CHAPTER TWO
Varel, the Seneschal of Vigil's Keep was annoyed with himself. He should have been awake to see the former Warden-Commander off. He had worked with Brianna for several months and had gotten to know her well. She was an extraordinary warrior and excellent administrator. Her efforts at rebuilding Amaranthine were amazing, given all the obstacles thrown her way. But he knew she was anxious to be back at court with her husband. She had never shirked her duties, but on those few nights when they could kick-back and be themselves she told of the tales of the Blight and her and Alistair's roles. Her love for him was obvious and she missed him. But Varel didn't have long to stay annoyed. He went about the task of setting Vigil's Keep back on its feet. The day had been long and busy. He was just finishing some paperwork before retiring for the night when the Captain of the Guards knocked on his door. Varel bade him enter.
"Captain, what can I do for you?"
"Ser, we caught this man skulking about The Vigil. It took four Grey Wardens to subdue him. He refuses to give his name or why he's here."
Varel leaned back in his chair. "Bring him here," he commanded.
The Captain motioned for the four Grey Wardens to escort the prisoner into the room. Varel noticed one of the Wardens had a black eye. He stared at the prisoner who was in shackles, which made it hard for the man to walk. He appeared to be close in age to the former Warden-Commander. His brown hair was tousled. His head was hung low. Varel signaled for the man's head to be raised. One of the Wardens pulled the man's head up by his hair. The prisoner's dark brown eyes reflected hatred.
"You were caught sneaking around The Vigil. Do you have anything to say in your defense?"
"He had these things on him," the Captain said and spilled a handful of trinkets on the desk. Varel looked at the items. Their worth was very little and all seemed a bit too personal for a common thief.
"Who are you?" Varel asked the prisoner.
"I will only speak to the Warden-Commander," the man replied. His voice was smooth. He sounded as if he was an educated man.
"Commander Thompson is out surveying the farm holds and hasn't arrived back yet."
Now the prisoner looked confused. "I thought the Commander was Cousland."
"She returned to Denerim this morning." He turned to the Captain. "Where was he captured?"
"Outside the Warden-Commander's chambers. He was carrying this." The Captain displayed an Antivan Crow dagger; a dagger used for assassinations.
Varel stared at the dagger, then at the trinkets on his desk and finally at the prisoner. The man's face looked familiar. Suddenly, a glimmer of recognition came into Varel's eyes and he guessed who the man was and why he was looking for the former Warden-Commander.
"We'll hold the prisoner in our dungeons tonight, but be prepared to transfer him to Fort Drakon in the morning. I will inform the King and Queen of our prisoner and that they may want to interrogate him personally." The prisoner's eyes narrowed, but he said nothing. "Take him away."
The man was led away and the Captain followed his men out. Varel let out a chuckle. Brianna would certainly be surprised when she received his note. He sat down and penned the note to the Queen.
