Dragon Age Origins: I Am Cousland

Chapter 25: Breathe

Chapter 25: Breathe

We moved quickly, not resting until we made it back to Caridin's cross; the journey was oddly devoid of darkspawn, which could mean ill for the surface but I wasn't focusing on that now. 

A group of dwarfs were waiting for us at the entrance to Orzammar, smiling at us as we rounded the corner.

"You're alive!" One of the dwarfs laughed heartily, but frowned once he saw Alistair.

"I'm heading to the Assembly." I said quickly, turning to face the group. "Take Alistair to Redcliffe." I motioned to the gate leading out of Orzammar, "Quickly," I begged and turned around, Cullen grabbed my arm tightly.

"You can't go alone," He said is a harsh whisper, I glared at him darkly.

"I'm going, I need you to watch Alistair," I said quickly, then softened my face realizing how forceful and inconsiderate I was being. "Please." I pleaded, touching Cullen's arm softly and smiling weakly, "I'm a big girl." I chuckled and turned on my heel heading towards the upper part of Orzammar. I barged through the doors of the Assembly and into the meeting hall.

"We cannot just put you on the throne Bhelen." One of the older men growled at a young, blonde dwarf who was glaring at them darkly. I walked up beside Harrowmont who was shaking his head.

"Branka went a little crazy," I sighed and pulled the crown out of my pack, "I found Caridin and he fashioned this crown." Harrowmont smiled weakly.

"I believe I have someone who will change your mind," Harrowmont called out, all the dwarfs turned their attention to him and I. "This Grey Warden went into the Deep Roads searching for Branka," He pointed at me. 

"Tell us what you found." One of the women of the Assembly called out, I nodded.

"Branka let the Anvil go to her head and sacrificed her whole house, she was no longer the woman you remember. She tried to kill me and my companions." I said loudly, my voice echoing of the walls. "I found Caridin entombed in a cavern with golems and the Anvil, the anvil was destroyed because souls were taken from other dwarfs to be made into a golem." I continued, pacing the small area. "Caridin made a crown for me to bestow upon Harrowmont." I looked over to Harrowmont who nodded.

"I won't have it!" Bhelen screamed out, charging out of his seat and towards me. I straighten my poster,

"We obey the Paragon's words." A man came out beside Bhelen, motioning for guards to come forward. "Take him away." The man said quickly. "Harrowmont, you are the new king of Orzammar." The man rested the crown on his head, smiling brightly.

"Thank you," Harrowmont smiled back and turned his attention back to me, "Thank you Grey Warden, I can now assist you in your effort." He said quickly, motioning for me to walk with him out of the meeting chambers and back out into the city. 

"I will send someone to Redcliffe to await your orders." He said quickly, "Goodbye, my friend." He smiled and bowed walking to the palace. I puffed out air and walked briskly out of Orzammar and back on the surface, I breathed in deeply, smiling at the cool air that filled my lungs, it was late at night, the moon was shinning bright overhead.

I jogged over to where I tied Arod and paid the man some money for not selling my horse and spurred him hard, heading straight for Redcliffe as hard as Arod could, only stopping a few times for him to rest and have water.

I galloped through the gates of Redcliffe, the sun was beginning to come over the horizon, spreading red-orange beams on the dark clouds. I hopped off Arod, trying hard to keep myself from falling over from how tired I was, a soldier took my horse and led him into the stables. I ran into the estate, barging through the doors.