Chapter VII: Joining the Empire

The remaining Imperial forces led by General Tullium that was at the Skyreach’s oldest and largest prison hold, Skyhold, took a brief and well-deserved rest as they manage to drive off the creatures of darkness that attacked them during the execution of the rebellion’s mastermind Duke Jarric Chillrend. The motive of the attack is still unknown whether it was really a plot to free the duke or if there’s really another mysterious faction who will also join in the conflict that is happening at Skyreach. As the general and his men got their brief scouting and short respite after successfully driving-out the creatures that assaulted Skyhold, they plan on making their way back to their main headquarters at the capital of Skyreach which is the city of Fortitude.

As they marched on, Ser Havard and Captain Amaya invited Geordan to come along with them for the time being. “As we proceed down the river, there is a village their called Riverton, and that’s my hometown. The general decided to leave some token of men there acting as patrol and tasked on monitoring any rebel stragglers or even if there’s any remaining creature threat that will come down here at this area.” explained by Ser Havard to Geordan as they walk.

“I see, I appreciate the information but as you are aware that this kind of information can only be shared to your own men rather to some stranger like me, right?” Geordan replied as he’s confused why would the lieutenant share that kind of information to him.

“Hmph. You’re giving yourself so little credit, Ser Geordan. The reason why we share this kind of information to you is that, General Tullium himself would like you to join our ranks in stopping this mad reason of a rebellion by the duke. I can’t argue with his decision because I rather fancy the idea of having you along.” said by the Captain Amaya as she was unaware about the meaning that came out on what she said.

“Oh my, you certainly taking a liking now from our esteemed captain, Ser Geordan. How I envy you.” teasingly said by Ser Havard as he tries to hold back his urge to laugh hard.

“W-W-Why…. No! W-What I meant is that he would be an invaluable addition to the army! I’m just being practical here and you don’t have to think of something indecent about it!!!” angrily objects by the female captain as she blushes lightly.

“Hahaha!” chuckled by Geordan as he witnessed another different side of Amaya.

“But seriously, Geordan, please consider not only my own personal offer but also the good of all people here in Skyreach. Duke Jarric must be stopped!” said by Amaya like she’s pleading for Geordan cooperation.

“Now, now, Captain. Let’s not force someone to join us immediately. Especially after all that has happened here and to him as well. Let him think about it and let’s just respect whatever decision he will have afterwards. We still owe him an apology for falsely accusing him as a rebel remember?” said by Ser Havard as he explains it to Amaya. The captain then nods and bow as she apologized for being forceful about the situation.

As the dawn turns into a sunny morning, they reached the village of Riverton and as the general said, he left as token of his soldiers to set up a patrol in the village and makes sure to monitor as well the borders along the Skyhold. The general and Amaya returned at their garrison at Fortitude while Ser Havard is the one leading the patrol that was left in Riverton, and he even let Geordan stay on his relatives’ home to rest up as he plans on what will he do next.

“Here, Ser Geordan. Make yourself at home. We are kinsmen and I am truly sorry for the hardships that you have endured under those circumstances,” said by Havard as he expresses his sincere apology to the knight.

“A-Again, you don’t need to apologize anymore, Ser Havard. After all that was said and done, I am very grateful enough for this shelter you offer me. I’ll just rest up and stock up then I’ll proceed to my hometown later,” said by Geordan to the apologetic Ser Havard.

“Very well then. Enjoy your stay here at my uncle’s inn and if there’s anything else you need just come see me at the guard house,” said by Havard as he bows leaves the inn.

As Geordan proceeds to the inn’s small lobby table, he was welcomed by the innkeeper who is a young woman with brownish long hair, just like Ser Havard.

“Welcome to Riverton’s Riverside Rest!” she said with a smile to Geordan. Eventually, she realized that Geordan is the expected visitor by Havard a while ago.

“Oh, you might be Ser Geordan? We’ve been expecting you, ser. Come and your room is upstairs,” she said as she approaches Geordan.

“Who might you be? I thought this is Havard’s uncle’s inn?” he asked to the cheery young lass. The young lady stops as she is about to introduce herself.

“Pardon my manners, ser. I am Bretta, the daughter of the owner of this inn. My father is upstairs right now preparing your room,” she said. As they converse, a large-built man came down from the stairs, who also has a brownish hair that is also at the same form as Ser Havard’s.

“Bretta, who is this man?” he asked brows raised at Geordan. He approached the two and he examined Geordan from head to toe.

