Chapter One

I brought my shield up and parried his attack easily. Circling my opponent, my blue eyes watched his movements, waiting carefully for him to drop his guard. I saw a brief opening in his shield defense and thrust my sword forward. "Good!" Ser Gilmore shouted. "Now, don't lower your guard!" I kept my defense up as I looked for a chance to disarm my opponent. He shifted his weight, giving away his intended move and when he thrust his sword forward, I blocked with my shield and brought my own sword to his throat. "Excellent!" Ser Gilmore shouted. "Percy, watch your body language. Even the slightest movement can give away your intent."

"Lady Felicia, I bow to your expertise with a weapon. It has been a pleasure sparring with you." Percy bowed, left the sparring ring and headed for the soldiers' barracks.

A smiling Ser Gilmore walked over to me. "I think Percy is getting the hang of it. Next time don't hold back so much." I had known Ser Rodrick Gilmore for my whole life. He was getting older, but never let it show. He was my father's Knight-Commander and my weapons trainer. We had been working with new recruits for almost a month now. When father received the request for troops from King Cailen Theirin, he decided to respond by taking my brother and the majority of our troops. A request for men to fill the ranks was posted and I had been surprised at the number of men (and a few women) who had responded.

As I prepared for the next trainee, a servant approached and called out to me. My father had requested my presence immediately in the great hall. I bowed to Ser Gilmore and took my leave. As I left the sparring ring, I heard Ser Gilmore dismiss the remaining trainees. I walked past the barracks that housed our soldiers and entered a gated garden.

Eleanor Cousland, my mother, had been a renowned archer in her younger days, and had put the same energy into her garden that she had put into her bow skills. The garden was my mother's pride and joy. The brick lined paths wound through a variety of plants and scented flowers. Stone benches were scattered throughout . The roses were always my favorite and I would often be found among them studying my lessons or quietly reading.

Bryce Cousland, my father, is Teyrn of Highever. Highever is one of the largest areas in our land of Ferelden and our ancestral home. Highever abutted the Frostback Mountain foothills to the west and the Waking Sea to the north. Eastward was the Arlington of Amaranthine and southward lay the Bannorn, a collection of smaller areas divided amongst the nobles. Our castle sat on a hill overlooking the lush fields and beautiful farmland that Highever was known for.

On one side of the gardens were the massive oak doors that led into the great hall where my father held all of his meetings. My fingers traced the intricate carvings that adorned the door, then I turned the handle to make my way inside. As I entered the room, I saw my father speaking with Arl Howe.

My father was a handsome, tall, ruggedly built man. His hair had turned mostly gray, but his short beard was still the dark brown of his youth. He was as quick to show compassion as he was to show anger, but he was always just. The people of theregion respected and adored both of my parents.

Arl Howe was much shorter than my father and very thin. He was clean shaven and his face was weathered with age. Arl Howe was in charge of the Arlington of Amaranthine a smaller area east of Highever and bordering the Amaranthine Ocean. Arl Howe and my father were old friends from the war with Orlais thirty years ago.

I groaned inwardly as I approached them, the Arl was among many of the nobles always trying to set me up with their sons. Howe's son Thomas was a few years younger than me and showed no interest in me at all. I might have considered his older son Nathaniel, he had always been shyly attentive when I saw him, but he was off in the Northern Marches and I hadn't seen him for years.

I approached my father, now a little self conscious of the state of my appearance. I was still in my leather armor and all sweaty. I tried to adjust the ponytail from which my long blonde hair was escaping, but to no avail. "Oh pup, there you are." he greeted me.

I crossed my arms over my chest and bowed to him and to the Arl. "Father. Arl Howe."

"My, you are growing into quite a fine woman." Howe said. "My son, Thomas, was asking after you. I should bring him with me next time."

"To what end - isn't he younger than me?" I questioned, trying to keep the sarcasm out of my voice. My parents both had instructed me on the duties and responsibilities that come with our status. I tried to respect this, but it was difficult at times. Father failed to suppress a smile at my comment.

"Well, over time the years will matter less and less." Howe replied. Turning to my father, "This is what happens when you allow your daughter to be a warrior."

"Yes, she is her mother's daughter, but the sword skills come from me," father chuckled with pride. He looked at me more seriously, "Pup, I need you to be in charge here while your brother and I are away. Peace must be kept in our lands. You know what they say about mice when the cat is away."

My first instinct was to shout that I wanted to go with him, but since we were not alone my noble upbringing kicked in, I simply stated, "I will do my best."

My father smiled, knowing what I was thinking, "That's my good girl. Oh, and I have something else for you to do." Turning to a guard he said, "Show the Warden-Commander in." The man that entered filled the room with his presence. He appeared to be around my father's age, with dark, graying hair. He was clad in full armor and carried double blades at his back. , I could see his dark eyes evaluating the room and the people in it. There was no doubt to his status as a warrior and even Howe appeared to be taken aback by this calm, but focused man. "Duncan, this is Arl Renden Howe and my daughter Felicia."

Duncan bowed, "Arl Howe. Lady Felicia."

"My lord, you didn't tell me a Grey Warden would be here. I am at a disadvantage." Howe seemed greatly distressed.

