Nemesis and the Grey Wardens

Cal Surana and Phantom- two leaders trying to save Ferelden from the Blight and bring a traitor to justice. A very long and slow moving AU story set in a world based partly on the various game wikies but mostly from my imagination. Contains cannon characters who are a acting a little differently to how they are portrayed in the game and multiple OCs . Lots of talking with rare bursts of action. Rated M only for occasional bad language and some fairly mild violence but as any WIP ratings are subject to change. There will be romances but as my character haven't picked their partners I don't know what the parings will be -but I suspect it will include m/m and m/f. And at their request consensual sex wont be a spectator sport! .

Chapter 1 . Justice

Note . the last line isn't meant to be a cliff hanger its just the best place to break what was a very long dull chapter of three people in a room doing nothing but talking! . Now I know its unbelievable Ethan would trust the two masked strangers holding him prisoner - but he has or the story cant progress. so suspend belief- pretend he's a gullible fool or , with what he's gone though, he isn't thinking straight -so we can move on to chapter 2 .

For fourteen days Ethan sat at the window of the room he rented at the Speckled Lizard and watched the heavily guarded main gate of the estate across the almost deserted road. Watched and waited for the day Rendon Howe would be standing in that on that day, the man who killed almost everything Ethan loved, would die!

On thirteen nights ,when it was too dark to watch anymore he would eat the food the innkeeper left outside his door and then walk the room until he was exhausted enough to sleep . When his dreams faded into nightmares he'd wake and resume pacing until it was again time to watch .

When night fell on the fourteenth day he ate the food and , within minutes , he was asleep. so deeply asleep he didn't stir when the two robed,masked figures entered the room

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Ethan groaned and opened his eyes .Maker his head was thumping so much he couldn't even think and he had a foul taste in his mouth. and when did Urhs light become so bright it could sear his eyes with what felt like burning fire brands. Closing his tear filled eyes he tried to pull up his legs and to push down with his hands so he could flip away from the punishing light - moaning softly as even that small effort caused a stabbing pain that joined the pounding that threatened to tear his head apart! Miserable and befuddled by pain, it took him several seconds to realize what his mind was trying to tell him-that dispute all his efforts his legs and arms weren't moving ! his eyes snapped open and squinting against the relentless moonlight he looked down and-

Crap! He was tied down. His bound ankles tethered by a thick rope to the beds wooden foot-board and his wrists tied tightly together and restrained by a short thin cloth tie that attached them to his belt . A few sharp tugs showed whoever had tied them had done an adequate but amateur job -really cloth!-and that the pain on his head had gone from being agonizing to being just fucking painful!

But with the pain slightly better he could focus on getting lose and- once he'd chewed his way through the cloth and could move his hands- the ropes shouldn't be much of a problem . no all he needed was a bit of time and a little privacy and he'd be - -

'Ah finally you've decided wake up. ' a slightly husky voice said from the shadows that hung around the moonlight

Double crap.! as he didn't think whoever owned the voice was going to sit quietly by as he broke lose ...it was now time for plan two! Except... no matter how he much he probed around his aching head he couldn't come up with anything except then to wait! Wait, watch, goad and listen until he found a weakness-there was always was one -and use it.

Mindful of his aching head he glanced around carefully. ' Yes, I was getting a bit bored so I thought I'd join the party.'

A capped hooded figure detached itself from the shadows and he eyed it appraisingly as it walked towards him. He guessed the man was a few inches shorter then him and the long baggy cape draped and tightened around a slender , almost gangling body .

As he moved fully to the moonlight Ethan drew in a sharp breath.-between the shadow of the pulled down cape hood and the thin black thief's mask all he could see of the man face was a pair of deep set, barely visible eyes .

Shit a disguise! This was defiantly .. not good and a frisson of panic licked through him. 'Be calm, ' his mothers voice flickered through him .' fear will kill you. be calm and wait,watch, think '. So he pushed his fear behind the doors of his mind , took a deep breath steadying breath and waited .