“Father! He’s the visitor we are expecting today. The one Havard mentioned!” said by Bretta scolding her father.

“Aye, but I do recognize you from somewhere, lad. Erm… If my memory serves me right, you’re a noble ain’t ya?” he asked to Geordan. He suddenly remembers the old innkeeper as one of his father’s acquaintances in the past. As a son of a trader, Geordan sometimes accompanied his father on trade meetings and visit the trade routes along the east-reach of Skyreach such as the town of Riverton and the central trading hub of Midhaven. He recalls the innkeeper they used to stop by in Riverton and that is the same man he is speaking with right now.

“Bardon? Is that you?” asked by Geordan as he remembers the old man’s name.

“Oh-ho! It is you, milord! Hahaha! Long time no see,” replied by Bardon as he also remembered the young man who used to come visit him before. They continued they’re conversation at the inn’s dinning room with Bardon’s wife and daughter.

“I see, so this young lady is that little girl before, huh?” Geordan said as he looked at Bretta who is much like in her adolescence now. Bretta became cautious as she realized that Geordan seen her before as a little child.

“I-I didn’t expect that our visitor would be you, milord,” the young lady said as her cheerful tone changed into a timid voice.

“Ahahaha! My little girl acting all lady-like now,” teased by Bardon to his daughter.

“Oh, stop it you old man! Don’t be like that with Lord Geordan!” yelled by Bretta to her father who continuously teases her.

“Hahaha! Now, now. You can stop teasing the young miss. It’s perfectly fine, I’m just a minor noble and I don’t think being that makes me more important than the rest of you here,” said by Geordan to the family to put aside his noble birth.

“My, we can’t do that, milord. For someone as yourself? A dashing young man who is not only a gentleman but also knight in title? You are a wonder to women!” teasing compliment by Bardon’s wife, Briette.

“Aye! That is true, you have become a fine man now, Geordan. What have you been up to in these past few years?” said by Bardon. Hesitant to reply but Geordan mentioned that he was out in the province, training and improving his skills as a knight for the past two years in Imperial Capital and he just returned recently here in Skyreach.

“Hmph… I see, and I suppose you know how things fare around here now because of the civil war that is happening?” said by Bardon that made Geordan’s mood to turn.

“…Yes, never expected to be this worse, since I first set foot here again after a long time.” he said with a very serious look on his face.

“Now, now. Don’t fret about it, that’s the reason why the Imperial army is here, I heard that they were able to capture the duke recently, but unfortunately he managed escape them due to some “unexpected attack” at Skyhold,” said by Bardon with a slight frustration on his tone.

“If I may ask, Bardon. For how long is this civil war? When did it start?” asked by Geordan with a stern look on his face.

“Ahhh… Erm… How long was it now, love?” said by Bardon as he passed over to his wife.

“Oh dear, such recent happenings and you still having a difficult time remembering? The war has been going on about for almost a year now and it started at the surrounding territories like in the cities of Riftveil, Umbral and Dawn Port, which are the major cities at the east-reach,” explained by Briette.

“I-I see… So, the majority of the rebels are at east, do you have any news about my father? To Faulterth?” said by Geordan as he worries about his family in his hometown.

“There’s no need to worry, milord. Since the east-reach are rebel territory, the west-reach are mostly under Imperial-control like the city of Fallkeith and Markhan Keep, the Imperials only capture those who are acquainted with the rebels so there’s no need to worry about Faulterth,” said by Bardon to give Geordan some comfort. He then thought about his next move as for the Imperial soldiers and General Tullium’s offer.

“If I side with the Imperials, will they be willing to help our town against this civil war? I hope I am not too late.” he ponders on his mind as he proceeds to eat the lunch prepared by family for him. After the meal, he proceeds to the room that was prepared for him upstairs, he took off his light armor chest-guard and boots leaving it to the side of the bed. He sits down on the single-bed as if it’s been a long time he sat comfortably after being kept as prisoner at Skyhold. Due to the fatigue and hardships that he’s been through for the past few days, he lays down on the bed as if it’s pulling him down.

“It felt forever since I last lay down on soft, warm bed such as this,” he said in his mind as he felt the comfort of peace that he sought during his time being captive and the nightmare of an experience he’s been through. He then felt drowsy and fall asleep, as he forgets all the pain that he endured during his homecoming in Skyreach. He slept like a log until noon to dusk…