Chapter 21 -- Down and Dirty in Denerim
*****
It took a couple of days to ride back to Redcliffe. I'll admit that part of me would miss Orzammar. The dwarves were a remarkable race. Their technology appeared rather advanced, particularly compared to much of the surface. And considering they were not the largest of races, the fact they were on the front lines against the darkspawn most of the time, they definitely had my respect.
Brosca spent the entire journey on my horse, though when camping the night, she made way for Leliana and Solona, as she shared a tent with Sereda. I had a feeling that was going to be the way forward, though I could be wrong. Maybe two would always sleep with me, and one would always be Leliana or Brosca. The problem was, I loved them all, and would have slept beside any of them. In the end, I would have to leave the choice to them and simply hope they didn't get jealous of each other. So far, everything was okay.
Arl Eamon appeared back to normal upon walking into the main hall after riding into Redcliffe Castle. He was eager for news, though first I made introductions of our three recruits. He was surprised to see one dwarf, let alone three, and after a quick question and answer session, he let me know what was going on across Ferelden.
"There is civil war, Ragnar," he said, once we'd retired to his study, standing over a map. With me were Alistair and Cerys, as the lone Grey Wardens. Any recruits wouldn't go through with the ritual until much later.
"I assume Loghain is behind it?" Alistair asked.
"Of course. From what my contacts have told me, Anora has been sidelined. He now rules Ferelden without a crown. Rendon Howe is responsible for most of his dirty work."
"He'll die soon enough," Cerys growled. The hand Alistair rested on hers to calm her didn't go un-noticed by myself or Eamon.
"Whatever the case, have you given what we discussed any further thought, Alistair?"
"I don't want to be king, Eamon. How can I be king? I'm a bastard."
I rested a hand on his shoulder. "And you're a good man, Alistair. And do you know why I think you'll be a good king?"
"Why?"
"Because you don't want it. I distrust any man or woman who covets power. No-one is born to rule, Alistair. Even the greatest of kings had to learn the ropes. I've read a little about you father. I would suggest you learn from him."
"The Dragonborn speaks true, Alistair," Eamon added, "You'll be a good king. You're loyal, a good head on your shoulders, and smarter than you give yourself credit."
"I still have to agree to it though. My entire life, I was firmly put in my place. The first time I truly felt at home was with the Wardens, and now you want me to turn my back on them."
"Can you not rule as a Warden?" I wondered.
He shrugged. "It would be awkward. I still carry the taint, and any decision made for the benefit of the Wardens will be questioned."
"Will you at least consider what we say?" Eamon asked.
"Of course I will." He looked at Cerys, the two sharing a silent conversation, before he returned his eyes to Eamon. "What of Cerys?"
Eamon nodded, immediately understanding. "It could be awkward with Anora currently on the throne, particularly as the widow of Cailin. However, as the daughter of the murdered teryn... I don't mean to use your family tragedy to our advantage, Cerys, but you would certainly have the sympathy of the people."
"We haven't made a decision yet. We're just talking," she said.
"Let's leave it for now. We have plenty of options, but the most important decision is about you, Alistair. If you choose to take the throne, I can assure you the people will follow. And I believe, and I think our Dragonborn friend here agrees, that you will make a fine king."
Eamon ensured we enjoyed a feast that night. Isolde was pleased to see us all again, and we all spent a little time with Connor. Eamon admitted that the boy would soon be sent to the Circle, so he was enjoying every moment he could with him before he left. There was talk that Eamon and Isolde were already planning for another child.
It had been a long two days in the saddle, but as nearly everyone else headed to bed, I took a bottle of brandy and headed to the library, figuring I'd settle down with a book, hoping I'd find something about the Wardens or a previous Blight. Finding a book that would definitely keep my attention, I'd read a good quarter before I was interrupted by a cleared throat. Looking at the doorway, I could only smile as Leliana walked towards me, though it disappeared as her face was serious.
Putting the book down, she still sat on my lap, wrapping my arms around her and sharing a soft kiss. "What's up?" I asked.
"I've received a message, Ragnar."
I knew immediately what she was referring to. "We can leave tomorrow, if you'd like. The rest can stay here."
The smile alone was reward enough. "Thank you." She kissed me hard, plenty of tongue, before she broke it. "When will you come to bed?"
I looked down at the book, then back at her. "You know, I've suddenly lost all interest in whatever I was reading."
She took me by the hand, leading us to the same room we'd shared before. Seeing Brosca waiting for us was only a slight surprise. Noticing she was already naked wasn't. Leliana sat down on the edge of the bed as Brosca kneeled beside her. "Since we're leaving tomorrow, I couldn't leave Brosca out tonight," Leliana said.
"And that's why I like her too," Brosca stated.
"You girls are going to be the death of me," I stated with a chuckle, before I took off my shirt. Leliana's hand immediately went to my chest, complimenting my muscles, as Brosca leaned forward to help take off my pants. "Someone's eager."
"You're leaving tomorrow, and I need this cock in me before you go."
