What Once Was Ours: Desperate Measures

by Kira Tamarion

AU. The threat of a sundered Veil wasn't enough for Maric and Val Hawke-Theirin to reconcile the mages and templars; war is at hand. But the mages won't be alone as they fight the templars & seekers who call themselves the Inquisition. Can Val and Maric, with the help of Varric, Cullen, Leliana, and Zevran, lead the mages to victory? Conclusion of 3 story series.

4. Sunset

Chapter 4. Sunset

On their way back to the inn, Val looked at Leliana and asked quietly, "Do you mind if I ask you a personal question?"

"Don't be silly, of course you can ask, although I can refuse to answer, yes?" Leliana smiled.

"Were…you and the king…"

"No, my friend, Aedan and I were never on intimate terms. We were good friends, but that was all. Aedan is a man of duty and honor, and those were his bedmates during the Blight. I always suspected that he had already given away his heart, but I never was able to prove it."

After they entered the room and put away their wraps, Leliana turned to Val, her expression a combination of contrition and disbelief. "I am truly sorry for what happened between me and Aedan. I…I haven't lost control like that in quite some time."

Val found that needing to issue a command order to Leliana had been somewhat surreal. Leliana was the last person Val expected to lash out, and at a king, no less. "You're very devout and that proclamation came as a complete surprise. That Aedan is also your friend…you must have felt betrayed."

"You understand me well."

"Yes, and no. I do know I would have reacted badly if I were in your shoes. I'm just glad we didn't loose Aedan as an ally."

Giving Val a sly smile, Leliana replied, "We might have if not for you."

Val chuckled. "I'm just glad you listened to me. Imagine if it had been Cassandra."

"I don't envy either you or Maric having to command her." Leliana was about to turn, but she stopped and cocked her head to one side as she looked into Val's eyes. The woman's gaze that twinkled in humor, softened in compassion, was quiescent in reflection, and hardened in battle, had changed into something very different when she commanded her to stop. In that moment it felt as if all that was Val Theirin came together into a powerful force. She felt as if she was seeing Val for the first time.

Val was disconcerted by Leliana's apparent appraisal. "Is something wrong, Leli?"

Leliana's voice was soft and hesitant as she asked, "Would you really have sent me back to the inn?"

Val's expression lost some of its warmth, to be replaced with a cool implacability. "Yes, I would have, under armed escort if necessary. I'm just glad it didn't come to that." Val sat on one end of the sofa, smiling to relieve any remaining tension between them. "We need to find out what Clodovea is using to blackmail our dear Queen."

Leliana was happy for a change of subject and lay on the settee across from Val. Her blue eyes narrowed as she remembered her first encounter with Clodovea. "I met her in Orlais, two days before she left for Ferelden. She is a very disagreeable woman; the only reason Justinia V elevated her to Grand Cleric was because she had no one else she could send to Ferelden. The Grand Cleric and I got into an argument about the roles of the Seekers and Templars. She'll surely remember me."

Val couldn't help but notice the 'had no one to send to Ferelden' comment. This is the kind of issue that Proclamation will correct. Aedan was right about that. Her voice full of humor Val smiled. "Good thing you're a bard. You're trained to sneak around."

Leliana rolled her eyes in pretended offense. "I do not sneak. It's called 'stealth.' "

Val grinned. "Yes it is, and it's a skill I will never possess– " Val's brow furled as her conscious mind was suddenly overwhelmed by the memory of their conversation with Aedan. She said softly to herself. "Maker's grace, she wouldn't dare. Would she?"

Leliana was confused. "What are you talking about? Who is she?"

Val realized that she had just spoken aloud. "Sorry...it just came to me: Anora wouldn't tell Aedan what Clodovea was holding over her, and when he threatened to put her aside, she grudgingly agreed. Clearly then it's something that Anora really doesn't want Aedan to know."

Leliana followed Val's thought process. "What information would Anora risk being put aside rather than tell Aedan?"

Val's eyes widened as she gasped. "Didn't Aiden say that the one-week deadline was at Anora's request?"

