Chapter 1

Rosemary Cousland

Highever

August 20th, 9:30 Dragon

Rosemary contemplated the chaos before her as she stepped into the courtyard of her family's ancestral castle. Twitching the skirt of her dress in irritation, wishing for the freedom of her usual gear, she slipped through the mass of Cousland arms men and women preparing to head out the next day, nodding to those that noticed her.

She wondered why her father had summoned her, perhaps Howe's men had been delayed, as her brother Fergus had speculated. An air of excitement tinged with worry had hung over Highever since the King's message had come. No one knew much of what was going on, only that the feared Darkspawn had risen again. It had been four hundred years since the Fourth Blight, and though the Darkspawn had never fully retreated from the lands of Thedas, Fereldan had not seen their like in many generations. Faced with monsters from story and legend, no one knew quite what to believe. In fact, Rose had just returned from a trip to the local Highever book merchant in search of information, a search which had been largely unfruitful.

She sighed as she stepped into the entry, pondering if she would have enough time to dig through the library again. She heard the murmuring of voices as she approached the main hall, and picked out the warm timbre of her father's voice, as well as the deep nasal tone of Arl Howe.

"I trust then that your troops will be here shortly?" She heard her father ask, confirming both her and Fergus's suspicions about the delay.

"I expect they will start arriving tonight, and we can march tomorrow. I apologize for the delay, my lord. This is entirely my fault."

"No, no. The appearance of the darkspawn in the south has us all scrambling, doesn't it? I only received the call from the king a few days ago, myself. I'll send my eldest off with my men. You and I will ride tomorrow, just like the old days!"

Rose hung back a little, waiting for a break in the conversation. She also was more than a bit curious about her father's old friend, Rendon Howe. He was not a tall man, perhaps half a foot shorter than her father. His hair was a steel grey, contrasting oddly with his amber eyes. There was a dark intenseness about him, though he was unfailingly polite. She watched him as he smiled wanly at her father.

"True. Though we both had less grey in our hair then. And we fought Orlesians, not…monsters."

"At least the smell will be the same." Her father laughed as she moved forward to meet them.

"Ah! There you are pup; I didn't see you. Howe, you remember my daughter?" He winked at her before turning back to their guest.

"I see she's become a lovely young woman. Pleased to see you again, my dear." Howe bowed, eyeing her approvingly.

"And you, Arl Howe" Rose replied, curtsying slightly. "Is your family with you?"

"Oh no, I left them in Amaranthine, away from the fighting in the south. My son Thomas asked after you, perhaps I should bring him with me next time."

"I'd like that." Rose said politely, though she doubted Thomas had changed much from the spoiled prankster she remembered.

"Good! My son saw you at a Denerim fair and has talked about you ever since. He'll be pleased you remember him." Rose blinked in surprise, oh dear. She hoped that Howe wasn't seriously hoping for a match between them. She didn't exactly dislike Thomas, but she was not interested in marrying him in the least. She turned back to her father, who shook his head slightly.

"At any rate, pup, I summoned you for a reason. While your brother and I are both away, I'm leaving you in charge of the castle."

"I'll do my best, Father." Rose answered, nodding in acknowledgment. She had expected as much, though she wished dearly to go with her brother and father.

"Now, that's what I like to hear." He smiled at her, "Only a token force is remaining here, and you must keep the peace. You know what they say about mice when the cat is away, yes?" Rose rolled her eyes inwardly, yet another one of her father's sayings. At least the coming weeks looked to be a challenge, keeping order in Highever while it's Teyrn and his heir fought the evil in the south. He turned and motioned to one of the door guards.

"There's also someone you must meet. Please…show Duncan in." Rose watched with a mixture of surprise and interest as the strange man entered the main hall. He was tall and lean, with a dark golden complexion not common in Fereldan. He was dressed in formal armor, over a blue and silver tabard. As he approached she saw that a griffon was emblazoned on the front of the chest piece. That could only mean that he was a Grey Warden. Her interest sharpened, here was someone who could answer her questions about the darkspawn.

"It is an honor to be a guest within your hall, Teyrn Cousland." He nodded to her father and Howe, then turned to her. She felt his appraisal, and met his gaze, his eyes twinkled back at her in approval.

"Your Lordship, you didn't mention that a Grey Warden would be present." There was an odd note to Howe's voice, clearly he had not expected another visitor.

