Chapter 2: Left Behind

I walked quickly towards Father and Arl Howe, still mesmerized by the encounter with Ser Gilmore.

They were in the middle of a conversation when I reached them. I stood there quietly and waited for them to finish. Father saw me out of the corner of his eye and turned toward me.

"I'm sorry, pup. I didn't see you there." He turned back to Howe. "You remember my daughter?"

He smiled politely. "How could I not? It's a pleasure to see you again, my dear."

"And you as well, Arl Howe. It's been a long time." I replied.

"Indeed it has. My son Thomas was asking about you. I thought perhaps I would bring him with me the next time I came."

This sent a wave of anger through me. I stood up a little straighter. "I have no interest in your attempts to force me into an arranged marriage with your idiot of a son."

Howe was about to reply, but Father laughed. "See what I contend with, Howe? There's no telling my fierce girl anything these days, Maker bless her heart."

"Quite talented, I'm sure. One to watch." Howe replied. Annoyance flashed in his eyes, but it was gone as quickly as it came.

Father turned back to me. "Anyhow, I called you here to tell you that while your brother and I are away, I'm leaving you in charge of the castle."

It hit me like a punch in the stomach. "What?! I'm not going with you? But—"

"I need you here, pup. I know you'd do fine in battle, but I'm not willing to deal with your mother if I let you join the war. She'd kill me if I let you go as well. She's already worried enough with Fergus and me going."

I let the sentence hang for a minute and took a deep breath. As much as I wanted to argue, I knew it would do no
good. "As you wish, Father."

"Thank you, pup. Now only a small force is remaining here and you have to keep peace in the region. There is also someone you must meet. Please show Duncan in."

A minute later, a man walked in. "It is an honor to be a guest within your hall, Teyrn Cousland." He said.

Howe started to complain about how he wasn't notified about a Grey Warden being in the castle. Father put his thoughts at ease, but there was something about the way Howe had reacted…

While this was going on, I was looking at Duncan. He certainly didn't seem very impressive, but if he was a Grey Warden, he had to be one of the greatest warriors in Ferelden.

"Duncan is looking for new recruits to aid in the fighting in the south. He's here mainly to test Ser Gilmore."

My blood turned to ice. I felt like I should say something, but I kept my mouth closed. I was sure it wasn't Father's idea. He knew how close Ser Gilmore and I were.

I managed to hide my surprise as my father continued to talk about Ser Gilmore.

"If I may, my lord, I would suggest that your daughter is also an excellent candidate." Duncan said.

Father stepped between us defensively. "Honor though that might be, this is my daughter we're talking about."

"Father, I've no interest in becoming a Grey Warden." I assured him meekly. I had never seen him that angry.

"Do you hear that, Duncan? She's not interested. So unless you want to invoke the Right of Conscription…"

"I have no intention of forcing the issue. Have no fear."

Satisfied with the answer, Father continued describing my duties, instructing me to see that Duncan was taken care of while he stayed in the castle. He told me I should also find my brother and tell him to leave ahead of him. I didn't know why he was asking me to do this, but I gracefully accepted.

As I walked out, I noticed a couple of Howe's guards staring at me. It sent chills down my spine. I left as quickly as I could.