Leliana nodded.

"Shit. She's stalling for time! The only thing that would be worse than being put aside would be being executed. Could it be that she is plotting against Aedan, and Clodovea found out? You know Anora better than I do…"

Leliana was already on her feet shedding her dress to put on her leathers. "Aedan could be in grave danger!"

Val was putting on her boots. "The deadline is sunset."

~oOOo~

After lunch with Val and Leliana, Aedan was exhausted. I've had more than my share of rows without feeling this tired. He smirked. Maybe I'm just getting old. He told his chamberlain that he was going to lie down and was not to be disturbed. He went directly to his bedchamber and fell asleep on top of the covers, still dressed.

~oOOo~

Rhovaneth was ill at ease as she sat in her living room having tea with Keeper Merenwen. "I have trained many mages and Adaia Theirin is unlike any of them. Even at the age of nine, her capacity to learn and perform magic is remarkable. When she told me about Feynriel, I knew I needed to talk to you. Merenwen, you lived at the time Arlathan fell and you've spoken at length with Maric Theirin; you know far more about modern day Thedas than I."

The Keeper listened to Rhovaneth and tried to allay some of her friend's fears. "Clearly things have changed over time. For example, we've already seen that we are taller than the present-day elvhen, and none of them have facial hair as the males did during our time. As for Adaia's power, Alistair's elven mother is the Grand Enchanter; a very powerful mage."

Rhovaneth nodded, but Merenwen sensed that there was something else bothering her.

Her voice was soft and hesitant. "Merenwen, Adaia can share her power with me."

The Keeper's eyes widened. "I would ask if you're sure, but clearly you are. Is she aware that she is doing it?"

The elder woman slowly nodded. "It happened last week at the end of our day-long outing. We had gone farther from the Village than usual. I had taken a fall and sprained my ankle. It was painful, but I was tired and didn't have the energy to heal it sufficiently for the long walk back. Adaia has not studied the healing arts in much depth, but held my hand and said, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, 'I'll share my power with you.' I was about to tell her it couldn't be done, when I felt her energy inside me as if it were my own. Then it was gone and I was able to heal my ankle."

Merenwen was stunned. "That is unheard of!"

"And she can do it at will. When I asked her how, she said, 'I just imagine seeing a window and I open it.' I don't know the extent to which she can do this. Would you be willing to see if she can share power with you?"

"Yes of course I will. I just wish we also had a human mage nearby."

"I am meeting with her parents tomorrow afternoon while Adaia is at school. They have to be told, although, I'm somewhat worried given what happened the first time I met them."

"Why don't I attend your morning lesson to see if she can share her power with me. Then I can be there for your meeting? "

Rhovaneth's expression reflected her gratitude and her relief. "Yes, thank you Merenwen."

~oOOo~

As Val approached the private entrance to the palace she looked towards the gate. I hope the red-haired guard is on duty…what was his name...Saben! That's it, Kelan Saben. When she and Leliana had arrived for lunch, they had to wait at the gate until the chamberlain arrived to escort them to the king…

The guard was at least a half a foot taller than Maric, brawny and seemed to be about her age. When Leliana went to look at a planter of Andraste's Grace, the guard asked Val, in a friendly voice, "Sister Carver, how long did you live in Lothering?"

Val's surprise quickly turned to suspicion. 'He is more than he seems, but what and why? Val managed to stay in character. Her eyes widened. "How did you know I lived in Lothering?"

He smiled. "By your accent, it also sounds like you haven't been in Ferelden for a while."

"Guardsman…?"

"Kelan Saben, Sister."

'He seemed sincere. Let's see if he's just trying to impress me?' Val smiled shyly, "Guardsman Saben, you're very perceptive."

He returned her smile, but said plainly. "I'm trained to be."

'He certainly isn't a typical palace guard. If he can tell where I'm from, then I'm fairly sure he knows that I am no chantry sister…

Val, who decided to listen to her instincts and trust Saben, was relieved to see the Guardsman. I'm putting a lot of trust in this man, Andraste please let me be right.

