Chapter 1 == Teagan Steps Up == 9:19-9:20

It had been ten years since Teagan had left Ansburg to become Bann of Rainesfere, and he had been back to Ansburg to see his cousins yearly, ever since. For the last five years, his annual visits to Ansburg were a mix of family and business because he had been breeding Ferelden Forders and the cities of Starkhaven, Tantervale, and Ansburg were big customers. Teagan also visited Redcliffe for one week a month to work with Horse Master Dennet, and to visit his brother.

Whenever Teagan was at Redcliffe, he always made time to visit with Eamon's foster son, Alistair. Teagan had taught him to ride, so his visits usually included going horseback riding. Sometimes they would go fishing. One thing they would always do is talk. Early on, Teagan found that Alistair was a bright boy with a curiosity that knew no bounds. Remarkably, despite his sister-in-law's maltreatment of the boy, or perhaps because of it, Alistair was an unfailingly kind and empathetic boy.

Teagan knew Isolde beat Alistair, sometimes for things as small as forgetting to fix his bed. He tried to get Eamon to stop her, but his brother considered child rearing, even a foster child, to be a domestic matter and ever since he'd married Isolde, he left her in charge of domestic matters.

He told Teagan, "Isolde knows the lad needs to learn to follow rules. Not fixing his bed is breaking a rule, and Isolde will handle it how she will."

Ten months ago, he had noticed that Alistair was working as a stable boy, so he'd tried, yet again, to intervene on Alistair's behalf.

"Isolde is right: the boy should get used to hard work. He isn't always going to be living in a castle." It was useless to try to convince Eamon that anything Isolde did to Alistair was wrong. After a while, Teagan stopped trying. Teagan knew that Isolde worried that Alistair was Eamon's bastard. Teagan thought she was over that, but why else would she dislike the boy so much?

Teagan spoke with Mother Hannah in the village chantry and proposed to Eamon that Alistair be schooled there. Alistair needed to learn his letters and he told Eamon that "it would be dreadfully unfair to tax Isolde with it." Eamon readily agreed, and Teagan knew that Isolde would be happy because Alistair was out of sight and out of mind, at least in the afternoons.

Doing chores in the morning and going to the chantry in the afternoon seemed to suit Alistair, both because he was out from under Isolde's thumb and because Mother Hannah was a kindly woman who encouraged Alistair's desire to learn. From Chantry lore to the history of dwarves, local agriculture, or current events, Alistair's scholarly interests were vast.

~oOOo~

Alistair had just turned ten when Isolde found out she was with child. Suddenly he was banished from the castle to live in the horse barn and sleep in a hayloft.

Alistair was confused as to what he'd done wrong. Teagan had no explanation for him, save that Isolde was expecting and needed to remain calm.

Isolde was just about to enter her confinement when Eamon told Teagan that he was looking for a small, out of the way Chantry to send Alistair. When Teagan asked if it was for schooling, Eamon admitted that he was committing Alistair to the chantry to become a Templar.

"You are going to make Alistair a Templar? What does Maric say about this?"

Eamon waved off his younger brother's concern. "The king has given me full rights in the fostering of Alistair and if I think he it is best for him to go to the chantry then that's my decision. Besides, Maric need not concern himself with his by-blow."

"Yes, Alistair is illegitimate, but the King has always seemed concerned for his welfare."

"His concern is that no one ever finds out about Alistair; clearly that is why he gave him to me to foster."

Maker, that poor child has only ever wanted someone to love him. When father died, my Aunt Thalia and her husband adopted us without a moment's thought and raised us as if were their own children.

"Eamon, Isolde does know that Alistair is not yours?"

"I've told her. She says his presence still makes her feel uncomfortable, especially now that she is expecting. So, the chantry will take care of Alistair and train him to be something of worth."

"Brother, you must remember, the Grand Cleric knows his parentage. She will use him as a pawn."

"That was Maric's fault because he wanted Alistair to have a chantry blessing. In any case, it matters little. My job is making sure that Alistair is raised in a way that removes any threat he may pose to the to the succession."

A very alarmed Teagan left at the end of the week, but instead of going to Rainesfere he rode straight to Denerim to see the King. Being Cailan's uncle and Maric's former brother-in-law, he was allowed an immediate audience.

Maric hated formality when it came to family, but it had taken Teagan several years to feel comfortable calling him just "Maric" and not your Majesty.

They settled in the King's study, both with a glass of brandy. "Teagan, what brings you to Denerim?"

