Sins of the Brother
Six years after saving Amaranthine and leaving Ferelden; Marlena Cousland is summoned back by Fergus and a dying Eamon to help Teagan heal from the tragedy of his family's massacre and learns you can come home again.
Marlena was surprised to find Fergus waiting for her at the docks as she disembarked from the ship.
"Fergus!" Marlena threw her arms around him. "I have missed you."
"And I've missed you little sister." Fergus said. "You have been gone far too long."
"Well I am here now." Marlena said. "I made travel arrangements as soon as I received your letter. The tone in your writing really disturbed me. Needless to say I am relieved to see you are alright. You know I was planning to visit next year. What was so urgent that I needed to come to Ferelden now? Is it Sandra? And how is my nephew?"
"Sandra and Bryce are fine and they can't wait to see you." Fergus said. "Let's head to the estate. I will…explain the situation there."
"Alright."
"So how did you like Antiva?" Fergus asked.
"Its very beautiful, warm, and I was treated like a queen there." Marlena said. "One of the merchant princes set me up with a palace, servants, even two Crow Cells for protection. By the way, were aware that Orianna's father was a high ranking Crowe?"
"Yes." Fergus said. "It was something Orianna was not proud of."
"Did you tell him I killed Howe?" Marlena asked. "Because he was the one who introduced me to Prince Stefano."
"I may have mentioned it in a letter." Fergus admitted. "So how are Zevran and Leliana?"
"They will be arriving in a few weeks." Marlena said as she got in the carriage.
"I am so happy you're here dear sister." Fergus said as he hugged her again. "Your help is desperately needed."
"Fergus I hope the Grey Wardens have not put you up to this." Marlena said. "Because I will immediately make arrangements to leave if that's the case."
"No it is not Grey Warden related." Fergus reassured her. "Nathaniel is still Commander and the last time I saw him, everything was running smoothly in Amaranthine."
The driver proceeded to drive down the road and Marlena surveyed the streets as they headed to the estate. Denerim had not changed much in the years she had been gone, though there were a few buildings she did not recognize. She felt fortunate that nobody had recognized her so far and hoped to retain her anonymity for awhile.
"Have you heard from Teagan and Kaitlyn at all Fergus?" Marlena asked. "All the letters I've sent have gone unanswered."
Marlena became concerned when Fergus didn't answer.
"Fergus?" Marlena asked.
They pulled up to the gate where Sandra was waiting for them. Sandra was a cousin of Ser Gilmore's. When Fergus was given the teyrnir back, he had found some of Ser Gilmore's belongings and brought them back to his family. Fergus had said he was not looking for love but Sandra awakened feelings in him that he thought he would never have again. They married six months after they met and their wedding was one of the few occasions Marlena had left Vigil's Keep before she left Ferelden altogether."
Fergus helped Marlena out of the carriage and Sandra rushed over and hugged her.
"It's wonderful to see you Marlee." Sandra said.
I have gifts for you, Bryce, and Fergus in my baggage."
"You have already sent us so much."
What Sandra said was true; she had sent huge crates full of gifts every couple of months. It was her way of making up for not being there.
"Dear little sister." Fergus put his arm around her. "Having you here is the greatest gift you can give us."
"Perhaps you're right Fergus." Marlena said. "I have been away far too long."
Fergus and Sandra escorted Marlena inside and into a sitting room as the servants brought in her bags.
"Now will you tell me what is going on?"
Fergus and Sandra looked at each other.
"Let me get you some wine." Fergus hastily poured some into a goblet and handed it to her.
Suddenly a little girl with reddish brown hair and wearing a nightgown came running in. She looked about four or five and rushed to Sandra.
"I had a bad dream." She said.
"It's alright Rowann." Sandra said. "Auntie Sandra is here."
"Rowann?" Marlena asked. "That's Teagan and Kaitlyn's daughter! I haven't seen her since she was one. She's absolutely gorgeous."
"We're taking care of her." Fergus said as Sandra excused herself and carried Rowann upstairs.
"Did Teagan and Kaitlyn go away? Last time I heard from them, Kaitlyn had given birth to a son they named Michael. Are you taking care of him too?"
"Teagan and Kaitlyn are the reason why you are here Marlee." Fergus said.
"Why?" Marlena asked. "I figured Eamon must have gotten to them since I have not heard from them."
Marlena was disturbed to see the expression on Fergus's face suddenly turn grim.
'What is it brother?"
"I don't know how to tell you this." Fergus said. "We've only known what happened for a few months. It's why I summoned you."
"Fergus what is it?" Marlena was shaking.
"Kaitlyn, Michael, Bevin and two nannies were murdered over a year and a half ago. We only received news of the tragedy recently."
"No." Marlena blinked away the tears. "What about Teagan?"
"Teagan survived Marlena but he has not fully recovered from the tragedy." Fergus said. "He was stabbed in the back as he was sleeping. His wounds rendered him paralyzed."
"Oh Maker."
"He literally saw Kaitlyn die Marlee." Fergus said.
"How did Rowann survive?"
"Her nanny placed her in a secret passage." Fergus explained. "The guards found her twelve hours later."
"Why did it take so long for you to hear about this?"
"Eamon wanted it kept quiet." Sandra said bitterly as she came back in the room.
"But why?" Marlena cried. "Who killed them?"
"Isolde was the one massacred them Marlee." Fergus said. "And it was Eamon who had me summon you."