"Duncan arrived just recently, unannounced. Is there a problem?" Her father shot him a questioning look.

"Of course not, but a guest of this stature demands certain protocol. I am…at a disadvantage." Howe retreated into formality.

"We rarely have the pleasure of seeing one in person, that's true. Pup, you remember what Brother Aldous taught you about the Grey Wardens, I'm sure."

"They are an order of great warriors, they defeated the darkspawn long ago, during the time of King Calenhad."

"Not permanently, I fear." Duncan smiled faintly, "As current events are proving."

"Without their warning of the darkspawn rising now, half the nation could have been overrun before we'd had a chance to react." Her father looked back at the Warden "Duncan is looking for recruits before joining us and his fellow Wardens in the south. I believe he's got his eye on Ser Gilmore."

"If I might be so bold, I would suggest that your daughter is also an excellent candidate." Both Rose and her father looked at the man in surprise. Her father frowned and stepped in front of her.

"Honor though that might be, this is my daughter we're talking about."

"Is there a reason I shouldn't join them?" She gave her father a suspicious look, he wasn't usually this protective, there was something she didn't know and that bothered her.

"You did just finish saying that the Grey Wardens are heroes, old friend." Howe gave him rare grin.

"I've not so many children that I'll gladly see them all off to battle. Unless you intend to invoke the Right of Conscription…?" He continued frowning at the Grey Warden.

"Have no fear. While we need as many good recruits as we can find, I've no intention of forcing the issue." Duncan replied politely, clearly deciding not to press the issue. Satisfied, her father turned back to her.

"Pup, can you ensure that Duncan's requests are seen to while I'm gone?"

"Of course." She raised an eyebrow at him, a little tired of all the formality.

"In the meantime, find Fergus and tell him to lead the troops to Ostagar ahead of me."

"Where is Fergus?" She had tried to find him earlier in the day, but he had been out getting some supplies for the trip south.

"Upstairs in his chambers, no doubt, spending some last moments with Oriana and Oren." Taking that as her cue to leave, she turned and headed toward one of the side doors. Her father reached out and paused her as she passed. "We'll talk
later" he whispered, and let her go.

Rose stepped out into the warm afternoon air, away from the bustle of the front of the castle. She walked quickly towards the kitchen, hoping to check on dinner and perhaps get a snack before finding Fergus. She heard a clamor in the distance, and frowning looked up just in time of avoid bumping into Ser Gilmore as he hurried around the corner.

"There you are! Your mother told me the Teyrn had summoned you, so I didn't want to interrupt." He ran his hand through his auburn hair, clearly ruffled. She grinned impishly up at her childhood friend.

"Hello to you too, Ser Gilmore, why were you looking for me?"

"Ha! Pardon my abruptness, Lady Rose. It's simply that I've been looking all over for you." He grinned back at her, "I fear your hound has the kitchens in an uproar once again. Nan is threatening to leave."

"Oh dear, did Conri get into the larder again?" She sighed, wondering what her hound was up to this time. He almost always had a good reason for getting into mischief, just not one obvious to his human friends.

"No matter how the maids try to keep him out, he always finds a way in. You know these mabari hounds. He'll listen to his mistress, but anyone else risks having an arm bitten off."

"You know he wouldn't hurt a fly, unless I asked, Gil." She commented, tilting her chin up, "I'd better go collect him then."

"That would be wise. Before Nan tears down the walls." He paused, and then they both burst out laughing at the mental image that conjured.

"You're quite lucky to have your own mabari war hound you know. Smart enough not to talk, my father used to say." His grey eyes darkened slightly, remembering his deceased parent. "Of course, that means he's easily bored." He returned abruptly to the subject, "Nan swears he confounds her just to amuse himself. At any rate, your mother would have me accompany you until the matter is settled. Shall we?" She laughed, and they strode off in unison.

"To the kitchens then!"

"Where is my mother exactly?" Rose asked as they headed down the passage that lead to the kitchens, the sound of Conri's excited barks getting closer and more distinct.

"She was entertaining Lady Landra and her son when I left her. Perhaps in the atrium? Err…before we go, my lady, might I beg a question? I've heard from several people that a Grey Warden is here. Is that true?" Rose paused, and turned to look at him. His face was a contrast of worry and excitement.

"His name is Duncan. I met him. And do drop the 'my lady' Roland, you know I hate it."

"Then…is it also true this Grey Warden was asking after me?"