He saw Solana Carver approach. Seeing her in leather armor confirmed his belief that she wasn't a chantry sister. She walks like a trained warrior. He noticed she wasn't armed. She looks like something is very wrong. "Sister Carver, what is the trouble?"

"Guardsman Saben, the king is in danger."

He frowned. She only mentioned the King, but not the Queen. Saben couldn't explain why, but he felt that he needed to trust her. He was no longer the affable guardsman as his voice rang with command, "Jenner, Riley! Up front, double-time!"

The two guards arrived within seconds, awaiting Saben's order.

"Man this post and do not let anyone past you without my direct permission. I don't care if it's Teyrn of Highever, no one gets in unless I say so."

Jenner and Riley nodded. Saben put his hand on Val's shoulder and placed his dagger in her hand. "Let's go."

Val secured the dagger and sheath, relieved that her trust was not misplaced.

~oOOo~

The trip down the Minanter was uneventful, and gave Maric, Zevran, Renna, Sketch, and Teri a chance to get to know each other. Teri reminded Maric of Loghain during the rebellion: brave, smart, stubborn, and just as taciturn. Sketch was quiet, but Maric caught him, more than once, trying not to smile at some of Zevran's remarks. He could tell that the elven mage had a ribald sense of humor that he wanted to keep hidden. I suspect that Zevran's presence will make that far more difficult for him.

Zevran looked at Teri and grinned. "So, my moody mage, why do you always frown so?"

"I'm sorry, is there a reason not to? We're only on an impossible mission to save Thedas from its mage-hating self."

Zevran grinned at the sarcasm. "All the more reason to take your pleasures when you can."

Teri's eyes narrowed. "Take my pleasures when I can?"

"Yes." Zevran answered invitingly.

"Well, my pleasure is bringing Adrian Masurian to his knees."

Sketch arch an eyebrow, "I hope he's the right height."

Renna, Zevran and Maric all spit their ale into their mugs as they laughed.

Even Teri cracked a smile.

~oOOo~

Anora was looking out of a window in her study. So, he is taking a nap. He must be feeling unusually tired to do that. Pity he's stubborn enough not to bother having a healer examine him. After sunset it will no longer matter if he gives the report to the Seneschal. Ferelden will need its Queen.

She turned away from the window with a look of satisfaction tempered by regret.

~oOOo~

Leliana had entered the Chantry. She remembered the layout of this building having been seriously injured as she tried to rid it of darkspawn. When she saw small clusters of candles she remembered Zevran's remark to Cassandra…

"You really should tell the sisters to put more candles upstairs. Who knows what kind of unsavory people will take advantage of those dark halls."

Leliana slipped into the shadows and made her way to the Grand Cleric's bedroom.

~oOOo~

Grand Cleric Clodovea was overseeing the packing for her trip to Kinloch Hold. As the Divine, I will be able to structure the Circle as it should be. My first task will be to appoint a new Knight-Commander. Greagoir, while vastly experienced has let his friendship with Irving cloud his judgment. No mage should have been left alive after Uldred's rebellion. The Rite of Annulment should have been carried out. Maker knows how many maleficarum have been festering there over the last decade, biding their time until they are ready to infest others.

With the last of her packing finished, the Grand Cleric went to have some tea with the sisters and mothers.

~oOOo~

As Maric's group approached Hunter Fell, their senses came under assault. The air was thick with the smell of death, the dust they inhaled held the tang of blood. Unfortunately, none of that prepared them for what they saw: what once was the center of town was now a desolate field of rubble. Desiccating remains were strewn amidst the charred, blood-soaked wood and stone. Some were human, some were elven, some were beings from the Fade, and some were completely unidentifiable.

A very solemn Zevran looked around, and then hung his head and said, quietly, "This reminds me of parts of Ferelden during the Blight. It is something I had hoped never to see again."

Maric, who was standing next to the elven assassin, felt like a boulder had dropped to the pit of his stomach. Zevran's remark hit him hard, and had given life to the stories he'd heard about his blight-ridden homeland. He took a deep but shaky breath then let it out.