"Maric, I'm concerned about Alistair. Are you aware that Isolde loathes the boy?"

Maric frowned. "Unfortunately, yes, I am quite aware of the Arlessa's petty jealousy. She thinks, despite being told to the contrary, that he's Eamon's bastard. I take it something has changed, aside from her being with child?"

"Yes. Six months ago, Isolde banished Alistair from the castle and sent him to live and sleep in the horse barn–."

Maric bristled and was about to speak, but Teagan held up his hand. "There's more. Eamon is going to commit Alistair to the chantry to be raised and trained as a Templar. I asked him if he'd spoken to you. He said, and I quote, 'The king has given me full rights in the fostering of Alistair and if I think he it is best for him to go to the chantry then that's my decision. Besides, Maric need not concern himself with his by-blow.'"

"My by-blow?"

Teagan nodded. "He said that it was his job is to 'make sure that Alistair is raised in a way that removes any threat he may pose to the to the succession.'"

Maric was shocked. "His job was to foster Alistair, to raise Alistair like a son, Alistair knows I sired him, but Eamon was supposed to be his father."

Teagan shook his head. "I told Eamon that the Grand Cleric is the only other person who knows about Alistair's parentage. Once she gets her hooks into him, she will use that power to her own advantage and Alistair will suffer. He seemed completely unfazed by that knowledge."

"Apparently, he also doesn't seem to care that Elemena will use him to manipulate the Crown. I always wondered if Eamon secretly harbored anger at me, that he believes that I somehow besmirched Rowan's honor even though she'd died two years before I'd met Alistair's mother."

"Honestly, sometimes my brother is a mystery. I came here in part to apprise you of the situation, but also to ask if you would allow me to foster Alistair."

Maric stroked his beard. "Teagan, you are not yet 30, and still unmarried. Raising a child will make finding a wife more difficult."

"If a woman I meet does not like the fact that I have a son, then she isn't the woman for me. Being a Bann for a decade has made me realize what is really important in life."

"Have you spoken to Eamon about this?"

"No, but I've been thinking about this for months. I remember my life in Ansburg, and how fortunate I was to be adopted into a family that loved me. I care for Alistair like a son. He's a loving child. He deserves a parent who actually cares about him and his welfare." Teagan paused. "I apologize for speaking so bluntly, your Majesty."

"It may be blunt, but it's the truth and it shows me how much you care about my son. I would be grateful if you would assume Alistair's fosterage, Teagan. I will rest easier knowing he is truly cared for."

Teagan grinned happily. "Thank you, Sire."

Maric smiled back. "Did Eamon give you a sense of when he was going to send Alistair to the chantry?"

"He mentioned having to find a small out-of-the-way-chantry. I would say by month's end at the latest."

Maric called for his Chancellor and Teyrn Loghain. When they arrived, Marc filled them in.

Loghain, who had no love for either the Chantry or Isolde, agreed with Maric about Alistair's fosterage. Loghain respected Teagan and what he had done as Bann of Rainesfere but had little love for his brother.

"Loghain, I would like us to leave for Redcliffe in the morning. This is to be a surprise visit, so no official entourage."

The Teyrn nodded. "I'll bring two of the Shield with us and be outfitted for travel and hunting in the Bannorn."

Maric looked at Teagan. "This will probably strain your relationship with your brother."

"My relationship with my brother has been strained since he met Isolde. But even if that were not so, Alistair's needs are more important to me than my relationship with Eamon. Much to Eamon's dissatisfaction, I am no longer his dutiful, biddable younger-brother."

Loghain nodded in approval. "Teagan, you should go home to Rainesfere. We will send word."

"I'll depart this afternoon. By your leave, Your Majesty, your Grace."

After Teagan left, Loghain bristled. "I admit I was happy that Alistair was not being raised as part of the succession but in a hayloft? Then to become a lyrium-addled templar? I know I was unhappy when Alistair appeared, but irrespective of his mother, he is the son of the King of Ferelden and should not be under the thumb of an Orlesian Arlessa or a Grand Cleric who reports to the Orlesian Divine."

Maric nodded. "I'm glad Teagan came forward."

"Yes - I wonder how Eamon would have explained Alistair's move to a chantry?"

"Oh, undoubtedly it would have been something like Alistair needing chantry discipline."

~oOOo~

When Maric and Loghain arrived in Redcliffe it was dawn. Loghain slipped into the barn and found Alistair sound asleep in a hayloft.

