Aedan Cousland was sitting at the dinner table, enjoying an excellent meal. Next to him, was his older brother, Fergus, the heir to Highever.
Across from them was Fergus' wife and son, the Antivan, Oriana, and young Oren.
At the head of the table, sat his father, Teyrn Bryce Cousland. At the other end of the table, sat his mother Teyrna Eleanor.
The dinner was interrupted when the castle seneschal entered the room and announced that royal messenger has come to see the Teyrn.
Surprised, Bryce got up from the table and followed the seneschal out of the room, leaving his family watching out of curiosity or concern.
That night, Aedan and Fergus were called to meet their father in the main hall.
They approached their father, who had a grim look on his face.
He told his sons that he had received a summons from King Cailan to Ostagar. His majesty had ordered all the highest noblemen to help him confront a darkspawn raid.
Aedan was shocked, but Fergus looked more resolute.
Bryce planned to pass the order onto his vassals and old friends, Arl Howe and Bann Loren.
He told Fergus that he is to ride alongside him with the troops in the march to Ostagar, to which the warrior readily agreed.
Bryce turned to Aedan, his face softening as he looked upon his youngest born as the Teyrn told him he would be in charge of Highever while they're gone.
Aedan was stunned, but his father and brother reassured him, so he agreed.
Bryce took a moment to look proudly on both of his boys, one a warrior, the other an administrator.
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