Zevran touched his shoulder, "Maric?"

"I'm all right Zev, just…it's just…now I have an image of Ferelden during the blight. You know, there is still a part of me that wishes I had been there, that maybe I could have prevented it."

Zevran frowned, "You cannot do this to yourself my friend. It was a Blight, it would have happened regardless of who was on the throne."

"I know, but seeing this…" He shook his head, then noticed Teri and Sketch clearly looking uncomfortable. "The Veil is sealed here, isn't it?"

Sketch shook his head, "While it isn't the gaping hole it seemed to be have been, it's still unstable."

Maric pointed west. "According to Varric, the western part of the city was spared, that is where we'll find the stables. Let's get the horses and provisions, and get out of here as quickly as possible."

Renna, Maric and Zevran rode the horses, Teri rode with Renna, and Sketch was with Zevran. They were a mile out of Hunter Fell. Maric was about to sigh in relief when Teri gasped, "Stop the horses!"

The three riders pulled their horse up and stopped. Maric looked a Teri; It seemed like she was hearing something. "Teri, what is it?"

Suddenly Sketch shivered. "We need to leave now!

The riders didn't question the contradictory command and urged the horses into a full gallop. Teri watched as Sketch turned to look behind them. He raised his staff, waved it in an arc and a shimmering web formed twenty feet back, just in front of the seven shades that had suddenly appeared. The Fade beasts were immediately entangled in it. Sketch waved his hand and the web ignited. Fire, as strong as a dragon's breath, incinerated the shades.

Teri stared at Sketch and then nodded her approval.

Neither Renna, Maric or Zev had seen anything, but they heard and felt the conflagration. Maric called. "Is it safe to slow up?"

"For now." Sketch called back, caution clear in his voice.

Maric nodded his head as he slowed the horse a bit. "What in the Void happened?" After Sketch's explanation Maric said, "We will ride until the horses need rest, and as soon as they are able, we will ride again. I want to put as much road between us and Hunter Fell as quickly as we can."

~oOOo~

Saben and Val calmly but swiftly entered the palace: he signaled a servant. "Where are their Majesties?"

"Ser, Her Majesty is in her study and His Majesty is in his chambers taking a nap."

"Please bring the chamberlain here and keep an eye on the Queen. If she leaves her study, do not let her out of your sight."

Val thought that it was an odd order to give a servant until she saw the way his lithe body moved as he walked away. How many times have I seen Izzy and Zevran move that very same way?

Alban Hill arrived minutes later. "Saben, what is wrong?"

Saben nodded to Val, encouraging her to speak.

"Ser Chamberlain, I fear the King is in grave danger, the reason is delicate, but time is of the essence."

He arched his eyebrow. "Is this about the Queen's unfortunate situation with the Grand Cleric?"

Val nodded, she didn't even comment on how he knew. "I understand the King is taking a nap. Is that usual for him?"

He shook his. "No, actually it isn't, but he didn't request a healer."

Val felt the blood drain from her face. "Please bring the palace's best healer to the King's bedchamber."

Saben and Val quickly made their way to the king.

~oOOo~

After she'd seen the grand cleric leave, Leliana let herself into her quarters. She saw the packed bags. I'm glad we came when we did. She would have taken the blackmail information with her. It must be packed. Leliana stood looking at the bags and cases, thinking about where she would have hidden them.

~oOOo~

Saben and Val were waiting when Alban arrived with a woman in robes; he knocked on the door of the King's chambers. When there was no response, he pulled out a key and slowly opened the door.

A fully-clothed Aedan was on his side, on top of the covers. Alban gently nudged his shoulder. "Your Majesty. You must wake up."

Val held her breath and let it out when Aedan slowly opened his eyes. His voice sounded sluggish "Alban? What's this about?"

"Your Majesty, we have reason to believe that you are in danger."

Aedan sat up quickly. He put his hands to his head. Anella, the healer quickly went to his side, her hands already glowing a dark blue.