The man came close to the bed and his shadowed eyes traveled down Ethan's body with an unnerving thoroughness making him uncomfortably aware just how helpless he was.

Ethan glared right back at him as he took in the loose yet oddly gracefully way the man held himself, the clear blue eyes and the small gloved hands with their skinny wrists peaking out of the billowing sleeves of the long black cape . He was young Ethan realized . oh not a child or a youngster who had just grown his first chin hairs but nowhere near his own twenty five years .

' So you drugged me huh?, ' Ethan said really just for something to of course he'd been drugged!

' Well ... obviously!.' the mans smooth low voice radiated amusement, ' and leaving the food outside... well really that was a very stupid thing to do wasn't it ?'

' I'll admit it wasn't the wisest thing I've ever done!' and you know better,' his fathers voice scolded at him . 'So what now?' he kept his voice pleasant and nonthreatening. 'if its money you're after .. well I'm sure you've already searched the room and taken what I have. And ...'He stopped as a second caped figure came out of the shadows and Ethan wasn't really surprised to see he also wore a mask .

The new man was taller ... maybe Ethans height and the cape couldn't hide he was much bigger built than his friend and obviously much older . And with his heavy steps, big hands and stiff proud back ... here Ethan knew for sure was the warrior!

Ethan raked his eyes over him noting the very loose dark cloth trousers visible under the short cloak and the knee high leather boots and, best of all, no weapons! Of course he might have one hidden in the shadows. but as a man, not wearing amour yet carrying a soldiers shield and sword or a war hammer would stand in a crowed street he was possibly carrying hidden daggers or a short sword .As very few warriors were skilled in the use of small weapons...here was an edge he might be able to use. He sighed silently -so many ifs and maybes! But it was all he had and hey he'd take whatever he could get it and make himself believe things were looking up.!

The warrior came up to stand behind the boy (as Ethan's mind insisted in calling him). He had dark eyes Ethan noticed. Brown and watchful that seemed to miss nothing ...and gave nothing away. And the way he stood-watchful, tall and straight screamed soldier ! He sighed again soldier suggested the boy could be a noble he guarded. Uneasiness spiced with irritation at yet more guesswork ate at him.

So why would a noble -or anyone really- be wanting to capture a leather merchant and why would they be hiding from him! Was that a good or bad thing? And why go to all the trouble to hide if they were going to kill him? Well maybe time to draw them out try for answers

As he moved his shoulders and turned slightly towards the pair the muted pain in his head roared to life and despite himself he gave a small hiss and fell back down against the mattress eyes tearing.

' I'm sorry ' the boy reached down and lightly stroked his bound hands and it was oddly soothing . ' I would have preferred to avoided that potion as the after affects are very uncomfortable- -'

'Uncomfortable! ' Ethan cut him off with grimace then concentrated on breathing deeply trying desperately to calm his heaving stomach. ' No try the after effects fucking hurt . My head's exploding and my mouth feels like something crawled in and then died .' He felt the boy hands still .

'I'll go find some water. Later you can have try something stronger. Some brandy maybe, but not yet.' Ethan brightened at the good news that there was going to be a later . That they were intending to keep him alive at least a little longer!

'Oh and the light,' the younger man glanced around then half- turned towards his friend? bodyguard? ' Pull the window covers and see to the lamps will you?'

.

Seconds later the bright moonlight was gone and the room was lit by the soft glow of the scattered oil lamps . The gentle light soothed Ethans aching eyes and, to his relief, the pain in his head became little more bearable. Maybe , just maybe, the drug was wearing off but he still felt so weak. The bigger man was back and standing by the bed his arms folded - just looking at him with that dark unrelenting stare . Maker he wondered did the man ever ... blink ?

'Sit him up will you? ' the boy said as he returned to the bed carrying the mug Ethan kept in the necessity. The soldier nodded and reached down towards him.