Eamon and Isolde had not yet risen but were being summoned by the time Loghain rejoined Maric and reported, "There is no way Eamon can say that his being in the barn was a one-off night. Everything the lad owns is there with him."

"He might say it was Alistair's choice."

Loghain snorted, "Clearly Isolde thinks she did the right thing by sending him to the horse barn; she won't hide it. She'll let the cat out of the bag."

Maric chuckled as they walked into the castle and were shown to the audience chamber. Maric sat down on the Arl's throne and waited.

Eamon and a very pregnant Isolde arrived quickly, both looking distressed. Maric tried to look sheepish in order to set them at ease. "I am sorry to intrude. We were on our way to Edgehall and one of the horses threw a shoe. I spoke with Dennet who was happy to help. Sorry that you were woken up."

At the mention of the horse barn, Loghain noticed Eamon slightly pale and as predicted Isolde seemed unbothered.

"While I'm here, I would like to see Alistair."

"Your Majesty, at this early hour the lad is still asleep…do you really want me to wake him?"

Nice try, Eamon. "I know it's early, but he can always take a nap in the afternoon."

Eamon nodded then turned to leave "Where are you going, Eamon?" Loghain asked.

"To wake Alistair, your Grace."

Maric chucked. "Eamon, I didn't mean for you to wake him up. Just send a servant, as you usually do. If you do it, it would just alarm him. I tried that once with Cailan; poor boy thought we were under attack."

Isolde sighed. "Just send Solange to the barn, Eamon."

"The barn?" Maric said.

"Ah…yes, well...he likes to pretend he is camping…but we just cannot have him in a tent somewhere outside of the castle. The barn is the safest place for him to sleep. He can pretend the barn is a tent. It is rather endearing…wouldn't you say so, Isolde?"

"Endearing? He has hay in his hair every day, and every day, Solange has to pick it out."

"Every day?" Maric asked.

"Isolde is just exaggerating. I'm afraid it is rather annoying for her to have to spare Solange so she can pick hay out of Alistair's hair."

"Pensez-vous que je mens?"

"Of course, Eamon is not calling you a liar, Isolde. Look, if he is having a camp-out in the barn, just take Loghain and I to his bedroom and have a servant bring him there."

"Excellent suggestion, Sire." He turned to his wife looking her directly in the eyes. "Isolde, I will summon Solange while you show Loghain and Maric to Alistair's bedroom. Fortunately, you will be just a few doors from our room and can go rest. I worry about you, my love."

Isolde still looked affronted but nodded. "Please follow me Your Majesty, your Grace."

Isolde showed them to a room.

Are we supposed to believe this is Alistair's room? "Maric, he is such a well-mannered boy to keep his room so neat," Loghain said.

"I'm glad he is, that must make so much easier for you, Isolde. He can practically raise himself!" Maric grinned.

"Perhaps," Isolde said.

About a candle mark later, Alistair walked in with Eamon, he looked around, clearly confused. "This isn't my old room. I've never seen this room before. I thought were going to my room."

"So did we," Loghain said.

"Do not lie young man. You know that this is your room," Isolde said firmly.

Alistair looked down at his feet.

At this point, Maric's temper flared. He turned away from Isolde briefly to compose his expression and calm down. He turned to look at his son. "Alistair, is this your bedroom?"

Alistair looked at the King, "What I said was the truth. This isn't my room. I've never seen this room before. I live in the barn."

Eamon was about to speak, but Loghain put up his hand. "I saw Alistair in the hayloft and all of his belongings were there with him. It is demonstrably clear that Alistair does not have a bedroom in the Castle."

Maric smiled. He has Fiona's eyes. "Alistair, come here and have a seat next to me." Maric patted the bed beside him.

When he sat down, Maric noticed a small piece of hay in his hair, and what looked like a hand-shaped bruise on his arm - as if someone had grabbed him. By the size and shape of the bruise, the hand of his abuser was small. "What happened to your arm, Alistair?"

Alistair swallowed and quickly glanced at Isolde, then looked at the King. "I cannot say, your Majesty."

"May I look?"

Alistair showed Maric his arm; the whole forearm was slightly swollen and when he touched it, Alistair winced.

He looked at Alistair "This isn't the first bruise you've been given by the Arlessa is it?"

Alistair knew he dared not lie. "No, your Majesty, it's not." Maric looked at his son. He was only ten, but he was tall. He was also too thin for what promised to be a large frame.