Aedan waved her away, "Anella, I'm just a bit dizzy. I sat up too quickly."

Val stepped forward. "King Aedan, please, let Anella examine you."

Aedan started when he heard her. "Val…what in the Maker's name?"

"Aedan, please trust me…"

Aedan nodded slowly and motioned for Anella to approach as he lay back down.

As Anella examined Aedan, Val looked around and realized that she was in the king's bedchamber, the same one Maric would have used during his reign. She suddenly felt the pain of his absence as if a knife had been plunged into her chest. She waged a silent battle with her heart, suppressing the ever-present ache for him, trying to ignore the part of her soul that was missing.

Her attention was drawn back to Aedan as Anella pulled away with a gasp, "Your Majesty, you've been poisoned!"

"What? Are you sure? Never mind, of course you're sure."

"I need to know what the poison is, magic cannot cure you without the aid of an antidote. I can tell you that it appears to have been one you ingested most likely in your food or drink."

Val kept thinking about the sunset deadline, still an hour away. "What time is dinner served Ser Chamberlain?"

"Please call me Alban. Dinner is always served just after sunset."

Without a second thought she took charge, "Anella, you've slowed the progress of the poison?"

"Yes, but not as much as I would like to have."

"Hopefully it's enough. Saben, the man you sent to watch the Queen, I'm willing to bet he knows of poisons, correct?"

Saben smiled without mirth. "I knew you were more than a chantry sister. Yes, Rathson does. I will bring him here."

"Actually, send him to the kitchen to see what he can find. Alban, you need to go to the kitchens as well; you will know if anything or anyone is out of place." Val suddenly realized what she was doing. "I apologize, I am grossly overstepping my boundaries."

Alban simply shook his head. "No apologies, you know more about the situation than I and your orders are exactly what needs to be done."

Val said to him quietly, "The Queen is behind this."

Alban nodded. "I know. Please stay here with the King and the healer. At least I know he'll be safe."

Aedan slowly stood up, Anella at his side in case he felt dizzy again.

He was on his feet and his head felt clearer. He politely waved away the healer. "Anella, I'm all right…for now."

He turned towards Val; his expression was a mixture of confusion, anger, and fear, but his voice was strong, as he commanded, "Val, what is going on?"

Val took a deep breath. "Your Maj–"

"Aedan."

"Aedan, you said that Anora wouldn't tell you what Clodovea held over her. You threatened to put her aside, she reluctantly agreed, asking for a week's time. Is my understanding correct."

"It is."

"Aedan, if the threat of putting her aside was not enough to make her instantly capitulate what else would?"

Aedan's eyes widened. "Nothing save being executed. But what could she have done…" His gaze was now icy as he shook his head. "No. No! You're wrong. She would never poison me."

Val took a deep breath and let it out, keeping her voice calm as she reasoned with the angry king. "Aedan, Anora was the one who requested the time. Even though the deadline is today at sundown, you have no evidence that she has even spoken with the Grand Cleric. Today you suddenly need an afternoon nap, which means the poison has started working. Look at me and tell me you honestly believe this all to be a coincidence?"

Aedan was still angry, it was clear in the set of his jaw and tightness of his mouth. He sharply turned away, stalked over to the fireplace and stared into the flames for several minutes. When he finally turned around, his expression was full of sorrow and regret. "Anella, could you wait outside with the guard."

The healer looked skeptical.

Aedan smiled. "Val will call you if you're needed."

"Very well, your Majesty."

Once the door closed, Aedan sat on the couch and patted the area next to him. "Val, please, sit."

She sat down and looked at him expectantly.

"I know this isn't a coincidence, but I don't want to believe it. We were happy once. I thought I was in love with her, that she felt something towards me. To think that she would try to kill me..." Aedan sighed then squared his shoulders. "How are we going to prove this?"

"I'm hoping Leliana can find the information Clodovea is using for blackmail. She should be in the Grand Cleric's quarters right now."

Aedan grinned. "She was amazing during the Blight. She could walk right in front of you and you wouldn't notice. If there is anything in that woman's quarters, Leli will find it. I just don't know if I want to see it."