' Or you could just cut me loose.' Ethan hopefully waved his tied hands at them, trying for a look saying 'me I'm harmless' and knowing with his tangled hair and thick dace scruff he looked anything but ! ' Then I can do it myself,'

'Why yes I could... but no I don't think I will !' Bending ,the soldier reached under Ethans arms and dragged him up the bed. Lifted him as if he weighed nothing more then a small child . And Ethan came to the unpleasant realization the man was even stronger then he looked and that... could prove to be a problem!.

The soldier supported him with just one big hand using the other to pile the bed cushions under his neck and back . Then, with surprising gentleness, settled him against them and stood back by the top of the bed. The smaller man held the mug to his lips while Ethan gratefully gulped down the tepid water sighing with relief as it washed away the sourness burning his mouth and throat. Sated he turned his head slightly ,shivering as a few drops of water spilled onto his leather jerkin and soaked into his shirt, 'thank you', he murmured. as the boy dabbed at the wet spots with a corner of his baggy cape.

The small man jerked back. ' Oh you're... welcome,' he said almost ... hesitantly as if he couldn't believe he was being thanked and set the down the mug on the small table by the bed .

' So ... why not tell me what this is all about', Ethan looked between the pair,'the masks the secrecy. what do you want from me ... a simple dealer in leather skins ? '

'Alright. ' the boy glanced over at his friend .' we didn't plan this bit did we?' he said, ' and I... do you want to tell him ?'

The big man shrugged ,' no this was your idea not mine ..so you explain it to him'. he walked towards the chair Ethan had set by the window and sat himself down . 'as this is a long story I will sit here. or would you like that I should stand ?'

'No! And I have never wanted you to stand when you're around me ... you're the one who insists on doing it!' the boy huffed and Ethan realized he was eavesdropping on a long standing teasing argument between friends.

Then the smaller man turned his cool gaze back to Ethan . 'Of course we don't want anything from Ethan Feacher, ' he said softly,' but we do from Ardel Ethan Coursland!'.

' Ah! ' Ethan said softly,. 'well that explains all this. and I suppose we're waiting for Howe or maybe even the queens guards to arrive ? 'And I would think there's big reward for capturing the last of the traitorous Couslands-so this should make you both very rich!'

'No.' the boy drew back from him as if he'd been stabbed. ' Maker ... that's not why we...did this... Howe ! Of course we haven't.. no,' he babbled on, '

'Hush.' the warrior looked over at the pair of them,' What my friend here is trying to say, my lord, and not saying it very well- is we are not looking for coin. That that all this is just simply because we needed to talk to you!'

'My ...lord'? Ethan mouthed silently . And they just wanted to do what? ' Wait let me get this right.' he cocked an eyebrow at the small man pacing nervously beside the bed. ' First you drugged me and then,' he raised his tied hands as far as the tie allowed , ' you tied me down like ...like a pig awaiting slaughterer!And all because you wanted to talk to me ! Couldn't you have just... I don't know... knocked on the door and asked?. Then I'd have ... or maybe I'd have- -'

He hesitated -really there was only one thing he would have done . 'Ah to be honest,' he continued ruefully, ' I'd have gone right out the window.'

' So would that have been before or after you killed the pair of us ?' There was a smile in the boys voice as he moved a bit closer towards Ethan and rested his hand on Ethans arm .

'Oh after of course. Definitely after!. You know I hate to admit it but this was a pretty good idea. Drugged was the only way I would have stayed put -or not killed you!'. The masks well he'd finally figure them out. ' Now I'm guessing that the pair of you are... not exactly unknown around here! And your disguises are so. if I'm ever captured I can't describe you .. because if I do someone will realised I'm talking about you two !. Right? '

' Yes, but also to protect you.' The hand tightened , ' we do want you to do something for us. But if you don't want to... well as you haven't seen us we'll just go . Leave you alone. But if you did see us and then turned us down ... we are both, very, very well known Ardel and ...and- '

You cant risk me betraying you to someone who would recognize you from my description! So you cant let me leave!'. They would have no choice but to kill him and was exactly what he'd do to anyone whose description of his father or Fergus could lead to their capture. ' And I go by Ethan not Ardel and I have for the past five years .' Ever since the day I decided I didn't want to be Ardel Coursland! 'So I suppose we now talk '?