Isolde paled at Maric's glare.

Turning to Loghain, the King asked, "Could you take Alistair to get breakfast?"

The Teyrn smirked. "I would be happy to."

Once Alistair was out of the room. Maric looked at Isolde and his tone was firm and measured. "Arl Eamon and Arlessa Isolde, it is time to talk about the fosterage of my son."

Isolde's eyes went wide, and she looked at Eamon. "Eamon, dit-il la vérité? Is he truly not yours?"

"So Arl Eamon, could you explain why Alistair lives in a barn and why your wife grabbed his arm hard enough for it to be swollen and bruised?"

Before Eamon could speak, Isolde sniffed, "Your Majesty, the boy is incorrigible! My husband is committing him to the chantry, where he will learn to behave."

Maric feigned the surprise but not the anger. "The Chantry?!" he roared.

Eamon looked at his wife with concern. "Isolde, please go back to our room; you need to rest."

It seemed as if Eamon was worried about his wife, but Maric watched the Arl closely. His worry has more to do with his political ambitions than anything else.

Once Isolde left the room, Eamon assumed his placating, diplomatic expression. "Your Majesty, please excuse Isolde. She is not herself."

Loghain hates that expression; he believes the Arl to be arrogant and completely disingenuous. His exact words were 'an arrogant lying weasel.' I admit I've given Eamon the benefit of the doubt because he is Rowan's brother, but I cannot countenance it any longer. "Eamon, when did you plan on telling me you were sending Alistair to the Chantry, and into Elemena's hands?"

"Of course, I was planning to ask you first!"

You arrogant lying weasel. "What was your plan if I had said no?"

"…Keep him here?"

"Eamon, that statement lacked conviction." The Arl seems to be at a loss for words. Clearly, he did not anticipate having this conversation. Maric held up his hand to forestall Eamon from giving any more excuses. "Eamon, I will make this easy for you and your wife, particularly considering the Arlessa's delicate condition: I am removing Alistair from your care."

"Sire, I know I have given Isolde too much say in raising the boy, l–"

"Don't waste your breath, Eamon. Nothing will change my decision."

"Are you recognizing your bas-son?"

"My what? My bastard son? He isn't just the result of a tumble with a servant and you know it! I loved his mother, and she had me promise not to raise him in court. I care about him, and it hurts that I cannot acknowledge him."

"Then what…what will you do?"

"Appoint Teagan as his foster father."

"Sire! Teagan is unmarried and, not to speak ill of my brother, he is a bit flighty."

Maric shook his head, "Eamon, I advise you not to pursue that line of thought. Teagan has shown himself to be nothing save honorable and level-headed. Everyone in Landsmeet knows his holding is among one of the best governed in the Bannorn. You and I both know he cares about Alistair and the boy's welfare."

"Yes…yes. Perhaps too much." Eamon said the last mostly under his breath.

Maric, who had heard it, erupted. "Don't you dare! If you want to remain Arl then you will not make another ill-considered…. No, not ill-considered. It's an outright lie about Teagan. Now, I want Alistair's belongings, all of them, packed and ready within the hour. I will be removing him from your care today."

"But Sire, what if Teagan does not want to be his foster father?"

"Then I will deal with it. Alistair is no longer your concern. Thank you for your years of service in fostering him."

"No thank you is needed, I was happy to help." Eamon could not keep the defeat from coloring his tone.

Maric nodded and then said with a King's calm finality, "Eamon, if I hear of any recriminations against your brother, I will react with all the power I possess. Now go to your wife; I am sure she will be happy with this news."

Eamon bowed and left.

I should never have promised Fiona. But at least now Alistair will be safe and, hopefully, happy.

Loghain came back smiling. "I don't know exactly what you said, but Eamon's expression looked like he'd just stepped in a pile of shite."

Maric sighed. "How could he be related to Teagan or Rowan?"

"Every tree can have a bad apple. I think that Eamon will bear watching. He is as likely to back down as an Orlesian is to remove his mask."

"I will trust you to help with that."

"I fully intend to. While Alistair was shoveling food into his clearly empty belly, I asked him if he would like to have Teagan as his foster father."

"What did he say?"

Loghain chortled. "Given that his mouth was full of porridge, he didn't say anything, but he nodded so vigorously I thought he was going to hurt his neck."

AN: A million thanks to my Beta ElyssaCousland author of There and Back Again. It has been a while since I've written a story, and I hope you all come along for the ride.