"He only arrived today, there was no way to let you know. Is there a problem?" my father asked, concerned.

"No, no... it's just that protocol... demands certain ...formalities and I am unprepared." the Arl stammered.

"Duncan is only here to look for more recruits for the Grey Wardens. I believe he is going to approach Ser Gilmore." my father responded.

"My lord, might I suggest that your daughter would be an excellent recruit." Duncan said looking at me appraisingly.

My father moved protectively in front of me. "No. I won't have both of my children in the dangers of battle."

"Father, " I protested before I could stop myself, "I might want to be a Grey Warden."

Father glared at me, turned to Duncan and said, "Unless you are declaring the right of conscription...?"

Duncan raised his hands and quickly said "Of course not. I apologize. It is well known that the Lady Cousland is an expert with a blade and would therefore be an asset to the wardens."

Father sighed and turned to me, "Pup, please see to all of Duncan's needs while he is here. Now, I need you to find your brother, Fergus and tell him to take the bulk of the troops and leave immediately for Ostagar."

"Certainly, father." I knew that I had been dismissed. I bowed to the three men and left the room.

...

I stepped out into the gardens looking for my brother. The gate at the opposite side of the gardens opened to cobbled paths that led to the courtyard and our family wing in one direction and the dining hall in the other. I suddenly heard shouting and Ser Gilmore came rushing up.

"Thank goodness I found you," he panted. "Your hound has gotten into the larder and Nan is shouting up a storm. The poor servants are trembling in fear!"

"What has Dagger done now?" I wondered out loud. Dagger is my Mabari Warhound. They are large dogs weighing almost two hundred pounds of pure muscle. They are bred to attack and kill the enemy in battle and their mouths are filled with nasty teeth. Our troops didn't have any, but many others used them. My mother had a fit when father gave him to me as a puppy, but she relented when he showed no signs of viciousness.

"Come quickly. You are the only one that dog will listen to," he said. "You know how Nan can be when her routine is disrupted."

Nan was the castle cook. When Fergus and I were younger, she was also our nanny. She was elderly and thin but not in the least infirm. Her white hair was always pulled into a neat tight bun. Her face seemed to be in a perpetual scowl and her reputation for anger was well known throughout the castle. Even father's strongest men would cower if she was upset. We went straight to the kitchen and headed towards the larder door where Nan was shouting at her elven servants.

"How did he get in? You two should have kept him out!" Nan yelled in her harshest tone.

"Now Nan," Ser Gilmore said, the slightest tremor in his voice. "You know Mabari warhounds only listen to their masters."

"Yes," she turned to me. "So, get your dog out of my larder. He's probably eaten the special roast I was going to use for dinner tomorrow."

"I'm sure there's some reason for him to be there, Nan." I tried to calm her. "I'll get him."

I went into the larder with Ser Gilmore behind me. There he stood in all his doggy glory - Dagger. His short brown fur was standing up at his neck and he was pointing his nose at a corner of the larder and growling ferociously.

"Are you trying to tell me something, boy?" I asked.

"He certainly looks like he is," Ser Gilmore said. "Wait, what's that?"

At that moment several extremely large black rats had emerged from behind the crates of foodstuffs. I drew my sword and between the three of us, we quickly killed them all. Ser Gilmore and I searched around to make sure there weren't any more.

"Those were Korcari Wild rats!" Ser Gilmore exclaimed. "How in the world did they get in here?"

I patted my dog on the head. "Good job, Dagger." He panted and wagged his stump of a tail happily.

We walked out of the larder and Nan glared at the dog. "Well, here's the rabble rouser. Now, you, stay out of my larder!"

"I'm sorry he caused you trouble Nan."

One of the servants went towards the larder and let out a shriek. "Rats!"

Nan looked at me then back at the servants, "Stop all that now and get back to work! We're behind schedule and now the larder needs cleaning!" Turning to Dagger, "So, you chased rats here, did you? Are you proud of yourself?" Dagger just looked at her with his big brown eyes, drooped his ears and cowered. "Oh, don't you pull that 'poor dog' routine on me." She paused a moment then got something from a nearby table. "Here have some scraps and stay out of my way. I am extremely busy preparing rations for the soldiers! I have no time for any more interruptions!" Nan couldn't stay angry with Dagger long. She would never admit that she actually liked my dog.

Ser Gilmore said, "I have to get back to duty." He left the kitchen quickly before Nan could say anything to him about the mess.

I giggled at the thought of our Knight-Commander's fear. Nan looked at me with a smile, "When you see Fergus, tell him to be careful and I will have a hot meal waiting for him when he gets back."

"Sure, Nan. I'll tell him. I'm actually looking for him. You haven't seen him, have you?" I asked scratching Dagger behind the ears.

"Not since lunch. I'm sure he's busy with the preparations." she replied.

"Thanks anyway. Come on Dagger." I left the kitchen with Dagger at my heels.

...

I entered the courtyard outside the wing where our living quarters were located. My mother, Teyrna Eleanor Cousland was there along with three guests who had recently arrived. My mother did not show her age. She was tall, thin and very aristocratic. She kept her blonde hair shoulder length in two braids framing her face. She was dressed in a beautiful green and blue gown. Her blue eyes sparkled when she saw me.