"I'm not certain. Maybe." She replied, crossing her arms and leaning back on one foot.

"Maybe? Have mercy Rose! Is he asking after me or not?" He frowned at her with comical ferocity.

"Just joking!" She laughed, "Yes, he wants to test you." He let out his breath with a puff, a look of surprised wonder passing over his face.

"Maker's breath! Are you certain? Can you imagine? Me? A Grey Warden! It would be everything I've dreamed of!" His face fell, excitement dampened a bit. "Of course, I shouldn't get ahead of myself. Pardon my outburst."

"Don't worry so much Roland, I'm sure you're up to anything he can throw at you." She smiled at him as they moved on towards the kitchen door. "Just remember to write sometimes, won't you?"

"I will!" he replied, smiling back. As they reached the door to the main kitchen, the sound of barking and general ruckus rose. Roland raised his eyebrows and gestured for her to go in first.

"Such bravery" she whispered as she pushed open the door and strode in. She was greeted by a scene of utter chaos, not unusual in the kitchen. Nan, once her nanny and now the head cook, had cornered two of the elven kitchen staff and was trying to get them to go see what was going on in the larder. It wasn't working.

"Get that bloody mutt out of the larder!" Nan faced the two elves, their backs to the larder door. Rose took a moment to remember their names, Adney and Cath, trainee cooks.

"But, mistress! It won't let us near!" Adney, complained, Cath shaking her head in agreement.

"If I can't get into that larder, I'll skin both of you useless elves, I swear it!" Rose winked at them as she and Roland stepped forward.

"Errr…calm down Mistress Nan, we've come to help." Roland interjected, trying to keep a straight face.

"You!" Nan turned to face him, then caught sight of Rose, "And you! Your bloody mongrel keeps getting into my larder! That beast should be put down!" She shook her finger for emphasis.

"I'm sorry he's bothering you, Nan." Rose replied blithely. Nan narrowed her dark eyes at her former charge.

"Just get him gone! I've enough to worry about with a castle full of hungry soldiers!" She turned back to the two hapless trainees.

"You two! Stop standing there like idiots! Get out of the way!" They swiftly moved out of the way and Rose slipped into the cool, and usually quiet, larder.

She was met with the sight of her large, ferocious mabari hound nose to ground and stubby tail waggling. Conri had been with her for almost five years now, though she had met him as a newborn puppy, a meeting which had prompted her father's pet name for her, Pup. He was big, even for a mabari, fit and muscular. She eyed him as he lifted his head and barked at a bunch of flour sacks.

Roland sighed, looking around at the stirred crates and fallen vegetables. "Look at the mess. How does he even get in here?" Rose, who had no idea, just shrugged. She crossed her arms and stared at her hound, who had turned at their entrance and stood proud, tail wagging enthusiastically. He barked emphatically, tilting his head towards one wall of the larder.

"Are you trying to tell me something boy?" Rose asked, looking at the wall and back at her dog. He responded by barking an affirmative and spinning in a circle. Roland frowned, looking around.

"He does seem to be trying to tell you something…wait, did you hear that?"

There was a loud crash, then a large flurry as six rats as big as housecats emerged from the sacks of flour. They squeaked madly, red eyes glimmering in the dim light. Her hound's presence must have stirred them into a frenzy, because they went straight for the mabari and the two humans. Rose drew her belt knife quickly, noticing Roland doing the same. Conri had already dealt with one rat, breaking its neck, and was in the process of catching another. Rose managed to kick one unconscious and deal with it, then threw her knife, hitting the other. She blinked in surprise, suddenly thankful for all the years of drilling with her mother. She turned and found Roland with two very dead rats at his feet. They looked at each other in bewilderment.

"Giant rats? It's like the start of every bad adventure tale my grandfather used to tell." Roland said, shaking his head. "He must have chased them out of their holes. Looks like he wasn't raiding the larder after all." Conri gave him a wounded look, and barked indignantly.

"It certainly looks that way" Rose replied, rubbing the hound's head and staring around at the mess.

Roland crouched down, holding one rat up by its tail. "These are rats from the Korcari Wilds. Best not tell Nan. She's upset enough as it is." Rose blinked, then frowned, perplexed.

"How did rats from the Wilds get all the way up here? And why?" The Kocari Wilds were a vast expanse of unexplored swamp and forest bordering the south of Fereldan, occupied only by the often antagonistic Chasind and abounding with rumors of curses and witches. It was also over three hundred miles south of Highever. Roland just shook his head.

