himself incompetent to the task. No this needed a more skilled hand. A slow smile tugged at his lips, his larger plans could once again bear fruit and when he had Jayden eating out of his hand Loghain and Anora would follow. How he wished he had, had Eloen's services when Jayden had been his squire, things would have been very different.
xXx
Ignatio discreetly looked over the Crow sitting opposite him. He had always been skilled, but never one to push himself forward, that was until he had killed both of his partners. Of course there was no proof he had killed Taliesin, but Zevran had stopped denying his part in Taliesin's death some time ago. Oh he could turn the charm on when necessary, but looking at him now Zevran's eyes were dark and showed only death. He had sharpened his skills and it was said even Grand Master Arani was wary of him. Zevran was now walking the fine line between being one of the most skilled and sought after Crows and being too dangerous to be allowed to continue to live. Ignatio would bet his life that Zevran would take the Grand Masters place sooner rather than later. "Your timing is fortuitous Zevran."
"It usually is."
"You are to meet with Arl Howe in the Arl of Denerim's estate, discretion is of course a necessity. He will give you the specifics, but you are to find and return several people to him alive."
"Alive … how novel."
"Indeed. Walk carefully with this one Zevran, even I hesitate to do business with him." He wanted nothing to do with the Arl, especially considering his dealings with the Queen, but a contract was a contract and business was business.
xXx
Glancing around the richly furnished room Zevran felt the barely concealed hostility of the Arl, knowing being an elf was at the root of it. However it amused him that the noble needed his skills and so had no choice but to deal with him. He lounged in a chair without being asked to sit meeting the Arl's gaze. "I am to obtain the specifics of the contract from you."
Rendon bristled wishing he had specified a human Crow, but he had asked for the best and so had no-one to blame but himself. Swallowing his pride he sat behind the desk. "I have received word that my daughter and Captain William of the Denerim Guard are with a group of Wardens heading to Orzammar. You will go there immediately. You will bring my daughter and the Captain back to Denerim alive and unharmed. Discretion is of the utmost importance, I want no-one to know they have returned to the city. I need … time with them first."
"And the rest of the group?"
"Kill them. I want no witnesses."
"Very well; however upon reaching Orzammar they may have already left."
"I have a man who will watch for their departure and follow them should they leave. He will leave messages at specific points to enable you to trail them and once you meet he will identify those you are to bring back to me. However from what little I know of dwarven politics, you likely have time to get to Orzammar and back before they leave that place." Howe bristled at the elf's almost lazy glance. "Do not underestimate the Captain; he is well trained in survival and escape."
"I am sure I can handle him."
"You would do well to have him unconscious from the outset, save yourself a fight and as I said I want him brought to me unharmed."
"If you doubt my skills perhaps you wish another to take this contract."
Howe hesitated seeing the shift in his eyes, calculating and merciless. "You will do." He stated coldly. "Fail me and it is your own reputation that will suffer."
"Just so, but since you want this kept secret …" He gave a menacing grin.
"Just get it done." Rendon snarled.
Zevran gave a curt bow taking the bag of coins for expenses that lay on the desk between them and the sealed parchment containing the details of his contact and left without a backward glance.
xXx
Author Note: Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed.