Warden Gothic – Ostagar

No sooner had Duncan and I entered the the ruins of Ostagar then we were greeted by the King of Felderen himself.

"Your Majesty, I was not expecting..."

Whatever it was that the senior Grey Warden had been expecting was something that I would never found out, but I guessed that he'd not wanted such a fuss upon his return.

"Weren't expecting what?" asked the King before answering his own question "A royal welcome".

"Well no" was all the veteran Warden got to say before the king changed the subject.

"And this must a new recruit" said the monarch who was now addressing me "welcome to Ostagar".

"Allow me to introduce..." the Warden said before being interrupted.

"Oh there's no need to be so formal" spoke the ruler of the realm "we'll be spilling blood together soon".

At least he wasn't one of those nobles who thought he was better than everyone else because of who his parents were.

"Ho, there friend. Who might you be".

"I am Gothic, Your Majesty".

"Pleased to met you" replied the king "The Grey Wardens are desperate to bolster their numbers. And I for one am glad to see that there are some who will willingly join them.

Willing was a bit of a strong word, but I hadn't exactly been forced to join so I couldn't really complain.

"Thank you, your Majesty" was all I said in reply.

Having never met a ruler of an entire kingdom before I was somewhat at a loss here. I had no idea to address a monarch so it had seemed to wise to be polite and to say as little as possible.

"And from where do you hail?".

I nearly told the truth, which would have been very confusing and would of also led to a lot of other questions, but thankfully Duncan stepped in.

"Our new recruit has come quiet some distance your Majesty, and is understandably rather tired. Perhaps we could discuss the coming battle with Darkspawn".

The king seemed to accept that Duncan had his reasons for not wanting people to know to much about me, and that didn't strike me as odd really as the Wardens did have a lot of secrets so it wouldn't be a big deal for them to keep one more.

The king seemed to mull things over before he spoke.

"To be honest I'm not even sure that this is a Blight. There are plenty of Darkspawn on the field, but no sign of the Arch-Demon".

From what I knew the Darkspawn didn't organise themselves into armies unless they had a Blight corrupted god to led them, well that or another highly intelligent Darkspawn but they didn't exist just yet.

"Disappointed, your Majesty?" asked the experienced Warden.

"I had hoped to face the Arch-Demon in battle. With the Grey Wardens at my side just like in the old stories".

Personally I'd be happier if there wasn't an Arch-Demon at all, but I knew from playing the game that evil dragon god thing was around it was just underground where the bulk of the Darkspawn were. The monsters here were either a distraction for the main horde or they were simply the vanguard charged with paving the way for the larger body of spawn.

"Your Majesty" said a man who I assumed was some sort of advisor "Your Uncle will be...".

"Yes, very well" replied the King.

The monarch then turned to face Duncan and myself.

"Do excuse me Lorgain wishes to discuss strategy, yet again".

Upon hearing that name my mind started to race. That traitorous bastard was here. If I could get to him I could kill him. That might prevent the civil war and save all the men who die at the coming battle due to Lorgain's actions. I could even save Duncan and he could slay the Arch-Demon, even if he couldn't there were other Wardens around here who could if they survived the coming battle.

Granted there was no chance of killing the betrayer without getting caught but really my own life would be a small price to pay.

On the other hand it could screw things up really badly. Alistair would never be king as long as his half brother was alive, and never become the Hero of Felderan.

Sadly it wasn't possible for me to simply declare Lorgain a traitor. He was a powerful man with many allies and I had no proof. I might be able to kill him in a duel but I had no reason to challenge him and not being a noble I wouldn't have the right either, so I would have to murder him.

My own desire not to be hanged for killing a noble aside, Flemeth had said that it was important that I fulfil the role of the hero and that things would go badly if I didn't. How badly things could get I didn't know, but I got the impression that it would be very bad.

Besides I was pretty sure that Duncan knew he was going to die soon, and he had accepted it.

"So things are going well here?" I asked of the senior Warden once the King was no longer within ear shot.

"They have won several battles against the Darkspawn despite being outnumbered" was Duncan's reply.

It wasn't hard to tell that something was bothering the old Warden and I also sensed that he wanted to talk about it.

"But?" I prompted.

"The number of Darkspawn keep increasing but we have seen no sign of the Arch-Demon. I fear that this is only the beginning".

He wasn't wrong. Even if everything went as well I could arrange it to then the Blight still wouldn't be over for about a year and if things went badly then it could go on for much longer.

"I advised his majesty to wait for reinforcements from Orla, but he seems convinced that the Blight can be ended here".

The king was wrong. The main force of the 'spawn were still underground and without reinforcements the army here would be overrun

"He's certainly confident" I commented.