"We'd better clean this mess before facing Nan again." Rose nodded in agreement. Looking around, they decided to throw the rat corpses out the back-ventilation window, which opened onto a sheer cliff face. They tidied the rest of the mess as best they could, then returned to the kitchen. Nan and the two elven servants were back at work, and others had appeared, pitching in to help prepare for an unusually large company.

"Well, seeing as you've got Conri well in hand, I'll be on my way. I'm to help prepare for more of the arl's men." Roland said, looking at her. Rose nodded, and made shooing motions at him as she approached Nan. He grinned back, and trotted out the door, snatching one of yesterday's bread rolls from a nearby basket. Nan turned around, brushing her hands on her apron. She glared at Conri, hands on hips.

"There he is, as brazen as you please, licking his chops after helping himself to the roast no doubt!" Conri sat at attention and whined piteously.

"Actually, he was defending the larder from rats. Big ones." Rose replied calmly. Having also assured herself of the roast's safety before they had left.

"Wh-what? Rats?! Not the large grey ones?" interjected Cath, dropping the bowl of potatoes she was holding. "They'll rip you to shreds!"

"See? Now you've gone and scared the servants! I expect those filthy things are dead." Nan replied, ever pragmatic.

"My faithful hound made sure it's safe" Rose grinned back, patting his head. "And I cleaned up the mess, yes." anticipating Nan's next question.

Nan hmphed. Continuing to glower at the hound. "I bet that dog led those rats there to begin with." Conri whined in protest, unleashing his most devastating skill, puppy eyes.

"Oh, don't even start with the sad eyes! I'm immune to your so-called charms." Even as she said it, Rose could see the old nurse's resolve crumble. At another piteous wine, she sighed, and pulled some wrapped bits of meat from her apron.

"Here, then. Take these pork bits and don't say that Nan never gives you anything! Bloody dog" A faint smile flashed across her usually stern face as the hound took them politely from her hand. He gobbled them up, the barked happily. She turned back to Rose.

"Thank you my lady. Now we can get back to work." She turned, hands on hips again, like a commander marshaling her forces. "That's right, everyone, quit standing about!" she paused Rose with a hand as she turned to leave.

"Thank you again for your help. Now if you'll just hold on a moment, yes?" Not waiting for a reply, she returned to barking out orders. "Adney, get moving with those casks! And Cath, do you think you can serve that to the Teyrn with dirt from the floor all over it?" The two elves looked at each other and winced.

"Miserable old bat." Muttered Adney, hastily exiting with the casks.

"Old bat, am I" Nan replied, ears as sharp as ever. "We've got to work double-time on supper! Sweep up the hearths, and no complaining!" Rose stifled a grin as Nan turned back to work.

"Busy day?"

"Just keeping order. That's why your father keeps me on. The good Maker knows I needn't take care of you anymore." She gave her old charge a sideways look.

"Thank you for coming to your old nanny's rescue. That blasted hound is more trouble than he's worth, he is." She laughed lightly at Conri's whine.

"Don't start with me! You've gotten all you're getting today." She turned to Rose, handing her a one of yesterday's rolls, warm and dripping with butter.

"And what about you my lady? Been keeping safe and well behaved I hope?"

"Of course!" Rose replied, taking an overly large bite.

"Good. I won't have to remind you of the Dog that Bit again, now will I?" referring to a story she had told Rose a least fifty times, growing up. She shook her head, making shooing motions with her hands.

"Well, off you go then. Be sure to let your lady mother know that the larder situation has been solved"

Rose turned towards the Castle atrium, licking the last of the butter from her fingers. She heard the hum of voices as she came near, and found her mother and her guests sitting and chatting in the late afternoon light.

"…and my dear Bryce brought this back from Orlais last year." Her mother, Eleanor, was saying, indicating the fine set of chess on the table. "The marquis who gave it to him was drunk, I understand, and mistook Bryce for the king!" She and Lady Landra giggled at the foolishness of drunk Orlaisians. The two were of an age, and good friends. Her mother stood as she approached, smiling a greeting at both her and Conri.

"Ah, here is my lovely daughter. I take it by the presence of that troublesome hound of yours that the situation in the kitchen is handled?" She bent to rub that 'troublesome' hound's head.

"Yes, mother. Nan is back at work as we speak."