"Aedan, there's more. Why do you think Alistair left Ferelden?"

The question surprised Aedan. "He stepped down because he was worried that the Warden's would be exiled from Ferelden. Regardless of what everyone may think, I wouldn't have done it."

"From what I understand, you said that you and Anora would take the idea under advisement."

Aedan frowned and gave Val a dark look. "I did say that, but how do you know that?"

Val matched his look. "Aedan, all palaces have ears. In this case the listeners were very, very good. Alistair left because he feared for his life and the lives of his family."

She could see and feel the rage building within Aedan. Val quietly waited.

"Damn that chantry cow to the void! I would never have laid a finger on Alistair, let alone his family!" Then he had a realization. "You've seen Alistair! Where is he? Is he well?"

Val smiled reassuringly. "Yes, I've seen him and he is doing well, but I cannot tell you where he is; the safety of many depends upon my silence."

"Who else believes that I would try to kill Alistair?"

"Apparently your brother."

Aedan put his head in his hands. "Maker, given all that Fergus has gone through, after losing everyone we loved, for him to think that I would threaten Alistair's family. I can only imagine what he thinks of me now that he's read the proclamation." When Aedan picked up his head, his eyes were red and filled with unshed tears.

"I'm so sorry, Aedan."

His shoulders began to shake as tears streamed down his face. Val wanted to comfort the distraught man, so she gave him a gentle hug. Aedan held on to her like she was a lifeline as he cried.

Val whispered, "I will make this right, I promise."

~oOOo~

Leliana had seen nothing that she believed would carry important paperwork. She knew time was running out as she heard Clodovea's voice from the base of the stairs, making it impossible for Leliana to leave through the door. She had already planned an alternate escape route but she didn't want to leave empty handed, especially when she knew the Grand Cleric would be leaving soon. Leliana closed her eyes and gave a prayer to Andraste. When she opened them her attention was drawn to valise, nestled between the bed and the nightstand. Listening for Clodovea, she opened the case to discover it contained twenty files, each labeled with a number and a letter. She tensed, hearing the grand cleric's heavy footfalls as the woman started up the staircase.

~oOOo~

Moving through the kitchen like a ghost, Rathson examined the dinner preparations. Everything looked in order, but he smelled something odd that came from a pot currently on the stove. He was about to leave the shadows when he saw something out of the corner of his eye. Suddenly blackness claimed his vision as he slumped to the floor. His body was dragged into the shadows.

~oOOo~

Fortunately Alban performed a regular inspection of the kitchen during the evening's dinner preparations, so his appearance wasn't unusual. He stood, as he always did, near the pantry door. Looking around, he didn't see anyone he didn't recognize and no one was doing anything unusual. I hope Rathson is having better luck. He kept watch as a shadow moved behind him.

~oOOo~

'One…two…' Leliana counted silently. Given Clodovea's pace, Leliana knew she had one minute to reach the window that would take her to the roof of the Chantry.

Five…six…seven…eight…

Looking at the labels, she was frustrated that there didn't appear to be any kind of pattern. She decided to look through the four thin files first.

Fifteen…sixteen...seventeen…

Seeing nothing, she looked through the four large files.

Clodovea was reaching the top of the stairs.

Thirty four…thirty five…

~oOOo~

Saben stood, partially hidden in the doorway of the kitchen. He saw Alban standing in front of the pantry about ten feet away. Saben glanced around to find Rathson, then looked back towards Alban in time to see the man fall. He drew his sword. Letting out a cry that stunned the kitchen staff, he charged toward the area near the pantry, his size blocking the path to the door. He saw a shadow move quickly toward the windows. Grateful for his training in all weapons, Saben pulled out a lethal dagger from its sheath on his belt and flung it at the shadow.

~oOOo~

Forty-five…forty-six…

The last file contained a clutter of seemingly unrelated paperwork, among which she found what looked like pages from a journal.

Fifty...fifty-one…

On instinct Leliana grabbed the file and put the case back.