The king did in fact seem rather happy to be here. I could only assume that he wasn't the type of ruler to sit behind a desk and fill out paperwork. For him it was better to leave that sort of thing to his wife. Given that Alistair would do the same if given the chance I was starting to see the family resemblance.

"He believes that the having the Grey Wardens here makes him invincible".

Perhaps he was a bit foolish or at least a bit immature, but that didn't mean that he wasn't a good person. Certainly it would be a bad thing if I let him die, but on the other hand their was Flemeth's warning and in the long run I would need an ally on the throne as I would be required to rebuild the Grey Warden's strength here in Feldern.

"Take a look around the camp" instructed Duncan "and then find Alistair so that we can begin your induction into the Grey Wardens".

I was about to head off over the large bridge but the senior Warden stopped me.

"You will need some armour" he pointed out before throwing me a pouch of gold "and a sword. Perhaps a bow".

Before I could thank him the Warden seemed to vanish into the mass of people who were using the bridge. I joined the flow and headed inside hoping the camp wasn't too big.

As it turned out the camp was huge there most of been thousands of people here and hundreds of them were running about no doubt on important errands. Naturally none of them could spare the time to give me directions, but thankfully there were plenty of guards on duty and they seemed very happy to help once I explained that I was a Warden Recruit. Clearly Duncan and his fellows were well liked in these parts.

I found the blacksmith/quartermaster and while I wouldn't be supplied like the soldiers were being (which was a shame as this was a very well equipped army) but since the Warden were well thought of I at least got a good discount.

So I was soon equipped with a set of chain mail, a bow and quiver, and lastly a nice spiked mace as they were running short on swords. I should of got a shield as well but I simply didn't have the funds. Hopefully I would once I returned from the Wilds.

Now that I correctly equipped for a trip it was time to find the bastard prince.

That proved to be some what of a challenge as the place was jammed packed. I somehow found myself next to were the dogs were being kept. Which I was pretty sure meant that I had gone the wrong way. Still it was a chance to see some of the famous war hounds.

"Hmm this isn't good. I'd hate to lose such a promising member of the breed".

"What isn't good?" I asked despite the fact that I knew the answer.

"Oh are you the new Warden?" questioned the Kennel Master

I was starting to wonder how fast news travelled in this world. Everyone seemed to know who I was long before I introduced myself. It was like there had been a memo or something.

"I could use some help"

As in the game I was asked to help muzzle one of the dogs, and since I'd always had a way with animals I decided to give it ago.

"I'll give it a shot" I told the Kennel Master.

The man in charge of the dogs handed me a muzzle and then opened the gate. The animal didn't react but that wasn't surprising as the poor beast looked as if it was dying.

"Easy there boy" I whispered as I approached the sick animal.

The beast whimpered but made no move to resist as I muzzled him. The only thing of note that had happened was that my hands glowed slightly when they came in contact with the dog. Thankfully no one saw the little light show aside from the animal who seemed more comforted than afraid. I was getting use to it by now so once I was sure no one had taken note I put it out of my mind.

"He's looking better already" commented the carer of the dogs "you should come back later and see if he takes a shine to you".

I assumed that he meant that the war hounds tended to bond with a human. Perhaps it was possible that the dog would pick me as it partner. If so I would welcome the animal's companionship. Granted I was more of a cat person but in some cases a dog was a much better friend.

"Are you perhaps venturing into the wilds?" asked the man as I turned to leave.

"Yes, I think so" I replied.

I knew that I would be and so saw no reason to deny it.

"There's a special kind of flower that grows in the Wilds" informed the man who then went on to describe said flower "if you could get it then it might help the poor beast".

I wasn't the nicest of people but I wouldn't let an animal suffer if all I had to do was pick a flower.

"If I see one I'll bring it to you" I promised.

With that done it was time to find Alistair. Doing so would be a lot easier now that I knew where both the kennel master and the quartermaster/blacksmiths were.

I soon found Alistair and as expected he was doing his best to appear as a fool. It was an act of course as the Grey Wardens wouldn't take an idiot into their ranks and even if they did they he wouldn't of lasted long fighting Darkspawn.

"What is it now?" a frustrated magic user asked "haven't the Grey Wardens asked enough of the mages?"

"I simply came to deliver a message from the reverend mother, ser mage" replied Alistair "She desires your presence".

"What her reverence 'desires' is of no concern of mine" said the Circle mage "I am busy helping the Grey Wardens. By the king's request I might add".

I wondered what exactly the Wardens needed a mage's help for, but I decided not to interrupt so I could find out.

"Should I of asked her to right a note".

The possibly future king was clearly not a diplomat, but even if he had been I doubted it would of helped as either this mage was an asshole or he was so overworked that he couldn't keep his temper.