"You've always had a way with her" She smiled at Rose. "Darling, you remember Lady Landra? Bann Loren's wife?" Loren held lands to the southwest of Highever.

"I think we last met at your mother's spring salon." Lady Landra was a tall, thin woman, fragile looking next to Rose's mother's strong, fit figure.

"Of course! It is good to see you again, my lady." Rose bobbed a slight curtsy, smiling.

"You're too kind, dear girl. Didn't I spend half the salon trying to convince you to marry my son?" Rose grimaced internally, Lady Landra hadn't been the only who had a marriageable son.

"And made a very poor case for it, I might add." The son in question interjected. He was tall and strong, with vibrant red gold hair. Rose supposed he was handsome, but guessed he was in the same boat as her, not ready for marriage yet. Or at least, hadn't met the right person.

"You remember my son, Dairren? He's not married yet, either." He rolled his eyes at his mother's blatant comment.

"Don't listen to her. It's good to see you again, my lady. You're looking as beautiful as ever." He bowed slightly, giving her an appreciative look.

"Thank you." Rose smiled, bobbing another curtsey.

"And this is my lady-in-waiting, Iona. Do say something my dear." Landra introduced the small elven woman who had been standing quietly in the shadows.

"It is a great pleasure, my lady. You are as pretty as your mother describes." She said politely, giving Rose a deep curtsy.

"You would think that would make it easier to make a match for her, not more difficult." Eleanor sighed, looking at her daughter with a twinkle.

"Perhaps your daughter simply has a mind of her own, your Ladyship. You should be proud." Rose flashed him a surprised glance, perhaps there was more to him than met the eye.

"Proud doesn't get me any more grandchildren." Her mother sighed again, and Rose struggled not to burst out laughing at her 'concerned noble mother' act.

"May I go now Mother?" She asked, hiding her grin.

"Of course, darling. You have many things to do before Fergus and your father leave."

"I think perhaps I shall rest now, my dear." Said Lady Landra, who indeed looked weary and drawn. "Dairren, I will see you and Iona at supper."

"Perhaps we'll retire to the study for now." Her son replied, nodding in understanding, and wandered off towards the library, Iona quietly trailing in his wake.

"Good evening, your Ladyship." Lady Landra curtseyed to Rose and her mother, then left, heading toward the guest quarters.

"You should say goodbye to Fergus while you have the chance." Her mother said, watching her guest with a slightly concerned expression.

"I have a bad feeling about all of this." Rosemary said, looking directly at her mother, finally voicing the unspoken feeling that had been hanging over her all day.

"As do I. Your father and brother are marching off to fight Maker-knows-what. All the assurances in the world don't comfort me." Eleanor replied, looking back at her daughter. Her face was clouded, green eyes worried. "But it wouldn't help for us to take up arms and follow. Fergus and your father have their duty, and we have ours." The two nodded in agreement. Someone had to look after the people back home. Rather than leaving the Cousland women behind, her father had described it as 'splitting their forces'.

"Did you know there's a Grey Warden here?" Rosemary asked, suddenly remembering.

"Yes, your father mentioned that. I haven't met him myself, yet." She looked askance at Rosemary "You haven't gotten it into your head that you want to be recruited?"

"Father wouldn't allow it." Rose said, noncommittally.

"Nor I. And I do realize you didn't answer my question." Her mother gave her a piercing look.

"There's enough here at the castle to occupy you. I don't need you off chasing danger like your brother. Again."

"Are you staying at the Castle?" Rose changed the subject. Her mother let this pass, replying.

"For a few days. Then I'll travel with Lady Landra to her estate, and keep her company for a time. Your father thinks my presence here might undermine your authority." She laughed.

"As you wish." Rose said, smiling.

"Good. I was worried you might be nervous about running the castle alone. I needn't have been concerned." They laughed. Her mother knew full well that while Rose was nervous, she was also excited to test her independence.

"Do you know where Fergus is?" She asked, double checking with the other parent.

"If he's not out with his men, probably upstairs with Oriana." Rose turned to head off, but was suddenly enveloped in a motherly embrace.

"I love you my darling girl. You know that, don't you?" her voice was soft, muffled in her daughter's dark red hair, the shade her own had been, long ago.

"I love you too." Rose hugged her mother back, both treasuring the fleeting moment of peace.

"Off you go, then. I will see you soon." Eleanor said, giving Rose's hands a squeeze, then turned and headed the direction of the kitchen.