Fifty-five…fifty-six…

She unlocked the window as the she heard the key enter the door's lock.

Fifty-seven…fifty-eight…

Clodovea opened the door and walked into her chambers. She looked around, satisfied that the packing was completed.

Leliana climbed down the back corner of the Chantry storage area and quickly moved off the chantry grounds. Once she was safely away and in the Denerim market, she moved towards a shadowed corner and opened the file.

~oOOo~

Aedan had no more tears to shed. He let go of Val and stood up. "Val…I…I'm…"

Val smiled. "Please sit down, Aedan. I've had many a friend cry on my shoulder."

Aedan looked sheepish, but sat back down. Just as he lack back, he grimaced, clutching his stomach and moaning, his face ashen.

Val yelled "Anella!"

~oOOo~

When the knife hit its target, the shadow disappeared, revealing a blond-haired, clean-shaven man in black leather. His aim was true and the dagger lodged itself in the man's shoulder, incapacitating him, but not killing him. Saben grabbed the man by the arm by his damaged shoulder and pulled him up. The assassin was clearly in pain but didn't scream. Instead he looked determinedly into Saben's eyes.

"Where is the antidote?" Saben growled.

The man tried to smile, and said. "Uno spadaccinochepuò lanciareun pugnale. Notevole."

Antivan. Maker he's a Crow! "Sì.Io sono. A dagger-throwing swordsman is not the only remarkable thing about me." The Crow's eyes widened and Saben smiled. "Perhaps we can continue this conversation in my language. Now. Where is the antidote?"

"Amico mio, if you know I'm a Crow then you know torture will not work on me."

Other guards had already arrived, along with a healer who tended to Alban.

"Donell," Saben called, "Come here and search this bastard. Marsh and Wick, guard the King and have his visitor escorted to the kitchen. Hanson, join Champ and guard the Queen, do not let her out of your sight and do not let her know the real reason you are following her. If she asks tell her it's one of my drills."

~oOOo~

Leliana looked at the parchments; they were indeed from a journal and as she read, she knew it was Anora's.

17 Haring, 9:39 Dragon

I'm glad I have an ally in the Grand Cleric. She also sees the danger posed by the Warden-Commander and his daughter. As long as they live they are a threat to my rule. I'll give this task to Fallon; Rendon always spoke highly of his skills. Once they are taken care of, the issue of an heir will be far less important.

Aedan would never understand. He may have been willing, albeit not overjoyed, to exile the Wardens if that is what it took to protect Ferelden, but he would never have had guts to carry out what really needs to be done.

19 Haring,

The Theirins left Amaranthine, and my father is coming back to Ferelden! Nathaniel Howe is now in command. How could Alistair have known?

20 Haring,

Aedan received a note from his brother. The Teyrn is furious at Aedan for even thinking about exiling the Wardens, and for driving Alistair away. I'm glad Fergus thinks that Alistair left for the good of the Wardens.

Aedan may not care about securing the throne, but I do. I have come too far to be put aside or usurped by Alistair and his child. The people in the Bannorn are worried enough to consent to a knife-ear queen. No. Ferelden is mine.

28 Wintermarch

Alistair and his family are nowhere; it's like they fell off the face of Thedas. None of my contacts have heard anything. Nothing from Antiva or Navarra, even Orlais. I know they won't step foot in Tevinter. Where are they?

I can't wait any longer. I need to act. There are plenty of rumors of a Warden's being sterile, and I will not suffer the blame I did while Cailan was alive. I have to secure my throne some other way and this time with no Regent!

I think it's time to visit my Antivan friend. He's never let me down.

30 Wintermarch

Aedan's appetite is going to be the death of him. Helpful that. Alas, I will miss his bedroom talents, but I won't have to worry about that for a few months.

~oOOo~

AN: I promise not to leave you in suspense for long. Thank you to all my readers and reviewers and a huge thank you to my beta, Shakespira.

Translation note via Google translate: Uno spadaccino che può lanciare un pugnale. Notevole = A swordsman who can throw a dagger. Remarkable.