"Hello dear." Mother studied me. "You remember Lady Landra?"

"Yes. Hello my lady." I responded and bowed.

Lady Landra was a head shorter than my mother and one of Highever's noblewomen. She was dressed in her finest but she looked dull standing next to my mother. She looked me over as if she were appraising me for purchase. "Hello. You remember my son Darrien?" she pointed to the handsome young man next to her, "and this is my hand maiden, Iona." A dainty young woman curtseyed.

"Welcome, I'm afraid I'm not dressed appropriately for a visit. Perhaps tomorrow over lunch, we could have a nice chat?"

"Your prowess with the sword is well known, my lady and I certainly don't mind your attire." Darrien said as he bowed, he could be quite charming when his mother was around, however, outside her presence, he was a self absorbed snob and I had no interest in him. I hoped this wasn't another of mother's attempts to find me a husband.

Mother was watching me and sensed my impatience, "Are you heading somewhere?"

"Yes, Father sent me to find Fergus. Do you know where he is?" I responded, trying to act at ease.

"If he isn't with his men, then he'll be with Oriana and Oren."

"By your leave?" I crossed my arms and bowed, then left them in the courtyard to head toward Fergus' rooms.

...

As I approached their sitting room, I could hear Fergus and Oriana talking. Fergus and Oriana had been married for seven years. Fergus was four years older than me and was a younger version of father. He kept his face clean shaven and his dark brown hair short.

Oriana was a beautiful, kind woman from Orlais whom Fergus had met in Denerim and fallen in love with at first sight. It had upset father at first, but Oriana loved my brother deeply. She had the prettiest accent to her voice. As soon as we met, she decided it was her mission to teach me ladyship skills. I loved both of them dearly.

Fergus was speaking as I entered. "Don't worry so much my dear. There will be a huge army there. I'll be lucky if I get close enough to see the fight, let alone sing my blade."

"Don't you patronize me!" Oriana scolded.

Fergus looked at me helplessly, "Sister, do something. I think she's going to send me to my room without dinner!" he laughed.

I giggled and said, "Should I leave you two alone?"

Just then Oren, Fergus' and Oriana's five year old son, my beloved nephew, came running in. "Did you hear?" he said excitedly. "There's a Grey Warden in the castle. I wonder if he rode in on a griffon?"

I smiled as Oriana tussled her son's light brown hair, "Oren, you know there are no more griffons. " She turned to me and asked, "Is there really a Grey Warden here?"

"Yes, he's recruiting. I believe he's going to offer a position to Ser Gilmore." I responded.

"If I was a Grey Warden," my brother put in, "I'd be looking at you."

"Fergus!" Oriana exclaimed.

"Well, it's true. She is a great warrior and would make an outstanding Grey Warden," he stated with pride.

"I wish I was going with you brother," I said with a note of sadness in my voice. "It's going to be very quiet around here. "

Oren piped up, "You can teach me how to use a sword, right Auntie? Then I can help guard the castle."

I smiled at him. "Well, if your mother and father agree, I will." I turned to Fergus. "Father wants you to take the troops ahead of him."

Fergus frowned. "So Arl Howe's men have been delayed. You would think they were walking backwards!" He looked at Oriana and Oren then said, "I should get underway."

At that moment mother and father walked in, "You weren't going to leave without saying goodbye, were you?" Mother asked as she gave Fergus a hug.

Father shook Fergus' hand and said to me, "Pup, you should get an early night. Tomorrow will be a very busy day."

I nodded and then I too hugged Fergus. "I still wish I was going with you." I said to him.

"Yes, it would be fun fighting side by side, but don't worry, we'll have other chances. The next tournament perhaps... as long as you don't do anything dumb while we're away, like burning down the castle."

I assumed my best mock indignant pose , "If I remember correctly, it was you who thought lighting a candle in our fort of sheets was a good idea."

He chuckled, "Yeah, I'll never forget Nan's face when she barged in and saw all her sheets on fire. I think we scrubbed the kitchen for a week after that."

"That reminds me, she said to wish you well."

He smiled. We both loved Nan. "Well, I had best be off then. When we get back we'll have lots of wine and wenches to celebrate." After seeing Oriana's face, he added, "For the men, of course!"

Oren decided to pipe up. "What's a wench? Is it what brings the water up from the well?"

Oriana and mother groaned. Fergus smiled. Father said laughing, "No Oren. A wench is what serves the wine in an Inn, " then he whispered, "Or serves the man..."

Mother gave him a swat. "Maker help me. I have two boys to deal with!" She looked at me, "Now mind your father and head off to bed."

I smiled at my loving family, gave Fergus one more hug and turned to my father. "Don't worry Father. I'll handle things here so you can concentrate on coming home safely."

Father hugged me and said, "I know pup. I am very proud of you. You have grown into a kind, compassionate young woman with a good head on your shoulders and I trust your judgment. I love you and will send news as soon as I can."

I hugged mother, "See you in the morning," and went off to my room.