"Tell her I will not be harassed in this manner".

Given the state of affairs between the Circle and Chantry it seemed unwise for a magic user to talk about a high ranking priestess in such a way.

"Yes, I was harassing you by passing on a message".

I would of apologised and backed out at this point. Not because I was a doormat but because its always a bad idea to piss off Wizards but hopefully Alistair knew what he was doing.

"Your glibness does you no credit".

My soon to be fellow Warden didn't take that remark lightly.

"And here I thought we were getting along so well. I was even going to name one of my children after you... the grumpy one".

Despite having seen this scene play out in the video game I was still surprised when Alistair didn't get hit by a fireball. Had I been the mage I would of least shocked the bastard prince with a little lightening.

"Enough" the staff wielder half roared "I will speak to the woman if I must. Now get away from me you fool".

Hmm interesting. Even when I don't get involved the conversations between character can be a bit different. Chaos theory I guessed.

"You know one good thing about the Blight is how it brings people together".

Somewhat true in that an external enemy can cause groups to unite but sadly it doesn't go as smoothly as people might hope.

"That's a positive way of looking at it" was my reply.

"Its like a party: we could all stand together in a circle and hold hands. That would give the Darkspawn something to think about".

Actually it would just make it easier for the monsters to cut us all down Besides its not a proper party without jelly and ice cream.

"Wait have we met?" Alistair then asked.

"No" I replied "I'm Gothic the new recruit".

"Right" replied the royal bastard "that was the name".

How the hell could anyone around here no my name? I'd only just arrived here and I hadn't even been in this reality for that long.

"Anyway as the junior member of the Wardens I will be occupying you as you prepare for the Joining".

"I'm ready" I said.

Given that I actually knew what the Joining involved I was as prepared as possible.

Alistair chuckled and made a comment on my eagerness. I didn't replay and simply started to walk back to the Warden's part of the camp.

"You found Alistair did you. Good" said Duncan as the two of us met up with the rest of the group.

"It wasn't hard" I replied "I just followed the sound of irate magic users ".

"I assume then that you have been riling up mages?" asked the senior Warden now addressing his junior.

"What can I say" said the possibly future king in an apologetic tone of voice "the reverend mother ambushed me. The way that woman wields guilt they should stick her in the army".

I could well imagine the type.

"So she forced you to sass the mages, did she?" inquired Duncan.

I felt the need to defend the younger man.

"In his defence I don't think Mother Theresa could of calmed that mage down"

"I am not familiar with that member of the Chantry" said Alistair "is this mother here in the camp?".

After a few seconds of silence Duncan decided to change the subject. He must of figured out that I was referring to someone from my world and since he didn't want anyone to know I was from another universe it was a wise thing to do.

"It is time that we begin" declared the elder Warden "You four will be heading into the Korcari wilds".

Quickly the other two recruits and I looked each other. We all looked rather capable but since we didn't know each other they were understandably nervous about going into battle together. I on the other hand knew that they were going to die soon and so didn't want to get to know them.

"While you are there you must perform two tasks" the Warden informed "First is to collect three vials of Darkspawn blood. Alistair will handle the actual blood but each of you must slay a Darkspawn and carry the vials back here".

That part made sense as exposer to the blood of those monsters could kill you, or worse transform you into something much like them. Wardens however were immune to the Taint and could safely handle the blood of those creatures.

"And what is the second task?" I asked.

The other two recruits weren't talking and given that I wanted to get the Joining over and done with as soon as possible it fell to me to move things along.

"There was once a Grey Warden outpost here in the Wilds" explained Duncan "it was abandoned long ago when we could no longer afford such remote outposts".

That last Blight had been hundreds of years ago so I could understand why funding for the Wardens had been cut back. I didn't agree with it but I suppose it would have been unfair to further tax the peasants just to pay for outposts that weren't as badly needed then as they were now.

"It has recently come to our attention that some documents were left behind. They were magically sealed to protect them so they should still be intact. I want you to recover these scrolls".

"Understood" I said speaking for the recruits.

"The scrolls are treaties that will gain us support form other groups".

He said rather casually, at least by Duncan's standards, but it struck me then how it odd it was to send three recruits and the most junior member of the group to recover something that important.

The only explanations I could up with were either that Duncan knew that Alistair and who need the documents because he knew he was going to die or that the Wardens simply couldn't spare anybody else right now. Of course there was also the possibility that Duncan would actually follow us into the Wilds and recover the scrolls if we failed to.

I was eager to know but I doubted I would get any answers as this was all a test and during a test the examiner doesn't answer questions.

"May the Maker watch over you during your travels"

That was it then. It was now time to head into the Wilds.

Hopefully I would make it back.