' Yes I think so. but Ethan - move over.' to his surprise the boy pushed at his legs. There wasn't much slack in the rope but enough he could move them a scant couple of inches and the boy sat down on the newly vacated space . ' sorry nowhere else to sit. Since someone ' he glared over at the solider, ' decided to take permanent residence in the only chair in the entire room '.

The warrior lounged back in the chair crossing his booted ankles . 'I have spent days walking all over this town looking for him. 'He hooked a gloved thumb at Ethan . ' While you have done nothing but sit on your ah... ah ... well you just sat. so are you ordering me to stand or what?'

'Well as you never obey my orders why should I waste my time?. ' Laughing eyes turned back to Ethan and the boy arranged himself against the foot board ,feet resting on the wooden floor .' So what's with just having one chair?'

' Need to ask the landlord its his room. So you two know each other long'? he threw the question out casually.

'oh for years... why does it show'?

' You could say that!' he chuckled ,'yes it really does!'

During his life Ethan had been in some strange situations but none as odd as this. Here he was helpless - held prisoner by two masked men who bickered and snipped at each other . Men who lounged around in chairs and sat on his bed instead of guarding the door! And gave him drinks and fluffed bed pillows behind him to make him comfortable! He glanced over at the small figure lounging against footboard. 'Trust your instincts Ethan his mother said in her calm voice when its all you have ...go with them .' Right now his instincts said he was safe- for now anyway -and he had to admit he was very, very curious to finally find out what they wanted from him!

Wiggling slightly he resettled himself more comfortably against the bed cushions ,'so you ,' he indicated his chin towards the window ,' be quiet ... and you,' he prodded the boys hip gently with his foot,'talk!'

For several seconds the boy sat quietly looking down at his gloved hands . It was as if ,now the time had come, he didn't quite know what to say. Ethan looked at him so silent and still wrapped in the big black cape. He sensed rather then heard the warrior approach as the man walked towards them and stood straight and still behind his friend looking down at him and there was a flicker of anger in the warriors dark usually calm eyes .

Finally the boy took a deep breath ' there's a traitor in Ferelden, ' he said very softly

Ethan scowled, ' well of course there is! . its no secret that every country in Thedas has traitors so why should Ferelden be any different? And - ' he paused ,' this traitor are you just generalizing there one around or do you know one exists ?'

'Yes ... he exists . And he's very dangerous because if he's not stopped... what he's doing will destroy Ferelden .' Pushing himself off the bed he leaned over Ethan resting his hand over his two bound ones. ' And we,' he looked over at his friend,' have sworn to stop him. But we cant do it alone- we need your help.'

'Me... oh no,' Ethan looked down at their clasped hands , 'Stopping spies and catching traitors-. that's something Ardel Coursland use to do. And I stopped being that man a long, long time ago.'

'You may think you did! But you cant walked away from who you are! none of us can .' The boy gave a strangely bitter little laugh. ' You were raised as a Coursland and love for Felden is in your blood...just as its in mine! If the country is in danger you wont walk away... you can't any more then your parents could.'

'Yes... I can.' But could he walk away? Deep inside him he knew he couldn't.. it was in his blood to fight and keep his country safe... but it didn't matter did it? ' Maybe I couldn't. But I can't help you- I' m a wanted man. Once I step outside this room and Howe finds out I'm in Denerim, he'll tear the town apart to find me. So if you there is a traitor you'll have to go to the palace and tell Loghain Mac Tir. He's in charge of Ferelden security so tell him and he'll deal with it.'

' I cant... we cant go to him. ' The boy shook his head

' Why not ? He's the one to help you... I cant!'

The boy shook his head again.' We cant... because Loghain Mac Tir .. he... he's Ferelden traitor!'